Isidro Lasaga, Manager at Es Lloquet - The Secret Place Hotel

Tell us a bit about Es Lloquet - The Secret Place Hotel, how it started and where it is located
Es Lloquet - The Secret Place Hotel is situated in the south-west of the island of Mallorca, between the towns of Campos and Sa Rapita and just 5 minutes from the famous Es Trenc Beach. It's located in the heart of a rural area, surrounded by farmlands where peace and quiet reign. This charming family-run hotel was created as an oasis within the hustle and bustle of Mallorca. Its 18 large rooms, decorated in typical Mallorquin style and opening onto terraces, offer a spot of luxury and tranquillity to our clients. This is the perfect place to kick back and relax... The Secret Place.

How long have you been working for Es Lloquet? Can you tell us a bit about your professional experience?
Es Lloquet - The Secret Place Hotel opened its doors in the summer of 2016. I started working here in February 2017 when they offered me the chance to move to Mallorca and lead this exciting project. Before coming to Es Lloquet, I spent several years working for the accommodation industry in the south of Spain, the UK and Austria. These experiences showed me how each department within a hotel should work to achieve perfection. Just before moving to Mallorca, I was working as a manager at a youth hostel in Granada. Guests here were very different from the ones I currently welcome in Es Lloquet, which allowed me to improve my interpersonal skills. I have also worked as a translator for Spain's justice department since I have a degree in Tourism as well as in Translation and Interpretation, specialised in German.

What makes Mallorca a special place for someone in the accommodation business?
Mallorca is an ideal place for those who want to work in the tourist industry. Here you can practice your skills at the highest level. There is a lot of competition but also a big demand. Managing a hotel on the island isn't an easy feat and you need to give it your best to be successful. That's why I think there are so many highly-qualified professionals working here.

What makes Es Lloquet so special? What sets it apart from other hotels on the island?
Es Lloquet - The Secret Place Hotel is fundamentally different from most of the hotels on the island. It's our direct relationship with the clients, our professionalism and human touch what sets us apart from everyone else. We want to tailor each and every experience to the client's needs and make sure that their expectations are met. This is a secluded, quiet place offering a sense of privacy that's difficult to find anywhere else in Mallorca. There are large gardens to go for a walk or practise sports in, an oasis where guests can get away from the crowds of tourists that come to the island in the summer.

We also offer large rooms decorated in a distinctive Mallorcan style. 14 of them have a private terrace with jacuzzi or private outdoor pool for the ultimate relaxation. Our a la carte restaurant, open for dinner, serves Mediterranean cuisine made with local and regional produce. The restaurant is one of our biggest strengths, together with our continental breakfast served every morning... you only need to look at our guests' smiles after the morning meal!

The hotel offers numerous activities, which ones are your favourite?
We collaborate with local activity companies to offer scuba diving lessons, cycling routes, horse riding treks or boat trips to the natural park of the island of Cabrera, to name but a few. My favourite thing to do in the summer is hiring a small boat and spend the day cruising the waters along Es Trenc Beach and the beaches around it, including Es Carbó, Es Caragol, S'Estanys and Ses Covetes. It's just a pleasure to be able to swim in turquoise, crystalline waters.

There is also a traditional Mediterranean restaurant in Es Lloquet - The Secret Place. Do you have a favourite dish?
Our chef Leonardo Gramón is currently one of our most important members of staff. He has created an exceptional Mediterranean menu based on local and national produce offering something to suit all tastes. Our restaurant is actually more popular than we'd expected, taking into account how difficult it is to build a prestigious eatery up from scratch. We receive lots of positive reviews from our guests! I couldn't choose a favourite dish but it's surely one of the following three: Prawns "a la plancha", Braised beef cheeks in red wine sauce, or Scallop and prawn panciottis in marinera sauce.

What's in store for the future with your business? Any exciting projects in the pipelines that you can share with us?
Since opening in 2016, the hotel hasn't stopped growing and improving its facilities and services. The restaurant is the latest project we have strived to develop and it's been a success thanks to our chef's excellence. We will keep developing the restaurant next season so that guests staying elsewhere in the area can enjoy a meal here. We also have a few other things in the pipelines but you'll discover them on your next visit...

If someone was coming here for the first time, what would you suggest they absolutely must do or see in Mallorca?
Visit Palma's old town, especially the streets around the cathedral, spend a day in the north of the island, and visit Cap de Formentor. And, of course, come to Es Lloquet - The Secret Place Hotel, experience its charming atmosphere and the fact that one of the best beaches in Mallorca, Es Trenc, is just 5 minutes away.

What would a perfect day in Mallorca be like for you?
To spend a perfect day in Mallorca you only need beautiful weather, a positive attitude and a plan to visit of some the beaches and coves on the island.

What is your favourite area in Mallorca?
My favourite corner on the island is the small village of Colonia de Sant Jordi, in the south.

Any restaurant on the island you can recommend?
Having mentioned Colonia de Sant Jordi, I think my favourite restaurant is Casa Antonio. The perfect place to eat a delicious paella and enjoy the beach.

Finally, can you give us a tip to escape the crowds in the summer?
The best way to escape the crowds in the summer is to come to Es Lloquet - The Secret Place Hotel where you'll be able to get away from the hustle and bustle of Mallorca. Es Caragol, a beach near the hotel towards Colonia de Sant Jordi, is usually very quiet even during high season. You need to walk for 30 minutes to reach it but it's well worth the stroll!