Gorgeous interiors, infinity pools, indulgent spa days, old town
Since arriving on the island in 2002, the quantity and quality of Mallorca’s luxury hotels have increased enormously. We are fortunate that these hotels offer not only luxury, but great individuality and personality, unlike so many other holiday destinations around the world. Looking for a trip away? Here are a few of my top picks:
Luxury spa days
Jumeirah Port Sóller Hotel & Spa
The Jumeirah brand is synonymous with luxury—staying at the Jumeirah Port Sóller Hotel & Spa will leave you feeling truly spoilt. The award-winning five-star hotel is perched on a cliff top overlooking the picturesque fishing village of Port de Sóller. The adults-only infinity pool offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea to a backdrop of the Tramuntana mountain range.
The spa at Jumeirah Port Sóller is one of the most impressive on the island. Nestled neatly into the cliffside, with views of the mountains from the rooftop jet pool, it’s idyllic. There are eleven treatment rooms, a heated hydro pool, two hammams, a relaxation room, a sauna, and salt baths to relax in – pure indulgence.
Redefining luxury
Can Bordoy House & Garden
David Moralejo, director of Conde Nast Traveler Spain magazine, commented after the pandemic on changing expectations of a luxury hotel, especially for young urban hipsters who increasingly favour “small hotels with careful interior design, which are perceived as a ‘home”.
Designed to feel more like home than hotel, Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden in Palma’s old town, was awarded in the Best Interior Design 2020 category for “it’s almost cinematic design for dreamy, demanding and romantic travellers.” If you are passionate about interiors, you’re in for a treat. Period features and modern design cleverly merge; reclaimed timber, modern lighting, antiques, contemporary pieces, and modern art. It oozes style so effortless you’ll want to bottle it and take it home with you.
Sustainable-luxury
Can Auli
The five-star Can Auli hotel is stunning. Originally a 17th-century mansion, it features stone arches, sweeping staircases, modern furniture and artworks. This boutique property is adults-only with just 21 rooms, and just a short stroll into the charming old town of Pollensa.
The hotel is proof that sustainability and luxury can be combined. Bread and pastries are served in compostable paper bags, and they’ve eradicated single-use plastics where they can. Even the gorgeous paintings are ecologically created from natural materials, while the rustic-chic ceramics preserve ancient traditions—all work of local artists.
Luxury in the details
Castel Son Claret
The five-star Castell Son Claret is known as one of the best luxury heritage hotels in Mallorca. The castle dates back to the 19th century, while the estate appears in historical documents dating back to 1450. Castell Son Claret is now transformed into a luxury hotel, with contemporary interiors and features a stunning spa and two restaurants. At night the castle is lit up – it’s truly magical.
Little details have a lot of care at Castell Son Claret. On arrival, a glass of chilled lemonade awaits (made with lemons from the garden, of course). A welcome note, a gift of fruit and ensaïmada (the local pastry), a sprig of fresh rosemary tucked into the bathrobe. They pay the same attention to detail throughout – chefs are happy to arrange bespoke dishes, while ‘garden service’ delivers food and drinks to the grounds and gardens.
Luxurious seclusion
Cap Rocat
Cap Rocat is spectacular. Formerly a 19th-century military fortress, it’s been transformed into a luxurious, award-winning hotel. Original features include the drawbridge, bunkers, trenches and dramatic crenellated walls. Cap Rocat claims to be “the Mediterranean’s most private and secluded resort,” even boasting a private beach. The property is almost invisible from the sea, so you feel you’re staying in a secret location.
Cap Rocat service is as exceptional as the setting – a refreshment as soon as you arrive and a golf buggy to take you to your room. Breakfast is brought to your room every morning and laid out either inside the suite or on the terrace. You’ll feel like royalty.
Luxury fine dining
El Llorenç Parc de la Mar
El Llorenc Parc de la Mar is on a quiet sea-facing promenade alongside the ancient city walls in the historic Calatrava neighbourhood of Palma. Interiors are inspired by the island’s Moorish history, reinterpreted in the quirkily elegant décor by acclaimed Swedish designer Magnus Ehrland. The hotel has a Hamman-style spa, and a wow-factor rooftop terrace with an infinity pool and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
The seasonal tasting menu at Restaurant Dins is internationally renowned. Chef Santi Taura applies his creativity to traditional Mallorcan cuisine, taking local recipes and focusing on the art of flavour. Diners sit countertop or on tables adjacent to the show kitchen to watch the action unfold. Don’t be surprised if the master chef stops by your table for a quick chat. Luxury fine dining, Mallorca-style.
Bohemian luxury
Belmond La Residencia
La Residencia has nailed relaxed luxury. For all its grandeur, elegant architecture, and polished interiors, there’s a bohemian vibe that is welcoming and warm. A place where you feel you can as comfortably kick off your shoes as dress up for dinner.
For centuries the hotel has been a place of spiritual connection for writers, artists and musicians. The creative spirit lives on at the hotel, with classical music events and art exhibitions. Explore your creative side with a painting or sculpture class, including a painting class by the sea. Guests can also take a tour of the vast collection of artworks in the house and gardens, guided by the hotel’s curator.
The luxury villa
Son Bunyola Villas
Richard Branson poured love and respect into the restoration of Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas, on the 1,300-acre Son Bunyola estate. As well as the beautifully restored 16th-century hotel building, there are three private villas – Sa Punta de S’Aguila (five bedrooms), Son Balagueret (four bedrooms), and Sa Terra Rotja (four bedrooms).
The villas are designed with comfort and relaxation in mind and offer stunning mountain views. The all-inclusive 7-night stays include your own pool and garden attendant (to set-up furniture and pool for the day), concierge assistance to book taxis and make restaurant reservations and use of the tennis court located at Sa Terra Rotja. In villa dining with a private chef (pre-booking required) can also be arranged.
New hotel openings in Mallorca for 2024 include Mandarin Oriental in Punta Negra, and Four Seasons in Formentor, so watch this space!
For more information on these hotels and others please visit www.wellnesstraveller.co – the new Destination for Wellness in Mallorca.
charm and stunning locations are what’s expected on a luxury holiday – and Mallorca’s luxury stays have it all.
