There’s something for everyone, from families to the fine-dining enthusiasts.
A jewel of the Mediterranean, vacationers have been heading to Majorca for years and it’s easy to see why. The isle oozes appeal, thanks to a temperate climate, blonde beaches, and a rich culture.
When tourists first flocked to Majorca in the ‘60s, the choice of hotels was limited—but that’s all changed. Now, visitors can take their pick from five-star palaces and bijoux boutiques in Palma to rural properties and hidden gems along the coast. Quality is the name of the game, and the island’s hotel scene is world-class, with price tags to match. All the same, there’s something for everyone.
For more than two decades I’ve lived in the rugged northwest of the island, famed for its orange and lemon orchards and the imposing Tramuntana mountains, but I consider myself a hotel junkie. Here, I’ve whittled down a few of my favorite island hangouts for your own trip planning.
There are few havens more romantic and peaceful than the luxurious Can Simoneta, which hugs a clifftop overlooking the sea on the northeast coast. Guests reach the hotel via a showstopper avenue of olive trees that leads to a cascading fountain and sculpture by leading local artist, Joan Bennàssar. In fact, modern art is the hallmark of this contemporary sanctuary with its white-washed walls and understated neutral textiles and decor. The brainchild of renowned island architect, Antoni Esteva, the hotel comprises three refurbished stone buildings. I adore the rooms closest to the beach where the waves lull you to sleep. And if you’re a water babe, this is for you: there are also two swimming pools—one heated and one whirlpool tub flanked by cabanas.
Room scene: With the hotel’s private location away from the hubbub, you’ll sleep like a dream. You’ll be spoiled with large beds, fine linens, and L’Occitane en Provence deluxe toiletries in the bathroom. Pure bliss.
Restaurant report: Talented Mexican chef David Moreno crosses the culinary borders between Mexico and Majorca in a restaurant that shares the same name as the hotel. Dishes are mouth-wateringly spicy and zesty—just imagine a baked turbot with jalapeño and lime aioli.
Don’t miss: A sick elderly priest decamped here back in the 1900s hoping that the mineral-rich waters of the nearby rock pool to cure him. You can try it too—there’s a trail directly from the grounds. It might not prove to cure your ailments, but it’s a great way to relax.
Who should go: Romantics, nature lovers, and gourmets
Travelers often seek my advice about family-friendly hotels as many properties in Majorca remain adult-only. Spoiler: There are plenty of fantastic options. One of my top recommendations is Zafiro Palace Alcudia in the north, which offers all-inclusive deals, superlative service, and first-class facilities for kids and adults. What sells the hotel for me is its proximity to Alcudia’s golden beaches and its choice of pools, sports activities, and clubs for kids. (There’s also an adult-only pool and a superb spa.) Rooms are housed in tasteful low-rise modern blocks with large glass-fronted terraces that face the gardens.
Room scene: Frankly, the rooms are so inviting that they’d appeal to couples and families alike. Nothing is left to chance here. Useful amenities include a coffee machine, kettle, microwave, and iron and ironing board. Try to secure a room with a private swim-up pool or—better still—a rooftop suite with whirlpool and day beds.
Restaurant report: The four all-inclusive, à la carte restaurants offer good quality Japanese (Tastes & Sushi Bar Restaurant), Mediterranean (El Olivo Restaurant), Italian (El Pórtico Restaurant), and more, in addition to The Market for casual dining. Breakfast, with its myriad of hot and cold buffet options, is mind-blowingly good.
Don’t miss: The hotel has clubs for children of all ages, including teens. In addition to plentiful sports activities, there are local excursions, arts and crafts, and cooking classes, and film and disco nights. Local animal and bird sanctuaries also offer talks and “meet the animal” events.
Who should go: Families, couples, and adventurous groups
For unadulterated luxury, Sant Francesc Hotel Singular in Palma’s historic quarter ticks every box. The stylishly renovated 19th-century mansion is an aesthete’s dream (don’t miss the massive collections of modern artwork around the property) and features a wonderful restaurant and heavenly rooftop pool and bar. It’s located in one of my favorite Palma enclaves, right in front of the 13th-century Sant Francesc Basilica. The charming in-house team offers warm and personalized service—nothing is too much trouble. I pop by in the summer months for drinks with friends on the shady internal patio or rooftop terrace.
Room scene: The elegant rooms have gourmet minibars loaded with treats and extras, including a coffee machine, a waterproof bag for swimwear, and an ice bucket that’s replenished daily. Expect the softest Egyptian cotton sheets and an imaginative turndown service—every guest will come back to a surprise on their bed.
Restaurant report: A relaxed refuge with a private garden, Quadrat is housed in a former stable block. Chefs Àlvar Albaladejo and Carles Forteza serve up delicious Mediterranean fare with inspired vegetarian options such as roasted cabbage with hazelnut cream and samphire, and grilled spring onions with romescu sauce.
Don’t miss: Make time during your stay for a peek at the historic water cistern that was converted into the hotel’s gym.
Who should go: Luxury lovers, epicureans, and art aficionados
For anyone dreaming of being cocooned in a world of nature, luxury, and peace, book a stay at Son Bunyola. This private, historic estate is set in 1,300 acres of virgin forestland close to the sea. There’s an infinity pool and wellness center and plenty of nooks where you can curl up with a book, undisturbed. I like the relaxed and unstuffy ambiance, and how the staff call you by your first name.
Room scene: I’ve been lucky enough to stay in one of the two fairy-tale crenelated towers. Rooms are cozy and a minibar replenished daily with complimentary local drinks and snacks. I loved the yoga mats, complimentary espadrilles, and wicker basket with straw hats and pool towels.
Restaurant report: You can expect impeccable service and a laid-back ambiance at Sa Terrassa restaurant, which serves up mouth-watering plates such as grilled seabass with fennel and pine nut purée on a dreamy terrace. And don’t miss the unique antique gilt altar by the kitchen—a must-see.
Don’t miss: Staff will whizz you off to the secluded beach for a delicious picnic in a buggy, or you can hang out with the resident donkeys and have dinner a-deux on a romantic hilltop.
Who should go: Private types, nature enthusiasts, cyclists, and hikers
Chic Nakar Hotel is the best home base for shopping and sightseeing in Palma. Architect Magi Margués and designer Marga Rotger have created a slick and uncluttered environment geared to the modern traveler, just a few minutes’ stroll from the Old Town. The best way to enjoy the space is by digging into some cocktails and a DJ session on the romantic rooftop with its sundeck and splash pool.
Room scene: Technophiles will appreciate the state-of-the-art rooms, which offer mood lighting, sensors, Smart TVs with screen mirroring, and a safe for laptops that includes a charging socket.
Restaurant report: At Cuit, you can expect Mediterranean cuisine with a Majorcan twist, created by well-known island chef, Miguel Calent. Scrumptious dishes such as warm cod tartare with artichoke salad hit the spot on a balmy summer night.
Don’t miss: The hotel has a friendly and buzzy vibe yet it’s incredibly tranquil especially if you hide out in the relaxing subterranean spa which includes sauna, hammam, and heated pool.
Who should go: Urbanites and night owls
A paradise for gourmets, El Llorenç Parc de la Mar is located in the historic Calatrava zone of Palma where the sweeping views of the sea take center stage. Designer Magnus Ehrland has created a warm, contemporary ambiance that draws on the area’s Moorish heritage. With two restaurants, a fabulous spa with an infinity pool, and a roof terrace, it’s easy to see why this is such a sought-after spot.
Room scene: Rooms have a stylish, retro feel with Art Deco wall lights and parquet flooring, but you can expect touch-button technology here. There’s a Smart TV, underfloor heating, and complimentary concierge tablets in each room.
Restaurant report: You know you’re in safe hands with Michelin-starred chef, Santi Taura, at the helm of DINS restaurant. I’ve long been a fan of Taura’s phenomenally creative menus, which celebrate the flavors and traditions of Majorcan cuisine. His seasonal tasting menu includes signature dishes such as rock fish pie, and black pork with yellow belly grouper. There’s also relaxed Urbà, which offers cosmopolitan cuisine. Do book ahead as this is a popular spot.
Don’t miss: There’s a wow-factor piece of history in the kitchen: diners are welcome to check out an original 11th-century Arabic oven discovered during excavations on the site.
Who should go: Foodies, design devotees, and the city set