Kimpton Aysla Mallorca Review - The Luxury Editor

Kimpton has landed in the Balearics, bringing its unique lifestyle brand to Mallorca. Kimpton Aysla Mallorca is where wellness, gastronomy, and inspiring art combine, creating a unique destination that promises to be a sanctuary of calm close to the city of Palma and the iconic beaches of Mallorca.

My recent visit to Mallorca, a perennial favourite destination of mine, took me to the fancy neighbourhood of Santa Ponça, west of Palma, the capital of Mallorca. This upscale residential community set amongst Balearic pines, is renowned for its golf and country club. He one finds the new Kimpton Aysla Mallorca, writes Andrew Forbes (The Luxury Editor).

Lifestyle & wellness hotel

This emblematic Santa Ponsa Country Club has been reimagined with the addition of the Kimpton property that has continued a decade-long investment in new facilities. Kimpton Aysla has added new reception areas for hotel guests, as well as a dedicated reception for restaurant, spa and club guests, and two new contemporary buildings, home to 79 guest rooms and suites.

The result is a unique leisure and wellness destination in the Balearics. Kimpton Aysla Mallorca is a stylish hotel with a remarkable spa with an indoor pool, beauty centre, expansive gym, three restaurants, conference rooms, and beautiful Mediterranean gardens with 2 outdoor pools and a first-class tennis & sports complex.

Guest journey

I arrive during the golden hour when the warm Balearic sun ignites each view with a warm glow. As I draw up in my car, Jose, a friendly porter welcomes me and takes by bags. Reception is a lofty space, filled with light. Behind the desks, made from huge blocks of locally hewn stone, is a bespoke piece of art, an extraordinary textile mural, by artist Regina Dejimenez that brings together natural fibres, fabrics, and wool to create a richly textured wall that plays with the Mallorca light.

The vibrant lobby also includes an abundance of ceramics of differing natural hues, shapes, and sizes by the late Stanislas Carrelet, said to be the single largest collection of his work on the island.

Here my guest journey begins.

Just 14km (about 20 minutes drive) from Palma, the hotel feels world’s away. Surrounded by leisure facilities, gardens and pine trees, one feels ensconced in a privileged enclave of wellness. The team reminded me that I have access to the magnificent spa, and a huge gym and can also consider the facilities of the Country Club, a regular practice ground for some of the world’s top tennis players, and Golf Santa Ponsa, a large golf complex with two 18-hole PGA European tour courses, a 9-hole course and a driving range.

The style, look and feel are undoubtedly Mediterranean. When I arrive at my room, an open plan space with a large private terrace, I feel immediately at home.

Designed by renowned local architect Guillermo Reynés, the new guest room blocks are built around central Majorcan-style patios – my building features a contemporary interpretation of a maze at its centre, and on the upper level, a huge roof terrace with views to the tennis courts countryside and mountains beyond.

My hosts tell me that every detail throughout the property has been carefully curated to create a relaxing and tranquil environment. It certainly feels that way.

In my room, a welcome cocktail is set up ready for me to add ice and the finishing touches of aromatic rosemary and dried Mediterranean orange. I sit with my feet up in on my terrace, sipping the drink, while the warm light of the sun fills the deck nd room with a relaxing glow.

The room is decorated in neutral tones and natural materials with pops of colour. There are pieces of art too, from an installation over the bed, to decorated pottery from the Aba Art Lab, and a roughhewn sculpture by Pep Roig Sancho, said to be evocative of the sandstone dry walls of the island. Each piece helps to connect the new hotel to its destination.

There is a large floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door onto the private balconies, which is also accessible from the rain shower in the bathroom, which also has a separate bathtub.

Dining

Before long it’s cocktail o’clock and time to head to the lively Saba Restaurant, Bar and Bodega. I had missed the earlier, ‘Social Hour’ – when guests are invited to a drink by the contemporary wine cellar, a chance to mingle with fellow guests and get a taste of the drinks collection.

Saba promises an innovative adventure full of Balearic heart, with Mediterranean dishes and Asian techniques. Saba is Hebrew for being satisfied and fulfilled and refers to the legendary eponymous queen much fêted for her generosity and wisdom. In reality, that translates to a fun and relaxed evening with a menu that is full of tasty and colourful sharing plates from Asia and Europe.

Read our review of the Kimpton Charlotte Square Edinburgh

Spa & Fitness

I take the following morning slow. Each room has a yoga mat, and there are complimentary bikes for exploiting the island. I choose to slowly wake up after an in-room espresso followed by a long shower, listening to the sounds of songbirds in the gardens. Breakfast is a generous buffet with hot dishes cooked to order.

However, you might be tempted to hit the spa first. It’s the first Maison CODAGE Spa in Spain – a 900 sqm facility with a huge pool, wet area treatment rooms and glorious design including even more bespoke art, including a calming piece of made from cut tree trunks. The installation, by Mercedes Laguens, is lit from the side, casting long shadows.

It’s all about the details here – the experience of calm, beauty, and wellness.

Pools & Gardens

The hotel opens to the beautiful pool and gardens, spaces rich in colour, texture, and light – creating perfect little corners to just kick back and relax. There is also Zayt, the tempting summer pool bar and restaurant.

Yet with world-class golf, tennis, and a huge gym. Shouldn’t I be just a little more active? No, I am soaking up this sanctuary of calm.