Picnic with Donkeys Review

Now, the Frenchman has a strange fascination with donkeys. Bordering on an obsession, he tried to explain it me, "They have such big ears!". And indeed, donkeys are adorable. Something about their gentle and placid nature makes us feel very protective towards them. So we made our reservation with the hotel, invited James our video reporter along ("Donkeys! I love donkeys!" - perhaps this donkey-love is a man thing?), and arrived at 12 noon by the meeting point in the hotels grounds last Saturday.

Our group consisted of two British couples and a newly-wed American couple, our guide Sabrina and three donkeys, two of which were saddled with baskets where we could pack any belongings we didn't wish to carry up the trail. Sabrina explained that the trail up to the picnic area would take about 30 minutes, and asked for volunteers to lead the donkeys up the path.

Off we went, following the well-established path through olive groves and pine forests, enjoying the views back down to Deia and out to the sea. The path is fairly rocky but not too steep as you follow switch-backs up the mountain. Regular 'rest-breaks' ensured we didn't get too out of breath, and Sabrina used these moments to tell us about the landscape.

Our gentle walk led us finally to our picnic area. Situated outside an old stone shepherds hut, we were impressed with the lavish linen-covered table and chairs lined with sheepskin rugs for comfort and (if required), warmth. The chef (Lorenzo) was already at the hut, laying out plate after plate of goodies for our dining pleasure. We were offered beer and water before having a quick look inside the shepards hut, complete with log fire, ready to cook some of our lunch.

Lunch then started in earnest, and with a grand choice of local Mallorcan hams, sausages, cheeses, tomatoes, green peppers, olives, seaweed, bread and olive oil, there really was plenty for everyone to get stuck into. And all washed down with as much Mallorcan red and white wine (or beer) as you wanted. Soft drinks and water are also available. A very jolly atmosphere was evident at the table as we swapped stories and laughed as one of the donkeys tried to join us at the table.

Lorenzo came frequently to the table to tell us about the sources of the local produce, and to show us how to make that famous Mallorcan dish Pa Amb Oli. Unsalted bread rubbed with garlic, Ramallet tomatoes (a special variety ideal for this purpose) and finished with olive oil and salt from Es Trenc, it is a staple part of a Mallorcan's diet. We were then challenged to make our own Pa Amb Oli to be judged by Lorenzo, which much to his delight, the Frenchman won.

The plates of cured meats and cheeses were only the starting point of this picnic. Sobradassa, Mallorcan pizza and pies, and a very special and delicious ensaimada filled with creme catalan also came our way. To finish off, we were offered generous measures of Mallorca's very own mountain fire water - Hierbas. Whilst this liquer is available commercially, it seems that every family makes their own, using a range of over 50 herbs to create their own special blend. Cigars were also offered to those who wished to indulge.

We finally made our way back down to the hotel at 4pm, some of us more sure-footed than others as the effects of the Hierbas kicked in. It may sound strange to some, but this picnic really was a wonderful experience. The combination of donkeys, scenery, company, excellent local produce along with chef Lorenzo and guide Sabrina made this lunch very special.

You don't have to be a guest of La Residencia to enjoy this picnic but you must book your place in advance. Times of the picnic vary so enquire as to when the next picnic is running, or book your own private group using the links at the top of this page. The price at time of writing is €65 per person and the mountain picnic runs throughout the year, weather permitting.

You can read more about La Residencia Mountain Picnic with Donkeys or find out more about Mallorcan Produce and Mallorcan Wine.