OD Port Portals Hotel – Capturing The Creative Energy of Mallorca

Mallorca is home to some of the best marinas in the Mediterranean, and Port Portals, as it’s known locally, is no exception. Water-side restaurants, bars and chic hangouts rub shoulders with upscale boutiques – all offering views out across the elegant yachts to the Mediterranean beyond.

Here one finds the OD Port Portals Mallorca, a contemporary property that’s so much more than a resort hotel. In my experience it’s a creative place where guests and locals come together, thanks to a dynamic, compelling programme of social and artistic events, as well as a cool food and drink scene, writes Andrew Forbes.

Best of all-worlds location

The southwest of Mallorca was amongst the first areas of the island to welcome visitors. Unsurprisingly since it has some beautiful beaches, together with a superb infrastructure of hotels and restaurants that are close to the capital Palma, and a short transfer from the airport.

From the pool terrace of the stylish OD Port Portals you can walk to the upscale and lively port in a few minutes. The hotel is also well-positioned for access to Palma’s old town; the charm and history of the island’s historic villages inland; as well as the beaches of Palma Nova and picturesque coves like Cala Falcó.

On-trend culture & food scene

OD Hotels prides themselves on having a rich social and arts calendar of events for guests and local residents – it’s all about the company’s commitment to help guests connect with their destination. As a guest expect to have plenty of opportunities to enjoy a flavour of Mallorca’s vibrant art, music and food. After all, so much is happening at the hotel; from live DJ sets, music, art shows, foodie evenings and events.

Dining

With the rooftop OD Sky Bar, the Pool Terrace, the main restaurant and the Lobby Lounge there are plenty of places to find your vibe throughout the day.

Breakfast can be in bed, no problem, or on your balcony; or head down to the restaurant by 12 and you can tuck into a generous buffet.

Brunch is a weekend tradition at OD Port Portales; with a multiple course feast including drinks that makes for a delicious way to ease into the weekend.

I loved the creativity of the drinks with the brunch dishes – the Vermouth tea is a must!

Burger meets Gin every Friday is the ‘afterwork’ food and drinks event to welcome the weekend, where guests not only get to enjoy great cocktails and tasty mini burgers, but also mix with a cool crowd of locals and visitors. It’s a great atmosphere and there’s always something special going on; live music, DJs, fashion; even live art!

Dinner is so much more when it’s on the rooftop. The OD Skybar is the place for great cocktails, sundowners, cool tunes and Balearic dining that celebrates local produce with an Asian twist.

Check-in & Welcome

Arriving at OD Port Portals one immediately realises that this is a cool and relaxed place. The reception team is young, smart and on-the-ball, making check-in a friendly and welcoming experience. When you arrive pull up a stool at the bar or stroll to the pool terrace and enjoy a complimentary drink like a glass of cava before heading up to your room.  As you enter the hotel, you’ll probably also notice the cool electric scooters available for hire. Fun option if you want to pop around the neighbourhood and explore the local coves and head to the beaches.

What’s more, OD Port Portals Hotel offers guests of its junior suites free smart cars so you can explore the island. This is such a great idea! It really transformed by stay. One can enjoy the best of all worlds; the vibrant coast and port area on the doorstep, as well as take a short trip inland to experience beauty of the rural interior.

Guests rooms & suites

With 77 rooms, the hotel has a variety of spaces for families and couples, as those looking for extra features like a living area, or terrace. OD Hotels is renowned for its design approach, and the rooms all feature a contemporary aesthetic – OD Port Portals was designed by the architectural studio of Victor Rahola Vidal and interior designer, Mayte Matutes.

I stayed in a junior suite and I have to say, it was just so well presented. Firstly, the space is filled with light, and the natural materials of wood, marble and stone and the neutral tones create a calm, sophisticated look.

The are three main areas – the initial living area (with superbly stocked mini-bar!) that opens onto a sea view balcony; the open bathroom with full length mirrors, and separate wet room shower & W.C.; and the main bedroom with king size bed. It’s smart and on-trend.

Art and hand back coffee table books add a welcoming touch; and amenities include a superb Bluetooth speaker; smart TVs in the bedroom and living area; high end grooming products from Etro; and all the usual comforts like bathrobe, slippers.

Connect with your destination

Mallorca is one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful islands to explore and with the OD Hotels Smart Cars, it’s really an opportunity not to be missed. Close by is golf; and the cultural attractions of Palma. Within a short drive of the hotel you can also be enjoying the charming village of Andratx, with its historic church and castle.

Drive a little further and you can reach the coast at Punta Blanca, with views out across to the protected wildlife island of Sa Dragonera.

A favourite of mine is the mountain village of Valldemossa up in the UNESCO Tramuntana mountains – just stunning.

So next time you head to Mallorca, consider enjoying the best of all worlds at OD Port Portals. It’s a fun, relaxed and on-trend hotel, close to the chic marina, with easy access to beaches, the inland areas and the capital – and you really feel you’re immersed in the creative energy of this hip Mediterranean island.