We drive people to luxury hotels all over Mallorca, every day. So when guests ask us which ones are actually worth the money, we've got opinions. Here's our honest list of the ten best -- based on what we see when we drop people off, what we hear when we pick them up, and a few properties we've checked out ourselves.
For each one, we've included the drive time from Palma Airport so you can plan your private transfer accordingly.
1. Belmond La Residencia, Deia
Up in the olive groves above Deia, this is the one that everyone talks about. It's got that old Mallorca soul -- stone buildings, art everywhere, incredible views down to the coast. The drive from PMI is about 35 minutes through the Serra de Tramuntana, and it's genuinely one of the best road trips in Europe. You'll want to be a passenger for this one.
2. Cap Rocat, Cala Blava
An old military fortress right on the Bay of Palma, converted into this pared-back, minimalist hotel. Only 20 minutes from the airport, but the moment you drive through the gates it feels like you've left civilisation behind. One of those places that's hard to describe until you see it.
3. Four Seasons Resort Formentor
Out on the Cap de Formentor peninsula, reached by that famous winding coastal road. It's 65 minutes from PMI and the last stretch is spectacular -- cliffs, pine forests, the sea appearing through gaps in the trees. Honestly, book a Mercedes V-Class for this one. You don't want to be driving after a flight.
4. Hotel Nixe Palace, Palma
Right on the beach at Cala Major, sea views from every room. Ten minutes from the airport. If you want luxury without a long transfer, this is probably the answer.
5. Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden, Palma
A boutique hotel in the middle of Palma's Old Town -- just 24 suites, an underground pool, courtyard gardens. It's the kind of place that feels like a secret. Fifteen minutes from PMI.
6. Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa
Sitting on the cliffs above Port de Soller with infinity pools and proper spa facilities. About 30 minutes from the airport through the Soller tunnel. The views of the harbour from the terrace are something else.
7. Es Princep, Palma
Boutique hotel built into the old city walls of Palma. The infinity pool looks out over the bay with the cathedral behind you. Modern design inside a historic shell. Fifteen minutes from PMI.
8. Castell Son Claret, Es Capdella
A castle hotel in the countryside, vineyards and olive groves around it, foothills of the Tramuntana in the background. The restaurant is excellent. Twenty-five minutes from the airport.
9. Sant Francesc Hotel Singular, Palma
A restored 19th-century mansion near the Sant Francesc church. The rooftop terrace has some of the best views in Palma -- cathedral, sea, rooftops. It's a favourite with return visitors who know the city.
10. Hotel Son Net, Puigpunyent
A 17th-century manor house in the Puigpunyent valley, surrounded by mountains. Peaceful in a way that's hard to find on an island this popular. About 25 minutes from Palma Airport.
Getting There
We do transfers to all of these. Our chauffeurs know the entrance driveways, the parking layouts, where to pull up so the hotel staff can greet you properly. Whether it's a quick 10-minute ride into Palma or the hour-long scenic drive up to Formentor, just WhatsApp us with your hotel and flight details.
