Villa Robert Graves Reimagined: Studio Ashby Transforms Historic Deià Sanctuary into an Artful Retreat

(IN SHORT) Studio Ashby has unveiled the renovated Villa Robert Graves at La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, Mallorca, launching in April 2025. Located in the picturesque, UNESCO-listed hamlet of Deià, this six-person villa offers secluded luxury just a short walk from the hotel, ensuring full access to its amenities. Named after the renowned British poet Robert Graves, the villa’s design is a tribute to local art and craftsmanship. Founder Sophie Ashby has meticulously infused the space with hand-picked antiques, Spanish artifacts, and locally sourced artisanal elements, complemented by La Residencia’s long-standing art collection curated by the Sheridan family. The renovation emphasizes a fluid indoor-outdoor connection, showcasing panoramic views of the Tramuntana mountains and using natural materials like oak, terracotta, and metal accents to evoke the surrounding landscape. The villa’s layout includes a communal ground floor with a kitchen, living area, and dining space featuring a mural by local artist Jorge Estevez Valencia, alongside flexible private sleeping quarters ideal for both families and groups. Guests can also enjoy full access to hotel facilities such as the spa, dining venues, and an array of authentic Mallorcan experiences, including boat rides and cultural workshops. The project reflects a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, encapsulating the essence of Mallorca’s rich heritage.

(PRESS RELEASE) HAMILTON, Bermuda, 2025-Apr-7 — /Travel PR News/ — Studio Ashby, the internationally acclaimed interior design firm, proudly unveils the refreshed Villa Robert Graves at La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, Mallorca this April 2025. Situated in the heart of Deià—a hamlet within the UNESCO World Heritage Site—this newly renovated six-person villa offers a secluded retreat just a five-minute walk from the hotel, allowing guests to enjoy its full range of services and amenities. Named in honor of the celebrated British poet Robert Graves, who cherished Deià as his home for half a century, the villa stands as an ode to local art, craftsmanship, and the rich cultural heritage of Mallorca.

Under the visionary leadership of Studio Ashby Founder Sophie Ashby, the renovation of Villa Robert Graves embraces the artful spirit of its surroundings. Sophie, renowned for her soulful, eclectic style, has infused the villa with unique antique pieces from the estate alongside exquisite Spanish artifacts. Local artisans have contributed Mallorcan linen drapery, blown glass lamps, and other handcrafted details, while the villa proudly displays a curated selection from La Residencia’s esteemed art collection—a collection nurtured by the Sheridan family since the hotel’s inception in 1984.

“The eclectic and expressive art collection at La Residencia deeply inspired our design approach,” explains Sophie Ashby. “Collaborating with the hotel’s trusted art consultant, Cecile Sheridan, we selected artworks that resonate with the soul of Mallorca and harmonize with our vision for the villa.” Her design philosophy emphasizes the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living. The villa, spread across three floors, features expansive views of the UNESCO World Heritage Tramuntana mountains, and its interiors echo these majestic surroundings with elements such as oak and green-stained timber, porcelain terracotta, and the contrasting accents of forged iron and bronze ceiling pendants. The art of layering—using bold shapes, vibrant patterns, expressive rugs, distinctive antiques, and lush greenery—breathes new life into every room.

Villa Robert Graves serves as a serene artistic sanctuary designed for families and friends. The ground floor houses a fully equipped kitchen, a welcoming living area, a bar, an outdoor terrace, and an eight-person dining space adorned with a striking mural by local artist Jorge Estevez Valencia. This mural, inspired by Robert Graves’ poem “The Climate of Thought,” encapsulates the villa’s tranquil, nature-infused ambiance. The first floor hosts the master suite with a dressing room, bathroom, and powder room, while the lower ground accommodates two additional bedrooms, a bathroom, and a shower room. The villa’s flexible design even allows for reconfiguration of the bedrooms to twin settings and a dressing room that doubles as a nursery, making it ideal for both groups of friends and families.

Stepping outside, guests are invited to relax on a private terrace or by the pool, lounge under a day bed, or enjoy a barbecue with the outdoor bar and kitchen. Indoor spaces flow effortlessly into outdoor areas, enhancing the Mediterranean lifestyle with abundant seating for alfresco dining.

Reflecting on her personal connection to the location, Sophie Ashby recalls, “We visited La Residencia when our daughter Gaia was just a few months old—it was the perfect family-friendly haven to enjoy Deià, with epic views and a relaxed pace that even allowed our little one to sleep through the day.”

Beyond the villa, guests benefit from full access to La Residencia’s world-class facilities. This includes an award-winning spa, private tennis lessons with scenic mountain backdrops, and curated experiences such as guided walks, bike rides, and a host of authentic Mallorcan adventures. Dining options are diverse, ranging from candlelit dinners at El Olivo, leisurely lunches at Restaurante Miró—home to 33 original Joan Miró paintings—to casual poolside fare at the Tramuntana Grill. The hotel further enriches guests’ stays with daily sunset boat rides, creative workshops led by “Artists in Residencia,” and memorable cycling excursions in collaboration with Bianchi.

Villa Robert Graves embodies a harmonious blend of timeless design and contemporary elegance, offering a unique art-infused retreat that pays homage to Mallorca’s heritage while creating a vibrant, modern sanctuary.

Media contact:

Hanna Bornebusch
Public Relations Manager
La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, Mallorca

+34 971 636 043

hanna.bornebusch@belmond.com

SOURCE: Belmond