The winter months in Mallorca can be among some of the most beautiful combined with the island’s mild climate, it’s the ideal time to enjoy activities such as cycling, walking, playing golf or simply relaxing in a spa. Winter is also an important time of feasting and fun, so herewith with some suggestions of where to stay:
Discovering the Sierra Tramuntana
Locals and visitors alike head off to the mountains during the winter to enjoy the many walks and scenery that Mallorca’s Sierra Tramuntana offers. For full details on walks/markets/activities in the Sierra Tramuntana go to: www.infomallorca.net. For details on hostals and mountain refuges: www.serradetramuntana.net
… and for those who want comfort in an authentic setting:
Ecocirer Townhouse Hotel, Soller. Opened this year by a local Mallorcan family, who set out to create a hotel concept which echoed their sustainable tourism values and holistic philosophy so that visitors can experience the authentic “other” Mallorca. Hotel Ecocirer incorporates art, design, ecological sustainability, recycling, nature and healthy nutrition. All six of the hotel rooms are individually designed featuring a palate of light neutral tones with splashes of colour provided by artworks by Francesa Martí, a local artist of international renown.
All the produce used in the hotel is local and organic. Breakfast, which is included in the price of the room, is bursting with colour and flavour featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables. Ecocirer also offers a separate guesthouse located outside the hotel main building with its own kitchen, dining/salon area and private terrace. In winter there are a range of special offers and prices start from approximately 155 euros per room, per night to include breakfast. See website for details: www.ecocirer.com
Gran Hotel Son Net, Puigpunyent. Perched on a hill overlooking the village and vistas below and surrounded by the Sierra Tramuntana, this award winning boutique hotel with character features a fine dining restaurant, large wood burning fire, spa treatments and a complete programme over the Christmas/New Year period. This month the hotel has picked up another award as “Luxury Mountain Hotel” Global Winner in the prestigious 2018 World Luxury Hotel Awards. The hotel’s location, which is only 20 minutes’ drive from Palma, makes a good base for walkers/cyclists: www.sonnet.es
Hotel Can Mostatxins, Alcudia. This refurbished boutique townhouse hotel dates back to the late 15th century and is the only 4 star hotel in Alcudia’s Old Town. It features 19 rooms with rooms in the main building and a further 11 in the neighbouring annex, which has recently been completed. All the rooms are different featuring décor that enhances the authentic historic features together with Spanish modernist elements blended with modern contemporary details. Other facilities include an outdoor spa pool, treatment room and restaurant. The hotel is open from February to December. Prices in 2019 start from 155€ per night (including breakfast): http://hotelcanmostatxins.com/
Combine golf and a spa break at the Castillo Son Vida Hotel. Located within the exclusive Son Vida residential area, the hotel has recently completed the refurbishment and expansion of a new spa complex. The spa now has four treatment rooms, a large indoor pool and outdoor pool, a gym with 14 state-of-the art cardio and weight machines by TechnoGym, a large Finish sauna, a bio sauna and steam bath, and spacious relaxation area.
In addition to massage and personal training/yoga/pilates classes, there’s also a full menu of facial and body treatments. The hotel is within a short distance of three top golf courses which makes it the ideal location to enjoy a golf and spa break. To launch the new spa, the hotel is offering a special four night package (for the price of 3 nights) to include a spa treatment of choice per person, breakfast and local tax. Prices start at 195 EUR per night. www.luxurycollection.com/castillo
In Palma … there is now an ample choice of new boutique hotels (at the last count there are approximately 50 boutique hotels in Palma) and the majority are open throughout the winter. They provide the ideal base to enjoy the delights of the city at this time with its traditional Christmas lights, varied shopping, museums, art galleries, cafes and restaurants.
New hotels opened this year and that will be open throughout the winter include:
Hotel Gloria de San Jaume located just off the main shopping street of Jaime III. The Cabau family, who are established local hoteliers on the island, acquired the building, which dates back to the 16th century, and decided to restore it to its former glory and create an authentic Mallorcan manor house in the centre of Palma. The interiors have been exquisitely finished to a luxury five star standard retaining many of the building’s original architectural elements. Other hotel features include a bar, restaurant, a spa and treatment area with interior pool in the basement and a rooftop terrace. Rates start at 220€ per night for a double room with breakfast. www.gloriasantjaume.com
Fil Suites
Mallorcans are also behind Fil Suites which opened this year on the site of a 14th century building and the former Ca’n Ribas textile factory in the Sa Gerreria area of Palma’s old town. There are 10 rooms and 25 apartments of 5 different types incorporating many of the building’s original details including vaulted ceilings, arches and the drawings of the original fabric samples which have been painted on the walls. Each studio or apartment is fully equipped and ideal for families or groups of friends. In winter prices range from 90€ per night for a room to 150€ per night for an apartment that sleeps 3 people. https://filsuites.com/
Mallorcan Tonic: promoting boutique hotels and island experiences
Travel expert and former Mallorcan resident, Deidre O’Connor, provides seasonal information and advice on what do on the island. Furthermore, her website features a range of special deals at her selection of Palma’s best hotels featuring special discounted room rates, room upgrade and free welcome cava. www.mallorcantonic.com
