Mallorca often begins quite unremarkably in the southeastern part of the island. Past Campos, the landscape opens up, the roads become less crowded, and among the dry stone walls stand olive trees, fig trees, pine trees, and a few flocks of sheep. Santanyí lies in the distance. In the afternoon, the sun hangs high over the fields; later, the light softens and the island takes on that golden hue that makes you want to drive around a little longer, even though you’ve long since reached your actual destination.

There’s hardly an island where we spend more time than on Mallorca—at least when you look at the past few years. There are good reasons for this. Mallorca has the sea, of course. Then there’s the landscape in the island’s interior, the small towns, the markets, the fincas, the cuisine, and a climate that lets you spend many months of the year outdoors. Above all, though, the island has a pace all its own.

In the southeast, between Campos and Santanyí, THE VÖLKERS HOUSE—a new destination that embodies this very way of life—will open in August 2026. On a 28-hectare estate, Christian and Ninon Völkers have created a country estate that blends architecture, nature, and Argentine equestrian culture.

Richard Meier was commissioned to design the architecture. The Pritzker Prize laureate is known for his clean, bright buildings and his precise use of light. In Mallorca, his architecture meets a landscape that already provides everything such a design requires. Large windows overlook the fields; the interior and exterior blend seamlessly, and the buildings remain bright and serene.

The property comprises four houses with a total of 15 suites. Each has its own garden. The small number of rooms keeps the place intimate and personal. Anyone who spends a few days here will experience the property more like a private country estate than a traditional hotel. The daily routine naturally follows the rhythm of the place. In the morning, the view stretches out over the fields. Afterward, perhaps breakfast outdoors, a horseback ride, or a morning by the pool. At noon, lunch quickly turns into a longer stay at the table. In the evening, warm light bathes the grounds. Dolce far niente—or how does that go again in Spanish?

“El arte de no hacer nada“

“The art of doing nothing”

The culinary centerpiece is LA CANCHA. The restaurant combines Mediterranean cuisine with Latin American influences. It uses local ingredients as well as herbs and vegetables from its own garden. The concept follows the farm–to–table principle and thus fits well with a home whose cuisine is meant to be closely connected to the surrounding landscape.

The name LA CANCHA also reflects the Argentine aspect of the project. Horses play a central role at THE VÖLKERS HOUSE. The estate includes an equestrian center with nearly 100 horses, a polo field, and a grandstand. From there, visitors can watch the game while the Mallorcan landscape stretches out behind them. The combination of polo and Mallorca may seem unusual at first. At the same time, it fits surprisingly well with an estate of this scale. Horses are part of the history of many large estates, and in Argentina, polo is part of a deeply rooted culture. At THE VÖLKERS HOUSE, this tradition is blended with the island’s Mediterranean surroundings.

The spa also reflects the commitment to tailoring the stay to each guest’s individual needs. It was curated by Celia Forner Venturi, the founder of the skincare brand ALLEVEN. The spa offers skin and body treatments, complemented by fitness activities and personalized experiences in Mallorca. What you choose to do during your stay is largely up to your own pace. This could be a trip to Santanyí, a day at the beach, or a horseback ride across the estate. Just as easily, you might spend an entire afternoon right where you sat for breakfast that morning.

That is perhaps the most interesting idea behind THE VÖLKERS HOUSE. Mallorca needs little in the way of added drama. The island provides its own. The late-afternoon light, the fields around Campos, the proximity to the sea, and the long evenings set the rhythm anyway. Richard Meier’s architecture gives this place a clear form. The Argentine equestrian culture lends it its character. The kitchen, the garden, and the spa bring the concept back to the everyday experience of a stay. Ultimately, it’s about a very simple idea of luxury: plenty of space, good food, architecture, scenery, and time. And fortunately, Mallorca has plenty of all of that.

Photos: The Völkers House (Ana Adriana, Harry Weber, Milena Pfannkuche, James McDonald)