Written by PATTY CASTELLAR Photographed by CHRISTOPH KALLWEIT
We tried to preserve as much of its Majorcan character as possible, enhancing its original beauty and charm by keeping what was already there and restoring it with care, rather than removing elements simply to create more space, as has happened in other places
Almost three decades ago, the father of Britta Plönzke discovered this magical site and since its opening, Ca’s Xorc has been owned by the same family: “He was immediately inspired by its beauty, setting and special atmosphere,” she recalls.
Originally, it was part of a project involving three hotels in the Sóller Valley: Ca’s Puers, a hotel and restaurant with a one-Michelin-star kitchen, which is now closed; and the transformation of the former Atalaya Club into Sa Talaia, now the Jumeirah hotel in the Port.
Due to its distinctive qualities – its rural appearance and lush surroundings –, Ca’s Xorc was initially conceived as a “think tank” and a place for cooking classes. However, this dreamy location soon attracted many leisure and independent travellers, gradually making it into the luxury hideaway it is today.
At the time of the purchase, the houses that made up the estate were built as clusters in the mountains, included a closed-down olive press and, overall, were in poor condition. Because of this, the family initiated a restoration process guided by a deep respect for the estate’s history and setting: “We tried to preserve as much of its Majorcan character as possible, enhancing its original beauty and charm by keeping what was already there and restoring it with care, rather than removing elements simply to create more space, as has happened in other places”, explains Britta.
Textures, materials and colours come together at Ca’s Xorc to create a warm, bohemian feel. Majorcan sensibility takes centre stage, while the Moroccan influence remains very much alive. “We travelled to Morocco ourselves to source as much original Moroccan furniture and high-quality decorative pieces as possible.” Moroccan tables and iron chairs add to the ambience, creating an eclectic aesthetic that reveals itself layer by layer.
Twenty-seven years on, Ca’s Xorc has retained its character. If anything, “it has grown and become more gracious, more mysterious and, in turn, even more captivatingly beautiful than it was in the early days,” Britta notes. And it truly is captivating. Surrounded by olive groves, citrus trees, mountains and sea, it feels as though you are part of a painting, almost stepping into it. “You cannot arrive here without being overwhelmed by what you see, and what you feel.”
It’s as if everything stopped up here. Tranquillity and peace of mind fill this vast location. It invites you to slow down as you become part of nature. That is what true luxury means for the people behind Ca’s Xorc: having the time and space to relax, reconnect with yourself and be cared for along the way. “Whether you are staying at the hotel or simply visiting the restaurant, this is where we come in, with our own unpretentious, down-to-earth and warm-hearted approach.”
It makes sense, then, why many guests have the same reaction when they return: “Thank goodness, I’m home!” “Fortunately, this happens quite often, and it makes us incredibly happy. We like to say that we offer a home away from home.” This is what guests represent for Ca’s Xorc: “Our guests inspire us, our history inspires us, and hopefully those who come in the future will inspire us too.”
There are big plans for Ca’s Xorc: extending the garden area, creating an outdoor training area, adding more secluded corners for undisturbed reading, a walking path through the olive groves and more rooms, with the ultimate goal of becoming a rural hotel. For now, we’re just waiting for the invite.
Originally, it was part of a project involving three hotels in the Sóller Valley: Ca’s Puers, a hotel and restaurant with a one-Michelin-star kitchen, which is now closed; and the transformation of the former Atalaya Club into Sa Talaia, now the Jumeirah hotel in the Port.
Due to its distinctive qualities – its rural appearance and lush surroundings –, Ca’s Xorc was initially conceived as a “think tank” and a place for cooking classes. However, this dreamy location soon attracted many leisure and independent travellers, gradually making it into the luxury hideaway it is today.
At the time of the purchase, the houses that made up the estate were built as clusters in the mountains, included a closed-down olive press and, overall, were in poor condition. Because of this, the family initiated a restoration process guided by a deep respect for the estate’s history and setting: “We tried to preserve as much of its Majorcan character as possible, enhancing its original beauty and charm by keeping what was already there and restoring it with care, rather than removing elements simply to create more space, as has happened in other places”, explains Britta.
Textures, materials and colours come together at Ca’s Xorc to create a warm, bohemian feel. Majorcan sensibility takes centre stage, while the Moroccan influence remains very much alive. “We travelled to Morocco ourselves to source as much original Moroccan furniture and high-quality decorative pieces as possible.” Moroccan tables and iron chairs add to the ambience, creating an eclectic aesthetic that reveals itself layer by layer.
Twenty-seven years on, Ca’s Xorc has retained its character. If anything, “it has grown and become more gracious, more mysterious and, in turn, even more captivatingly beautiful than it was in the early days,” Britta notes. And it truly is captivating. Surrounded by olive groves, citrus trees, mountains and sea, it feels as though you are part of a painting, almost stepping into it. “You cannot arrive here without being overwhelmed by what you see, and what you feel.”
It’s as if everything stopped up here. Tranquillity and peace of mind fill this vast location. It invites you to slow down as you become part of nature. That is what true luxury means for the people behind Ca’s Xorc: having the time and space to relax, reconnect with yourself and be cared for along the way. “Whether you are staying at the hotel or simply visiting the restaurant, this is where we come in, with our own unpretentious, down-to-earth and warm-hearted approach.”
It makes sense, then, why many guests have the same reaction when they return: “Thank goodness, I’m home!” “Fortunately, this happens quite often, and it makes us incredibly happy. We like to say that we offer a home away from home.” This is what guests represent for Ca’s Xorc: “Our guests inspire us, our history inspires us, and hopefully those who come in the future will inspire us too.”
There are big plans for Ca’s Xorc: extending the garden area, creating an outdoor training area, adding more secluded corners for undisturbed reading, a walking path through the olive groves and more rooms, with the ultimate goal of becoming a rural hotel. For now, we’re just waiting for the invite.
