Fuelled by the search for quiet, comfort and sustainability, and of course, a return to nature, we rounded up a list of the best hotels in Mallorca, from boutique stays on organic farmlands to luxurious historic estates and creative communes.

1. Palma Riad (Palma)

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Location: Carrer de Sant Jaume, 5, Centre, 07012 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain

About: The Palma Riad is a petite boutique hotel made up of only 11 suites located in the heart of the city the Palma Zero zone (meaning it’s located in the heart of the city, steps from attractions, great shopping, and top restaurants). Being adults only, you can have the liveliness of the city being moments away, but also have the ability to come back to an oasis of tranquility at the solarium, cocktail bar and restaurant.

2. Sa Cova (Fornalutx)

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Location: Carrer Arbona-Colom, 28, 07109 Fornalutx, Illes Balears, Spain

About: If you’re hoping to stay somewhere that feels a little more like a home, located a 40-minute drive from Palma de Mallorca’s Sant Joan airport, Sa Cova sleeps up to eight guests in a 19th century home in Fornalutx, a beautiful village tucked amongst the highest peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana. Amenities include three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a library, pool, fully-equipped kitchen and a casita (or guest house) with an extra bedroom and ensuite.

3. Casa Mana (Binissalem)

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Location: Diseminado Poligono 14, 201, 07350, Balearic Islands, Spain

About: This luxury four-bedroom renovated 110-year-old Mallorquín farmhouse overlooks the Tramuntana mountains, and four hectares of the property’s organic land, home to an abundance of olive, carob and fruit trees. Located just a 25-minute drive from the vibrant city of Palma and a only 30 minutes from the shores of Pollença beach and port, this spacious 300m2 estate spans two floors, as well as an inviting 15-meter swimming pool. It’s about as scenic and sustainable of a stay as you can get, the house powered by its own solar panels and batteries, and boasting a solar-powered car charger.

4. Casa Balandra (Marratxinet)

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Location: Camí Can Parrisco, 42, 07141 Marratxinet, Illes Balears, Spain

About: Casa Balandra is a creative residency, guest house and art space that aims to celebrate food, collaboration and conviviality. A platform for creating connections between creatives, particularly in the fields of cooking, art and design, the space has been been carefully curated by a diverse community with vintage trinkets and traces of past artists. By day, lounge by the pool or in the garden, and by night light candles and commune over shared meals.

5. Son Brull (Pollença)

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Location: Ctra. Palma -Puerto Pollença, Km. 50, 07460 Pollença, Balearic Islands, Spain

About: A rural sanctuary is the 5-star Relais & Châteaux hotel Son Brull, found in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana. Embraced by 32 hectares of vineyards and orchards, the historic 18th century monastery encompasses a wellness spa, restaurant, hotel rooms and several suites. Choose from one of two gastronomic experiences that use fresh produce from on-site beehives, laying hens and citrus groves.

6. The Lodge (Sa Pobla)

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Location: Vía de servicio a Pollensa Km1 Salida 37, Ma-13, 07420 Sa Pobla, Balearic Islands, Spain

About: Surrounded by lavender fields and olive groves, this massive 388-acre plot of land houses 24 terracotta and Mallorcan stone suites, along with three pools and an all-day restaurant that serves up locally sourced cuts of meat, alongside homegrown produce over a crackling wood fire. If lounging by the pool isn’t enough, the refuge also offers free yoga classes for guests, and maintains hiking and cycling paths.

7. La Residencia (Deià)

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Location: Carrer son Canals, 07179 Deià, Illes Balears, Spain

About: Since stumbling across a crumbling mansion near the village of Deià in the late 80s, entrepreneur Richard Branson transformed the property into La Residencia, the island’s first exclusive 5-star resort that once played host to Princess Diana. Now owned by Belmond, the space has a distinctly bohemian spirit, catering to the epicureans and resident artists with 71 bedrooms, an art gallery, two artists’ studios, four restaurants, two outdoor pools, tennis courts, a kids’ club, and mountain trails.

8. Brondo Architect Hotel (Palma)

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Location: Carrer de Can Brondo, 4, Centre, 07001 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain

About: Brondo Architect hotel is what you get when a local architecture firm turn their corporate building in the centre of Palma de Mallorca into a 4-star boutique hotel. The space’s stunning architectural character decks out 20 rooms and common areas. It’s central location is a perfect platform from which to enjoy the culture of Palma de Mallorca’s historical city centre, but you can also stay put, enjoying the hotel’s open air gym, yoga, and retaurant.

9. Hotel Predi Son Jaumell (Capdepera)

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Location: Cala Mesquida, Km 1, 07580 Capdepera, Illes Balears, Spain

About: This relaxed hotel in rural Capdepera boasts 24 suites in a restored 18th-century building less than 10 minutes from the beach. This serene and luxurious estate comes complete with a Michelin-star restaurant. This is also a good spot for golfers, with several courses close by. Arrange an al fresco massage, be served tea and cake in the property’s small library, explore the property’s orchards or simply nestle into your room’s king-sized bed.

11. Hotel Corazón (Sóller)

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Location: Carretera de Deià, km. 56, 7, 07100 Sóller, Balearic Islands, Spain

About: Located in the Tramuntana Mountains, between Deià and Sóller, Hotel Corazón is one of the island’s newest boutique accommodations. The 15-room Mallorcan mountain hotel, farm, restaurant, art space and shop is the brain child of photographer Kate Bellm and her partner Edgar, and resides in a renovated historic finca nestled between the mountains and the sea. Each room is individually designed, so that each offers a new and unique experience for guests, while its in-house Mediterranean-inspired restaurant (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner) uplifts local, seasonal, medicinal fares from the hotel’s own abundant garden beds.

10. Cap Rocat (Cala Blava-Llucmajor)

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Location: Ctra. d’enderrocat, s/n, 07609 Cala Blava-Llucmajor, Balearic Islands, Spain

About: Romantic getaways don’t get more special than this 19th century cliff-top ex-military fortress on the outskirts of Palma. Made up of 27 suites, each with large sea-facing terraces, and an alfresco restaurant, infinity pool, private cinema and sandy beach area, its simply unmatched in its luxury and privacy.

11. Hotel Palau Sa Font (Palma)

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Location: Carrer dels Apuntadors, 38, Centre, 07012 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain

About: This 16th Century family friendly boutique hotel has charm and luxuriousness, located in the Palma zone of Mallorca. Its central location makes a walk in the old town city, or a trip to the beach no more than a 15 minute walk.

12. Hotel Sant Francesc (Palma)

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Location: Plaça de Sant Francesc, 5, Centre, 07001 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain

About: Stay in a 19th century mansion that is rich in art and history, located in Palma de Mallorca.

13. Finca Hotel Son Palou (Orient)

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Location: Plaça Església d’Orient, 07349 Orient, Illes Balears, Spain

About: If you’re looking to stay away from the city and into the Tramuntana mountain range, Son Palou is the perfect oasis. With a large swimming pool overlooking the mountains and having renowned restaurants known for their gastronomy, the opportunity to immerse in Mallorcas countryside through sites and taste is optimal here.

14. Hotel D’es Puig

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Location: Carrer es Puig, 4, 07179 Deià, Illes Balears, Spain

About: If you’re look for something more quaint in the village of Deià, nestled in the Serra de Tramuntana is both rich in history and affordable to stay. Offering cycling tours, a swimming pool and a cocktail bar.

15. Kimpton Aysla Mallorca (Santa Ponça)

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Location: Avinguda del Golf, 37, 07180 Santa Ponça, Balearic Islands, Spain

About: This five-star resort features 79 spacious rooms with private terraces, offering a perfect blend of contemporary design and Mediterranean aesthetics. With two outdoor pools, a 900-square-meter spa, and culinary experiences that include SABA Restaurant and Bodega, it’s a haven for luxury and relaxation on the Balearic coast.

16. Can Alomar

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Location: Carrer de Sant Feliu, 1, Centre, 07012 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain

About: Can Alomar, a 17th-century palace turned boutique hotel in the heart of Mallorca, blends Neo-Gothic charm with modern elegance, offering 16 adult-only rooms nestled discreetly between luxury shopping destinations like Louis Vuitton and Massimo Dutti. Guests can enjoy curated art, rooftop relaxation with city views, and Japanese fusion dining at De Tokio a Lima.

17. Four Seasons Resort Mallorca (Formentor)

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Location: Carrer de Formentor, s/n, 07470 Mallorca, Illes Balears, Spain

About: No hotel opening in Mallorca’s recent history has generated as much excitement as the Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor. Steeped in heritage since its beginnings, the resort blends family-friendly charm with the beauty of nature, offering 110 sea-facing rooms, seven dining experiences, and a modern renovation by Estudio Lamela and Gilles & Boisier.

18. Grand Hotel Son Net (Puigpunyent)

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Location: Castillo Son Net s/n, 07194 Puigpunyent, Balearic Islands, Spain

About: This baroque 17th-century estate is nestled in Mallorca’s Tramuntana Mountains, offering an opulent blend of antiquarian charm and meticulous artistry brought to life by art collector Javier López Granados and designer Lorenzo Castillo.

Images: one, two.

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Stay …

At Hotel Colón. Located in the heart of Barcelona, this hotel boasts an unbeatable location right across from the stunning Barcelona Cathedral. The highlight is its amazing rooftop bar, with panoramic views of the city – it’s a perfect spot for enjoying a cocktail at sunset. The hotel is near the Gothic Quarter and within walking distance of numerous shops, museums, restaurants, and attractions, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. The interior and rooms are quite chic, with many rooms offering unique views of the city. With many nearby spots to grab tapas and the Picasso Museum just a short walk away, this hotel is an ideal place to stay for a memorable Barcelona experience.

Eat …

Barcelona is great place to explore Spanish or Catalan cuisine, whilst also offering an array of other cuisines. For tapas, I recommend starting at Bar del Pla, which is quite groovy and specialises in slow-cooked dishes. El Xampanyet is a must-visit for its renowned traditional tapas, though be prepared to line up. For a more casual experience, Can Paixano offers the perfect wine bar atmosphere with great tapas.

If you’re looking to branch out to other cuisines, I love Cecconi’s at Soho House is great for authentic Italian cuisine, or Isabella’s Restaurant for beautifully presented Mediterranean cuisine and cozy interiors. Another favourite is Julieta’s, located on Barceloneta beach, which offers delectable paella right by the water. Noxe is another taste-igniting restaurant located in Barceloneta, serving Japanese cuisine with a 360 view of Barcelona. This restaurant also turns into a club later on, so it’s great for a fun night out.

Drink …

After a morning of sightseeing and shopping on Passeig de Gracia, Terazza la Dolce Vitae is a great place to stop for a mid-day drink or bite to eat while enjoying city views from the rooftop. If you’re looking for a quick and healthy refreshment, head to Nudes for Erewhon-inspired smoothies that are both nutritious and aesthetically appealing.

As the sun sets, the Edition Rooftop is ideal for enjoying drinks with stunning views. Dr. Stravinsky Bar, ranked among the top 50 bars in the world, offers an exceptional cocktail experience. For wine enthusiasts, Pepa Bar a Vins serves natural wines paired with interesting Spanish food. Lastly, Bar Pimentel – a hidden gem with a vintage vibe, is a local favourite where you can savour glasses of local Catalan wine alongside tapas classics.

Do …

Barcelona is a beautifully designed city, from Gaudi’s creations to historical architecture in the Gothic Quarter. It’s a fascinating place with so much to see, even if you’re just wandering around. Though I usually don’t book guided tours, experiencing them on my last trip was worth it; you learn so much. When you first arrive, a hop-on- hop-off bus tour is perfect to get your bearings and appreciate the city’s architecture.

When it comes to Gaudi’s masterpieces, Casa Batlló is a great place to start. Book tickets to go inside; it’s worth seeing the design and innovation Gaudi showcased at a time when modernism was rarely expressed. Park Güell is another highlight – get dropped off at the top to avoid a long walk and consider booking a guided tour to learn about the park’s history and design. Sagrada Familia is an absolute must-see.

Booking a guided tour inside the church will help you understand its rich history and future. Seeing the details that have gone into its construction blew me away.

After a stroll around the Gothic Quarter, visit the Picasso Museum. It’s very interesting to learn about Picasso’s history and art style with a guided tour. After dinner, watch a Flamenco show—my favourite is Palau Dalmases, located in a gorgeous courtyard in the Gothic Quarter.

Shop …

If you like thrifting and finding vintage gems, Barcelona is the city for you. El Encants is a must-visit flea market, open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, offering a wide array of unique finds that you may need to filter through. For a more curated vintage shopping experience, Zoetrope Vintage has an excellent selection of well-chosen pieces for reasonable prices. A little further from the city is House of Rowdy, which has a great selection of vintage pieces and locally designed items. If you want to explore Barcelona-based brands, Gimaguas and Mais X Frida have stores located near Passeig de Gracia, which is also an excellent place to shop for more international brands.

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From 11 July until 31 August this year, Lucy Folk will take up residence at the Hotel Corazón concept store, the pop up featuring a curated selection of the brand’s apparel, jewellery, and accessories. This occasion marks Lucy Folk’s first physical store presence internationally since 2019.

After years of annual pilgrimages to the Balearic Islands, Lucy has been captivated by Mallorca’s natural beauty. When her close friend and Hotel Corazón owner Kate Bellm requested Lucy to design bespoke uniforms for the hotel, which opened in the summer of 2023, the creative collaboration was seamless.

Custom ceramic totems, designed by Lucy Folk and Edgar Lopez (Cobra Cactus) and crafted by local ceramicist Pere Coll, adorn the boutique retail space.

“What better place for our first summer pop-up? Our home away from home. A hotel I would like to live in. Golden jewels and clothes to make rituals in,” says Lucy Folk. “Kate is family, and it feels wonderful to continuously collaborate, merging our love for life, herby tinctures, and raising family in nature.”

Set in the Tramuntana Mountains, this collaboration culminated in an intimate dinner under the stars at Corazón Farm, celebrating the local Mallorcan creative community. “A dinner full of free expression, this event is about celebrating the sun, garden, community, and creativity,” Lucy adds.

At the heart of this collaboration is a profound respect for local resources and artistry. Chef Grace Berrow curated a menu with locally sourced ingredients, while sister, Alma Berrow, designed sculpted clay pieces inspired by farm products made from local clay and natural fibres, and fermented over three days.

Local friends David Mallon and Karin Oender, founders of Earth Core Gallery and Souvenir Official, crafted hand-dyed textiles for the event.

The evening’s soundscape, performed by Sudanese musician Omar, featured four different instruments, adding a melodic layer to the celebration.

1/9    

Find out more on the Lucy Folk Instagram.

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Spain’s socialist-oriented government plans to introduce legislation the would enshrine menstrual leave into law. While, they’re not the first to do so globally, with South Korea, Japan and Taiwan having similar policies, it would make them the first country to do so in Europe, and an example to follow in Australia.

In an interview with El Periódico in March 2022, Ángela Rodríguez, Spain’s secretary of state for equality said, “When there’s a problem that can’t be solved medically, we think it’s very sensible to have temporary sick leave”.

“It’s important to be clear about what a painful period is – we’re not talking about slight discomfort, but about serious symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever and bad headaches,” Rodríguez continued. Not a truer word was spoken. While not all people who menstruate are women, if world leaders are truly invested in advancing the welfare of women, this is certainly one way to do it.

The proposed draft legislation would make Spanish citizens entitled to three days of menstrual leave a month, plus two additional days in exceptional cases. It would be separate to paid holiday or sick leave, although at this stage it’s unclear whether the menstrual leave would be paid.

While we’re yet to whoop and cheer until the bill has been confirmed, it’s this sort of lateral, yet practical, thinking we’re yearning for here in Australia. It’s funny as menstrual leave isn’t necessarily a groundbreaking concept, yet since our leader of the past three years has had to consult his wife for matters concerning women, the comparison has rendered it practically revolutionary.

Image: Pinterest

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Creative director of The Upside, Amelia Mather took a dreamy trip through Spain before the world locked down – and it offered her some new creative inspiration. The Upside’s latest resort collection is all about holiday moments; balmy evenings, sunny days and warm hours spent basking in contentment of place far, far from here.

In celebration of this blissful, summery collection, Mather shares with us her favourite moments from her time in Spain, her secret lunch spots and her travel beauty essentials.

Tell us a little about your travels through Spain?

I first fell for Spain when I was 19 years old and haven’t skipped many summers there ever since. I first explored Barcelona and Ibiza and later I visited Formentera, neighboring Mallorca and also the Basque region in the North.

Growing up my dad was an architect and mum was a history and geography teacher. Visiting buildings and monuments were the motivation behind many family holidays and formed a cherished starting point for my endless desire to explore the world. When I started travelling on my own accord, naturally I headed for the beach towns and instantly fell in love.

What was your favourite stop?

Ibiza, always! It’s the island that keeps on giving. I never stop discovering incredible stories, people and places.

Where did you stay? Do you have a favourite hotel or property?

I’ve stayed all over the Island but two experiences stand out as memorable favorites. During my second trip to Ibiza I met Pepita and her family, they run a few quaint hotels in the Old Town and they’ve always accommodated my friends and I as though we were family.

Their properties have incredible views across the rooftops looking out over the marina. I’ve also had the pleasure of staying at Virginia Nieto’s Villa up in Santa Eularia. She’s a wonderful interior designer and I love her vibrant Spanish aesthetic. It’s the perfect Villa to rent with a group of friends.

What was your favourite moment from the trip?

Last year we had a very special lunch at a secret local spot called El Bigotes. They only have two seating’s at lunch and have been doing so for over 40 years. The first is local fish and salad and the second the famous fish soup with rice. They also have a house wine and coffee laced with brandy and spices. It’s on a little private cove and certainly off the beaten path. What more could you want?

What sights were on your must-do list?

We will always head to the Wednesday Hippy Market at Punta Arabi. It’s so colourful and busting with live music and you really get to experience a taste of the old Ibiza from the ‘60s and ‘70s. I picked up some hand-dyed t-shirts for my girls during our visit last year.

What are your favourite things to do on holiday?

The beach is always a priority during holidays. We usually start with a walk or swim, followed by the cuisine and immersion in the local culture. I love to research and read everything I can about a place so I can always maximise my time away and experience something new.

What’s your perfect travel outfit?

A bikini paired back with colourful spin shorts and an oversized beach shirt. I love embroidery and hand-made textiles in general, so I always pack a few of my handicraft bags that I’ve collected over the years as well as Greek sandals and lots of colourful petite jewels.

What three things will you always have in your bag when you travel?

Music, bikinis and an active set from The Upside for yoga sequence or stretch.

What’s your favourite kind of holiday? Sun and sand or snow and skis?

Sun and sand, always!

What is your favourite travel read?

If I’m not reading about travel destinations and history then I like to read about the body and any sort of integrative health books.

What are your travel beauty bag essentials?

When travelling I always take the Luna Bronze gradual tan moisturiser, Ren Moroccan rose body oil, Malin & Goetz lip gloss and hydrolytes.

What spot is next on your holiday list?

I am currently dreaming of Pantelleria, Ponza, Portugal, Ibiza and Formentera. For now, we will enjoy a staycation at home in Coogee!

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