Palma Riad Mallorca  – A Boutique Hotel Oasis In Fes

Step into the sensuous and exotic world of Palma Riad, offering an extravagant, vibrant guest experience, evocative of romantic faraway places.

Palma Riad is unapologetically different to the myriad of boutique boltholes in Palma’s old town. Its distinctive style and personality makes it a creative and original destination for design, culture, and cuisine, writes Andrew Forbes (The Luxury Editor).

Captivating Palma

Regular visitors to Palma will already know that Mallorca’s capital has emerged as a sophisticated city break destination – with a compelling combination of historic architecture, a vibrant contemporary food scene, city beaches, and a great choice of places to stay. The city is a world apart from the rest of Mallorca, the Mediterranean island of UNESCO mountains and dreamy, postcard-perfect beaches.

Here in the capital, the vibe is urban and stylish, a tapestry of Manhattan style cool woven with European old-world charm.

As a strategic, wealthy hub for trade and commerce for centuries, the city became chockful of palatial homes and mansions, many of which have since been reimagined as small hotels.

Riad Palma stands apart from other properties in Palma, with a theatrical ambiance and extraordinary attention to detail.

Alluring Design

Riad Palma beautifully captures the essence of both the contemporary and the past, with an eclectic and curated collection of interior pieces creating a sensuous experience for the guest. This palatial city centre sanctuary is filled with antiques, artworks, collectables, rich sensuous fabrics liker velvet, extravagant candelabras, oversized mirrors, been alluring room scents creating an atmosphere. It’s a clever mix of on-trend design with timeless details that embraces you with a descendant, feel-good vibe.  The architecture is that of a classic riad patio house, found in the Mediterranean region of Southern Spain and North Africa, where high exterior walls give few clues to the wonders that lie within.

Drinks, dining and more

In the evenings, the Morokko Bar, with its show-stealing design, buzzes with life, attracting a cool local crowd. Adjacent is a seafood bar with a menu of champagnes, oysters, and exquisite sashimi.

This was my favourite time of day in the Palma Riad – the place really comes to life as the sun sets. The covered courtyard is the gastronomic heart of the hotel, with candle-lit tables set beside the plunge pool.

The menu of Morokko Restaurant is a contemporary mix of recipes and dishes inspired from the Mediterranean and North Africa, with Asian influences – creative fusion cuisine served with plenty of glamour. We started with the most delicious sashimi selection with 4 handmade sauces of the side. Then a flavoursome dish of aubergine Furoki with Dashi, before perfectly prepared beef sirloin with black garlic and piquillo peppers.

Breakfast can be enjoyed in the pool, in the sun-dappled patio or in the cosy ambience of the bar.

Rooms & suites

Romantic, decadent, bold – just some of the ways to describe the riad’s 11 guest rooms. Unique in design and styling, each has its own standout features from private hammam-style baths, fire places to private terraces.

Guest rooms look like film sets – with a generous dose of 1001 Arabian Nights fantasy in the bathrooms. The attention to detail is extraordinary. I stayed in a patio suite, with a huge bathroom, including a private mosaic tiled hammam style bath big enough to share. Molton Brown amenities were presented in charming Moroccan bottles with tassels.

Beyond the bold bedroom with an immaculately presented, oversized bed, was a terrace salon overlooking the patio. The bedroom was boldly decorated in midnight black with details in gold.

A floor-standing mirror disguised the smart TV, while there was also a mind bar, espresso machine and personal details like a lovely leather notepad.

The terrace salon was cosy with a day bed and seating area, and homey details like Asian ceramics, vintage books, and sculptural lighting – all giving the feel of a staying in the posh home or a wealthy, well-travelled friend.

Read our Eat Do Sleep guide to Palma

The use of rich natural textures and build colours, allows for a wonderous play of natural and artificial light, creating a seductive experience. The room was undoubtedly sexy and alluring. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, there’s a suite with a bed for four!

Unforgettable

Riad Palma is unforgettable. It beautifully blends the rich history of the region, the colourful culinary and architectural influences of the Al Andalus era when the region was ruled by the Moors for centuries, with a thoroughly contemporary Balearic guest experience focused on luxury, gastronomy, and culture.

The hotel makes for a sensational Valentine’s destination. The mix of charm and decadence made for a very romantic vibe. The team are also delightful, making it a memorable stay.

This property is included in our guide to the best hotels in Palma