Best Historical Hotels in Balearic Islands

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.

Alcaufar Vell is a hotel and restaurant set in the countryside, yet only two kilometres from the beach. Enjoy its idyllic gardens and forest, swim in the pool or explore the nearby walking routes. You have all you need for a dream holiday. The rooms both exude comfort and look fantastic. The team at Alcaufar Vell, work together as a family to make you feel at home. The restaurant offers delicious food, an innovative cuisine which combines the best of the past and present. Food is made with fresh locally sourced products and in summer, served under the centenary olive trees. Alcaufar Vell caters for events, from business to wedding. This is a magical place, perfect to celebrate those special moments in your life.

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.

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.

C’an Beneït offers authentic agrotourism at the foothills of the UNESCO Tramuntana mountains in the Binibona valley. This historic fortified medieval farmhouse sits on over 70 hectares with 10 distinctive guest rooms, each reflecting the estate’s unique architecture. The estate grows its own produce including citrus fruits, vegetables and herbs, with resident gardener Sebastià tending the orchards. A separate 500m² private villa accommodates six guests with three bedrooms, private pool and full kitchen.

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.

Nestled in the heart of Mallorca’s idyllic countryside the historic Zoetry Mallorca occupies a restored 14th-century country estate boasting its very own neo-gothic chapel, windmill and Mallorcan manor house. Its 101 rooms and suites are inside these architecturally preserved buildings and seamlessly blend Mallorcan heritage with modern amenities. Zoetry’s Pure Spa by Natura Blisse offers guests many different world-class treatments and is the perfect way to switch off and relax. Yet Zoetrys piece de resistance is its restaurant Mediterranean created by the renowned chef Andreu Genestra. It not only boasts a Michelin star but also has a green Michelin star, the restaurant prides itself on its use of local produce and has its own farm and vineyard. Zoetry also offers The Endless Privileges package which offers guests the height of luxury, with bespoke and attentive service, unique experiences and endless dining and drinks. Zoetry is the perfect luxury boutique hotel for guests wishing to soak up the beauty of the Mallorcan interior and relax.