Best Design Hotels in Balearic Islands

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.

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.

Looking like it has stepped out of a 1970s postcard, OD Talamanca is an unlikely winner in the Ibiza hotel fashion stakes. However, this stalwart has earned itself legions of devoted fans. This is because OD Talamanca has experience on its side, and decades of catering for Ibizan fans have ensured this hotel a badge of honour in terms of customer service and practicality. Situated a little further out of town, OD Talamanca has an unusually large amount of space, meaning that it is able to offer rarities such as parking. Expect round-the-clock facilities that will fit even the most eccentric of schedules.

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.

Dedicated to ramping the getaway experience up a notch, Ses Piteras is dedicated to relaxation. Situated next to a glorious vista of beaches, Ses Piteras embraces minimalist design and twenty-first-century chique. Every detail has been taken care of, from an on-site spa to a rooftop terrace. Ses Piteras counters the long days of sunshine with soothing water, creating the perfect accompaniment to the warmth of Ibiza. The hotel is ideally situated for both relaxing and roaming and offers a welcoming return after nights of partying.

Book a suite, a family room, or even a two-bedroom bungalow with a private pool, at Ikos Porto Petro. Everything is included here, so you don’t have to worry about cash throughout your stay. Eat by the pool, or by candlelight beneath olive trees, from menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs, across five à la carte restaurants, or grab a quick meal at the Food Hall. There’s much to keep you occupied, with spa treatments, tennis courts, paddle sports and access to a complimentary Tesla to explore further afield. Kids have their own club, managed to UK Ofsted standards.

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.

El Vicenç de la Mar is an adults-only design hotel on Mallorca’s northern coast above the hamlet of Cala Sant Vicenç. This contemporary boutique property features 35 rooms and suites across ten categories, including swim-up rooms and a penthouse with private pool. Dine on Michelin-starred chef Santi Taura’s cuisine at U Mayol bistro and El Vicenç restaurant, unwind at the comprehensive Wellness Studio, and enjoy rooftop cocktails with sea views.

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.

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.

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.

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.