Maria & Nikol - West Coast Sales Director & Rentals Manager at Charles Marlow & Bros

How long have you been in your current role? And with the company?

Maria: I joined Charles Marlow two and a half years ago. I was trained as a sales negotiator and, after a year of being sales manager, I have recently been promoted to Director of West Coast sales.

Nikol: I have been with Charles Marlow for almost a year now. After a few months of learning about the business, I quickly became the Rentals Manager in August last year. It has been a wonderful opportunity to grow; I have met some great people along the way including colleagues, clients and local people from the village.

What were you doing before?

Maria: I originally came to the island as an English teacher from the UK. I had planned to be here for 8 months and then move to another beautiful place. After a few months, I soon realised that this was somewhere I really wanted to settle in. It ticks so many boxes for me - and I'm sure I wouldn't be the first to say that!

Nikol: I spent some time studying in Minnesota (US) and then worked at Ernst and Young in Prague, where I am from.

What sets Charles Marlow apart from everyone else?

Maria: The people and our philosophy. I have never worked with such an incredible team. We have a team of six and each of us brings a unique set of skills to the business, which we all embrace. We have fun building and maintaining a reputable business and this reflects onto anyone we come into contact with.

Nikol: The passion for Deià and Mallorca does shine through all that we do. It is not only selling/renting homes. It is also creating positive relationships with both clients and homeowners, making friends, supporting the local community, artists and other businesses in the village. It is how conscious we are about our surroundings and preserving them, showing and sharing this beautiful piece of Earth with others and giving people the opportunity to find a home and become part of this little Mallorquin paradise.

What makes Mallorca, and particularly Deià, a special place to be for someone in the real estate business? Why should people invest in a property in the area?

Maria: The West Coast is the gem of the island and really speaks for itself as one of the most beautiful areas in Mallorca. It is UNESCO protected, which means that building is extremely restricted so there is a limited stock of properties for sale at any one time. New properties coming to the market are few and far between. Property values in the area will continue to grow because of this.

Any tips you can give to people who want to relocate to the area around Deià? How about for prospective owners? And for people in the search for a holiday rental?

Maria: The idea of buying and owning a home abroad can be daunting for many people. We are here to ensure a smooth buying process and are always here to offer our support to new and existing homeowners. We would always recommend getting somebody to take care of your home while you are away from it for long periods of time. There are amazing people we can recommend who will do as little or as much as you would like them to, whether it is holding a key, cleaning or airing the house a couple of times over the winter and, of course, we can take care of renting out your home for you.

Nikol: Deià is not made for mass tourism. As I always say to our rental clients, it is very different to other parts of Mallorca. It is a place with character and unique charm, a perfect combination of summer vibes and peacefulness that allows you to disconnect and relax.

Can you tell us a bit about one or two of your favourite properties that you currently have for sale or rent?

Maria: I love all of the properties we have in our portfolio, each one offers something really unique and special. A dream would be a stunning finca we have in Valldemossa. It is a perfect family home with views of the Tramuntana from every window. There's a large garden with a pool and hundreds of fruit trees and lavender. Valldemossa is a very picturesque village and accessible being so close to the airport and Palma (only a 25-minute drive away). Perfect for seclusion but near enough to the action.

Nikol: My personal favourite home for rent (and currently for sale as well) is the 4-bedroom Villa Cala Deia. It has a lovely pool and yet it is just a 2-minute walk from the beach so, if you fancy a day by the pool or beach, you can easily do both. Also Ca's Patro March, a seafood restaurant in Cala Deià, is right around the corner and the villa is just a 5-minute drive up to the village of Deia. To sum up: perfect location, amazing sea views and spacious and airy interior.

What is in store for the future with your business, any exciting projects in the pipelines that you can share with us?

Maria: Our team is always working hard behind the scenes to push our business to the next level. I believe we are the most proactive agents in the area in terms of thinking outside the box to attract the best clients and have the best offering of homes.

Do you remember your first time in Mallorca?

Maria: My first time in Mallorca was four years ago when I first moved here with little knowledge of the island. I was due to begin my English teaching job and got here a week before to find a place to live. I arrived in Palma late at night and I was exhausted from a long day of travel and battling with my oversized suitcase. The following morning, I set out to wander the streets of the city in search of my new home. I remember accidentally stumbling upon Palma's beautiful cathedral and Parc de la Mar by accident. There was a man playing the guitar on the steps and I fell instantly in love with the city. I felt a sense of belonging that I hadn't felt in a while. It was then that my love story with the island began.

Nikol: I used to come to Mallorca as a child with my parents. We would stay in Peguera, on the south of the island. But my most vivid memory is coming to Deià in 2012. I arrived at night and only saw the flickering lights of the local church. When I woke up in the morning and came out on the terrace, the mountain views took my breath away. It was there and then when I knew Mallorca was the place for me.

What is your favourite spot in Deià?

Nikol: My favourite spot of all would probably be Sa Foradada. Sunsets are my favourite thing in Mallorca and even if you go to Sa Foradada every day, you will always get a different view, different colours and a different feeling.

Any restaurant on the island or around Deià you can recommend for a special occasion?

Maria: If you want to make it a special and unique day, I recommend taking a boat from Port de Sóller and heading to Sa Foradada restaurant, which is nestled in the rocks in the most magical setting only accessible by boat. You can either hire a small motorboat to drive yourself from the Port or charter a yacht. Mezzo Magic has incredible charter boats and it’s great if there is a group of you. If you book through Charles Marlow you will receive a 15% discount. Set sail out of Port de Sóller and enjoy the best paella on the island at this rustic and charming restaurant. It is not a fancy place, in fact quite the opposite, but I can promise it will be one of the best experiences and lunches you will enjoy on the island. Make sure to book a table in advance.

Nikol: My favourite restaurant in Deià is definitely Restaurante Sebastian. Cheerful Patricia and super-talented chef Sebastian run this place so smoothly it is no wonder that it has been number one restaurant in town for years. The service, the atmosphere and great food are what make this place so special. Make sure you try Sebastian's famous lobster ravioli and rack of lamb.

How about for tapas?

Maria: My favourite tapas restaurant is Gaudeix, in the old town of Palma. The food is absolutely delicious and, if you are looking for true Mallorquin cuisine and good wine, then it is definitely the place to try.

Nikol: My favourite tapas place is in Palma. It's called La Casa Gallega. They make the most creative tapas and the place is always buzzing. It is just a 5-minute walk from Plaça d'Espanya and it is a great place for tapas and drinks, or even dinner, as they have a great selection of main dishes. My favourite is their grilled lobster.

And a great bar for a drink?

Maria: In the summer I love heading to the bar at Es Baluard Museum in Palma for a cocktail in the sun.

Nikol: My favourite bar in Palma would probably be the rooftop bar at the Nakar Hotel on Jaume III avenue. It has amazing views of the cathedral and the sea. There is nothing better than enjoying a cheeky mojito while watching the sunset over the city.

If someone was coming here for the first time, what would you suggest they absolutely must do or see in Mallorca? How about in Deià?

Maria: Son Marroig between Valldemossa and Deià is the best spot to enjoy a glass of wine and an incredible sunset in the evenings in a relaxed and beautiful setting with the most amazing views and atmosphere.

Nikol: A wonderful place to visit in Mallorca is Cap de Formentor, the very northern part of the island where the views will blow you away. In Deià, I enjoy the views from the Mirador below the local church.

Finally, can you give us a tip to escape the crowds in the summer?

Maria: I love taking a walk down to the beach in Llucalcari after work in the summer. It is a beautiful rocky cove a little further up the coast from Cala Deià. The cove is not signposted and tends to be hidden away from most tourists. It's a blissful place to go for a morning swim or soaking up the sun and snorkelling in the late afternoon.

Nikol: Try to discover the secret calas (beaches) along the west coast, the access might be a bit steep but it is a way to escape the crowds. And you can check out Charles Marlow's Deià Olive Press blog for tips, helpful information and interesting stories about the island.