Country-house hotels are practically two-a-penny on Mallorca, but Es Racó d’Artà takes the genre in a radically new direction. High ideals of conservation and sustainability combine with the exquisite simplicity of Toni Esteva’s design, and the result is astounding.From the 13th century until a few years ago this huge estate outside Artà, legendary in the area, was primarily an agricultural operation. In its new incarnation it attracts a switched-on international crowd looking to disconnect in the estate’s superb natural surroundings—yet Es Racó is still a working farm.The eco effort here is considerable and commendable. Geothermal and solar energy heats the building. The saltwater pool is cleaned by ionization. Wastewater is treated in a reed-bed system and returned to the environment, while food leftovers are composted on-site. Bleach and parabens are a no-no; amenities come in recycled plastic or maize-fiber bottles.
