Mallorca luxury holidays away from the crowds
Published 01 September 2019
Luxury holidays to Mallorca that offer tranquility
“From the window of the aeroplane, the largest of the Balearic islands, Mallorca, is a floating gem in the Balearic sea. Dipping lower across the sky, the early morning light hits the mountain chain that caps the north-western coast. The aeroplane curves around past Port de Pollença and strikes across the heart of the island above the patchwork fields to eventually touch down in the island’s capital, Palma. This is my first visit to the island and I’m already in love with the scenery before I’ve even set foot outside the plane.
Mallorca is an island of many faces. The capital offers a beautiful historic quarter with Moorish royal palace, 13th century cathedral, and a lively night-scene. To the west, predominantly larger resorts cater to the masses. To the north, the Tramuntana mountains hide charming rural retreats amidst the winding roads, and the town of Deia perches between the cliffs and the sea beyond. Meanwhile the north-east point attracts visitors from all over the world for the long Formentor beach and stylish Port de Pollença. However, it is the south and east of the island which hold the promise of a tranquil haven away from the bustle of the north. Our three sister hotels here have a special charm and offer an experience of authentic five-star luxury for over-18s.”
Hotel Can Simoneta, Canyamel
Can Simoneta sits on the clifftop to the south of the small town of Canyamel and provides guests with a perfect balance of rusticity and luxury. The views from here are stunning, with a wide grassy lawn dropping away to the sparkling blue sea beyond. The hotel is comprised of three buildings; two of which, the historic main building and the secondary house, sit on the clifftop. The Beach House is located about a 10-minute walk away, along a shady garden path, and provides accommodation just 14m from the town’s sandy beach. Rooms are decorated in a soft, natural palette and most feature their own private terrace or reserved “chill-out” area with sunbeds. Some also have hot tubs. My favourite feature here is the winding staircase that is cut directly into the cliff, down which guests can enjoy direct access to the clear blue water below. Canyamel itself is popular with tennis and golfing enthusiasts, while nearby towns also offer a wide selection of dining options. This is the perfect hotel for a romantic and relaxing break enjoying clifftop walks, indulgent treatments in the wellness centre, and evening cocktails under the stars. Prices from £1,750 per person for 7 nights’ accommodation, flights, and hire car.
Hotel Pleta de Mar, Canyamel
A stone’s throw from Can Simoneta, I stayed at the gorgeous Pleta de Mar. This is the newest of the hotels, only opened in 2017. The resort focuses on integration with the natural surroundings and promises elegance and comfort in perfect harmony with the backdrop of pine, wild olive trees, and sea. The suite-only accommodation is spacious and airy, with feature lighting, original artworks by Mallorcan artists, and all the modern comforts. Every guest at the hotel can enjoy their own patio or garden area or choose to relax at the stunning seafront infinity pool, the spacious main pool, or the heated spa pool. There is also a small natural cove that can only be reached directly from the hotel’s grounds, and even the gym facilities are outside amidst the trees. Enjoying an espresso on my patio as a colourful hoopoe flitted from the trees just metres away was a perfect way to start the day. As evening falls, guests congregate towards the Foc Asador de Mar restaurant. Dinner is often preceded by an aperitif; during my stay, guests were invited to a tasting of local wines. The restaurant works with traditional open-fire cooking and offers heavenly local meat and fish dishes, whilst guests enjoy the view across the illuminated pool through the trees to the starlit sea beyond. There is a sense of calm and clarity infused into every stay here, long or short, and I would recommend the Pleta de Mar to anyone looking for an exclusive hotel stay unlike any other in a beautiful location by the sea. Prices from £1,690 per person for 7 nights’ accommodation, flights, and hire car.
Fontsanta, Colònia de Sant Jordi
The third sister in this family of hotels is perhaps the most unique of the trio, built as it is around the only natural thermal springs on the island. The Fontsanta attracts guests from around the world looking for a therapeutic holiday for body and mind in a beautiful setting. The spa facilities are extensive and friendly staff are on hand to advise guests on the best way to make use of the circuit. The main thermal pool is equipped with underwater jets, cascade, and current, whilst double and single thermal baths offer guests privacy to relax in peace and quiet. The spa also has a thermal jacuzzi and thermal vaporarium as well as the traditional sauna, Turkish bath, ice fountain, and sensation showers. Guests are invited to relax on the waterbeds or in the solarium after their circuit. Treatments here are complemented by the A Preasure restaurant, which serves healthy gastronomic innovations that use fresh ingredients from local markets. The spacious grounds at Fontsanta also enclose two large swimming pools, as well as various hot tubs and sun-loungers that are scattered around the gardens, offering cosy nooks to read and sunbathe. The southern part of the island is much flatter than elsewhere, and guests can look out from the spacious hotel grounds across the salt-flats beyond. Around 4km away you will find the long sandy beach of Es Trenc, which can be easily accessed by car or with bikes from the hotel; and, within 6km of the hotel, the local town of Colònia de Sant Jordi offers further dining options. Thanks to the heated waters, Fontsanta has a long opening season, staying open from late February through to the end of November. Guests staying outside the main summer season are likely to see the beautiful flocks of greater flamingos that call this region home. The Fontsanta is a luxurious spa destination that works well as a single-centre retreat or for a few nights to pair with another destination on the island. Prices from £1,750 per person for 7 nights’ accommodation, flights, and hire car.
