Built upon a high rock escarpment overlooking the fishing port village of Port Soller, with exceptional views out across the Mediterranean is one Mallorca’s finest resort hotels, writes Andrew Forbes.
A member of the upscale, international Dubai-based hotel group, the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa brings world-class levels of hospitality to Mallorca’s rural west coast.
I’d always wanted to stay at this property. When you visit Port Soller, you can’t really miss it, as the hotel’s eleven buildings dominate the peak of a mountain outcrop. So it was such a pleasure to visit this spring and now share the inside track on this hotel.
Port Soller
The hotel, overlooking Port Soller, is just a few minutes’ drive up from the small marina. Transfer time from Mallorca’s international airport at Palma takes about 40 minutes.
This part of Mallorca is particularly picturesque, with a beautiful coastline; and the charming inland villages of Soller and Fornalutx close by.
A hotel for the senses
The luxury Jumeriah experience starts as soon as you drive up to the property. Valet parking will take your car, whilst the doorman welcomes you and takes your cases.
Once inside the entrance atrium one begins to be embraced by the ambiance of the property – a true hotel for all the senses.
Mediterranean light floods into the space from the glass dome above; a visually striking light sculpture hangs over a beautifully simple water fountain that conveys tranquillity; and the air is scented with the aroma of Soller oranges. As I approach reception I am offered a cool, scented face towel, chilled water, and fresh fruit.
…swiftly immersed in the Jumeriah Port Soller experience
Any mixed first impressions of the hotel’s bold, modernist architecture are quickly banished, as I realise that the resort is designed to capture the essence of its Mediterranean Balearic setting.
The reception building is one of almost a dozen structures that climb the rock escarpment, and continue for about a kilometre. Each is linked by a scented garden walkway that leads guests up through the terraced hillside setting.
One can reach your room without climbing a step, thanks to shaded corridors and lifts – but it is a real pleasure to meander up among the botanic gardens, created in partnership with local horticultural experts. Local flora has been nurtured, with pines shading flowering Balearic plants.
a scented garden walkway that leads guests up through the terraced hillside…
Local stone is used as textural accents to the buildings and for landscaping, and the rooftops are green gardens; seeded with local grasses and Mediterranean wild plants.
Up close and personal, the Jumeriah Port Soller Hotel & Spa is not at all what I was expected.
Sustainable Tourism
In fact, the property has been recognised by Green Globe for its commitment towards sustainable tourism. Consider many aspects of the hotel’s business, from suppliers through to the guest environment – in my mind an important initiative considering the popularity of the Balearic Islands in general, and Mallorca in particular.
The Room
My guest room had plenty of thoughtful details, celebrating the provenance of the hotel. A bowl filled with the famous Soller oranges; a gift of local Olis Soller olive oil (in an elegant, 100ml bottle ideal for taking home – and I’m glad I did, it was delicious!); a bottle of wine; as well as a locally made artisan woven basket.
…thoughtful details in the room, celebrating the provenance of the hotel
The property has 121 guest rooms and suites, with views over the Tramuntana mountains and out across the Mediterranean. I stayed in a Deluxe Sea View, which displayed Jumeirah’s exacting standards in room design and decoration.
The pictures tell the story, but of note is the in-room technology, including a guest services digital tablet; the in-room bar with Nespresso, kettle, gourmet teas and mineral waters; the large open plan bathroom, with large wet room, deep tub, and luxe Natura Bissé orange and tangerine amenities; and the large sofas and chairs making this a space you really want to enjoy and relax in.
The room is flooded with light from the floor to ceiling windows that open out on the sea view terrace, which is furnished with a deep sofa.
Dining
Cap Roig Restaurant
Breakfast is in the Cap Roig which has a terrace shaded by pine trees, overlooking the Mediterranean. The selection of produce (including local artisan foods) and the service both reflect the hotel’s 5-star credentials. I was impressed.
…expect some of the best sunsets in Mallorca
Sunset Sushi Lounge
Thanks to the hotel’s west facing orientation, expect some of the best sunsets in Mallorca. The place to go for a great sunset is the aptly named Sunset Sushi Lounge where sushi, Asian nibbles and signature sundowners are served.
Es Fanals
Found above the hotel’s stunning infinite pool, the Es Fanal’s Mediterranean restaurant also offers some impressive sunset views. The restaurant is name after the traditional glass lanterns used by the local fisherman in the past. Examples are used in a creative interior design installation as you climb the stairs to the restaurant.
I tried a selection of the tapas and sharing plates from the menu, which is surprisingly broad, with dishes from the sea, the countryside – and plenty of vegetarian plates too.
…try the grilled Soller red prawns, prepared with cayenne pepper
Try the grilled red prawns; a speciality from the area, as are the mussels. For meat lovers, I can recommend the Angus entrecote and the steak sandwich.
There are classic tapas too like Iberian ham, as well as international dishes like the restaurant’s signature cannelloni filled with foie grass, boletus and chicken.
To infinity and beyond
In addition to the family Sa Talaia swimming pool, the resort has a stunning infinity pool – believe me, this is where you’ll want to be spending most of your day!
Talise Spa
I can’t sign off without mentioning the spa – what a remarkable setting. The thermal circuit opens out onto open air terraces with views of the Tramuntana mountains and the Mediterranean – truly memorable place to relax.
Attention to detail, and personalised service
Final Thought
Attention to detail, and personalised service – that is how I’d sum up my stay at the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa. Even as I was leaving, the small, meaningful touches contend – like the personalised note and candy in the car left by the valet.
Information
Address: Calle Belgica s/n, 07108 Port de Sóller, Mallorca, Spain
Tel: +34 971 637 888
Web: www.jumeirah.com
