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Michael Douglas's Retreat in S'Estaca: The Best Kept Secret of Valldemossa

S'Estaca estate in Valldemossa has been Michael Douglas's Mallorcan retreat since 1990. A historic enclave among cliffs and stone paths.

Aina BarcelóAina Barceló· · 3 min read

The S'Estaca estate in Valldemossa has been the Mallorcan home of the actor since 1990. An enclave of cliffs, stone paths, and views of the Mediterranean that is part of the protected landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana.

S'Estaca is not an ordinary property. The estate that Michael Douglas acquired in 1990 is located on the northwest coast of Mallorca, between cliffs and green slopes, just a few kilometres from Valldemossa. The actor, who has been linked to the island for over three decades, bought it as a personal retreat and, although he put it up for sale at one point, he ultimately took it off the market. Mallorca remains his second home.

An Estate with Aristocratic History

The history of S'Estaca dates back to the 19th century. It was the Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria who commissioned the construction of the house between 1878 and 1880, featuring an unusual Sicilian-inspired architecture for the island. The archduke, fascinated by the Valldemossa coast, turned the place into a landmark for the romantic view of Mallorca.

According to the Consorci Serra de Tramuntana, S'Estaca is a land of sailors and has been associated for decades with Michael Douglas's Mallorcan home. It is not a hidden secret, but part of the local imagination. The estate is integrated into the protected landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Valldemossa, the Highest Village in the Balearics

Valldemossa, the municipality that hosts S'Estaca, is located at a height of 412 metres, making it the highest in the Balearics. Surrounded by mountains and with a history that dates back to the Islamic period, its urban area retains cobbled streets, stone houses, and viewpoints that give it a quaint and literary air.

The village is famous for its Charterhouse, an ancient monastery where Chopin and George Sand lived, attracting visitors from all over the world. But beyond tourism, Valldemossa maintains a mountain refuge atmosphere, with narrow slopes and pots on the facades. The combination of mountain and sea makes the climate cooler than in other parts of the island.

A Corner to Disconnect

For the residents of Mallorca, S'Estaca is not just the home of a Hollywood star. It is a symbol of the Tramuntana landscape, a reminder that the island offers places where nature and history merge. Douglas, who has filmed movies like 'A Perfect Day' on the island, has helped put Mallorca on the international map, but his connection goes beyond fame.

The estate is not open to the public, but it can be spotted from some viewpoints along the coast. The stone paths surrounding it are part of the hiking routes in the area, such as the Camí de s'Estaca, which leads down to the sea. For nature lovers, it is a destination that combines history, landscape, and a touch of discreet glamour.

In short, S'Estaca is an example of how Mallorca can be a refuge for those seeking tranquility and authenticity. With or without Douglas, the place remains a treasure of the northwest coast, accessible to anyone wanting to lose themselves among cliffs and olive trees.

Aina Barceló

Written by

Aina Barceló

Redactora

Historia del Arte por la UIB y coleccionista de calas secretas. Cafetera, amante de las fiestas de pueblo y turista en su propia isla; firma cultura, moda y estilo de vida en Mallorca.