Best Urban Hotels in Balearic Islands

While many flock to beachside resorts in Ibiza, the Hotel Mirador de Dalt Vila offers a very different perspective on the island. The 19th-century property is a former Lord’s manor house, tucked into the walled city of Dalt Vila, a Unesco World Heritage site. It was only recently transformed from a residential home into a hotel, with 12 guest rooms located in the main house and in an annex (book the former for original features such as beamed ceilings and wrought iron balconettes). The terrace provides stunning views over the harbour, there’s a fine dining intimate restaurant overlooking the plaza (all meals are served here) and an outdoor plunge pool to cool off in the Balearic heat.

This charming family-run establishment is set right on the main pedestrian promenade and boasts a private strip of golden sand for guests to sun themselves on. Hotel Miramar is famous for its dining opportunities and the main restaurant takes full advantage of the abundance of freshly caught seafood while blending classic Mediterranean and Mallorcan flavours. The Miramar Sea Lounge is the perfect place to unwind in the evening while having a gin and tonic or a glass of locally produced wine while watching the world go by. While there are five different categories of rooms to choose from, luxury lovers will want to make sure that they book one of the spacious suites so that they can take advantage of stunning ocean views from their private balcony.

Tucked away in amongst the narrow medieval streets of the old centre of Palma is Posada Terra Santa – an unassuming boutique hotel housed in the Boixador Baron’s former stately home (dating back to 1576). A large central patio leads off to the reception area as well as peaceful interior patios which reflect the out-door/in-door feeling that many traditional Spanish homes are known for. Follow the flower-filled urns that adorn the stairs up to the main body of the hotel. The Posada Terra Santa has kept the original layout of the 26-bedroomed home, each of which are decorated in taupes, greys, and light luxurious neutrals, keeping a comfortable and cool elegance running throughout the hotel. There is an almost Scandi-inspired design element to the hotel with modern furniture design and lots of wood. The rooms are situated higher up in the townhouse so most have views out across the terracotta tiled rooves. La Despensa del Baron restaurant is a lovely place to chill out – the original 14th-century gothic arches provide for a shady arcade under which to enjoy some local wine and tapas. The hotel too has an abundance of common space including a terrace with a solarium and small heated swimming pool, a cosy library, and an honesty bar perfect for midnight snacks.

A converted 19th-century building homes the airy Boutique Hotel Calatrava, which sits as part of a façade of buildings that used to form an ancient Arabic wall in Palma. The hotel is decorated in a contemporary Spanish style – there is a lot of natural wood throughout, interesting art adorns the clean walls, and the furniture is a stylish mix of modern and vintage. There are only 16 rooms for a truly boutique experience, all of which have King size beds and spacious closets. We recommend going for a suite if you can as you are guaranteed a view over the bay of Palma from your private balcony, perfect for lazy holiday breakfasts. The Boutique Hotel Calatrava also offers a comprehensive luxury concierge to ease the stress of travelling – from organising day excursions to booking your private yacht, their staff can do it all for you.

With its concept deeply rooted in the island’s culture, S’hotelet Des Born is centrally located in Ciutadella de Menorca, close to the infamous Plaza del Borne, found on Menorca’s stunning south eastern coast. Exquisitely designed, this five-star hotel truly is a sophisticated sanctuary. Enjoy the spacious rooms, nearby restaurants and spa. The Thalis Spa, built in an ancient cave forming part of the hotel’s basement, provides a peaceful oasis in which to relax and replenish.

Proving Alcudia isn’t all about young families, this is a hotel catering exclusively to adults. Exposed natural stone walls, pine beams, clean lines, Scandi furnishings, contemporary watercolour artworks, oversized freestanding tubs and industrial-chic lighting all contribute to a peaceful sophistication at Forum Boutique, which first opened in 2018. Guests can swim in an outdoor saltwater pool, relax in the interior garden and stargaze from the terrace hot tub. Forum Boutique has 16 bedrooms in total, a shared lounge and a bar and is located along a pretty cobbled street, a few minutes walk from the town marketplace.

Gloria de Sant Jaume boutique hotel is an exquisitely restored Mallorquin mansion that has been thoughtfully reimagined as a 14–room small luxury hotel, with a beautiful rooftop terrace with pool, and a striking basement spa with a 14-metre pool. El Patio de Glòria is amongst the city’s destination restaurants. This café, restaurant and cocktail bar is open for sophisticated, seasonal dining. Almost hidden amongst the honey-coloured streets and saffron-hued alleyways of the old town quarter, boutique hotel Gloria de Sant Jaume Palma is tucked away from the city bustle in the quiet Carrer Sant Jaume street between Avenida Jaime III and the city’s elegant Rambla, making it perfect for guests looking to enjoy the cultural, historical and gastronomic attractions of the city.

Each of the 32 bedrooms at this boutique hotel has been individually decorated, with interior design by Paris-based Jacques Grange. Splashes of bold colour are blended with quirky accents, classic luxe styling and comforting conveniences including blackout drapes and soundproofing. Look out from your balcony onto the ancient olive tree of the Plaça de Cort below, or head up to the chic rooftop pool and terrace where you’ll be afforded far-reaching views over the old city. A calming stone-walled wellness zone with a gym and jacuzzi is found inside, along with a Japanese eatery and a bijou in-house cinema.

This elegant establishment originally opened its doors to guests in 1929 and boasts a charming mix of ‘20s charm and luxurious modern conveniences. Sun worshippers are sure to enjoy soaking up the rays on the hotel’s private beach, while a pretty jetty can be found just a short stroll away. The hotel’s slightly elevated position provides guests with uninterrupted views of the bay from the main terrace, which is the perfect place to indulge in the generous daily breakfast buffet. The hotel also features tennis courts for guests to play a set or two on and special lessons are provided for guests on request so that they can brush up on their game during this special luxury break.

This adults only establishment provides an idyllic retreat for couples and people who are on their honeymoon are sure to find that this is the perfect place to stay. The guest-rooms here take full advantage of the stunning location right on Pollença Bay and guests can gaze out at the ocean from the comfort of their bed thanks to the huge picture windows that each room boasts. There are also spacious balconies that are set with a table and chairs and this is a great place to sit and sip a cup of coffee while gazing out at the scenery. The whole hotel has been decorated in a chic contemporary style with white décor highlighted by bright blue touches, while the rooftop terrace comes complete with an inviting plunge pool.

Portella occupies a restored 17th-century palace in Palma’s old town, a few steps from the Arab Baths and within easy walking of the Cathedral. Beyond the discreet entrance you find a leafy courtyard, a roof terrace with city views, a small wellness area with a stone hammam, and a home-style kitchen led by an in-house chef. The 14 rooms and suites include connecting options that form generous family apartments. Private kitchenettes in select suites.

Palma’s many nooks and crannies offer visitors the perfect opportunity for some fascinating sun-soaked exploration. Hidden in the heart of this picturesque Moorish city on the aptly named Calle de Sol, is the boutique hotel, Antigua Palma. At this Casa Noble (once the home of Balearic nobles), guests can escape the usual tourist hotspots and experience authentic Mallorcan hospitality.