When the height of summer arrives in Mallorca, life naturally slows down. The island’s rhythm demands we celebrate every small pleasure, from the cool embrace of a siesta to the shared laughter of a long sobremesa.
Here’s our guide to creating the perfect summer afternoon at home, designed for slow, beautiful living.
Embrace the Art of the Siesta
It all starts in the quietest part of the day. The sun is at its highest, cicadas hum outside, and indoors offers a cool, shaded refuge.
This is your invitation to lie back on a beautifully supportive mattress, dressed in breathable natural linen sheets that feel cooler with every wash. Overhead, a classic ceiling fan spins gently, moving the air just enough to keep you comfortable without any harsh chill.
It’s the perfect siesta, one of the most civilised traditions of Mediterranean living.
Read our guide to sleep wellness here.
Your Private Resort at Home
As the fierce heat fades into a mellow golden glow, step outside to where the pool shimmers invitingly. Wrap yourself in a colourful Missoni Home towel, famous for its vibrant stripes and soft, luxurious feel. Choose your favourite in-store.
This isn’t just poolside lounging; it’s your own private resort.
Remember, Mallorcan summers demand respect for the sun. Apply a good sunblock and open an elegant parasol to cast welcome shade. Sink into an exceptionally comfortable sunlounger, designed to look as good as it feels, and watch the afternoon light dance on the water.
Explore our garden furniture collection.
Aperitif Hour
No perfect summer afternoon is complete without a well-chosen aperitif. This season, we’re pouring the Amargéro Spritz from Can Cavall Blau, an artisanal creation that’s pure, modern Mallorca in a glass.
Crafted on the island in small batches by Katja, a German-born local whose background in polo led her to embrace a slower, more conscious way of living here, Amargéro reflects a philosophy of eco-slow luxury. Every bottle is made with care, using sustainable practices and no artificial additives, just real botanicals and Mediterranean spirit.
Amargéro is inspired by classic European bitter liqueurs but with a distinct Mallorcan character. It offers a complex flavour profile of citrus, aromatic herbs and gentle spice, with a signature bitterness that’s refreshing rather than harsh. Think of it as an invitation to slow down and savour each sip.
To make your Amargéro Spritz, simply pour the Amargéro over ice in a tall glass or wine goblet. Top with soda water for a bright, dry non alcoholic refresher, or add cava for a more indulgent twist. Garnish with a slice of citrus or fresh herbs from your garden such as basil or mint.
Find out more about Amargéro here.
Another Non-Alcoholic Alternative: “Kasmuth”
If you prefer to skip the alcohol, Justine suggests her favourite summer mocktail. Take a Bitter Kas (or another similar brand) and add a shot or two of zero-proof vermouth with ice and a slice of orange. Top with sparkling water or gaseosa if you prefer it a little sweeter.
Whichever way you go, we think the Riedel Aperitivo glasses, always available in our store, are the perfect choice to raise a toast to Mallorca itself, an island of sun, sea, and relaxed afternoons shared with family and friends.
Classic Summer Games
Meanwhile, someone suggests a game of backgammon, just the thing to while away an hour or two under the parasol. There’s something wonderfully old-fashioned about friendly competition, cool drinks nearby, and nowhere else you need to be.
Our backgammon sets are in store now, ready to elevate any lazy afternoon into something special.
Dinner, the Mallorcan Way
As the evening arrives, there’s dinner to prepare. Nothing too fussy, just full of local flavour and tradition. This is the moment to make a classic gazpacho, the ultimate chilled soup for hot evenings.
We love this simple, authentic recipe:
● Roughly chop ripe local tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, and a bit of old bread for body. Justine likes to add a little pear or apple for sweetness.
● Add garlic, sherry vinegar and a generous pour of good Mallorcan olive oil.
● Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
● Blend until smooth and chill well in the fridge.
When it’s time to eat, make it feel special without overcomplicating. Set the table with vibrant napkins in marine blues inspired by the Mediterranean. Use woven placemats to add texture and colour that ties your setting to the island’s landscape of sea, sky, and earth.
Light a mosquito candle scented with basil, mint and citronella to keep the air clear and fresh, and add a rechargeable lamp to the table so the glow lasts well into the evening.
Serve the gazpacho ice-cold in locally made glasses, topped with a swirl of extra olive oil. Add a basket of quelitas, Mallorca’s beloved savoury biscuits, perfect with a slice of jamón serrano, deeply flavourful and cured with care.
The Magic of Sobremesa
And then? Settle in. Talk. Laugh. Watch the last light fade from the sky.
This is sobremesa, the Spanish tradition of lingering at the table after a meal, enjoying unhurried conversation with family and friends. It’s not about eating, but about connection. In Mallorca, it’s a cherished ritual that turns an ordinary meal into something memorable and deeply social.
No one rushes away from the table, and the best memories are made by simply staying and talking into the cooler, quieter hours of the evening.
At Knox Design, we believe this is the pace of life your home should offer: a space for slow, beautiful, connected living, whatever the season.
Ready to Create Your Perfect Summer?
Need a sunlounger, parasol, aperitif glasses or tableware? We’d love to help you get summer-ready.
Just email us at info@knoxdesign.net or visit us in-store.