We’re so excited to introduce you to our muse of the month: Claudia Del Olmo. Together with her best friend Cecile and her sister Isabella, she brought Casa Balandra to life, the most beautiful artist residency and guesthouse on the magical island of Mallorca.
Hi Clau, can you give us a little intro into your universe?
I created Casa Balandra with a few of my favourite people in the world, using the house that my sister and I grew up in as a playground to explore what Casa Balandra could become.
Together with your best friend Cecile and your sister Isabella you have turned your childhood home in Mallorca into Casa Balandra, an artist residency and guesthouse. What’s inspired you to bring La Casa to life?
We always had it in us to host, my mom was queen hostess. And as for hospitality, it runs in the family. We wanted to create a culture and a community of creatives that could inspire each other and create together and come and experience good old indulgence.
Casa Balandra is built around the philosophy of enjoying the simple moments in life - do you also manage to live your life by this concept?
For sure. One of the reasons being the island itself. As soon as you step foot here, you can feel how the rhythm of your body slows down. I have to say however, we have managed to bring this way of living with us no matter where we were, and that was kind of the sensation we wanted to create, is thats it’s a culture and a feeling and you can really transport it anywhere.
What does a typical day look like for you?
There aren’t so many typical days I have to say haha. Days fly by and sometimes I’ve been so productive and sometimes I’ve just thought about the future of Casa Balandra. In the morning usually I sit down and do emails while I wake up and then it either develops into a computer day or during the residencies especially a hosting day. Lately I’ve been cooking a lot for guests which is a great way for me to express my own creativity.
Treating people to a good time (and meal!) is your expertise - what’s your secret to hosting?
I would say as long as you’re enjoying yourself, people feel it. Keeping the environment homey and casual is key. As well as great music and wine.
Can you tell us a bit more about the concept of Sobremesa?
Sobremesa is a Spanish term referring to the time spent after a meal at the table. It literally translates to over the table. It’s that great moment when you’re belly is full, the conversation is flowing and you can sit back, sip on drinks and digest the meal.
How important is sustainability to you? And how do you incorporate sustainability in your everyday life at La Casa?
We do our part in little ways to be sustainable, although admittedly we could also do much more. Being on the island more as an adult and in this day in age has definitely given me a renewed respect for Mother Earth and how much we need to do to protect her. We are working and will continue working on becoming more sustainable in. We’re currently getting solar panels put in to run the house and a well.
What currently reading, watching, listening to?
Currently listening to this amazing website called www.radiooooo.com that gives you music from all over the world at different time periods. Not watching anything particularly interesting! And just finally finished reading Beautiful world, where are you by Sally Rooney.
What’s next for Casa Balandra?
A LOT! We are currently hunting for a new property to host Casa Balandra, a space where we can host artists year round with better facilities, a restaurant where we can host chef residencies and the ability to rent by room. We’re looking for a lot of land where we can grow veggies, have music festivals and as many exciting things as possible! Also, currently in the process of finalising things to launch our shop, a curated selection of both vintage and artist collabs related to the table.
What are your three favourite spots in Mallorca?
A LOT! We are currently hunting for a new property to host Casa Balandra, a space where we can host artists year round with better facilities, a restaurant where we can host chef residencies and the ability to rent by room. We’re looking for a lot of land where we can grow veggies, have music festivals and as many exciting things as possible! Also, currently in the process of finalising things to launch our shop, a curated selection of both vintage and artist collabs related to the table.
What does the perfect day in your favourite spot look like?
Probably a summer day so a lot of sunbathing and swimming and then either head home for a shower or get carried away by time and dragged into a fun outdoor dancing bar.
What's the most treasured item in your wardrobe?
I have to admit, I don’t quite have one. I love a lot of things I have, but I couldn’t pick one!
Lastly, what are your three favourite arkitaip-pieces?
Love the boiler suit, the Gertrude dresses and the wabi pants. Honestly the fit and the fabric are amazing.
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