Hotel Son Cardaix en Artà – escapada rural tranquila

I recently spent an extended weekend at Son Cardaix, an old country house on the Artà peninsula, and found exactly what I was looking for: a relaxed base with views over fields, almond trees and out to the Mediterranean. The hotel feels more like a cozy home than an anonymous resort. The rooms contain antiques, some suites have real wood-burning stoves, and there is a terrace from which you can see the coast. A major plus is the pool area — it is quiet, surrounded by colorfully blooming plants and old trees, so you often swim almost alone. The area belongs to the Llevant natural region; the beaches are still peaceful and the nearest golf courses are reachable in about fifteen minutes. If you like markets: Artà has a lively Saturday market and another market on Tuesdays. For me Son Cardaix was the right remedy for weekly stress: few distractions, a good breakfast, and evenings by the fireplace with a glass of local wine.

Son Cardaix: The country house and the pool

Son Cardaix sits on a quiet hill of the Artà peninsula and at first glance feels like an open family home rather than a large hotel. The pool is the centerpiece: it is positioned so that when you swim you can take in the wide landscape and the sea in the distance. Almond and carob trees grow around it, along with colorful shrubs that provide blooms in spring and summer. It is a good mix of wild nature and carefully designed terrace. I spent half an afternoon with a book in a shady corner, watching how individual families arrived and quickly returned to calm — nobody tries to draw attention here. The loungers are comfortable, towels are changed regularly, and the small pool bar offers simple plates with olives, cheese and homemade bread. What mattered to me: there is enough space to keep distance and still feel welcome. In the evenings, when the wind subsides, it becomes very quiet — perfect conditions for star gazing or a slow walk at dusk.

Rooms & ambiance

Garden, nature & surroundings

The surroundings belong to one of the quieter corners of Mallorca. Short drives lead to little-developed coves and pebble beaches; some better golf courses are reachable in 15–25 minutes. For walks I recommend the roads heading inland early in the morning: citrus trees, country lanes and scattered farms line the way. In Artà itself it is worth visiting the weekly market (Saturday) and the smaller Tuesday market — there you can find fresh cheese, honey and handmade ceramics.

Practical tips & getting there

Son Cardaix is located on the country road Crta. Palma–Artà (kilometre marker at the site), easily reachable by private car. Parking is available. If you travel without a car, arrange transfer or taxi in advance, as public connections are sparse. Pack sturdy shoes for walks, a light jacket for the evening and swimwear — even in spring the nearby water is still cool, but the sun invites you to linger.