Reboot Your Creativity with Mallorca's Winter Sun
Escape the January grey and ignite your creativity with a change of scene and sun on your bones. MoneySuperMarket founder Simon Nixon has opened the doors to his collection of luxury properties including Mallorca’s stunning Sa Llupia.
Winter in the UK can be tough on the old mental health – even for the most resilient of business leaders. And with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affecting around two million of us annually, through symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, and difficulty in concentrating, it’s hardly conducive to clear decision-making or innovative thinking. Coupled with the relentless pace of modern life, this lack of natural light can leave even the most visionary CEOs feeling a bit meh.
However, science offers a simple yet powerful remedy: sunlight. As research published in The Journal of Affective Disorders shows, increased exposure to natural sunlight can reduce symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) by an impressive 50%. Nature’s yellow stuff plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s production of serotonin, the hormone associated with mood stabilisation and feelings of well-being. It also helps align the body’s circadian rhythm, improving sleep patterns and energy levels – both of which are essential in helping to overcome SAD.
Enter Simon Nixon, the trailblazing entrepreneur who revolutionised the UK’s financial comparison market with leading price comparison website, MoneySuperMarket. After taking it public on the London Stock Exchange in 2007, he next turned his attention to real estate. Driven by a lifelong passion for property, architecture, interior design, and travel, Nixon sought out the finest locations in some of his favourite destinations, including world heritage sites, ocean fronts, and lakefronts, collaborating with local architects and designers to realise his vision.
The result was SimonEscapes – a collection of exclusive luxury holiday homes in stunning destinations such as Mallorca and Barbados, with meticulously designed interiors, and exteriors that harmonise with the natural beauty outside. As Simon says, “I cannot be in all my homes all the time, [so] I decided to offer them as holiday homes for others to enjoy too.”
And as such, they’re the perfect escape for leaders needing a bit of time to plan their next move or innovation. With remote working becoming the norm (at least partially – Upwork found 28% of UK and US workers now expect to have more flexibility to work from locations of their choice), an increasing number of professionals are embracing the idea of working from inspiring locations, in “workcations”, to reignite their creativity and focus. Again, the stats back this up: Forbes has discovered that those working in beautiful, natural environments report greater levels of satisfaction and productivity.
One such property is Nixon’s four-bedroom, (up to) eight-guest Sa Llupia in the picture-postcard village of Deià, Mallorca, located between the Tramuntana Mountains and the sea, just 30 minutes from Palma Airport. With its breathtaking mountain views, serene local beaches, mild winter temperatures of around 15°C (59°F), and a glorious 300 days of sunshine annually, this part of the world is the perfect antidote to winter gloom.
The stunning Sa Llupia offers an idyllic and incredibly stylish work-from-home setup, featuring sumptuous bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi, designer furniture from the likes of Roche Bobois and Ralph Lauren, a state-of-the-art Miele kitchen, en-suite marble or stone bathrooms offering incredible mountain views, and a pool with swim-jet system, surrounded by olive, citrus, and bougainvillea-filled gardens. Here, it’s easy to work in blissful surroundings, knowing spa treatments, fitness facilities and tennis courts are also just next door at the renowned, five-star La Residencia Hotel.
Fancy a proper swim? Try Cala Deià or explore nearby beaches in Puerto de Sóller and Puerto de Valldemossa. A round of golf? The eco-friendly Golf de Son Termes is close by. Local dining options range from El Olivo’s fine cuisine to tapas at Xelini or cliff-top views at Bens D’Avall. While, for more adventurous souls, there are scenic hiking trails to explore, winding through the aforementioned mountains.
Beyond business, Nixon’s a dedicated supporter of emerging artists and serves on the board at the Tate Gallery – as evinced by the fact he’s curated over 50 pieces of art by emerging global artists, all but transforming the villa into a gallery-like space. And, given the location, it’s fitting: Boho-minded Deià has long been an artists’ community (the writer and poet Robert Graves built a house here); and here you’ll find galleries, art tours, art classes and workshops. La Residencia also has its own gallery and one of Spain’s largest permanent sculpture gardens, featuring an expanding collection of works by celebrated international sculptors and emerging talents.
Available for January and February 2025 at €25,000 per calendar month, Sa Llupia offers the ultimate winter escape. For those ready to swap stress for sunshine, it’s a chance to reclaim balance, boost productivity, and step into the new year with renewed clarity and creativity. Why not give yourself the lifeline you deserve?
Find out more visit Simon Escapes