Best Luxury Hotels in Balearic Islands

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.

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.

Purobeach’s first full resort brings its beach-club spirit to the southwest of Mallorca. Set on a hillside above the bay, Oasis del Mar Purobeach Resort, Santa Ponsa spreads 160 rooms and suites across terraced buildings with sea and mountain views, two outdoor pools, a dedicated wellness centre and the unmistakable Purobeach vibe.

The Meliá Cala Galdana is a 5-star hotel situated on the southern coast of Menorca, directly overlooking the stunning Cala Galdana beach. The hotel features 341 rooms and suites, many of which offer panoramic sea views. The rooms are elegantly designed, blending modern amenities with Mediterranean charm. Guests can enjoy a range of dining options, including a buffet restaurant, à la carte Mediterranean cuisine, and a beach club.

The hotel is family-friendly, offering a children’s club, a separate pool for kids, and daily entertainment. For adults, The Level experience provides an exclusive stay with access to private areas like a rooftop infinity pool, a dedicated lounge with all-day refreshments, and personalised services.

The hotel’s location makes it ideal for exploring the natural beauty of Menorca, with nearby attractions including the Camí de Cavalls hiking route and some of the island’s best beaches. Additionally, the hotel offers wellness facilities, including a fitness centre and a spa with a range of treatments.

A newly remodelled 5-star hotel on Playa de Palma, Mallorca, Aubamar Palma Resort offers a boutique style experience across three distinct buildings. The sense of place is enhanced by a notable Mallorca art collection, while the Riviera-meets-Balearic poolside vibe redefines what a large island resort can feel like. Open 365 days a year, the resort is just 10 minutes from the airport, 20 minutes from Palma old town, and offers 495 rooms, ten pools, two spas and a rooftop bar with views to the Serra de Tramuntana.

Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza is right on the legendary Playa d’en Bossa, an easy 15-minute transfer from the island’s airport. The Hotel captures the all-American buzz of the Hard Rock brand and fuses it with the warmth and friendliness of Ibiza hospitality. So, expect some sparkling Rock Star treatment, like Valet Parking and private VIP private check-in. There are almost 500 guest rooms, from Deluxe rooms to swim-up suites; and a striking Spa. TATEL Ibiza Restaurant is the hotel’s theatrical and flamboyant signature restaurant that really rocked. Think great cocktails, and gourmet food, all set to live DJ sets. Service is professional, yet with the Hard Rock Edge, a young and dynamic team that makes sure guests have a great evening.

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.

Just along from the Palace, is the White Island resort. It’s slightly bigger than its sibling in terms of accommodation with 430, versus 410, bedrooms. As the property is set beside the island’s longest beach on one side and overlooking the Ses Salines Nature Reserve on the other, you can opt for a seafront suite with your own jacuzzi. It offers many similar facilities as the Palace, such as a Zentropia Spa, kids’ activities at the mini club and junior club, a total of ten places to eat and drink and freeform pools fringed with palm trees.

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.

Those seeking an adult-only ambience can book a room at the latest venture from Amàre (the previous one was in Marbella). Sant Josep de sa Talaia is perched on the beach at Bou Cove, where guests have direct access to a dock. The hotel has an airy, contemporary and barefoot luxury feel, with rattan hanging chairs in bedrooms, spaces designed to take full advantage of the aquamarine backdrop and wicker-furnished, lantern-lit al fresco terraces with glass balustrades. Private yoga, DJ sessions by the infinity pool, menus by Michelin-star chef Mauricio Giovanini and a beach club are all part of the lifestyle here.

The first “grand luxury hotel” to arrive on Menorca, Villa Le Blanc is perched beside Santo Tomás Beach on the Camí de Cavalls trail, with direct access to the sands via its garden. Blending perfectly into its surroundings, the whitewashed and glass balconied property echoes the local architecture and takes an eco-conscious approach to hospitality. Cuisine by S’Amarador and Joan Canals is served at CRU, there’s a Thai Room Spa and Wellness Centre onsite and a pool overlooking the sea. Bedrooms are swathed in shades of cream, with some suites adding private terraces, plunge pools and freestanding tubs.

Those seeking an all-inclusive holiday with five-star service and amenities need look no further than the expansive Zafiro Palace. Its facilities and 369 bedrooms are spread across multiple single-storey buildings, creating a low rise village-like feel. Stay here and you can swim in no less than 12 different pools (one catering for adults only), play on the golf course, visit the Zen Spa and dine in four themed restaurants (again, one is for adults only), as well as an international buffet. The Zafiro Palace is a family paradise too, with a kids’ club, organised sports and a food offering designed to appeal to younger – in addition to more mature – palates.