Can Ferrereta, a 32-room luxury boutique hotel designed by Mallorcan-based Bastidas Architecture and Spanish studio WIT, is set to open its doors in the traditional Balearic town of Santanyí in April 2021.

The Soldevila-Ferrer family – who also own Sant Francesc Hotel Singular in Palma – have overseen the restoration of the historic 17th century building, which now houses a selection of guestrooms and suites, Mediterranean restaurant Ocre, all-day poolside restaurant and bar La Fresca, a spa with hammam, indoor pool and gym, and a library curated by Assouline. Can Ferrereta is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, a global community of independently spirited hotels.

A suite at Can Ferrereta in Mallorca

The interior scheme is reminiscent of a grand summer house, with space, natural light and textures blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The design teams were mindful of the main building’s history and tradition throughout the refurbishment, with two new structures developed in harmony with its original features. Rustic wooden beams and original stone work in juxtaposition with sleek furnishings and contemporary art, which will focus on local and Spanish creatives. Some of the pieces will come from the Soldevila-Ferrer family’s private collection, including works by the likes of Guillem Nadal, Dominica Sanchez, Miquel Planas, Manolo Ballesteros, Riera i Aragó and Jordi Alcaraz. Elsewhere, a two-metre visage sculpture by Barcelona-born artist Jaume Plensa sits pride of place by the main garden and swimming pool, while photography by local shutterbug Barbara Vidal will adorn the walls, featuring images of the original site prior to its top-to-toe transformation.

In the rooms, most of which are suites with private patios and terraces overlooking lush gardens, light fabrics and dark furniture have been used to create a sense of simplicity and modest village life, whilst maintaining comfort and refined sophistication. Texture plays an important role in the design too; walls have been splayed in mortar rough coats, bedheads woven from hemp rope by local artisans and Santanyí stone is a defining feature. From Deluxe rooms to the hotel’s signature Pool Suite with its own private sundeck, garden and pool, the accommodations are individually designed with bespoke furniture and hand-picked art. By day, guests will most probably spend their time by the 25m swimming pool, surrounded by flourishing gardens filled with Mediterranean plants, cypresses, olive trees, jasmine and purple bougainvillea.

A suite at Can Ferrereta in Mallorca

Can Ferrereta’s signature restaurant, Ocre, occupies the former wine cellar and gives guests the option to dine al fresco on the Mallorcan patio or under the original wooden beams and stone arches, one of which features graffiti dating from the 17th century. Overseen by chef Alvar Albaladejo, it will serve simple and seasonal Mediterranean fare made from local produce, much of which will come from Santanyí’s popular food market. On market days, Albaladejo and his team will create a special lunch menu inspired by the fresh goods on sale that day. For more casual drinking and dining, residents can head to poolside bar and restaurant La Fresca. Taking its name from the Mallorcan expression ‘prendre la fresca’, associated with cooling down in summer, the venue will offer fresh meat, fish and salads alongside an extensive wine and cocktails menu.