The best five-star hotels in Majorca

Yes, Cap Rocat has all of the five-star frills you would expect for this price point (two pools, a spa, fantastic restaurants and spot on service) but it’s got to be its pretty unique situation that sets it apart from other properties. It is in fact just that, set apart, teetering on the edge of a nature reserve on its own private peninsula with panoramic views over Palma Bay (without another hotel in sight). Internationally renowned local architect, Antonio Obrador, has ingeniously converted this rambling, seemingly desolate and impenetrable sandstone military fort into a comfortable and chic living space. With its wide subterranean labyrinthine paths, grand stone bridge and giant crenelated gates it almost resembles a James Bond film set, making it one of the most design-forward properties on the island.

There’s no doubting that any hotel under the impressive Belmond umbrella will deliver a five-star holiday, but this has to be one of its finest. The building, originally two renovated 16th-century rustic properties, has grown over the years and is now a delightful – at times challenging – labyrinth of stone paths and steps that cut through 35 acres of lush and mature gardens of cypresses and olive trees to a peaceful pool zone. Despite its grandeur and polish, this is a place with a homely, inviting and warm ambience. It’s no surprise that its devotees return again and again; it’s also a particularly good one to bring children as they practically bend over backwards to accommodate families.

Arriving late afternoon to this hotel is such a treat; the evening sunshine takes on an ethereal quality and the whole building (previously a 12th-century monastery) is bathed in golden light, the honey-hued walls glowing alongside the vivid green of the hills. Inside it’s strikingly modern and food is an enormous part of the five-star experience here. For casual dining, there’s UBistró with fresh light lunch options and Ubar, an atmospheric interior space serving tapas and cocktails. Restaurant 3/65 offers gastronomic cuisine on the rear terrace with views to the mountains. It’s especially magic at night, when the soft pools of candlelight collect around elegant tables. The crispy-skinned suckling pig with carrot, star anise and cinnamon is a standout dish.

A bit of a rarity in family-flooded Majorca, this boutique hotel is adults-only so ideal for a mini-moon or a romantic break for two (or for one, they get a handful of solo travellers here, too). The 28 individually designed bedrooms include 12 suites, all of which are spread across three ancient country houses: Can Simoneta, once the 19th-century refuge of a sickly priest; Can Nofre, where the bar and restaurant are located; and the recently renovated Beach House, which is close to the sea. In the hotel’s gardens there is a wellness centre tucked away in the trees, as well as steam and sauna wood cabins. Aside from its own private access to Canyamel beach where it has Café Arenal, a winding stone staircase carved into the cliff gives onto a secluded cove with a natural rock pool tub, which is exclusive to hotel guests.

When it opened back in 2015, Sant Francesc was quickly whispered about as being one of the best, most affordable hotels to stay in Palma’s old town. It’s undoubtedly upmarket, but for a seriously stylish city hotel it manages to retain a fair price point which is a massive bonus. Tasteful and understated, the slate grey and dark interiors of the ground floor are illuminated by natural light from the lobby and internal patio. Retaining many original features including frescoes and moldings, the handsome property is characterised by large windows, arched doors, and a wealth of natural materials such as stone and wood, but the cherry on top has to be the rooftop pool where it’s possible to let whole afternoons slide by without a single plan being made.

There’s something delightfully grown up about this hotel, it’s the sort of place that isn’t trying to be cool or edgy, it’s unashamedly luxurious; the brainchild of Miguel Conde and his architect wife, Cristina Martí. Contemporary furniture and natural materials such as marble, stone and wood are offset by sumptuous fabrics, gilt mirrors and subtle lighting giving a rich feel to the place. The experienced reception team offers guests a warm welcome in the discreet lobby, while a luxury concierge service is provided in advance of arrival, catering to clients’ every whim. The hotel has a massage and beauty treatment room on the third floor, and a plunge pool and solarium on the roof terrace that affords spectacular views to the cathedral and the bay of Palma.

At Can Bordoy, the five-star treatment is there from the get-go: guests are greeted like long lost friends, offered a welcome drink in the cosy, faux ivy-clad parlour and kickback as their luggage is whisked upstairs to be unpacked by a butler. The hotel itself is a delightful fusion of old and new, with ultra modern and quirky lighting brushing shoulders with gothic pillars, baroque gilt mirrors, dramatic furnishings and comfy sofas. In fact it has the feel of a serene and comfortable English country house, the pièce de résistance being its mature, residents-only walled garden – the largest in Palma – which includes a heated pool, whirlpool and solarium, shielded by foliage. There’s also a well-equipped spa offering exclusive products and beauty treatments by Swiss Perfection.

This is a go-slow retreat with glorious gardens where sitting quietly amongst the thickly scented lavender and dense olive trees with a glass of Rioja is firmly on the agenda. Owners Christine and Klaus-Michael Kühne have left nothing to chance at this rural hideaway; yes all hotel rooms are spacious (it is a former castle after all) and have pretty terraces, balconies or patios but its attention to detail is truly impeccable: a handwritten welcome note, complimentary bottle of cava, fruit, and boxed ensaïmada – a local pastry – are provided in all rooms, along with beach towels. Although it’s snuggled into the sleepy Spanish countryside, it’s only a 20 minute taxi to the centre of Palma so a good choice if you’re looking for a city injection to break up a fly-and-flop holiday.

El Llorenç occupies a blissfully quiet spot in front of a leafy park in the atmospheric historic quarter of Calatrava in Palma, with its narrow, cobbled streets, shops, galleries and artisan studios. Renowned Swedish designer Magnus Ehrland has created a beautiful space with quirky little touches adding character; the attractive infinity pool for example is flanked by Balinese beds, and vast raffia-fringed emerald parasols that shimmer like ostrich feathers under the sun. A real highlight is the serene basement wellness zone offering a variety of massages and beauty treatments, and exclusive products by Natura Bissé. The green-tiled lap pool, presided over by vast golden hanging lights, is a real pleasure if the weather turns on the rooftop pool (or for a winter city break).

It’s a hard concept to engineer in a hotel, that holy grail of being at once low-key, but also high-luxe and Can Ferrereta manages it to a tee. The 32 large, well-proportioned suites and rooms are liveried in restful tones of biscuit, beige and ivory and offer every conceivable comfort but there’s nothing too precious or too try-hard about it. Its perfection is in its easygoing nature, which is what makes it one of the best five-star hotels in Majorca. Staff are gracious and welcoming and go the extra mile whether it’s offering to park a car, fetch a newspaper or assisting with wine tastings or bike hire. But it’s not just its inside vibe, the relaxed atmosphere is matched outside and visitors will love exploring the laid-back scene of the quietly hip neighbourhood of Santanyi with its sandstone architecture and cobbled streets.