Mallorca Hotels   Book now >>

Read's Hotel. Occupying part of an 18th-century house in the countryside, on a 10-acre finca, is this exclusive rural retreat. It has excellent amenities, spacious rooms, large gardens, and a superb restaurant - with an English chef, Marc Fosh, who is considered one of the best in Spain. The soaring dining room has 17th-century-style murals. The hotel is a 15-min drive from Palma. Facilities: Restaurant, tennis court, 2 pools (1 indoor), hot tub, sauna, bicycles, horseback riding, bar, library and meeting rooms.

Son Vida. On a hillside outside Palma, this hotel still contains sections of the 13th-century castle it was built around. The antique furniture of the public rooms is typical of the old-style decoration here. Most rooms have panoramic views of Palma Bay, to the south; a few overlook the service area and hillside but, to compensate, are double the size of the others. Facilities: 2 restaurants, 18-hole golf course, 4 tennis courts, 3 pools (1 indoor), hair salon, health club, 2 bars, library and playground.

Son Caliu. Its grande-dame comfort, service, and style, and its location on a quiet, private beach makes this hotel a fine spot to unwind. Golfers love it, as there are five courses within a half-hour drive. The hotel is 15 km west of Palma, and ideally placed for touring northwestern Majorca. Facilities: Restaurant, tennis court, 2 pools (1 indoor), hair salon, sauna and a bar.

San Lorenzo. This tiny place is a gem, and you're lucky if you can get a room. It's built into an aristocratic Majorcan town house, but the rooms are completely modern: exposed wood beams; watermarked silks in pastel blues, greens, and yellows; and traditional furniture. The suites have terraces and working fireplaces. Book a month in advance for summer stays. Facilities: Cafe, minibars, pool and a bar.

Palau Sa Font. Warm Mediterranean tones and crisp and clean lines imbue this boutique hotel with an avant-garde sensibility unmatched in Palma. In this former 16th-century Episcopal palace are ample rooms with linen curtains and plump comforters. A hearty complimentary breakfast is served in a small dining room. From the tower, complete with terrace, you'll get 360-degree views of Palma's old quarter. Facilities: Dining room, mini-barsand a bar.