Palma is full of treasures and is a favourite of The Luxury Editor. The city is known for its varied architecture thanks to a mix of Spanish and Muslim influences, its vibrant and evolving dining scene, and of course its beautiful seafront. Add into the mix the beautiful Mediterranean climate and you have the beginnings of the perfect escape to the sun. Check out our favourites to eat, sleep and do in the Mallorcan capital.
Eat
Adrian Quetglas
Having worked with the likes of Marco Pierre White, Adrian Quetglas was well prepared to launch a restaurant destined to achieve a Michelin star. His heritage – he was raised in Buenos Aires, but has a Mallorcan father – and experience in restaurants across the world have infused his food with a range of flavours. It offers an affordable degustation menu, made up of five courses for lunch and seven at dinner. Close to the shops and beach on the Passeig de Mallorca, its location makes the venue perfect for day or night-time dining. And the decor reflects its vicinity, with an easy, coastal feel.
Marc Fosh
The 17th-century Hotel Convent de la Missió is the setting for Marc Fosh, Palma´s premier dining destination. Fosh – who left the UK for warmer climes two decades ago – was the first Brit to gain a Michelin star on Spanish territory and he served as a significant mentor for Adrian Quetglas. His cuisine is Mediterranean with clean flavours and seasonal ingredients — the chef offers three imaginative tasting menus making frequent use of medicinal herbs. A table in the sleek alfresco courtyard allows diners to enjoy the balmy Mallorcan evenings, while the dining room features a cascading wall of water.
Dins Santi Taura
While Spanish culture is famously welcoming of families, this restaurant caters for those who prefer to dine in an exclusively adult environment. It’s found at the heart of the Old Town, in the Sa Calatrava neighbourhood, close to the cathedral. The menus stay true to the roots of Mallorcan cuisine but with a fresh and unique interpretation on its flavours and techniques. Chef Santi Taura has extensive experience on the island’s restaurant scene and has nearly 20 years of experience running his own venues. As a result, Dine Santi Taura has won two Soles Repsol and received its Michelin star in 2021.
Read our full guide to fine dining in the Balearics
Do
Take A Walking Tour With Bluebird Mallorca
Often the best way to discover a city for the first time (or to get a new perspective on one you already know), is to take a walking tour. Let your guide, Kristine, lead you around the old cobblestones of the island’s capital. You can opt for either a one or two-hour walk, with the option to add on brunch or lunch on the roof terrace of a five-star boutique hotel in the centre of town. It’s a great way to meet other travellers, as there will be at least three other people joining. Or you can book a private tour for just yourself, or your group.
Spa at Cap Rocat
Take a day trip out of the city to the Cap Rocat hotel, a former military fortress located in the secluded area of Palma de Mallorca’s bay. Staying at the hotel will be sure to please, but even a day visit to the incredible spa there is an experience like no other. Carved into the depths of the fortress, the spa is situated in the former water deposit, beneath the main building. Enjoy the dramatic saltwater swimming pool, sunk 12m below ground level and the conservatory-style glass ceiling which allows the beautiful Mallorcan sunshine to flood in. With multiple airy treatment spaces and an elegant but rustic luxury décor with a Mediterranean twist, this is one of the most beautiful spas we have seen!
Visit Art Gallery – Kaplan Projects
You’ll find this contemporary gallery on Costa de Santa Creu, just around the corner from El Corte Ingles. It’s been here since 2019 when it opened as both a dynamic gallery and a cultural management space. Inside are three separate spaces to peruse, with sculptures, paintings, photography and installations. Exhibits here are chosen to encourage debate, dialogue and pure enjoyment, with the opportunity to purchase pieces to take home. The stark white minimalist interior creates a calming environment to focus on the artwork and spend some time in contemplation.
Shopping Passeig des Born
This wide tree-lined promenade has been the heart of Palma for more than a century and is ideal for those who love to shop, with a variety of stores, from Spanish high street favourite Zara to designer brands such as Hugo Boss and Louis Vuitton. The promenade also plays host to parades and fiestas and is worth going to see even if you’re not a fan of retail therapy! Enjoy a late afternoon stroll with a bit of window shopping along the Passeig des Born before settling into a sweet little tapas restaurant for the evening.
Take A Sailboat Tour With Sailboat Lemon Tours
Specialists in excursions around the island and beyond, Lemon provides the option of chartered boat trips, a great way to experience the caves and coastline of Mallorca. The team place a strong emphasis on sustainable and carbon-friendly tourism and of course, travel doesn’t get more environmentally friendly than sail power. Traverse the crystal clear waters and drop anchor awhile diving in for a refreshing dip or snorkel. There are several tours to choose from, including a trip on a traditional fishing llaut with local food and drink provided on the deck and catamaran cruises.
Visit The Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Palma
If you’d like to learn more about the culture, life and visual history of the Balearic Islands, do make a stop here. The Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Palma has gathered around 700 works since its inception in 2004, making it one of the most important museums in the Spanish world. It is housed in what was once the bastion of Sant Pere; a 16th-century building overlooking the bay, half of which operates as the gallery. Naturally, there’s a predominance of Catalan painters’ work, alongside pieces by Picasso, Joan Miro, Rene Magritte and Poliakoff.
Banos Arabes
Palma is known for its multicultural influences; its location in the Med has meant it acts as a meeting point for middle eastern and European cultures and architecture. For possibly the best example of Muslim architecture in Palma, visit the Banos Arabes on Can Serra Street. Located in the beautiful gardens of Can Fontirroig, the Arab baths are an incredible glimpse into the city’s history. The architecture is said to date from the 11th century and it is thought these baths formed part of a noble Muslim’s palace.
Sleep
Gloria de Sant Jaume
Gloria de Sant Jaume boutique hotel is an exquisitely restored Mallorquin mansion that has been thoughtfully reimagined as a 14–room small luxury hotel, with a beautiful rooftop terrace with pool, and a striking basement spa with a 14-metre pool. El Patio de Glòria is amongst the city’s destination restaurants. This café, restaurant and cocktail bar is open for sophisticated, seasonal dining. Almost hidden amongst the honey-coloured streets and saffron-hued alleyways of the old town quarter, boutique hotel Gloria de Sant Jaume Palma is tucked away from the city bustle in the quiet Carrer Sant Jaume street between Avenida Jaime III and the city’s elegant Rambla, making it perfect for guests looking to enjoy the cultural, historical and gastronomic attractions of the city.
El Llorenç, Parc de la Mar
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.
Es Princep
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.
Hotel Calatrava
A converted 19th-century building homes the airy Boutique Hotel Calatrava, which sits as part of a façade of buildings that used to form an ancient Arabic wall in Palma. The hotel is decorated in a contemporary Spanish style – there is a lot of natural wood throughout, interesting art adorns the clean walls, and the furniture is a stylish mix of modern and vintage. There are only 16 rooms for a truly boutique experience, all of which have King size beds and spacious closets. We recommend going for a suite if you can as you are guaranteed a view over the bay of Palma from your private balcony, perfect for lazy holiday breakfasts. The Boutique Hotel Calatrava also offers a comprehensive luxury concierge to ease the stress of travelling – from organising day excursions to booking your private yacht, their staff can do it all for you.
Saint Francesc
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.
Nearby
The Lodge Mallorca
Opt for a rural and rustic stone-built finca during your time on the island. Surrounded by fields of lavender, groves of almond, carob, ancient olive and fruit trees, The Lodge is set on 157 hectares of farmland and offers boutique living in authentic and modern Mallorcan style. It’s found within the UNESCO-protected Sierra de Tramuntana; a wonderful setting for yoga retreats and cycle exploration (provided by the hotel). The Lodge’s Singular Restaurant serves wood-smoked fish and meat, alongside fresh veggies and rice dishes. And there are infinity pools and spa treatments onsite.
Ikos Porto Petro
Book a suite, a family room, or even a two-bedroom bungalow with a private pool, at Ikos Porto Petro. Everything is included here, so you don’t have to worry about cash throughout your stay. Eat by the pool, or by candlelight beneath olive trees, from menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs, across five à la carte restaurants, or grab a quick meal at the Food Hall. There’s much to keep you occupied, with spa treatments, tennis courts, paddle sports and access to a complimentary Tesla to explore further afield. Kids have their own club, managed to UK Ofsted standards.
Zel Mallorca
This new hotel is the result of a collaboration with tennis star Rafa Nadal; the design of which takes its cues from the natural hues and textures of the Balearics. Perched right on a sandy beach south of Palmanova, it’s yards from shops, bars and restaurants and around an hour from the airport. Guests can dine at Beso Beach on Basque-Mediterranean dishes, sip cocktails by the pool and take part in wellness activities. As Zel is part of the Melia Group, guests can access any of its other hotel facilities, under its Stay in One, Play in All scheme.
For more luxury hotels in Palma, read our luxury hotel guide.
