A Celestial Celebration

A throng of guests swirled up the stairs with flutes of champagne in hand, alighting on the balcony atop the tower where violin music played. The world seemed to be floating in the blue skies above the Mediterranean Sea as kisses were exchanged—one cheek, two cheeks and three kisses, as each guests’ custom required—friends had arrived from Italy, Spain, Argentina, Austria and America to celebrate.  Hors d’oeuvres included bite-sized olive macarons with artisanal Majorcan sobrasada, and diminutive bowls of cherry gazpacho, all expertly prepared by Fosh Catering. 

As the sun disappeared behind the dramatic cliffs of the Mallorca coast, the full moon illuminated the darkening sky, and guest Fede Dorcaz joined violinist Jitka Lackova to serenade me and our guest of honor, Ludovica Purini Rossi.  The final chord played on the violin invited guests to round the spiral staircase and make their way down three levels to the grand balcony of Villa Kerida. They arrived at an exquisite panorama set on the La Mola peninsula; round tables perched poolside, just above the sea, covered with local wildflowers, tablecloths billowing in the gentle breeze as the reflection of the moon bounced off the crystalline waters and danced around the balcony. As guests were seated there was a moment of silence and awe, punctuated by the gently breaking waves of the Mediterranean Sea echoing through the secluded cove.  It even gave pause to the birthday girl, Ludo, who threw her arms in the air and exclaimed “Wow! Wow,” as her smile broadened and warmed our hearts. 

This Celestial birthday celebration included many special guests, and the scene was the essence of entertaining in Mallorca, which shares the same relaxed and effortlessly glamorous esthetic as our beloved Hamptons. Truly a celebration in the embrace of nature as the evening marked several celestial events—a rare ‘supermoon,’ powerful, full, and glowing blood red; the longest lunar eclipse of the century, that lasted nearly two hours; and Mars in opposition to earth.  Some astrologists believe the energy of an eclipse symbolizes important women and foreshadows change, including a shift in consciousness causing one to mix with people who operate on a similar frequency—making this the perfect evening to celebrate a special friend.  Ludo’s spirit of generosity and ability to live life fully touches and teaches all who know her, so I was delighted when a guest told me this was also the day of Guru Purinima a divine day to offer gratitude to all we learn from.   

Life in Mallorca centers around family, friends and nature. The powerful presence of the mountains and sea cannot go unnoticed, creating a sense of peace and connection. That sensibility informed much of our lifestyle from swimming, cycling and hiking to entertaining. The flowers, created by Anna, a combination of clippings from the property and the island, and the food—local, inspired by the bounty of Mallorca with a nod to history and respect for its vulnerability.  All these concepts came to life, where the menu echoed our philosophy of eating organic, seasonal, sustainable, and locally procured fare.  From the Fresh Boquerones to the Grilled vegetables marinated with Soller oranges and lemons, and the Salt-Baked Seabass, everything was as fresh as nature intended.  

After a magical dinner under the most breathtaking lunar eclipse, guests were invited to the dance floor for one last toast and the presentation of the birthday cake—a delightful tower of chocolate sponge cake, filled with vanilla mousse and crunchy chocolate crumble that I designed just for Ludo, and created with Kathi’s Cakes. The blue ribbons echoed the color of the sea, and the miniature tennis balls dotting the towers were a nod to Ludo’s favorite sport. The dancing was in full swing when Ludo jumped in the pool, fully clothed.  There was tremendous laughter and a wave of happiness—this is Ludo! I ran for towels and smiled with gratitude for these perfect summer memories.