Agatha Ruiz de la Prada’s Guide to Majorca: Art Intel Report

AGatha Ruiz de la Prada did not always dream of becoming a designer. As the daughter of an art collector, Prada grew up with a passion for painting. But when art seemed too time-consuming, he turned to fashion, enjoying its “immediate gratification”.

Prada began working as an assistant to designer Pepe Rubio at the age of 20, holding his first fashion show in Madrid just a year later. In 1983, he opened his first store and soon saw his brand take off around the world. Prada’s vibrant and colorful designs, inspired by the likes of Rothko and Warhol, played a major role in “La Movida,” the revival of art and culture in Spain in the 1980s.

More than forty years later, the evil did not end. Prada still lives and works in Madrid, close to her two children, Tristán and Cósima. Here, the designer shares his guide to the Spanish island where he has a home.

Garden Bistro

Maca de Castro, my friend, runs this restaurant in the town of Alcudia. He has a Michelin star and is very good. The restaurant is divided into three areas: the Michelin-starred dining room with casual, more expensive dishes; a more relaxed restaurant; and a tapas bar. Everyone is ready to go to dinner. (bistrodeljardin.com)

Cap Rocat

Cap Rocat is an amazing hotel located in a 19th century military fortress built to protect the Bay of Palma. My friend Antonio Obrador, who is one of the best decorators on the island, has transformed it into the fascinating place it is today. It’s my favorite hotel, even though I’ve only stayed there once. (caprocat.com)

Four Seasons Resort Mallorca in Formentor

I haven’t been to Hotel Formentor since it was renovated last year, but I went almost every year before that. It’s an unusual place, and in my opinion, it’s the best place in Majorca. The hotel was built at a time when there wasn’t even a road to get to it—everything had to be brought in by boat. It has an amazing history and has been visited by many famous people. (fourseasons.com)

Foundation of Yannick and Ben Jakober

The Yannick and Ben Jakober Foundation is a small museum dedicated to childhood. Created after the Jakobers lost a young child, its collection is very inspiring, with pictures of children from different eras. Now they put six of my pieces in the collection—I think they’re some of the best clothes I’ve ever made. It’s a very sensitive, emotional place. (exposicion.hispanianostra.org)

By Lis

Architect Jørn Utzon has built only two things in his life: the Sydney Opera House and his home. The last one, located above the sea, was modestly designed and made of very simple materials, although the effect is impressive, reflecting Utzon’s incredibly complex mind. Architects from all over the world have traveled to see it, sometimes even climbing onto the roof to improve the surrounding area. The Utzon family now live in a house nearby, and have turned Can Lis into a museum. (https://utzon.foundation/can-l)

Cortana Palma de Mallorca

Located in Palma, Cortana is run by Rosa Esteva, daughter of Antonio Obrador. He clearly inherited his father’s unique taste—the store is amazing. With bridal pieces, home pieces, and ready-to-wear, it’s big, beautiful and incredibly well-made. Definitely a stop when in Palma. (cortana.es)

Miró Foundation Mallorca

I have always loved Joan Miró and the architect Josep Lluís Sert, which makes me a big fan of this foundation. Sert also happens to be closely related to my family. He is one of two people who have worked in this area, but he has also worked at the Miró Foundation in Barcelona. (miromallorca.com/en/)

Gordiola

I have been going to the Gordiola glass factory since I was a child. It is one of the best and most visited places on the island because they still make glass the way they did 500 years ago. I’ve always been a small collector of their work—I love everything they do. It’s best to go on a day when it’s not too hot, so you can stay for a while to watch them blow glass on site. Otherwise, you can visit their shop in the center of Palma. You won’t see the performance there, but the craftsmanship is still amazing. (gordiola.com)

Son of Serra de Marina

Located in a lesser-known part of the island, Son Serra de Marina is a wild, unspoiled village with a strong ecological character. As beautiful as it is peaceful, it’s a great place to go for a walk.

Barahona Winery—Casa Manolo

Finally, there is Casa Manolo, near Ses Salines. It’s an old, family-run restaurant that’s been there forever. Everyone from the king to the citizens has been. The food is delicious, simple and casual – what’s not to love? (instagram.com)

Pictures: Valero Rioja; Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Mallorca in Formentor; photoarchive/Alamy; Isaac Buj/Europa Press/Getty Images; @instagram/bodegabarahona_casamanolo