Travel Culture 07.26.2023

Mallorca Guide: Your Mediterranean Muse

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Just one visit to Mallorca will find you torn between telling everyone you know that you’ve discovered pure magic and conversely, wanting to keep the sacred island – and your own version of the Mallorca guide – all to yourself.

…but it still feels like a secret that discerning travelers are desperate doesn’t get spoiled when too many others find out about it, and unavoidably, flock.

There’s a bit of alchemy required for a destination to be developed enough to cater to the luxury market while avoiding becoming too commercial, and in turn, losing its authenticity. Mallorca currently sits in a sweet spot; with each passing summer season, it’s being built up just a touch more, but it still feels like a secret that discerning travelers are desperate doesn’t get spoiled when too many others find out about it, and unavoidably, flock. We’ve delayed crafting this Mallorca guide for just that reason – but ultimately, at SmartFlyer, we don’t gatekeep. So, after three consecutive summers returning to this beloved island, it’s finally time to round up some of its most longstanding hotels, brand-new properties, beaches worth trekking to, and meals you won’t want to miss.

How To Get to Mallorca

It’s never been easier to get to Mallorca from New York City. In 2022, United Airlines launched the first nonstop from the U.S. to the Spanish island; from May to September, the flight operates three times per week directly from Newark to Palma. Curious about which days the flight operates? By working with SmartFlyer Air Team, you’ll have all the details sorted for you. And with thirty highly sought-after United Polaris® business class seats, you can wake up well-rested and start your vacation in style. And while we’re of the camp that believes Mallorca isn’t to be rushed and could constitute an entire trip on its own, Madrid, Barcelona, or its brother Balearic islands of Ibiza, Menorca, or Formentera are all easily accessible if you are combining this Mallorca guide with the Spanish capital.

Best Hotels in Mallorca

With Mallorca being the largest of the Balearic islands, many clients opt to do a split stay between two – or even three – properties.

Answering the question, “Where should I stay in Mallorca?” could warrant a five-part spin-off to our Mallorca guide. But in an attempt for brevity (never easy for me, but particularly when it comes to hotels), I’ll do my best to sum up the differences between a handful of frontrunners. With Mallorca being the largest of the Balearic islands, many clients opt to do a split stay between two – or even three – properties. By opting for a combination stay, you can get the best of the capital of Palma, the western, and southeastern sides of the island. And while this list represents a selection of some of our clients favorites, there are a couple notable builds happening in the years ahead, including Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental.

But first, a bit of geography! One of the main myths we like to dispel when evaluating hotel options for Mallorca is that while a handful of properties boast water views, very few luxury hotels on the island are located directly on the water. Active travelers relish the lush terrain Mallorca offers, and in turn, this means that many of the best hotels in Mallorca are nestled into mountainous backdrops versus the beaches you may be picturing. Luckily, it’s not all about being seafront, per se. Let us break down the basics, and as always, we recommend consulting with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to decide which of these spots best suits your specific style.

Hotels Within Thirty Minutes of Palma

Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden

If you’re the type of traveler who seeks a mix of city and beach, we recommend dedicating a couple of nights to staying in downtown Palma. With only twenty-four suites each masterfully renovated within a 16th-century building, Can Bordoy is teeming with character and undeniably a frontrunner in Palma. We love how it feels like an oasis right within the walls of the city thanks to its roof terrace, charming garden, outdoor pool, and its restaurant (the first upscale plant-forward spot in Palma). As a bonus, the overgrown Jumanji-esque greens that crawl the walls of its dining room will make you feel like you’re lost in a movie scene.

Book it for: We love Can Bordoy for those who want to get acclimated to Mallorca through time spent in an oasis in the heart of Palma with easy access to ample shopping and restaurants.

Cap Rocat

The sense of arrival to this fortress is distinctly regal. Cap Rocat exudes exclusivity and prides itself on being one of the Mediterranean’s most private and secluded resorts. As a National Monument and Heritage Asset sanctioned by the government, the restoration of this fortress building was a rigorous project spearheaded by its owner in collaboration with Mallorcan design studio, Antonio Obrador. Aside from the fact that you can hear a pin drop in this tranquil oasis, one of the most notable selling points of a stay at Cap Rocat is its positioning directly on the sea. Each room category is distinct, so be sure to work with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to ensure that you’re set up with the view you’ve been dreaming of; for example, the highly-sought after Sentinel category offers complete seclusion, a private pool, and sweeping sea views.

Book it for: We love Cap Rocat for honeymooners who want the ultimate splurge, from direct sea views to endless spa treatments and long, lingering lunches at The Sea Club.

Kimpton Aysla Mallorca

Located just about twenty minutes from downtown Palma, IHG Hotel & Resorts’ first foray into this Balearic island is a sanctuary of modern calm. This progressive take on a wellness resort makes for an ideal launching point on the western side of the island to explore. Rooms were designed by Guillermo Reynés, a local who infused traditional Mallorcan flair with contemporary living; upgraded room categories also feature private gardens for the ultimate relaxation. Or, if you prefer a more active stay, it’s a short drive to strike up a tennis match at Mallorca Country Club or a round of golf at Golf Santa Ponsa. Your easy access to Palma means you can have dinner with a short drive to town, or keep it chill on the terrace at Kimpton’s pan Asian restaurant, SABA.

Book it for: We love Kimpton Aysla Mallorca for someone looking for something fresh with an approachable price point.

Grand Hotel Son Net

Approaching the terracotta-pink façade of Grand Hotel Son Net through its palm-tree lined drive, you get a sense you’re about to arrive somewhere special. This freshly opened property is a sister hotel to the Andulcian favorite, Finca Cortesin, and promises the same discreet approach to Spanish hospitality. With only thirty-one rooms, including six poolside cottages located away from the main house, the design of each accommodation is distinct. Interior designer Lorenzo Castillo meticulously restored Son Net to include bespoke Gastón y Daniela fabrics that match the ornate wallpaper, antique Castilian furniture, ornate mirrors, and fireplaces. And if you can pull yourself away from the rich interiors, a gorgeous pool lined with cabanas overlooking the mountains awaits.

Book it for: We love Son Net for the traveler seeking an ultra-private boutique property that just so happens to be the newest kid on the block. Additionally, this hotel plans to remain open all winter for a cozier off-season stay.

Hotels in Western Mallorca

La Residencia, a Belmond Hotel

Certain hotels leave an indelible mark on your heart; La Residencia, a Belmond Hotel is sure to be one of them. Nestled in the Tramuntana Mountains with a sightline to the sea, here, guests have the chance to dig into the creative soul of Deià from the moment they set foot on property. With a connection to the artistic history of the property and “Artists in Residencia” program, guests have the opportunity not only to walk through the gallery or meet with its legendary curator Cecile Sheridan but also get to know some of the brilliant young minds in residence over cocktails on the lawn. As far as accommodations, we swoon over the colorful Designer Suite by Matthew Williamson, complete with a private pool. Before dinner at El Olivio, be sure to snag a spot on La Residencia’s gorgeous sailboat for sunset on the sea.

Book it for: We love a stay at La Residencia for multi-gen families, friend groups, or couples seeking easy access to a quaint town where they can walk about or hike down to Cala Deià.

Jumeirah Port Sóller Hotel

Visible from the water, Jumeirah Port Sóller Hotel is perched on a soaring cliff just beyond a hub that’s home to many of the island’s many fishing and leisure boats. The sprawling hotel grounds house one hundred and twenty-one rooms, each with a private balcony or terrace prime for admiring the view. For wellness lovers, the Talise Spa offers treatments with products sourced from citrus, almond, and olive oil trees. Guests can spend their days relaxing in one of two pools on property, or easily get down to Port Sóller to charter a private yacht which will allow you to access nearby coves.

Book it for: We love Jumeirah for those looking for access to multiple pools, a spa, and a location directly on the water for a more moderate nightly rate than some others on the island.

Son Bunyola

Tucked into the twists and turns of the Tramuntana Mountains, Son Bunyola sits on a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its protected positioning was the culprit of immense restrictions around how the land could be modified, so, after years of being unable to secure building permits, Sir Richard Branson sold the land. Branson repurchased the property in 2015 to reinvest in his dream of adapting it into a hotel and in the summer of 2023, the twenty-six-room hotel made its debut to great anticipation. Amenities include a ninety-two-foot infinity pool, tennis courts, and access to a pebble-strewn beach within walking distance. While the growth of the almond, olive, and grape trees is very much still in progress, this passion project by one of the world’s hospitality icons is sure to impress.

Book it for: We love Son Bunyola for its landscape and ocean views across many of its room categories, combined with its villas for larger families.

Hotels in Southeastern Mallorca

Can Ferrereta

Just about a 45-minute east of Palma, Can Ferrereta is located in the town of Santanyí. Its location is the perfect launching point to some of the island’s best beaches…but more on that later in our Mallorca guide. This thirty-two-room and suite property is the sister hotel to Sant Francesc in town (another client favorite) and was conceptualized with the same laid-back approach to luxury. Tucked along a sleepy street behind an unassuming door, the untrained eye would never know what they are missing by walking past this meticulously remodeled 17th-century mansion. But once you step inside to find its peaceful interiors, you know you’re in for a treat. After a morning spent exploring the nearby beaches, come back to Can Ferrereta’s cypress and olive tree-lined pool to laze about before a candlelit dinner on the property’s dreamy courtyard.

Book it for: We love Can Ferrereta for a group of friends who are looking to beach hop, or couples seeking a bit of a boutique option where they can luxuriate in slow afternoons at the sun-soaked pool.

Hotels in Eastern Mallorca

Es Racó d’Artà

This boutique property has managed to stay relatively under the radar, and its loyal clients would like for it to stay that way. But we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t share a bit about the oh-so-special Es Racó d’Artà. The brainchild of one of Mallorca’s most noteworthy architects, Antoni Esteva, and his designer friend Jaume Danus, this farm estate is where soothing minimalism meets well-being. Today, the property acts as a haven for those wanting to hike, do morning meditation, take part in medicinal workshops, enjoy homegrown-wine tastings, or peruse the on-property art gallery. Accommodations are outfitted in a pleasing palette of creams, grays, and husks, ensuring your surroundings embue island calm. With only thirty-four rooms including twenty-one casitas offering two and three-bedroom accommodations, you’re ensured to be tucked into an ultra-private oasis.

Book it for: We love Es Racó d’Artà for wellness junkies and against-the-grain travelers who seek out independent hotels with a true focus on the mind-body connection.

Mallorca Guide to Getting Around

For most, a car rental is essential to reaching the multitude of beaches, charming towns, and even boutique wineries and olive farms.

For avid cyclists, the challenge of mounting Mallorca’s mountainous terrain is appealing, so don’t overlook a more active itinerary or bike rental for a portion of your stay if that’s your cup of tea. For most, a car rental is essential to reaching the multitude of beaches, charming towns, and even boutique wineries and olive farms. We recommend booking your car rental as soon as you lock in flights and your hotels with your SmartFlyer travel advisor; particularly during peak season, availability can be limited. When deciding if you will book a manual or automatic vehicle, keep in mind that roads are extremely windy, narrow, and often hilly. Most beaches won’t have a sanctioned parking lot, but will require you to squeeze into tight street parking; so base your decision on your comfort level driving stick and plan accordingly. As always, we recommend insuring that rental!

Mallorca Guide to Beach Hopping

And here’s where it gets extra fun! Mallorca is made for exploration, and getting into its seemingly endless array of beaches, called calas, is a key part of any trip to the island. Depending on where you’re staying, you’ll want to devise a beach plan accordingly. Consider departing from your hotel just after breakfast to beat the crowds both for parking and setting yourself up with a spot at the beach.

The key to a truly remarkable beach day in Mallorca is knowing that the most remote beaches take are the most difficult to reach; oftentimes, there isn’t parking nearby, so you’ll have to plan for comfortable attire. But if it’s serenity you’re after, the trek is always worth it! And on the note of privacy, keep in mind that doing a boat day will grant you access to the most elusive beaches on the island. Sa Calobra and Cala Tuent are two examples of tucked-away gems that are best reached by boat. But, we’re getting ahead of ourselves…

Northern Beaches in Mallorca

Ca’n Picafort: Stretched out before a handful of hotels, the beach is the longest and sandiest in the north. Expect to find all beach services including sunbeds for rent, umbrellas, watersports, shops, bars, and restaurants.

Northeast Beaches in Mallorca

Cala Mesquida: With few buildings in sight, Cala Mesquida is beloved by locals including what some would refer to as “naturists.” Anchored by dunes, the long stretch of white sand beach will leave you plenty of space to rent one of their double loungers.
Cala Torta: Getting here on an unmarked road is half the adventure. With nearby hiking and an open-air shack primed for snacking on the fresh catch of the day, a visit here is likely to be one of your island highlights.

Eastern Beaches in Mallorca

Cala Mondragó connects to Cala s’Amarador: Located within an extensive nature reserve, Cala Mondrago is ideal for jumping off rocky outcrops into the azure waters. If it’s too busy at Mondragó, keep walking along the coast to s’Amarador where you can rent loungers if you need to get out of the sun.
Cala Varques: One of the beaches to target if you are looking for ultimate solace, plan to walk about fifteen minutes to Cala Varques knowing it’s worth the effort. Also, plan to bring your snacks and drinks because there are no services here, just unspoiled white sand split between two coves.

Western Beaches in Mallorca

Cala Deià: A switchback single-lane road carves its way from Deià town to Cala Deià. Whether you’re hiking down from La Residencia or have secured street parking, this pebbled-lined beach is an island favorite. There are two chiringuitos serving up simple dishes here, including Instagram-famous Ca’s Patró March, the more elevated of the two.
Magaluf: Every island has to have its wild side, and on Mallorca, it’s Magaluf. This mecca for Brits is infamous for drawing a more party-loving crew and this white sand beach is dotted with resorts and beach clubs.
Portals Vells: If you’re looking for a three-in-one special, the bay at Portal Vells is home to three small beaches, each boasting a unique character. This is the spot where many yachts choose to anchor, an indication that it’s one of the prime spots in our Mallorca guide.

Southern Beaches in Mallorca

Cala Llombards: A sandy beach located in the southeast of Mallorca, Cala Llombards has sweeping cliffs that just beg adventure-seekers to jump. This one gets busy as the day wears on, so the earlier, the better.
Cala s’Almunia connects to Calo des Moro: After you park on the street, be prepared to walk a fair bit to get to Cala s’Almunia. You can set yourself up here or keep walking to reach Calo des Moro, which is most certainly worth the trek.
Cala Pi: Located just a few kilometers from the prehistoric village of Capocorb, this wide sandy beach is waiting for you beneath a steep set of stairs. You can expect fine sand and a cute beach bar below!
Es Trenc: One of the larger and most famous beaches in Mallorca, Es Trenc is marked by miles of turquoise waters met by white sand. If you’re looking for a more traditional beach, this long stretch provides you ample space to set up a chair while being surrounded by dunes and salt flats.

Best Restaurants in Mallorca

Mallorca is a place that begs for you to leave your Resy armor stateside and lean into spontaneity.

If you’re anything like us, most trips start and end with one question: “Where are we eating?” But the desire to experience the best restaurants in Mallorca must be met with an open mind; the island is deceivingly large, so if you’re building an itinerary around beach hopping, make that your priority and let the restaurants come second. Also keep in mind that many restaurants on Mallorca require a credit card on file to make a reservation. So, while it’s not necessarily in our nature to recommend going to a destination without dining reservations, Mallorca is a place that begs for you to leave your Resy armor stateside and lean into spontaneity.

Mallorca Guide: Lunch Hotspots

Assaona (near Palma): If you’re looking for a true beach club in Mallorca, your options are going to be more limited than those in neighboring Ibiza. But Assaona is a solid choice just outside Palma for lunch with your feet in the sand and a cold bottle of rosé at your side.
Ca’s Patró March (in Cala Deià): Yes, this is the one you always see on Instagram. And yes, it is worth the hype. Unfortunately, reservations are nearly impossible to snag; but, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get a table. For a few summers running, we’ve been able to get a table by showing up before the crowds that assemble for the first seating at one o’clock.
Sa Foradada (in Deià): Known for its location built into a cliff, Sa Fordada is ideal for a seaside lunch with epic views. Don’t be shy to ask for the first-row seating right by the water and order some of the delicious wood-fired paella!
Sea Club at Cap Rocat: Diners arrive both by land and by sea; a typical afternoon here is epitomized by several boats anchored while their passengers enjoy a salt-encrusted fish washed down by a bottle of wine (or two).

Mallorca Guide: Must-Do Dinners

Barretes Restaurant at Ca’s Xorc: Located in a boutique hotel with magnificent views, this is your spot for a more upscale dining experience. In addition to local produce, we especially love that most of the meat and dairy are sourced from the hotel farm.
Canela (Palma): This small restaurant offers traditional Mediterranean dishes and some creative Mediterranean and Asian fusion options. There’s an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients here.
El Camino (Palma): For traditional Spanish tapas, this stylish eatery by Majorcan chef Cristian Riviera makes for an ideal lunch. The tomatoes here taste like literal candy, and don’t leave without dessert.
El Olivio at La Residencia: If you’re celebrating a special occasion, a dinner under the olive trees at El Olivio is one of the most coveted reservations on the island. A number of tables are kept for hotel guests only, but outside guests are encouraged to inquire at least two months in advance of their desired reservation.
Es Roquissar (Valldemossa): A solid spot in this cute town set between Palma and Deià, here, you’ll have ample vegetarian options amongst the many small plates. There are just a handful of tables (we love the ones on the terrace) where you can await creative dishes being churned out by the young Argentinian chef.
Nama (in Deià): If you’re craving cuisine that’s a bit more multi-cultural, Nama is your go-to with a Southeast Asian-influenced menu. Its location overlooking the town of Deià is nothing short of charming.