The biggest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca hosts a clutch
of luxury villas, beach boutique hotels and relaxing stays in cosmopolitan
Palma, nestled in its hills and along the coast.
Mallorca’s luxury villas and boutique hotels vary almost as
much as the island itself: there are hip, minimal fincas, traditional
townhouses and mountain retreats aplenty. Palma is the island’s self-assured
capital, where yachts and cocktails cohabit happily with ancient winding
streets beneath the towering, pink-hued Gothic cathedral. Escape the 21st
century on the dramatic north coast or among the Serra de Tramuntana mountains;
and head to the hilltop village of Deià for its literary credentials and
insouciant elegance.
These are our favourite Mr & Mrs Smith handpicked villas and hotels
Finca-style villa Sa Terra Rotja is on a private estate with
panoramic views over the ocean and a pebble beach a stone’s skim away. Inside,
there are nods to traditional Mallorcan style, with exposed ceiling-beams,
light colours on walls, terracotta-tiled floors, but with modern furnishings
and decor. Outside, there’s a saltwater pool, tennis court, and a sea-view
terrace to lounge on. Stays at this family-friendly villa include full-board
dining, and there’s an on-site concierge to map out your holiday entertainment.
Luxury stay Villa Infinitum is a high-tech hideaway with
180-degree views of Port d’Andratx and the surrounding hills. Pretty much
everything within this thoroughly modern, high-tech hideaway can be digitally
controlled. The roof terrace is set for sunbathing; after dark it’s a dramatic
spot for leisurely evening meals prepared by a Marc Fosh-trained chef, and
sipping cocktails of the shaken-or-stirred varieties. Work off indulgent meals
in one of the villa's three private pools – the first an infinity with views of
the bay, the second a rooftop plunge pool, and the third, an indoor pool with a
continuous a lap setting – and gym; then enjoy a well-earnt session in the
sauna or the villa's treatment room – massages are just a phone call away…
Set in 130 hectares of beautifully maintained gardens,
luxury villa Son Serra is an opulent private estate with views of both the
Tramuntana and Levante mountain ranges and the sea. Spacious and stylish, the
mansion sleeps up to eight guests comfortably in large bedrooms, each with
their own sitting area and ensuite bathroom. Outside, an inviting pool
overlooks a breath-taking country panorama, and there's a shaded lounging area
to the side. The villa's just four kilometres from the stretch of shore at Son
Serra de Marina, and it's perfectly pitched for holidays where privacy, peace
and quiet are top of the agenda.
Make love not war at Cap Rocat’s former military fort,
hidden on a cliff in a peaceful pocket of Palma bay. More heritage site than
hotel, the fort’s defensive paraphernalia (drawbridge, bunkers, trenches)
provide a dramatic setting for pared-down boutique bedrooms, a dazzling
infinity pool and two tempting restaurants. Borrow some rackets and balls and
try out the clay tennis courts. The hotel provides snorkelling equipment, so
you can explore the marine reserve. There’s a stash of mountain bikes for
guests to wheel around on (ask staff for suggested routes). Cap Rocat also has
a list of individually priced activities and experiences, including golf,
sailing, deep-sea fishing, diving, horse riding, pilates, yoga, helicopter or
boat charters and guided visits to local street markets, private villas or
cultural hotspots. The fortress’ former kitchen is now used for private dining
and cookery classes. Have a culinary lesson with chef Victor García; whip up a
three-course meal then sit down to enjoy it over wine and coffee (€150 a
person, plus tax). Palma is a 15-minute drive away – browse the boutiques for
beachwear, have a wave-side lunch and finish off with cocktails in one of the
glitzy bars.
Son Brull combines urban chic with Mediterranean comfort:
it's a place to chill out, to warm up, to be welcomed in style. Located near
Pollença, at the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana, the hotel is in an
historic building whose restoration has honoured its architectural features
while converting it into a modern, design-oriented luxury hotel. Son Brull sits
at the bottom of a hill called Puig de Maria: a walk to the top gives you stunning
views of the countryside from the ruins of an old monastery. Guests at the
hotel get between 15 and 20 per cent off at the local golf course. Before a
visit to the beautiful bay of Cala Sant Vicent, which is about a 10-minute car
drive away, book sun-loungers at reception. There’s a market in Pollença old
town on Sundays. Cala Sant Vicenç offers different beaches (sandy and rocky),
Puerto Pollença and Puerto Alcudia offer long sandy beaches.
Luxury stay Hotel Pleta de Mar has all you need for a break
in the Balearics. Get wrapped up in the spa and spend your days hopping between
the three pools. Watch the sunrise from the ocean-facing infinity pool, then
move to the heated spa pool – perhaps stopping for a facial along the way. When
the midday heat hits, head inside to the bamboo-bedecked bar, gradually moving
with your tipples to the outdoor terrace as the hours drift lazily by. Come
dinner, pair a glass, or bottle, of local wine with a grilled fish-dish in the
authentic Mallorcan eatery. The next day, skip back to the beginning, and put
your perfect day on repeat…
Hit one of the golden-sand beaches along the Mallorcan
coastline – Cala Millor and Cala Torta are popular choices. For a more
exclusive look at Mallorca’s coastline, board the hotel’s speedboat and sail
the shores in style. From headlands to holes-in-one: the hotel is within easy
reach of four golfing greens; Canyamel Golf, Pula Golf, Golf de Capdepera and
Club de Golf de Son Servera. Alternatively, grab your racket (or hire one from
reception) and head to the nearby tennis courts, just 700 metres from the
hotel. Check out the hotel’s sister properties Can Simoneta, Font Santa Hotel and Convent de la Missió, where you’ll get direct access to the sea,
Michelin-starred restaurant and a stellar spa, respectively.
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