IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE ARTISTIC HAVEN OF DEIÀ

8 min readJun 17, 2023

THIS IDYLLIC MOUNTAIN-COAST VILLAGE IS A BEACON FOR ARTISTS AND THE RICH AND FAMOUS

Decide to invest in a slice of Deià, and you’ll find yourself in the illustrious company of the likes of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Matthew Williamson, and PR powerhouse Lynne Franks. This enchanting village of 850 souls is home to a significant expat community, many of whom are descendants of the bohemian artists and writers who first fell under Deià’s spell. This picturesque village has served as the canvas for countless paintings, novels, and scripts, and continues to inspire artists today. Choosing to live in Deià means embracing a life of quiet contemplation and appreciation for the simple things. You might find inspiration in Deià’s brooding mountainous landscape, as described by David Coubrough, author of Death in Deià. Or perhaps, like artist Cecelie Sheridan, you’ll be captivated by the unique colours of Deià, where “even shadows have colour.” Life in Deià is extraordinary. This mountain retreat offers peace, natural beauty, and a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle.

A TYPICAL DAY IN DEIÀ

Deià’s identity is deeply intertwined with its mountainous landscape and nearby pebbly beach. Nature is the heart of this quaint Mallorcan village and influences much of its daily life. The local residents, independent shops, restaurants, and events all have a connection to the landscape, and newcomers will quickly understand why. Deià is unique in Mallorca for its blend of dramatic highlands, hazy sea views, and charming old-stone houses. This combination creates a serene ambiance and a slower pace of life. Daily life in the village is unhurried and relaxed, even during the busy summer season. The routine of picking up fresh bread from Es Forn Deià or stopping by the grocery store Ca’n Bernat remains constant.

The best place to get a sense of daily life in Deià is to visit Belmond La Residencia. Enjoy afternoon tea at Café Miró or evening cocktails and observe the impact of the surrounding natural landscape on the village. From this vantage point, you can appreciate the tranquillity of life in Deià, observe the narrow lanes of the village, and watch the residents going about their day at a leisurely pace.

Over time, the slow pace of life in Deià becomes the norm, and anything outside of its bubble feels surprisingly fast. This is why Deià is the perfect spot in Mallorca to retire or buy a second home. There’s no pressure to change or evolve. The steady rhythm of daily life is ideal for those looking to relax and immerse themselves in the natural landscape. Life in Deià encourages you to slow down, observe, and savour the moment. Time is a treasure to be cherished.

THE DEIÀ WAY OF LIFE

This mountain village is a sanctuary from the complexities of modern life. People are drawn to Deià for its authenticity and steadfast adherence to tradition. Despite its celebrity allure, Deià has managed to retain its rustic charm, which is precisely what its residents value. Don’t expect glitz and glamour in Deià, especially not in the central area of The Clot, characterized by narrow lanes and river banks.

The lifestyle here is decidedly rural, as evidenced by local residents tending to their gardens and walking their dogs. If you’re accustomed to a high-pressure job or long commutes, life in Deià will provide a welcome respite.Instead of being consumed by budgets and deadlines, you’ll find yourself taking walks in the mountains, catching up with friends at The Village Café, or painting in your garden. Deià offers you the opportunity to slow down and explore the creative pursuits you’ve always wanted to indulge in.

If you’re a nature enthusiast and a people person, you’ll be pleased to know that the Deià town hall regularly organizes hikes in the area. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the surrounding landscape and meet other expats who’ve made Deià their home. Life in Deià doesn’t have to be all peace and quiet, especially if you discover community hubs like Sa Fonda, known for bringing locals together since the arrival of the first artists. Similarly, the Deià Art Festival held in October is a fantastic opportunity to connect with other creatives and participate in a rich array of workshops and talks.

DISCOVERING YOUR DREAM HOME IN DEIÀ

The Deià property market is synonymous with exclusivity, thanks to its impressive array of stunning homes. In Deià, your home’s location relative to the mountainside often determines its desirability. Homes located towards the top of the village in areas like High Deià are highly sought after for their breathtaking views and abundant sunlight. The higher you go, the sunnier the spot and the more remarkable the property. Think luxury. Think mountaintop.

However, if you’re drawn to something quaint, quirky, and slightly rustic, then the heart of Deià (known as The Clot) is where you’ll find your dream home. Writers and painters often gravitate towards the authentic townhouses that line the river banks, charmed by their overgrown hedgerows and orange trees.

RENOVATING & BUILDING IN DEIÀ

If you’ve just purchased a luxury villa or large finca, it’s likely that your property comes with a generous plot of land. Therefore, your first year in Deià might involve some renovation work to tailor your new home to your lifestyle. The focus is often on revamping outdoor spaces, given that life in Deià (and across Mallorca) is mostly enjoyed outdoors. This might involve adding a chic terrace, a swimming pool, or even redesigning the garden. Making yourself at home in Deià is about personalizing your property so that it reflects your unique style and personality.

While most Deià properties don’t require extensive construction work, some new residents may find that certain modifications are necessary as they settle in. For large-scale projects that require your property to be evaluated for compliance with regulations or architectural designs to be drawn up, the local Deià company MoreDesign comes highly recommended. Their team ensures that your project adheres to city council regulations. They also offer MoreDecor, which complements their Design team’s work by adding those all-important homely touches.

HOME & INTERIOR DESIGN IN DEIÀ

Given the village’s small size, it’s no surprise that there are few furniture and interior design stores. However, Deià offers the unique opportunity to purchase artworks and crafts directly from the artists who live in the village. For those who appreciate surrealism, long-time resident and Deià legend Arturo Rhodes frequently exhibits locally. Renowned artists David Templeton and Alan Hydes, who settled in Deià many years ago, continue to create works inspired by the scenic surrounds that you can display in your home.

While there are fewer galleries in the village today, those looking to brighten up their homes with ceramics will find two places to explore. In the village centre, the Gres Gallery showcases unique, hand-made pieces by local potter, Dora Alzamora Good.Nearby is the workshop and outlet of Ceramics by Joanna, where you can purchase vibrant pieces inspired by nature.

For a wider variety of styles and access to international brands, a trip to Palma is necessary. Only in the capital will you have the choice of hundreds of brands and the professional guidance you might need. If you’re looking to incorporate the colours of Deià into your home, Klas Kall at Rialto Living is recommended for his ‘Mediterranean Seaside’ collection.

SCHOOLS IN DEIÀ: ACCESSIBILITY AND OPTIONS

While Deià is a fantastic place to raise children, there are no international schools within a short drive — most of the popular ones are between 35–45 minutes by car. However, the village does have a well-regarded public school, Robert Graves Public School, which caters to children from three to 12 years old. As a public school, most of the teaching is in Catalan, which might deter some parents. However, for families looking to fully integrate into the village, learning Catalan is a step in the right direction. Mastery of the local language will help children engage more with the local community and the wider Mallorcan network. Parents with very young children will be interested in the Es Verger nursery, which caters to babies up to three years old.

For aspiring musicians, there’s Deià Music School, which accepts children as young as four and offers one-to-one tuition, musical workshops, and various musical groups. Adults can also take lessons in a wide range of instruments. New residents who have moved to Deià in search of a new creative outlet might find this a viable option, or they can check out the Community News where musicians advertise classes.

STARTING A BUSINESS IN DEIÀ

If you’re moving to Deià to start a business, it’s likely to be in the hospitality or tourism sector. If you’re considering setting up a store, it’s important to understand the market in Deià and the types of businesses that thrive there. The village sees a surge in tourists during the summer months, which presents a viable business opportunity. However, every business needs to be sustainable, and any concept based on Mallorca’s tourism should be prepared for a winter slowdown. The key to a successful business in Deià is to consider what can operate year-round and appeal to both locals and tourists. Conduct a market report and spend some time in the village to understand its economic climate. Locals like Patricia and Sebastian Pasch at Restaurante Sebastian or Charlie Hill from Charles Marlow, who all started successful businesses in Deià from scratch, can provide valuable insider information.

For many Deià residents, setting up a remote business is the most suitable option. Given the large expat community, many residents use Deià as a peaceful base to work from home. While this might involve occasional international travel, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. CEOs and managers who once worked in the competitive environments of London, Berlin, or New York will find mental clarity in Deià.

THE FINAL WORD

Life in Deià is for those who appreciate Mallorca’s natural landscape and support the village’s enduring creative spirit. Deià is not a place that you’ll see changing dramatically due to its calm and steady pace. Building a life in Deià is something many will envy — it’s rustic, organic, simple, and luxurious all at once. Properties in Deià command high prices, defining the luxury property market in Mallorca, but these prices also reflect the incredible lifestyle on offer here. In Deià, you’ll find the time to pursue your dreams, whether it’s a new business or a creative passion. The village fosters ahappy and relaxed lifestyle in Mallorca. It’s a place where you can truly live at your own pace, surrounded by natural beauty and a community that values tradition and creativity. Whether you’re an artist seeking inspiration, a businessperson looking for a change of pace, or someone who simply wants to enjoy the finer things in life, Deià offers a unique and fulfilling lifestyle. It’s not just about the luxury properties or the stunning views, but the chance to live in a place that encourages you to appreciate the simple things, to slow down, and to truly live in the moment. In Deià, you’ll find more than just a home — you’ll find a way of life that’s truly one of a kind.