PALMA’S LIFESTYLE EMPORIUM “RIALTO LIVING” RESTORATION OF 18TH CENTURY PALACE

Palma’s first lifestyle emporium, Rialto Living, located on Calle San Feliu, No. 3, just off the city’s main shopping boulevard of El Born, has doubled its size to provide 1,500 square metres of floor space on two levels as part of an ambitious expansion programme restoring and re developing one of Palma’s iconic historic palaces called “Palacio Can O’Ryan”.

Swedish designers Klas Kall (one of the founding members in Europe of the US Gant fashion brand) and partner, Barbara Bergman, first opened Rialto Living in 2007 on the site of Palma’s old Rialto Cinema from which they took the name of the store.

The building, which dates back to the 19th century, was designed in the modernist style of that time and many of these features have been retained in the existing store.
In 2012, Kall and Bergman acquired the adjacent building; an 18th century Baroque palace next to the existing store known as Can O’Ryan. They have completely restored the palace whilst retaining many of the architectural features including the original entrance which has been integrated into the store and a unique modernist room which was discovered during the renovation and is now the Moroccan area filled with colourful rugs and cushions.

The first phase of the restoration project has created 10 different areas on two floors of this exclusive palace, which was originally owned by an Irish military doctor John O’Ryan who had fled to Mallorca from Catholic persecution in Ireland and subsequently married the daughter of a wealthy local businessman.

The second and final phase of the expansion project will refurbish 500 square metres for shop floor space and a restaurant and is scheduled for completion in spring 2015.
Rialto Living is a place to browse and linger offering an eclectic mix of fashion with designer labels including Aspesi and Fabiana Filippi; accessories by Campomaggi, Drakes and Franco Ferrari, fragrances by Byredo and L’Artisan Parfumer; linens, fabrics, paints by Farrow & Ball, interior and outdoor furniture, rugs, cushions, Swedish beds, ceramics, lighting, stationery, fresh flowers, art, books and many other surprising details from all over Europe. It also offers a bespoke interior design service.

On the ground floor The Rialto Cafe is located in the original courtyard of the palace with an impressive full size palm tree in the centre planted below a glass atrium serving Mediterranean dishes using fresh local produce, plus cocktails and local wines.
Rialto Living, Calle San Feliu No 3, is open Monday to Saturday, from 10:00-20:30h. www.rialtoliving.com

Say owners, Klas Käll and Barbara Bergman; “Rialto Living is a prime example of the revival of Palma’s historic centre. We continue to evolve and develop the concept as part of our ongoing mission to make Rialto Living the most exciting lifestyle store in Europe and a “must see” for any visitor to Palma’s elegant city ”.