27th April 2011 – Set in 32 acres of flourishing gardens, in the charming coastal and mountain village of Deià, Mallorca, there can be nowhere more inspiring than Orient-Express’ La Residencia (www.hotel-laresidencia.com). New this season, the luxury hotel is inviting guests to explore their inner artist by welcoming Juan Waelder as ‘Sculptor in Residence’. Not only is Juan on hand to offer classes to anyone with a creative flare (and those that don’t!) but he is designing exclusive sculptures for the property. One of his first projects is a special mural to be displayed in La Residencia that guests are invited to participate in and leave their own lasting mark on the property.

La Residencia’s dedication to art is not a new phenomenon, the hotels onsite Tafona Art Gallery displays work by over 85 artists, all of whom have lived and worked in Deià or the north of Mallorca in the past four decades. Juan’s workshop is in the old and atmospheric ‘caves’ by the gallery and it is here the experienced sculptor creates his masterpieces. An expert in Mallorcan art and having exhibited in the USA, Puerto Rico and Palma there can be no one better to teach guests the secrets of sculpting.

Juan’s current project is a very special mural designed in homage to the famous poet Robert Graves who spent his latter life in the local area. The design has been formally approved by William Graves, Robert’s eldest son by his second marriage, and executor of the Graves estate. Guests are invited to participate in its production by sculpting a square of the design under the instruction and watchful eye of the Master. It is an exciting and innovative project, which when finished and displayed in the entrance of the hotel, will enhance the art already present at La Residencia.

As a resident sculptor Juan offers sculpting classes and consultant services. A knowledgeable teacher, he welcomes students of all ages and standards to join his classes or to simply pass by for an informal chat. Juan joins Alan Hydes, La Residencia’s ‘Artist in Residence’ whose work has been displayed in the National Portrait Gallery and whose high profile sitters have included Sir Edward Heath, Jilly Cooper, Ricky Tomlinson and Sir Bernard Ingham. Alan is also available for group and private lessons.

Sculpting and Art Lesson Prices: Group classes start from 80 Euros (approx £71) for three hours and individual tuition costs from 150 Euros (approx £133) for three hours.

A double room at La Residencia starts from 465 Euros (approx £409) inc all taxes, per room per night, based on two sharing on a bed and breakfast basis. To book visit www.hotel-laresidencia.com or call the Orient-Express reservations team on 0845 077 2222

ENDS/….

Orient-Express, (NYSE: OEH, www.orient-express.com) the name behind an elite collection of travel experiences, first came into being in 1883 as one of the world’s most exciting and indulgent train journeys. Today that evocative name also embraces hotels, cruises and other luxury rail adventures in 24 countries, across five continents. The Company has offered exceptional luxury travel experiences since 1976, when it first purchased Hotel Cipriani in Venice and then shortly afterwards, recreated the celebrated Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, linking London, Paris and Venice, along with other European cities. Today, the company owns or part-owns and manages 50 businesses, 41 of which are highly acclaimed hotels, each unique in style, from the Mount Nelson in Cape Town and Rio’s Copacabana Palace, to the Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg and Maroma Resort & Spa on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. There are six luxury tourist trains, two river cruise operations and ‘21’, one of New York’s most iconic restaurants.

For further information, please contact Emily Wilson or Sara Mirza at Orient-Express on 020 7921 4069 or emily.wilson@orient-express.com or sara.mirza@orient-express.com