Hideaway

Hideaway: Balearic Islands

Just steps from the rocky shore and a short drive from the medieval town of Alcúdia, this lovely Mallorquin family home makes for an authentic island escape, slightly removed from the usual tourist hotspots.

Your hosts have been careful to employ skilled craftsmen and time-honoured building techniques to create a home that looks like it's been established for generations. Inside, exposed stone walls, tiled floors and terracotta tones pay homage to tradition, while high ceilings, large windows and floor-to-ceiling doors lend a more modern aesthetic.

A well-equipped kitchen is perfect for self-sufficient stays, with ample indoor and outdoor seating where you can make yourself comfortable as you tuck into home-cooked meals. Of course, its proximity to Alcúdia provides plenty of alternative options if you'd prefer to leave dinner to the professionals on the odd occasion.

A planted perimeter provides plenty of privacy so you can enjoy relaxing by the pool without being overlooked. But, of course, the trees serve a double purpose – containing the delighted shouts of children as they frolic in the pool, all in the name of neighbourliness.

For a sandier shoreline, we'd suggest heading approximately 20km north to the unspoiled Cap de Formentor. Here, you'll find stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear water, all backed by the towering Tramuntana Mountains.

Home truths:
*Access to the home is via a private entrance
*The bedrooms are located on the first floor, so the home may not be suitable for those with more limited mobility
*Given the location, we'd recommend having access to a car – there's secure on-site parking available
*The dining table doubles as a laptop-friendly workspace
*Those travelling with young children should note that the pool is unfenced