Last year, team KOBU embarked on an exciting journey, choosing to spend the month of September exploring the enchanting island of Mallorca. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant Mediterranean charm, Mallorca offered the perfect backdrop for inspiration and creativity.
True to our spirit, we began our adventure by seeking out the most unique and beautifully designed stays the island had to offer. From rustic fincas nestled in the countryside to sleek modern villas overlooking the azure waters, our mission was to discover spaces that not only provided comfort but also told a story through their design. We sought places that celebrated the island’s essence, blending tradition with innovation and showcasing the artistry of local craftsmanship.
During our search, we came across By Milagro, the creative minds behind the stunning Vista Verde, a property that instantly captivated us with its seamless integration of natural elements, modern aesthetics, and a deep respect for Mallorca’s heritage. Inspired by their incredible work, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to sit down with the team to learn more about their creative process, their vision, and the unique approach that makes their projects so extraordinary.
Our conversation with the founders, Stella Lavinia and Elliot Krauze, offered fascinating insights into their design philosophy, their commitment to sustainability, and how they draw inspiration from Mallorca’s diverse landscapes. Their passion for crafting spaces that evoke emotion and connection left us not only inspired but also deeply appreciative of the transformative power of thoughtful design.
Can you tell us the story behind By Milagro? How did the company start and what inspired its evolution into what it is today?
By Milagro’s story is rooted in a passion for hospitality at its core, along with the connection to Mallorca. Stella having grown up on this beautiful island, she always felt a strong sense of belonging and love for its unique culture, nature and way of life. After studying design in Berlin and spending several years in Germany, she felt a calling to return to Mallorca, combining her local knowledge and international experience to create something meaningful.
The initial idea was inspired by the need for exceptional services for foreigners visiting or investing in Mallorca. With a solid network and deep understanding of the island, we started by managing guest experiences for holiday rentals. Soon, we realized that many properties had untapped potential—they were wonderful spaces but lacked cohesive design and branding. This realization sparked By Milagro’s evolution into a holistic service provider. Today, we specialize in enhancing holiday rentals through tailored interior design, property branding and meticulous management. We aim to transform ordinary properties into unforgettable destinations, creating exceptional guest experiences while optimizing revenue for owners.
Who are the founders of By Milagro? Can you share some insights into their backgrounds and how their experiences shaped the company?
By Milagro was founded by Stella Lavinia and Elliot Krauze, whose diverse backgrounds perfectly complement one another and who share a vision for creating something exceptional on the island.
My parents, one a doctor and the other a creative spirit, taught me to value both precision and artistry. After working as a paramedic in Germany, I moved to Berlin to study design, blending my family’s medical and creative influences. I returned to Mallorca in 2020 to care for my father, whose legacy inspires me to create meaningful work rooted in the island’s charm.
Elliot, originally from the Cotswolds, has lived in Mallorca for eight years. With a background in international management and a career in wealth management, he brings structure, strategy, and financial expertise to the business. Together, our complementary skills allow By Milagro to transform holiday rentals into thriving, beautifully designed destinations.
Are there any other key team members involved? What roles do they play in the company’s success?
At By Milagro, we pride ourselves on being a small, close-knit company where every team member plays a vital role. Our size allows us to work collaboratively and ensure that each project receives the personal attention it deserves. Beyond our core team, we collaborate extensively with local experts and partners across Mallorca. These partnerships include talented designers, skilled artisans, and trusted service providers, all of whom contribute significantly to our success.
This network of collaborators and locals is integral to delivering the high-quality, tailored services By Milagro is known for, from property design to guest experiences. Every individual involved is a key part of our journey and growth.
How do you choose which properties to work with? What criteria or characteristics make a property a perfect fit for By Milagro?
We carefully select properties that align with our philosophy of creating unique and inviting spaces. We gravitate towards older buildings and finca-style properties, particularly those with character, charm and a sense of soul. These are the kinds of homes that feel warm and welcoming, offering guests more than just a place to stay—they provide an experience.
We prioritize working with owners who share our vision for creating exceptional holiday destinations. Some properties already meet our high standards, while others require upgrades, and we collaborate closely with open-minded owners to enhance what their property naturally offers. Special details—like thoughtful design elements, unique architecture, or a sense of history—are features we love to highlight and refine.
Most of our portfolio leans towards inland and countryside properties that resonate with our aesthetic. However, every property must meet a set of essential criteria and we have curated a check-list which included for example high-quality linen and towels, beautiful crockery and comfortable mattresses. If a property falls short, we offer guidance to bring it up to standard. In rare cases where owners are unwilling to invest in these details, we believe it’s best not to move forward, as attention to quality is crucial to creating memorable guest experiences.
What makes your properties and services stand out from others in the industry?
What sets us apart is our ability to deliver the full package. For owners, we handle everything—from managing the bookings, the management including housekeeping, to the guest experience which includes the check-in service, the organisation of welcome baskets, itinerary building, flower arrangements and concierge services. Some properties also need a concept creation including branding and interior design upgrades as well as marketing. For travelers, we offer curated stays that meet the expectations of the modern guest seeking something unique and memorable.
Brand identity, interior design, and sensory elements like smells and textures seem central to By Milagro. How do you bring a project to life from concept to completion?
We understand that the modern traveler has high expectations, and it’s not just about providing a place to stay but creating a memorable experience. We go beyond visual design by incorporating sensory elements that elevate the atmosphere and make each stay unique. With carefully selected scents, we create environments that engage all the senses, helping to shape positive emotions and lasting memories.
We work with brands like Viti Vici for luxurious toiletry products and Love & Stones for handmade candles and room sprays. By integrating these sensory details, along with bespoke furnishings and local craftsmanship, we ensure every property offers an inviting, personal, and distinctive atmosphere.
Our process from concept to completion begins with a thorough analysis of the space and its surroundings. We take time to understand the property’s unique qualities and examine the competitive landscape to ensure it stands out. We then engage closely with the owners to learn about their passions and vision for the property, while offering our expertise on what will work best for their space. Key questions guide the process: Should the property cater to adults only, focus on retreats, be ideal for weddings, or perhaps be pet-friendly or family-oriented? Once we have a clear concept and vision, we move into the execution phase, ensuring a perfect balance between functionality and an exceptional guest experience.
How does By Milagro support responsible tourism? Are there any initiatives or practices in place to ensure sustainable travel experiences?
We work closely with property owners to embrace a more sustainable approach. For example, Vista Verde operates entirely on solar energy and has its own well, demonstrating how luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Our commitment to supporting local artisans and businesses is reflected in everything we do. Our welcome baskets feature carefully selected Mallorcan brands such as BaloèAloe and Sonmo. For our toiletry products, we collaborate with the Mallorcan brand Viti Vinci, offering our guests high-quality, locally-made items. Additionally, we work with local craftsmen for interior design upgrades and source unique furnishings from flea markets and vintage shops, creating spaces that are both authentic and eco-friendly.
Can you tell us about the refinishing process of Vista Verde? How long did it take and what steps were involved?
The refinishing process of Vista Verde was a journey that began when the new owners approached us to enhance the guest experience. Upon visiting the property, we immediately saw its potential but recognized that it lacked a clear theme or identity. It had been used as a holiday rental, but without love and care.
We worked closely with the owners, who were very open-minded and trusted our ideas. After brainstorming and developing mood boards, we landed on the concept of a sustainable, eco-luxury holiday home, a perfect fit given the property’s solar power and independent water source from the well. The entire process took about four months, from concept to completion, and included everything as well as naming the property and designing a brand to building a website and setting up social media platforms.
We focused on earthy tones and materials, and our goal was to create a unique, personal space with a blend of bespoke furniture and carefully sourced decorative pieces. For instance, we commissioned custom lamps from Patricia at Codadepeix in Sineu, sourced a 70s marble table that was refurbished by a local Marmoleria, discovered a carpenter’s bench from Selva that was repurposed as a sideboard, among many other unique finds and up-cycles. These carefully curated pieces show how interior design can be both affordable and stylish.
What stage of a project excites you the most? Is it the early conceptual stages or seeing it fully realized?
What excites us the most is seeing the client’s joyful reaction once the project is completed. There’s no better feeling than knowing we’ve created something they truly love. The same goes for holiday rental guests who step into the properties and express how much they adore the space—especially when they say it looks even better in person than in the photos. That’s when we know we’ve succeeded.
What projects are you currently working on? Are there any upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about?
We have a few exciting projects underway. One particularly stunning property, which we will fully manage, is set to open its doors in April. Situated in the heart of Mallorca, it will be an absolute prime property. To celebrate, we are planning an exclusive launch event.
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to be working on the launch of our own “By Milagro” properties, designed to cater to different types of travelers. One of these will focus exclusively on adults, offering a serene and sophisticated retreat, while another will be dedicated to health and wellbeing, with a focus on providing a restorative, holistic experience. These projects reflect our passion for crafting bespoke travel experiences that resonate with our guests’ individual lifestyles and preferences.
Starting this year, we’ll also be offering holiday rentals for sale. These properties will either already have a proven brand and success or will be primed for bespoke development post-sale, giving buyers a turnkey solution.
Images courtesy of By Milagro
