Hotel Cort, ‘The Island’, Mallorca

For a stylish boutique hotel experience, navigate to Hotel Cort, affectionately called ‘The Island;’ an intimate, peaceful bolthole in the capital of Mallorca.

Once the headquarters for the Atlantic Bank, the property was transformed by interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán together with architects Vicente Alcover and Luis Montana into one of Palma’s most charming hotels.

Opening in 2013, the labyrinthine building has been restored and enlivened with a nautical theme inspired by the Atlantic bank, to create a tranquil, stylish refuge amongst the sea of people and activity in the streets and square outside.

The Island in the City

With 16 individually styled rooms and suites, Hotel Cort is at the epicentre of Palma’s evocative and historic old town. Taking its name from the history Plaça Cort, the property is a delightful base from which to explore this fascinating, culturally rich, and vibrant city.

Destination Mallorca

Palma, a favourite for Spanish royalty, is once again an urban destination of choice for those who love the Mediterranean. Once the forgotten capital of this tourist island, Palma de Mallorca has once again regained its chic and elegant style. The former dilapidated streets of the old town are now punctuated by boutiques, hotels and restaurants. Palma is now more than just one of Spain’s biggest airports serving its coastal resorts – it is again the destination.

Eating out has been equally elevated, with a rich choice of places to enjoy Balearic, Catalan, Mediterranean and international dishes, ranging from busy pintxos bars to chic restaurants such as Fera Palma by Chef Simon Petutschnig.

The joy of being in the centre of Palma is that the city is at your feet. No need for a taxi, since all that counts is within walking distance – the city beach, the world-class galleries, museums, and iconic architectural gems.

Hotel Cort

With so much to see, do, eat, and drink, it’s imperative to have a welcoming and stylish hotel as your sanctuary. Hotel Cort certainly fits the bill.

The rooms are lovely – beautifully designed, with deep velvet sofas to sink into and generous attention to detail like shelves filled with books, that make it feel authentically homey as well as elegant. Textures, colours, and fabrics combine to create a sophisticated look.

The beds are dreamy, dressed in a mountain of pillows, in crisp linen covers – it’s these simple pleasures that make this place such a delight.

Some rooms have private terraces, and of course, there is the main roof terrace with a jacuzzi pool and sun loungers.

Raw & Grill, the brasserie

Downstairs is Raw & Grill is a restaurant with an island menu that prepares fresh fish, meat, and vegetables on a charcoal grill. The interior is stylish, and tables spill out on the square too.

Here on Cort Square, is where guests can enjoy breakfast, in front of Palma’s emblematic ‘Centenario Olivo.’ Beyond this ancient, twisted olive tree is a 17th-century palace, now the Town Hall of Palma de Mallorca. This is the heart of the old town, which remains a living city centre, just minutes from the Mediterranean.

Hotel Cort is included in our guide to the best luxury hotels in Palma and Majorca.