You are enjoying a great hospitality experience when you feel ‘a bit special’. For a hotel or a restaurant to provide this experience, it requires creativity and passion. The four star Hotel Honucai – Hawaiian for turtle – definitely exudes these traits.
Despite having as many as 78 rooms – as I only learned after my visit – the hotel feels intimate. They’ve succeeded in providing a personalised service and deserve the label of ’boutique hotel’.
We were welcomed by cheerful, multilingual staff before being immersed in Honucai’s unique interior atmosphere. If someone would pitch me the idea of styling rooms and corridors in a sub-marine theme with lots of blue’s, turquoise, seashells and coral, it would raise my left eyebrow. But Honucai’s team has pulled it off tastefully by using textured wallpapers, balancing the different colour shades, and using quality materials for all furniture and fixtures. The idea is clear: they want to honour the amazing location they have!
Look out the window and see the picturesque little port that harbours a beautiful blend of small working fishing boats, traditional Mallorquin Llauts and a few private yachts. With the coves in the distance, the little lighthouse on the end of the breakwall and the rocks and islets scattered over the bay, you could wonder where the decorated areas of Honucai’s surroundings begin and end.
We entered our room after a very quick check-in procedure. A mini bottle of Mallorquin Hierbas liquor with a small ice bucket was waiting for us. The fresh ice was an indication that the hotel staff runs a smooth operation. The complementary hierbas and almonds reminds guests that they are in Mallorca. A quality Honucai tote bag, another gift, encourages guests to go out to the wonderful beaches that are only a short walk away.
So while a lot of attention had gone into the interior, everything about it said: ‘It’s not about us, it’s about our amazing location and surroundings!’
We enjoyed a great night’s sleep in a dead-silent room. My eternal hotel frustration remains the two single beds turned into one though… Before venturing out, we did enjoy the well sized room featuring mini bar and coffee machine. So, coffee in-hand, I enjoyed a relaxing moment, sitting in the balcony sofa, taking in the wonderful views. The seagulls were hovering over the palm treetops and there was happy chatter of the tourists below. The breeze gently blowing in from the sea… a great way to start the day!
Cala Marmols, Es Trenc, Es Carbó or Cala Tugores are some of the nicest beaches of the island, just a few minutes away. The receptionists can point you to routes through authentic fishing villages where typical Mallorcan architecture dominates, such as Cala Figuera, hidden between rocky cliffs, pines and fig trees. Take an evening stroll along the path from Colònia de Sant Jordi beach to the lighthouse to enjoy the perfect sunset moment.
The Rooftop and Restaurant.
With its infinity pool, sunloungers and the designer cocktails they serve, the rooftop bar ‘The Top’ is a great alternative to the beach. However, the kitchen has particular opening hours and days. The receptionists will tell you all about that.
Salicorno is the hotel’s restaurant on the ground floor. In the open and airy setting, reinvented traditional dishes are served.
Recommended activity.
Our favourite activity suggestion from Hotel Honucai is a boat trip to the nearby coves. From Colònia Sant Jordi marina, boat trips are offered by Náutica Colònia.
They turn visiting some of the most beautiful coves on the southeast coast of Mallorca into a commitment to the environment, since it implies the collection of plastics to care for the island and the Mediterranean.
Some of the coves on the tour:
- Cala Marmols: This completely virgin cove takes a relaxing route between two cliffs. It is one of the most remote and quiet. Few dare to reach it on foot.
- Ses Salines Lighthouse: This lighthouse, inaugurated in 1963, is located in the southernmost point of the island and is surrounded by the most turquoise waters of Mallorca.
- Es Caragol: It is one of the beaches with the most marine fauna due to its Posidonia and protected areas. It’s surrounded by nature and away from noise and crowds.
- Cala Tugores: Shallow waters with numerous corals make it perfect for snorkelling and enjoying a relaxing bath. Accessing by boat is ideal.
- Es Carbó: A virgin white sand beach just five minutes from the port. Its crystal-clear waters are full of marine fauna, ideal for enjoying water activities.
- Es Trenc: One of the best-known beaches on the island due to the blue colour of its waters and its 2.5-kilometre length. A virgin place with few restaurants and buildings and a protected area full of sand dunes, pine forests, bushes, and wetlands.
Honucai scores 4.5 stars on both Trip Advisor and Google Reviews. We wholeheartedly agree with this score.
Book via www.hotelhonucai.com
