Offering everything from an internationally renowned club scene to serene hidden hideaways and picture-perfect villas, this collection of Spanish islands have enduring popularity. Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza draw tourists in their droves along with celebrity glitterati; Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Claudia Schiffer, Annie Lenox, Sir Richard Branson, Rafael Nadal and Sir Elton John all have second homes in the Balearics. Families and groups of friends can enjoy a slice of Spanish island living when staying at one of these large luxury private villas.
Majorca
Villa Palma Bay
This uber-modern, open-plan three-storey home from home is found in the island’s charming capital city of Palma, overlooking its sparkling bay. A glass frontage opens out onto the saltwater pool and a completely private terrace. Inside, the villa sleeps eight across three bedrooms, with expansive living space. For an extra fee, guests here can have their own chef, a food shopping service and a masseuse.
Villa Vista Bahia
With its own alfresco chill-out bar, sofa, hot tub and media system, this five-bedroom property is ideal for those groups wishing to spend evenings socialising together. There’s also a gym, sauna, table football, table tennis, an X-Box, a Roman-style swimming pool, an optional private chef and chauffeur. Set high on a residential hillside in Portal Nous close to the exclusive marina, it’s far away from the tourist areas yet enjoys magnificent panoramic sea views.
Villa Canacati
A short walk from the pretty town of Pollensa, Villa Canacati has been designed in a rustic, yet extremely luxurious, farmhouse style. The inland property is a short drive to fine beaches and provides six bedrooms, five bathrooms and a games room. A heated infinity pool is complemented by a contemporary aluminium veranda, a sleek four-poster day bed, comfy loungers and a timber-framed outdoor kitchen (there’s also an internal kitchen found on the ground floor).
Villa Es Bosqueres
If you like to be surrounded by the countryside, choose Villa Es Bosqueres in the north. There are retro and computer games, an outdoor jacuzzi, a saltwater infinity pool, a swing chair for relaxing on the terrace and the peaceful rolling vistas of this agricultural area. Covered seating and dining areas with a built-in-barbecue are perfect for shaded long lunch gatherings. This villa sleeps eight across its four bedrooms.
Looking for a luxury hotels in Majorca?
Menorca
Villa Maitreya
Contemporary meets traditional design in this holiday home found in Menorca’s Son Bou. The local beach is a short stroll away (the blue ocean can be seen from Villa Maitreya), but the property’s guests have their own sun terrace and a freeform pool with a whirlpool section. Six en-suite bedrooms (one with a jacuzzi bath) receive a daily maid service as well as a welcome pack containing bathrobes and slippers.
Villa del Mar
Also in Son Bou, Villa del Mar caters for eight guests across two floors. Inside there are two double bedrooms (one proffering fantastic views from the upper terrace directly outside) and two twin rooms. Outside there’s a covered barbecue and eating area, a pool with coastal views and loungers facing out to the ocean. The resort centre and beach can be accessed on foot and the airport is 30 minutes away by car.
Villa Paradise
The five en-suite bedrooms in Villa Paradise are all found on the two lower levels behind the pool area, while the upper section is given over to the lounge, kitchen diner and a huge outdoor terrace. Interiors are decorated in a base colour palette of white with swathes of bold bright block colours like electric blue, hot pink and burnt orange. The design here takes on a nautical theme in places, notably the kitchen. Just five minutes walk from Son Bou’s largest beach, Paradise is an ideal spot for those wanting privacy, yet with proximity to public amenities.
Looking for a luxury hotels in Menorca?
Ibiza
Villa Ca’n Llosas de Dal’t
Hints of a more traditional Ibiza are found in this characterful house close to the village of San Carlos. Alongside the four bedrooms on the ground floor, this villa has the unique benefit of an entirely self-contained one-bedroom apartment with its own kitchen and lounge – located beneath the main house. Beside this is a spa room replete with a sauna, shower and moodily lit stone hot tub.
Villa Oasis
Oasis’ private tennis court is ideal for those wishing to brush up their racquet skills whilst holidaying. Guests can also stay active with cardio and free weights in the gym or with laps in the kidney-shaped pool. A portable barbecue means those staying at Oasis can cook in the sunshine or in the cool of the covered dining area. Ibiza town is a short drive away, as are the local beaches and the airport is just 10 minutes by car. Six bedrooms, four bathrooms and a study make it suitable for large groups, including those needing to do a little work while away.
Villa Martona
This villa has an equal ratio of bedrooms to bathrooms and can sleep up to eight in a king, two doubles and a twin (two of the bedrooms have direct garden access via patio doors). A large freeform pool is surrounded by a sun terrace, lawns and palm trees, with an outdoor bar and an area for entertaining – including lighting for the nighttime – to the side. Found inland in the charming San Agustin region, the property is a short drive to Cala Conta and Port d’Es Torrent’s beaches.