Best Urban Hotels in Balearic Islands

A newly remodelled 5-star hotel on Playa de Palma, Mallorca, Aubamar Palma Resort offers a boutique style experience across three distinct buildings. The sense of place is enhanced by a notable Mallorca art collection, while the Riviera-meets-Balearic poolside vibe redefines what a large island resort can feel like. Open 365 days a year, the resort is just 10 minutes from the airport, 20 minutes from Palma old town, and offers 495 rooms, ten pools, two spas and a rooftop bar with views to the Serra de Tramuntana.

Book an adults-only getaway, in the heart of the action, at Palmanova, in the vibrant Magaluf area. Calvia is found between the town beaches of Palmanova and Son Matias, with a wealth of places to go and things to do, on the doorstep. Cook’s Club Calvià Beach received a full makeover in 2023 and provides both single, twin and double bedrooms. Beside the swimming pool and infinity pool, you’ll find a solarium and a stretch of hotel beach, where the scene of many a party will be held this season. Cook’s Club Calvià Beach hosts nightly live DJ sets, an indoor and outdoor bar, restaurant, sun terraces and a gym.

Like the Forum Boutique Hotel, this is better suited to an older clientele — children aged 12 and over are welcome. Hotel Can Mostatxins is named after a butcher (specifically his notable moustache) who once lived in these sensitively restored 15th and 19th-century buildings. A plunge pool and spa are hidden in an atmospheric courtyard and there are just eight bedrooms, ensuring a boutique experience. It’s independently owned and very homely. There’s no restaurant or cafe, but the hotel is conveniently located close to the town square, with restaurants and bars a stone’s throw away. Its public areas comprise an honest bar, library and small boutique.

This hotel is a modern structure within the remnants of a 16th-century palace that mixes rustic Majorcan style with contemporary design. The rooms are bright and airy, have marble floors, crisp white bedding, and sensual art hanging above the beds. The simple white décor is punctuated with leather or cow hide and chrome accessories lending a more modern feel to the bedrooms. The plant-filled patio nestled between the buildings provides the perfect spot for a relaxing glass of wine lounging under the palm tree. The encouragement to relax at this hotel continues to the rooftop terrace which houses an infinity splash pool with great views over the city, a sundeck and a sauna with a difference. There aren’t many saunas that have a window that provides an unrivalled view over the rooftops towards the Palma cathedral. Although the feel of the hotel creates a very tranquil atmosphere, there is a gym just off the courtyard for those interested.

If you like pools, you’ll love it here. The Zafiro Palace has 10, ensuring both adults and kids can get their own spaces to chill and splash around. Two of these are within the Zen Spa, where you can book a range of treatments. The low-rise resort lies close to the beach and offers soothingly decorated rooms in earthy and coastal shades. All come with Nespresso machines, pillow menus, bathrobes and slippers, while the one-bedroom penthouse suite provides a kitchenette and a huge terrace with a jacuzzi and Bali bed. During the summer there’s a programme of activities and entertainment around the clock. And there are several dining options; The Market Buffet Restaurant, La Veranda Restaurant, El Olivo, El Portico and Tastes and Sushi Bar Restaurant.

Book one of 53 bedrooms and suites here, including the anything-but-standard 14-bedroom Casa Privada, a private residence for you and your pals to plunge into a private pool and hot tub within your own courtyard, enjoy an exclusive in-suite treatment room and sleep serenely in a separate building from the rest of the rabble. In the main hotel, the leafy rooftop accommodates a 15-metre swimming pool, bar and eatery with Mexican dishes and Wagyu beef. And downstairs there’s the Jara bistro spilling onto Plaza Vara de Rey, with a DJ booth for a funky soundscape. From April to November the hotel is for adults only.