Palma de Mallorca hotels

The first thing that struck me about Portella, a discreet stay among the top boutique hotels in Palma de Mallorca, is that there was no hotel sign at the imposing wooden door. Once inside, a splendid courtyard – the centrepiece of the 17th-century property – greeted me with a calming presence.

Adjacent to the ancient Arab Baths, this hotel, the former home of a local artist, features a minimalist aesthetic with eclectic flourishes. My happy place was the kitchen/library, with comfortable seating and personalised breakfasts served until an indulgent 1 pm. A private chef is also on hand to prepare lunch or dinner.

Rooms dressed in terracotta flooring and bespoke vintage wares were most welcoming. I enjoyed staying in a suite with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the courtyard and street. Located near the city's main attractions, I appreciated relaxing in the tiny Hamman and taking leisurely breaks on the rooftop terrace.

On a stately square across from the 13th-century Basilica de Sant Francesc, the historic facade of the Sant Francesc Hotel Singular is a world away from the stony interiors. One of the best hotels in Palma de Mallorca, the slick design inside makes it look more like a New York penthouse than a 19th-century manor, save for the original stonework, mouldings and frescos in the lobby and courtyard.

In the basement, the 24-hour gym has an unusual motivational feature: a disco ball overhead. Nearby, treatment rooms are available for guests in need of pampering. I'd recommend the Mediterranean Sensation, a 90-minute massage using grapeseed and lavender oils.

The property's restaurant, Quadrant, serves superb local cuisine in the stables. But my favourite spot is the sprawling rooftop terrace, where you’ll find me sunning on the smart grey loungers and sipping a Dear Summer, a delicious blend of vodka, orange, herbs, and ginger.

El Llorenc Parc de la Mar, an adults-only retreat, combines understated elegance with a hint of Arabic influence. Located in La Calatrava, Palma's oldest quarter, this 33-room hotel has detailed amenities that truly set it apart, making it one of the best hotels in Palma de Mallorca.

The tri-level rooftop terrace offers stunning sea views, Balinese beds, and light bites, while guests can enjoy seasonal international cuisine at the on-site restaurant, Urba.

But for travellers seeking a culinary adventure, book the chef's table at Michelin-starred DINS, where chef Santi Taura presents the 11-course tasting menu Origens – a whimsical take on traditional Mallorcan dishes. The C Wellness Studio is well equipped with one of my go-to Spanish products, Natura Bissé, and bedrooms designed for ultimate comfort complete the multi-sensory experience.

Tucked away at the heel of the Tramuntana Mountains, a 20-minute drive from Palma, Grand Hotel Son Net embodies the elegance of a 17th-century manor house restored to its former glory.

The expansive grounds are equally impressive, featuring a luxurious pool area and gardens brimming with indigenous plants and vegetation. The newest addition is a striking spa with a vaulted, red-tiled circuit pool, where I suggest a bespoke healing treatment to soothe tired muscles.

The 31 uniquely designed suites evoke a fairytale feel that carries on into the hotel's common areas, including the plush Green Bar and the bi-level Mar & Duix restaurant, which offers locally sourced cuisine and evening entertainment. This memorable property, showcasing a harmonious fusion of multiple period designs, stands out as one of the best hotels in Palma de Mallorca.

Can Bordoy Grand House and Garden is a beautifully restored 16th-century mansion in Palma's historic La Lonja neighbourhood. The 24-suite hotel, reimagined as an intimate homestyle space, exudes modern sophistication and vintage charm. Suites are spacious and sophisticated, with a touch of Art Deco detailing.

The hotel's spa, backdropped by 12th-century walls, offers a water therapy shower experience I urge you to try. Or, if the weather’s warm, head outside to the secluded garden and enjoy a massage treatment under a verdant pergola.

Among the best hotels in Palma de Mallorca, mealtimes are equally refined, with options ranging from wholesome all-day breakfasts to rooftop nibbles paired with cocktails by the plunge pool. The Botanic restaurant highlights regional vegetables as the centrepiece of its dishes, with meat and fish playing secondary roles.

With its sweeping views of the Bay of Palma, Castillo Hotel Son Vida is one of the best hotels in Palma de Mallorca for adults. This castle-inspired property is surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens, providing an atmosphere of serene elegance.

The grand entrance greets guests with a winding staircase and a stunning glass dome ceiling, setting the tone for a romantic getaway. The hotel's plush amenities cater perfectly to couples seeking a refined holiday experience.

Notable services and amenities I enjoyed included the glass-walled Es Castell restaurant, which offers a fusion of Spanish and international cuisine and breathtaking bay views. Of the 164 rooms, the best come with private terraces, and wellness-minded travellers like myself are spoilt for choice with two pools, a deluxe spa, and convenient access to a golf course and tennis court.

A skip and a jump from Placa Major, this onetime 18th-century monastery turned posh, 5-star property is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Palma de Mallorca. The lobby space, a vision in white, and the vaulted ceiling Art Bar provides an ambient space for unwinding and socialising.

After long hours of exploring, I found that the spa zone, where the crypt once existed, hit all the right spots with a bookable whirlpool and waterbeds.

The expansive rooftop terrace and stark, elegant rooms were also a plus, though the most notable service for me was the eponymous Marc Fosh restaurant, helmed by the top British-born chef in town. The cuisine, inspired by the bounty of the Balearic Islands, has three menus offering six to ten courses. For an overall sampling, I suggest the lunch menu, which changes weekly depending on the fresh, local ingredients available.

Boutique Hotel Cort sits in Placa de Cort, the historic home of the city's 17th-century town hall. The neutral tones and patterned textiles on furnishings and walls create a welcoming, homey feel. Like many island hotels, guests can enjoy a rooftop terrace with a plunge pool and snack bar offerings.

Unlike neighbouring hotels, this one has an Island Suite, a roomy duplex complete with a private hot tub terrace. I spent my evenings here, Cava in hand, watching the day disappear into the night.

Among the best hotels in Palma de Mallorca, the property is a convenient 10-minute stroll from top landmarks like the Almudaina Palace, and five minutes more lands you at the closest beach, Can Pere Antoni. When not out and about, take a break at the hotel's Altillo, a bookable private space with a personal bar that I reserved for quiet moments.

A few minutes from the fashionable Paseo del Borne, the 16th-century Hotel Gloria de Sant Jaume is one of the best hotels in Palma de Mallorca due to its seamless restoration.

The hotel is a romantic dream of renovated tiles, arches, and bannisters updated with modern dashes. Patio de Gloria, the wood-beamed restaurant, serves seasonal Mediterranean cuisine. For a local experience, start with homemade croquetas with various fillings and end with a plate of regional cheeses and fig bread.

Each of the 14 bedrooms continues the relaxed, vintage vibe, with all of them unique in style and equipped with king-sized beds. While I slept peacefully, my preferred spots for relaxation were the rooftop terrace, which had majestic views of the Old Town, and the cellar spa. The latter offers a long hydromassage pool surrounded by exposed sandstone. I highly recommend booking a private yoga session in this serene space.

Retro in feel with more than a hint of glam, the 32-room Hotel Cappuccino is a mishmash of multi-cultural delights. The hotel's bold decor, full of prints and colour, is reminiscent of a chic Paris-meets-Mallorca residence.

Considered one of the best hotels in Palma de Mallorca for design lovers, the rooftop pool area is dotted with red candy-striped parasols that scream Italian Riviera circa 1950, while the Grand Cafe, with its French bistro styling, serves great pasta dishes and some of the best sushi in town.

In contrast, rooms are a white canvas with complementing patterns and hues. But if you love a chintzy mix of design themes, I suggest the Junior Suite for its blend of Mallorquin and Middle Eastern elements. Minutes from La Seu Cathedral, services range from a private movie theatre and organic spa treatments to a bar serving classic cocktails (try my favourite, the Peruvian pisco sour).