Luxury Majorca hotels for a fabulous combination of sun, sea and sophistication

Five-star rural retreat Son Brull Hotel & Spa lies in a secluded spot in the northern foothills of Majorca’s Tramuntana mountains. Tucked away in an elevated position, south of the village of Pollença, this former Jesuit monastery offers a unique slice of peace, privacy and tranquillity away from the busy coast.

Its 23 stunning rooms and suites combine modern chic with 12th-century architecture—think high ceilings and exposed beams pitted against minimalist furniture and modern art (ask for the Junior Suite which has views of the valley). Many rooms look out over the local vineyards and olive groves, and two new villa suites in the gardens boast their own private pools.

The decadent spa complex has wow factor and evokes a real sense of calm—try a restorative massage with local essential oils, start your day with a yoga session, or a wake up with a swim in the infinity pool against the mountain backdrop. By night, there’s a choice of formal dining at the hotel’s award-winning, organic, Restaurant 365, or fusion tapas and creative cocktails in the bistro, housed in an old olive mill.

Tucked away on a private peninsula and nature reserve surveying the Bay of Palma, Hotel Cap Rocat makes for unique luxury, boutique stay. If it’s escapism you’re after, then this former military base is ideal—it’s a 25-minute drive to the nearest town and its isolated location means you’ll need binoculars to locate the next property.

The imposing building—a National Monument—blends effortlessly into the landscape and has been meticulously restored. The fortress retains most of its original features and it’s hard not to be wowed by the grand stone bridge, the Moorish citadel walls and the cliffside infinity pool. The interior is dominated by sandy natural stone, marble and timber and there are vaults, watchtowers and secret nooks to explore.

The 26 suites and rooms are spread through the grounds, all with spectacular views to the sea and the surrounding rural landscape. Each has a private terrace, views over the Med’ and selected suites have private plunge pools. A 24-hour gym, private cinema and spa with seawater pool and Hammam means there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Amble down the steep, winding path, to the private beach below the hotel, to experience total seclusion.

Palma, Majorca’s capital city, is a gorgeous melting pot of cultures and architectural styles. From cobbled streets and grand squares to the impressive Gothic Santa María cathedral, this pint-sized city may be small but it’s packed with personality. Occupying a prime position on the high-end Avenue Jaume III, Nakar Hotel is edgy, cool and boasts the city’s first rooftop pool. The décor is all clean lines, tech fixes and neutral tones – we love the copper lamps – and all the rooms are soundproof (genius!).

The ninth-floor infinity pool is the place to kick back and watch the city at work below and when the sun goes down grab a Mojito, a lounger and settle in for a rooftop DJ set. One floor below, the CUIT Bar and Restaurant has glorious views of the cathedral, Bellver Castle and the glistening waters of the Bay of Palma.

With its idyllic rural interior, a spine of surprisingly challenging mountains and 200 plus beaches, Majorca has a deserved reputation as a sun-splashed adventure playground. Active travellers will love the serene Son Julia Country House, where there are plentiful ways to raise your heart rate.

In the vast, 30-acre grounds of this grand, restored, former mansion there are tennis courts, a private gym and three pools, including a 25-metre-long lap pool where swimmers can work on their stroke. Two 18-hole golf courses just are just five minutes away near the historic village of Llucmajor.

The hotel’s elegant rooms are light-filled and luxurious, with marble floors, king-sized beds and bathrooms well-stocked with sumptuous Gilchrist & Soames bath products. Las Bovedas Restaurant serves a Mediterranean menu with an Asian twist, using produce ‘fresh from the market’ and grown in the hotel’s gardens—take Prawn dim sum with purple cabbage and Iberian pancetta.

For a dose of California in the Med, look no further than Bikini Island & Mountain Hotel in the stunning Port de Sóller. With 360 views of the twinkling bay and the Tramuntana mountains, the hotel’s ‘Gypset’ style is inspired by San Francisco’s 60s hippie movement. Here, the emphasis is on relaxation and luxury fun and there are plenty of ways to do it; there’s a large, garden pool surrounded by palms and a huge peace sign, an exclusive organic spa in the tranquil gardens and a rooftop fitness area with views over the sea.

In the rooms, you’ll find an energising abundance of macramé light shades, wicker chairs, huge wall mirrors, colourful textiles, cool trinkets and incense sticks. At Bikini, it’s the little touches that set the hotel apart – the rooms come with gorgeous beach bags by hot Barcelona designer WOUF, guests can borrow a convertible Mercedes free of charge for the day and there’s a grand piano in the Donkey Bar for musically gifted guests.

Cas Xorc lies at the top of a hill and at the end of a rugged, twisting, lumpy track, deep in the Majorcan countryside. Surrounded by dense, shady forest and set in serene grounds, this restored 18th-century olive mill is so secluded that once you’ve arrived, you’ll find it hard to leave. The finca’s décor marries traditional Majorcan charm with rustic charm – think bright pentagonal tiles and patchwork throws.

A wander through the grounds takes you on a magical tour of shady terraces and steep winding paths. Amble through bright floral displays, up sandy steps and to viewpoints that stop you in your tracks to overlook the valley below, or the west coast villages and the sea in the distance. Just beyond the immaculate lemon grove is an infinity pool that dives out into valley below; a pool-side sundowner here is a special experience. Inside the cool interior there’s a reading room, honesty bar and the hotel’s restaurant serving ‘unfussy’ Mediterranean cuisine based on the abundance of regional produce, much of it organic. From oranges, lemons and almonds, to the homemade olive oil and fish and shrimp from the Sóller Bay, much of the menu is sourced from the doorstep! Sea bass with white wine saffron sauce, green asparagus and clams just about sums it up.

Eastern Majorca is a slice of the island that remains largely undiscovered. With a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age and a refreshing mellow vibe, the region is a real hidden gem. Set in lush countryside, near the quaint village of Capdepera, luxury hotel Predi Son Jaumell has its own a 400-year-old backstory. Beautifully refurbished and transformed, this former estate is a haven of peace and calm. Here, whitewashed walls contrast with centuries-old stone and chalky-blue shutters add a splash of modern cool. In the main house and former outbuildings, there are 24 rooms and suites that make a play on the estate’s past – in room 3, a former pigsty, the hooks used to weigh the beasts remain firmly in the walls.

In the expansive ancient grounds, there are Bronze Age caves, a chapel, vineyard and an infinity pool edged by pristine, white loungers and canopied day beds. The star attraction though is the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, where ex El-Bulli chef Andreau Genestra serves two inspired tasting menus – the five-course ‘Cuina de la Terra’ or the eight-course ‘Sensaciones.’ Senzill Restaurant is a less formal affair serving grilled meat and fish under a lush pergola in the gardens; suckling pig with pears and bananas split with ice cream both feature on the menu. Away from the hotel, there’s a direct path leading to the beach at Cala Agulla (20-minutes walk) and the 14th-century castle fortress of Castell de Capdepera is within sight.