A new blog series by The Calendar Mallorca
There’s something about Deià at sunset – that quiet golden light that seems to slow everything down. It’s here, among olive terraces and sea breeze, that Pablo Aranda has found his culinary voice.
Originally from Granada, Pablo came to Mallorca “for 15 days and never really left.” Fifteen years later, he’s leading the kitchen at El Olivo, the acclaimed restaurant at La Residencia, a Belmond hotel – and redefining fine dining in one of the island’s most iconic settings.
Under his direction, El Olivo has become a love letter to Mallorca’s produce, heritage, and Mediterranean soul. From sobrassada and Sóller prawns to local olive oil, almonds, and wild herbs from the Tramuntana, every dish tells a story – rooted in the island yet elevated through Pablo’s modern sensibility.
“True luxury lies in authenticity,” he says. “It’s about flavour over technique, simplicity over spectacle, and a deep respect for the land and its people.”
After 15 years of working alongside celebrated chefs like Marc Fosh and Fernando Pérez Arellano, Pablo’s cooking blends refinement with a sense of place. His tasting menus – Deyà and Mayurqa – explore Mallorca’s culinary landscape through creativity, emotion, and memory.
🍽️ At 5 o’clock, Pablo isn’t chasing the next trend; he’s drinking in the light of Deià, dreaming up new ways to honour the island’s essence – one flavour at a time.
1. What’s keeping you busy (and inspired) in Mallorca right now?
Right now, what keeps me busy and inspired in Mallorca is my work.
I’m a chef at Hotel La Residencia – specifically, Head Chef at El Olivo – where I’m developing the restaurant’s culinary offering and striving to elevate the experience for guests visiting such an incredible and historic hotel.
La Residencia is so important to Mallorca, and that’s what has kept me here after 15 years – the last three of them spent at the hotel.
2. If Mallorca were a canvas, what colours would dominate its palette? And why?
If Mallorca were a playlist, it would have really good electronic music, great indie music, vibrant urban sounds, and even a little flamenco.
But if I had to choose one song, it would be Boulevard de los Sueños Rotos by Joaquín Sabina – not only because he’s a singer-songwriter I love, a wonderful poet turned musician, but also because it mirrors the lives of so many people who come to the island for the summer season. There’s a sense of longing and beauty in that rhythm.
And if Mallorca were a dish or a flavour, it would have to be tap de cortí – a native paprika that defines Mallorcan charcuterie, especially the iconic sobrassada. It’s something unique, essential, and invaluable to the island’s culinary identity.
3. Is there a place, ritual, or local habit that always makes you feel connected to Mallorca?
There are several things that make me feel at home here in Mallorca because I’ve internalised them and made them part of my life. I never had the sea nearby in Granada, so discovering small, hidden coves – the ones few people know about – feels like magic. That connection with the sea is something I never tire of.
I also love watching the sunset at any time of year, often with a good cigar — a Habano or a Nicaraguan — because I enjoy that ritual. Or simply sharing that moment with friends or my partner. It’s something wonderful that makes me feel privileged to live here.
4. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere… what’s your favourite way to unwind?
To relax and disconnect, I like simple things – having a coffee at a small neighbourhood café near my home, called Café Ángel, or enjoying a cocktail at Bar Nicolás in Palma. For me, it’s all about sharing: spending time with people, chatting, and simply sitting somewhere, watching time pass by.
If it’s summer, you’ll probably find me on the beach; at any other time of year, I’ll be on a terrace with a neat rum or a coffee. That quiet, contemplative time helps me slow down – it’s something I really value.
5. What’s one event or moment you’re most looking forward to?
The next event I’m looking forward to – because I really enjoyed it last year – is RAÏM Fest in Parc de la Mar. It’s a wonderful festival, and even if I might not make it this year because of work, I love its concept. It’s family-oriented, local, and runs all day – from afternoon until late at night. Those are the kind of gatherings I enjoy most; I’m not really into the nightlife scene here.
One of the organisers, Alma Barteló, is a friend and former classmate from Basculinary – she’s fantastic, and I’m so happy to see how well the event is doing.
(Note: RAÏM Fest took place last Saturday in Palma, but there are more amazing RAÏM Fest pop-ups planned across the island in the coming months. Keep checking our website for more information!)
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✨ The hotel and El Olivo may have just closed their doors for the season, but anticipation is already building for what’s to come when they reopen in March 2026.
And if you can’t wait until then, catch Pablo’s pop-up at @clandesti_taller_gastronomi this Thursday (November 20th) – a taste of his creative brilliance beyond Deià’s stone walls.
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El Olivo
Address: Belmond La Residencia – Son Canals s/n, Deià, Mallorca
Instagram: @belmondlaresidencia | @pablo_armando_aranda
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Follow along as we meet more of the amazing people behind Mallorca’s best events and creative projects – from festival founders and chefs to artists and dreamers.
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