Best Design Hotels in Balearic Islands

Opened in 2024 as Formentera’s first ‘eco-resort’, Dunas de Formentera is pure escapism in the Mediterranean. This beachside hotel offers barefoot luxury in a spectacular sea view location surrounded by nature, just steps from a sandy beach. 45 rooms and suites are found within standalone bungalows and duplex buildings, set amongst the sand dunes of Migjorn beach, shaded by juniper and pine trees. The property’s restaurant, Caliu offers Mediterranean dishes, with views of the infinity pool and the azure and aquamarine waters of Formentera.

Six Senses Ibiza offers guests an all-encompassing experience that is rooted in the local culture, and celebrates music, art, sustainable fashion, wellness and spirituality – all characteristics that have become synonymous with the island. Set on the crystalline Cala Xarraca, the hotel comprises 116 guest accommodations in the form of townhouses, pool suites and beachfront caves. The spa expands over 1,200 square meters and offers a range of pioneering treatments, and the range of activities; such as yoga, SUP, mountain biking, cooking will suit every level of energy. Organic, seasonal and responsibly sourced ingredients are served in every restaurant and are crafted into delightful dishes by Celebrity Chef and founding father of new Israeli cuisine, Eyal Shani. Guests will feel truly relaxed and organically rejuvenated after their stay at Six Senses Ibiza.

A former 19th-century military fortress carved into golden cliffs overlooking Palma Bay, Cap Rocat stands as one of Mallorca’s most extraordinary hotels. This clifftop retreat features just 30 unique rooms and suites built into the original fortress structure. Dine at La Fortaleza restaurant for avant-garde cuisine, unwind at the Sea Club’s waterfront setting, and rejuvenate at the underground spa carved 12 metres into the rock.

The bold hotel El Llorenç, Parc de la Mar in Palma’s historic Calatrava neighbourhood adds style and sparkle to the area. This unique design hotel has superb interiors and guestrooms by Swedish designer, Magnus Ehrland; destination dining by acclaimed and self-assured Mallorca chef Santi Taura; a luxe spa; and a truly wow-factor triple-level roof terrace with an infinite pool that elevates the hotel design to new heights. This latest opening confirms Palma as the Mediterranean’s hip hotel hot spot.

Naturally elegant, with stunning hill top views, Torralbenc is a carefully renovated traditional farm, located near Alaior. It provides luxury accommodation in the heart of nature. This hotel offers beautiful rooms, blissful treatments, sea views as well as the nearby sandy beaches. The restaurant provides fresh, seasonal, traditional Minorcan food with a modern twist. As well as for nature lovers, it is perfect for those who want to indulge in some quality self-care. Their wellness experiences are open to all, not only guests staying at the hotel. Located between Mahón and Ciudadela, Torralbenc truly is a dreamy place in which to both get pampered or enjoy a relaxing stay in its idyllic settings.

Once you step across the threshold of Es Princep, you immediately notice you’re somewhere special – you are embraced by the warmth of welcome you’d expect from this Mediterranean island, but you also become immersed in the sophisticated vibe of a capital city hotel. Es Princep is a full-service luxury hotel. There’s the urban flair of its destination cocktail bar, Gremium (where mixologist and bar manager Andreu Genestar works his magic, bringing genuine cocktail flair to Palma’s vibrant bar scene); fine-dining at the hotel’s Bala Roja restaurant (named after the hotel’s historic district, overlooking the city walls); and the upscale pampering of ‘Coco’, Es Princep’s luxury oasis spa – whilst the capacious guest rooms boast sea views.

Nobu Ibiza Bay amplifies the pleasures of Ibiza and makes for an unforgettable resort destination. It’s all here; island relaxation with Instagram-worthy seafront swimming pools with beachside daybeds; a dedicated family pool, as well as a kids club with certified childminders; gastronomy that includes the Balearic’s first Nobu restaurant, the ‘Say BiBo’ summer pop-up by Dania Garcia, and Mediterranean flavours at the hotel’s Chambao restaurant – oh and a vibrant bar scene too. Expect great wellness facilities too, with a Six Senses Spa, a new gym, and a dedicated wellness area for meditation, yoga and more. There’s even a John Frieda salon. Despite the temptations keeping guests on the resort, Talamanca Bay has some lovely Spanish restaurants and bars, and one is so close to all the vibrancy (and history) of Ibiza Town.

Finca Serena offers a refined escape to authentic Mallorca, set on a 40-hectare estate of vineyards, olive groves and rolling countryside near the village of Montuïri. This 25-room boutique resort combines traditional architecture with contemporary design and sophisticated hospitality. Dine at Jacaranda Restaurant on estate-grown produce, unwind at Único Spa (Spain’s Best Resort Spa 2024), and explore walking trails through vineyards. Just 30 minutes from the airport on quiet rural roads.

BLESS Hotel Ibiza brings together curated elements for a hedonistic white island experience. Think spectacular infinite pools;  a breath-taking beach-club style roof-top bar; destination gourmet dining (including Etxeko Ibiza by 10 Michelin star chef Martín Berasategui); cool DJ sets, theatrical performers and live entertainment; a full-service spa; and indulgent guest rooms and suites that invite stylish selfies and envy-inducing Instagrams. BLESS Hotel Ibiza is most certainly one of the best luxury hotels on the island!

Built upon a high rock escarpment overlooking the fishing port village of Port Soller, with exceptional views out across the Mediterranean, Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa brings world-class levels of hospitality to Mallorca’s rural west coast. This is a captivating resort, with upscale dining; elegant and contemporary accommodations; as well as luxury wellness facilities including the Talise Spa – a destination for Balearic rejuvenation. This part of Mallorca is particularly picturesque, with a beautiful coastline; and the charming inland villages of Soller and Fornalutx close by. The Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa is made up 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. There is a magnificent infinity pool with Mediterranean views, served by Infinite Pool Bar. On the upper level is Es Fanals by Javier Soriano, for signature Spanish cuisine. For relaxed terrace dining, Cap Roig Brasserie offers a locally-inspired menu. To end the day on a perfect note, The Sunset Lounge is where guests enjoy Asian specialties and superb cocktails, accompanied by live music and views of the Tramuntana Mountains and of course, the best sunsets on the island.

This palatial 18th-century mansion house turned boutique hotel will suit urban explorers wishing to soak in the city’s heritage. 14 bedrooms have their original sash windows and beams, complemented by Farrow and Ball palettes. The hotel may be small, but there are several places for guests to gather; in the sophisticated lounge beside the modern wood burner, at the bar, over a tasting menu in the bistro, in the walled courtyard garden and on a deckchair beside the plunge pool. Descend to the restored cellar, where you’ll find a “hidden” serene spa with limestone walls.

Encapsulating the image of Baleriac bliss, Ca Na Xica is a vision of secluded loveliness. Drawing its inspiration from the heart of historic Ibiza, Ca Na Xica is set apart from the bustle of Ibizan nightlife in the sanctuary of the countryside. Ca Na Xica has a tick for every box, meaning that the hotel provides a one-stop retreat for those who want to do nothing more than relax. A particular architectural theme of the hotel is to blend the indoors with nature, which is achieved by open glass panels and quiet enclaves, allowing the natural sounds and scents to flood the lightly enclosed spaces.