MALLORCA keeps getting better
Yesterday was our best day thus far. After being told that there was a cyclone warning we finally rented a car and braved the scariest but most beautiful twisty mountain road to the famous and historical towns of Valdemossa and Deia.
Despite the rain (no cyclone), Valdemossa was incredibly picturesque. We had coffees in one of the many cafes that line the quaint streets of town and browsed a few shops. We had clearly noticed the stunning and formidable church in the center of town and were told by a sweet older lady running one of the shops that it is in fact a monastery. Turns out it was the monastery that housed Chopin and George Sand (the author and a woman) during their infamous winter on Mallorca. We bought our tickets, toured the monastery which includes a nice chapel and several cells-- two of which belonged to Chopin and Sand and is full of memorabilia, portraits and artifacts. The best part of the visit to Valedmossa was the 15 minute piano concert of Chopin's works that is included at the end of the tour. It was inspirational and gives one pause to consider being given such a tremendous gift.
On a high from a musical send off, we got back in our tiny vehicle and once more braved the tiny, curvy road and wound up in the town of Deia ten minutes later. This illustrious town is home to vacation homes of such celebrities as Michael Douglas & Catherine Zeta-Jones and Andrew Llyod Weber. And we see why. Deia couldn't lovelier -- set on a moutainside overlooking the sea, it is beyond charming. The highly awarded La Residencia Hotel is also located here and we stopped in for lunch out of the rain -- still no cyclone. 
The hotel is stunning with beamed ceilings, whitewashed walls, roaring fireplaces and huge windows taking in the mountains and sea that surround it. We sat by the window and had the absolute best cream of mushroom soup we've ever had with a glass of local red wine. 
After lunch Nico, the sales manager offered to take our picture and then gave us a tour of the property-- the spa is gorgeous with a an indoor heated pool with a wall of windows taking advantage of the view. Nico also walked us into the artist in residence's studio to meet Alan Hydes, the current artist in residence-- he was charming and the studio was full of his colorful oil paintings and a half finished portrait of Andrew Lloyd Weber was on the easel... This is our favorite painting of his: 
After deciding that we will definitely find a way to stay at La Residencia on our next visit, we walked up the hill of Deia to the cemetery. It is a beautiful cemetery overlooking everything. We were met by the friendliest and most talkative cat who escorted us around the gated area full of flowers of all different colors.
If you continue up the coast to Soller, there are some stunning views of the cliffs and water below... We took in the sunset and then wound our way back to the Gran Hotel Son Net. It was a perfect day!