When planning a family getaway, there’s no better travel advice than from a parent who has been there. Citizen Enfants asks travel-loving mothers to give us the lowdown on a recent trip with their children, from where they stayed and shopped, to favourite restaurants and local must-do activities.
Henrietta Rix, co-founder of fashion brand Rixo and mum to one year-old Wolfe, shares her insider guide to Mallorca where she honeymooned with baby in tow.
Where did you stay?
The Belmond Residencia in Deia, Mallorca.
Give us the lowdown?
The hotel is set between the Tramuntana Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, the location lends itself to instant relaxation. Our walk to breakfast was past the donkeys and through the sweet-scented citrus trees and ancient olive groves. Every wall is a true discovery of original artwork – you can explore over 800 works from local painters – the hotel has a real authentic and natural charm about it. Everything just feels slower as soon as you arrive and the views from every angle are truly breathtaking – no filter required!
Why did you go there?
My first trip to Deia was with my mum before I was married and it was such a memorable holiday; laid back elegance at its finest that I knew I always wanted to return. It’s such a special place and I knew it’d be ideal for our honeymoon. As Mallorca is a short flight from the UK, it was also the perfect destination for my baby boy Wolfe’s first trip abroad.
What did you get up to?
As Wolfe was only just six months old we stayed very close to the hotel, it’s too beautiful to leave really! We went to a little local market that was in the village and I managed to get some beautiful hand painted ceramics that I love using in my new house. We would go out daily in the afternoon for a little walk through the village to get an ice cream. We relaxed around the pool which was nice and then we took the hotel shuttle to Ca’s Patró March, a stunning restaurant right on the water.
What did you love?
The interior of the hotel has a perfect vintage – contemporary mix. The sunsets over the mountains and beautiful views are some of the best I’ve ever seen. The staff were brilliant with Wolfe as well. One particular waitress would greet us every morning at breakfast, ready with cuddles and a cool flannel – it’s safe to say he was very spoiled.
And what did your little one enjoy most?
The waiters were very attentive, regularly bringing him cold flannels and baby refreshments, perfect for that stage of weaning. They also set up the room with plenty of toys and a baby blue cot and mini-Belmond backpack that we brought home with us. They made us feel incredibly welcome and went out of their way to make our stay as a family enjoyable.
What’s the fondest memory of your stay?
It’ll always be so memorable as it was our honeymoon and first ever trip with Wolfe. Taking him up to feed the donkeys at sunrise was such a treasured memory as was our candlelit dinner at the hotel’s restaurant El Olivo.
What do you look for in a holiday now that you’re a parent?
A larger suite with a lovely garden or balcony so that while the baby is having a nap you can put them down in a room and leave the curtains or door open with a nice breeze for them, while you can still sunbathe outside or read your book near them. Good room service is also key as you do tend to have long lunches later in the day, and an earlier dinner or room service in the evening. We had two great room service dinners at the Belmond, in our dressing gowns watching a movie while Wolfe slept away. It was fabulous.
Who should go and why?
The Belmond Residencia is perfect for when you want to celebrate something really special. A honeymoon, special birthday, a trip with a loved one or special family occasion. It was very child-friendly, and made us feel so welcome with our son.
What did you pack?
Lots of RIXO of course – it’s light and takes up no space in your suitcase, so easy to pack. If you want to wear sandals on a more laid back evening, our dresses are ideal for both dressing up and down. So I packed my Rixo Rosheen Dress – romantic enough for a honeymoon and perfectly suited to a Balearic holiday. For the journey I wore our Clarissa dress, soft and easy to wear while travelling. My other essentials were my favourite Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream for my lips and Moroccanoil for my hair – I can’t go on any holiday without either of these. Plus a 111skin face mask – on holiday is the only time I get to pamper myself these days.
And for your little one?
Wolfe had his own case and needed more space than me, such is life travelling with a baby! I packed his favourite Mam bottles and his steriliser. The hotel had them but we packed our own, just in case – no parent wants to risk being without the essentials. A pop up tent from Natural Baby Shower which was just the best! Super light and perfect for him to chill in around the pool. And of course lots of new holiday outfits from Mini Rodini and one of my favourite stores Mini and Moi who have a great selection of clothing for little ones.
Where are you off to next?
We are going to Petunia in Ibiza this summer and at some point I’d love to take Wolfe to Santa Caterina in Amalfi.
Any Questions or Tips to add?