Best Historical Hotels in Balearic Islands

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.

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.

The Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor is an exquisite luxury resort nestled on the serene Formentor Peninsula. This historic property has been meticulously restored to blend classic Mediterranean charm with modern comforts. It offers a variety of accommodation options, including rooms and suites with views of lush gardens or the crystal-clear sea, some featuring private plunge pools. Enjoy an array of dining experiences, a full-service spa, outdoor pools, and activities such as hiking, water sports, and boating. The resort’s design emphasises tranquillity and connection with nature, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. The Formentor Peninsula is known for its breathtaking scenery, and the resort offers direct access to pristine beaches and lush pine forests.

Personal service, exclusivity, and tranquillity. These are just some of the words that describe family-owned Atzaró, which has made a name for itself as a carefully crafted bubble of peace and tranquillity on an island known for adventure. Atzaró brings together authentic design with modern comfort, offering a gentle oasis filled with private hideaways. Known for its stunning pools and lily ponds, Atzaró is a firm favourite amongst those who want a secluded retreat. Situated slightly away from the party avenues, Atzaró is perfectly primed for those wanting to explore the countryside.

Deià maybe just a small mountain town on the island, but it is home to one of the most luxurious hotels in the entire region the Belmond Le Residencia. Surrounded by lush greenery and uninterrupted views, La Residencia has a relaxed and artistic feel that is worlds away from the more generic international hotel chains we have grown used to. Every single one of the hotel’s rooms, suites and villas is decorated in a specific style, and no two parts are the same. Guests will love the facilities on the property, which include a full spa, several restaurants and bars, two outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a full fitness facility, an art gallery and even a shuttle that goes directly into the heart of Deià.

Found in a restored and renovated 19th-century mansion that used to belong to the Aloma Femenia family, the Saint Francesc is right at the heart of Palma’s historic town centre. The building itself is of neo-classical 19th-century style although inside the décor is paired back and contemporary with classic touches. The use of light marble and wood textures, stone checkerboard or stained wood parquet flooring, and huge arched glass windows, create a luxurious but warm feeling – the lobby looks more like the entrance to a beautiful modern art gallery than a hotel. Most of the 42 rooms and suites have exposed wood beams, covered verandas, and original frescos and mouldings. There is an impressive collection of modern art and photography, some of which have been privately commissioned for the hotel. There is of course an obligatory roof terrace with particularly impressive panoramic views over Palma’s old town. For the night owls and those who are more active, the Spa and fitness area are open 24/7.

Located in the heart of Ciutadell, looking out over an ancient harbour lies a remodelled palace. Hotel Can Faustino aim to give you a true Menorcan experience. They offer luxurious accommodation and delicious, locally sourced meals. They warmly welcome you aboard their boats for a sailing or motoring experience. Alternatively, you may prefer horse riding or a yoga session. The spa offers a range of treatments as well as an impressive indoor pool and Hammam. Hotel Can Faustino really is an amazing place to relax and enjoy.

People who like to be active during their holiday while surrounding themselves with luxury are sure to appreciate all that the Son Brull Hotel & Spa next to Pollensa has to offer. In addition to the signature spa with its sauna and steam room, the hotel also feature a large tennis courts and a huge outdoor swimming pool complex, both of which are set in a picturesque garden. Lovers of fine dining are also sure to be in their element here as gourmet cuisine is served in a stylish setting. Wine enthusiasts are sure to be in their element as a winery is attached to this luxurious hotel. Special wine tours and tastings are available on request and this special experience is sure to help make staying in this hotel truly memorable.

An air of the aristocratic combines with a botanical theme, as greenery climbs oil-painting clad walls inside the Can Bordoy Grand House. 24 bedrooms have opulent gilt touches, sparkling chandeliers, ornate mirrors, rich contemporary fabrics and freestanding tubs. As with the decor, plants and sustainable ingredients are central to the cuisine served at its restaurant, Botànic. The candlelit spa features the iconic building’s original 12th-century natural stone walls and offers treatments using vegan SCENS products and therapies by Swiss Perfection. And a rooftop terrace provides cathedral views; a lovely spot to sunbathe and sip on champagne.

In a dreamy location in the Galatzo nature reserve, with the Tramuntana Mountains as a backdrop and just a short walk from Puigpunyent village is Gran Hotel Son Net. This beautifully Spanish country house is resplendent with marble floors, tall vaulted ceilings, and sumptuous textiles, walls are adorned with quirky artworks by the likes of David Hockney interspersed with antiques and historic bits and pieces. The main lobby is a cavernous space with lofty ceilings, tiled floors and comfy sofas. The 31 rooms are uniquely styled and super spacious. They each have a lovely romantic rustic charm about them, many with beamed ceilings, patios all with stunning marble bathrooms. The hotel boasts an intimate cocktail bar, a 30-metre pool set amongst lush manicured gardens, wellness centre for treatments and massages which can also be carried out alfresco, plus an incredible treehouse that can accommodate up to 8 guests for special occasions! For gourmet dining, Oleum is the hotel’s offering, a restaurant with exposed stone walls and old wooden beams. Gran Hotel Son Net is the ideal Spanish countryside retreat.

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.

Located in a former 19th-century palace, Can Alomar preserves much of the elegance of the original building. A lesson in understated style and luxury, the hotel combines the splendour and space of a palace with contemporary furnishings and finishes. With only 16 rooms which include 9 suites, this hotel is truly boutique in size. Décor is sophisticated and discreet – walls are painted in neutral tones, adorned with modern art, and textiles are kept sumptuous and luxurious. We adore the discreet but attentive luxury concierge, whilst the plunge pool and solarium on the roof is an ideal spot for chilling out with views of the cathedral and bay of Palma. There is even a charming tower at the top of the hotel available for private massages and celebrations. Dinner takes place in the stylish De Tokia a Lima restaurant, serving up a creative and unique selection of Mediterranean, Peruvian and Japanese gastronomy either in a relaxed brasserie-like interior or on the tranquil terrace overlooking the Paseo del Borne.