Best Luxury Hotels in Balearic Islands

Hotel Cort is truly unique in its style. The hotel is reminiscent of seaside retreats with subtle nods towards traditional Spanish abodes whilst retaining a luxurious feel. It is obvious that when designing the hotel, they aimed to keep it feeling homey and comfortable. The rooms themselves have a relaxing ambience and each room is unique in design, from the lemon tree-filled suite, to the Hamptons-like room with sailing-inspired pieces. As for exploring the rest of the hotel that is an adventure for each visitor to partake in – there are multiple bars and terraces tucked away in corners and up staircases that are just waiting to be discovered!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

The boutique beachfront hotel has a serene and relaxed atmosphere, presenting guests with the perfect place to relax and re-energise. The modern vibe and elegant furnishings meet the demands of any discerning traveller and all rooms and suites offer an outdoor terrace or balcony. Its convenient location offers easy access to the beach and local points of interest whilst the hotel-organised activities include yoga, water sports, cycling, trekking, gym and outdoor pool – to name a few! Guests can enjoy a variety of relaxed and formal food and drink experiences in the restaurants and bars – all of which take inspiration from the Mediterranean combined with food cultures from around the world. Hotel Riomar is part of the Marriott Tribute Portfolio.

This brand’s fun and youthful vibe fits perfectly into island life. The 162-bedroom W hotel has a chilled barefoot feel by day and a party atmosphere after dark. Its Lounge, set at the heart of the property, has been inspired by the amphitheatre design of the Old Town’s Dalt Villa. Glow is the oh-so-grown-up rooftop space for over 16s. And the WET deck creates a backdrop for dancing, swimming and drinking to the DJ’s beats. W’s Chiringuito Blue serves Mediterranean dishes, with the Beach by Ushuaïa offering a more casual ambience. Plug into the serenity of Ibiza’s natural environment at AWAY Spa.

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.

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.

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.