Mallorca Deluxe! The best tips on the Balearic island
Fine dining, elegant hideaways and unspoilt nature - discover Mallorca at its most luxurious.
29 June 2021
Powdered sugar beaches, elegant hideaways, unspoiled nature and numerous sports facilities: Mallorca, often stepbrotherly overlooked in favour of the sister islands, also convinces away from the well-known party miles with hotel secret tips for discerning travellers looking for a time-out in the Balearic island paradise. We have the most beautiful and luxurious addresses on Mallorca!
Castell Son Claret
The spacious estate offers 132 hectares of land and one thing above all: privacy. Formerly a castle complex, the hotel offers luxurious suites. Private pool, terrace or garden - each of the rooms offers an oasis of peace where guests can relax undisturbed. A bottle of cava and homemade lemonade is served as a welcome drink. The culinary highlight is the gourmet restaurant "Olivera". Here, chef Pep Forteza enchants with traditional but modern Mediterranean cuisine. Bread from the hotel's own bakery and more than 600 wines perfectly round off the culinary delights on offer. Wellness is not neglected in the luxury hotel: in addition to the signature treatments in the beautiful garden or in the traditional hammam, the hotel also focuses on yoga for physical and mental health. At the tennis court and in the fitness room, a personal trainer is on hand to offer advice and assistance, but the surrounding area also wants to be explored in a sporty way: The location at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains (Unesco World Heritage!) is perfect for excursions by bike - which you can rent at the hotel - or for hiking. Breathtaking views are guaranteed here!
Tips
Exploration
With the ex-cycling professional Guido Eickelbeck you can get to know the island in an environmentally friendly way by bike.
Cocktails with style
The "Castell Bar" is located in the former coachman's house of the castle and serves an excellent selection of whiskies.
"Castell" for a day
If you can't stay long, it's best to book the day spa offer - comfortable loungers by the pool, good food and relaxing treatments included.
Castell Son Claret
Carretera Es Capdellà, km 1.7, 07196 Es Capdellà, Calvià, Mallorca
Double room from € 264,- per night, bookable via strawbeck-travel.com.
Es Racó D' Artà
Not far from the centre of Artà, Es Racó D'Artà opened in 2020 - perfectly combining a finca feel with excellent wellness. Golf lovers will enjoy several 18-hole championship golf courses just a few minutes' drive away. Surrounded by vineyards, 1200 olive trees and 200 fruit trees, the 29 rooms and "casitas", small cottages with partly private pools, nestle wonderfully into the landscape on the edge of the Llevant National Park. The garden provides guests with fresh, self-harvested produce and the kitchen is dominated by seasonal slow food. The chefs take care to ensure that produce is locally sourced and freshly processed. The spa area boasts indoor and outdoor pools, a Jacuzzi and its own meditation area. In addition to traditional massages, Watsu (gentle shiatsu treatments in water) is also offered here. The beauty products are sustainably produced on Mallorca and chemical-free, and the energy supply is also based on renewable sources. With its cosy, elegant flair and peaceful location, 'Es Racó' offers an ideal retreat from the stresses of everyday life in the midst of Mallorca's nature. This is what idyll in the green looks like!
Tips
Cave Trip
If it's very hot, we recommend a visit to the stalactite caves of Artà. These were the setting for the famous Jules Verne novel 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth'.
On Horseback
Not far from "Es Racó" horse lovers will find a riding stable for riding lessons and excursions by horse.
Discover nature
A must-go: hiking with views of the coast in the Llevant National Park.
Es Racó D' Artà
Camí des Racó. Ctra. de Cala Mitjana km 1.5, 07570 Artà, Mallorca
Double room from € 450,- per night, bookable via strawbeck-travel.com.
Hotel Son Mas
Already an eye-catcher from afar: strikingly furnished with a 17th century watchtower, the "Hotel Son Mas" awaits its guests near the sweet little town of Porto Cristo. Not only the historic watchtower has been preserved, but also a mill and the vault. When you enter the "Son Mas", you are immediately surrounded by the atmospheric peace that the rooms radiate. On hot days, guests can swim laps in the outdoor pool, and if it's too chilly, they can relax in the indoor pool or whirlpool. The spacious suites combine classic elegance with modern design elements, and each has a terrace from which to enjoy the unique views over Mallorca's rolling hills. Guests enjoy summer meals on the veranda or terrace - the perfect wine pairing, with a selection of Spanish wines, comes from the hotel's own wine cellar.
Tips
Discount
Three of the best golf courses in Mallorca can be reached in 15 minutes from the hotel.
Underground
Porto Cristo's 'Cuevas del Drach' dragon caves are just a few minutes away and are home to the largest underground lake in Europe. A truly spectacular excursion!
Hotel Son Mas
Aptdo correos 346, 07680 Porto Cristo, Mallorca
Double room from € 332,- per night, bookable via strawbeck-travel.com.
Pleta de Mar
The Pleta de Mar is idyllically located in the east of Mallorca, with views over the coastline and palm gardens. The resort's adults-only orientation promises undisturbed togetherness. The property's 30 suites are bright, minimalist and tastefully decorated, and feature every comfort. The Grand Suite also scores with stunning views over the sea and pool. Guests can stroll to Sa Cova dels Albaradans Bay via a private access point, where they can enjoy the sun and the sound of the sea. Two infinity pools and a wide range of spa treatments complete the offer. From a culinary point of view, the "Sa Pleta by Marc Fosh" enchants with modern Mediterranean dishes and fresh food from the wood-fired grill. The hotel's own motorboat can also be used to organise excursions out to sea.
Tips
Discount
700 metres from the resort, a tennis court awaits the perfect match ball. Bookable via the hotel.
Ayurveda
The spa offers a variety of top-level Ayurvedic treatments, from an Abhyanga massage to a Pinda Sveda massage.
Pleta de Mar
Via de les Cales, 23, 07580 Capdepera, Mallorca
Double room from € 380,- per night, bookable via strawbeck-travel.com.
The Mallorca Top Tips
Mercat de l'Olivar
A must-visit to buy fresh local produce.
mercatolivar.com.
Colón
Finest Mediterranean dishes and Austrian (!) desserts.
restaurante-colon.com
Sa Llotja
Best fish and seafood in a pleasant atmosphere.
sallotjacalador.com.
Restaurante Bacco
Cool music, excellent food and excellent wine.
Cala sa Nau
One of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Unspoilt nature and kiosk with cocktails!
calasanau.com.
Strohbeck Travel
strawbeck-travel.com
Laustraße 88, 70597 Stuttgart, Germany
T: +49 711 9334280
This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Summer 2021.