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Mallorca’s beaches are legendary, but many people have no idea how spectacular this island's interior is, and it’s arguably some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the Mediterranean. Behind the pleasures of the coastline is an undulating topography of mountains and valleys, which gives a sense of remoteness to both, because you just can’t see past them to the characterful hill towns with their markets and pretty churches. Our picks for the best rural hotels in Mallorca can be found on these hills and in these valleys. Many of the small rural hotels in Mallorca are lovingly, and painstakingly, renovated farmsteads, manor houses, palaces and estates, which locals are refining into visitor accommodation. It’s in these sorts of properties, with their olive groves and huge presses, terracotta floors and exposed beams and stonework, that you can see the renewing of appreciation for the island’s traditions and heritage. And our recommendations for 20 of Mallorca’s best rural hotels offer the opportunity to appreciate these things as well as relax, explore or adventure as you see fit.
For a hotel with a view
- The Finca S'Estelrica qualifies for several of our best rural hotel categories: it’s a finca, it’s very romantic, but also family friendly, but we just can’t get past the incredible views. The setting is idyllic, just outside Artà, with views into the mountains and plenty of places to enjoy them from. The nine rooms and suites are simply dressed, and it’s all very contemporary in style, with big windows, an emphasis on local natural materials and a fresh, clean feel. Rooms are in low stone buildings with private terraces that open onto the garden. There’s no restaurant but they do offer breakfast.
- Finca Filicumis is surrounded by incredible views of the Tramuntana Sierra. Whether you’re in your room, one of just five, or walking the picturesque grounds, or in the pool, the views are always with you. Relaxing and inspiring, this is rural Mallorca at its best. The rooms have traditional whitewashed walls around exposed beams, and big windows or terrace doors, giving a chic, airy feel to their simplicity. Some of them are more like apartments with living space and self catering facilities so perfect for families too. And in the foreground are the finca’s own grounds where oranges and almonds grow.
- Alqueria Blanca is a picturesque grand estate on a hill, surrounded by olive groves and lush gardens where you’ll find the property's donkeys and other animals. It has 11 rooms and suites, all large and airy, with four-poster beds and fine wood furniture against neutral colours, and it’s all very comfortable. The restaurant is exceptional too. Plus you’re within a short drive of Deià, Valldemossa and Sóller, and only 20minutes from Palma.
Some of Mallorca’s Best Fincas
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- Cases de Ca's Garriguer is a gorgeous finca just outside Valldemossa close to a number of beautiful bays and beaches. The finca’s ten rooms are decorated in a simple, traditional manner, with tiled floors, original stone, beamed ceilings and some great local antiques. All of them have a private balcony or terrace. There’s also a large pool and sunny terrace with beautiful views. The restaurant serves local classics and is very good.
- Finca Es Llobets is another gorgeous, ten room finca. This time built in the 14th century, complete with a private chapel, and now beautifully refurbished in the perfect mix of traditional and contemporary style, making the most the of simple stone interiors and elegant layout, and adding some unfussy furnishings and tasteful art. The finca has a huge garden, and a welcoming pool. Breakfasts are taken at the long communal table in the dining room, or on the terrace, and the hosts offer suppers three nights a week. This is the perfect spot for relaxing, and for taking trips out to the beach and a slew of pretty nearby towns with their lively markets.
- Son Simo Vell is a working farm about a kilometre from Alcúdia, which offers eight elegantly minimal guest rooms, plus a pool and gym, and an extensive private wine cellar. There’s also a restaurant specialising in local cuisine made from very local produce. This is a great location, close to pretty towns and lovely beaches and coves, yet from the farmhouse itself the views are all rolling rural valleys, with the farm’s own vineyards, olive groves, almond trees and animals in the foreground. The grounds also include a three thousand year old Talaiotic monument. This property proves that farms and minimalist style do go together.
For a rural beach break
- Font Santa is a five star hotel on an empty stretch of coastline close to one of Mallorca’s best beaches. Outside the hotel is pale sandstone, with picturesque grounds and an inviting pool, inside there are 25 rooms and suites, all chic and white, with simple contemporary furniture and beautiful exposed beams and stone walls. The restaurant is fantastic, the thermal spa menu is extensive and most rooms have a private terrace. Romantic and idyllic. No kids.
- The majority of our recommendations for Mallorca’s best rural hotels are small, but not Es Molí, which has 87 rooms and suites. Close to Deià, with its own private cove and sea views from some terraces — as you look between the valleys with their neat olive groves, this is a well laid out hotel with large rooms and a fantastic setting. Perfect for hikers, or holidays where you potter about the hotel some days, this is a relaxing place to stay with the facilities you get from a larger hotel, including snorkelling kit and themed dinner evenings in the restaurant.
For a romantic rural escape
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- Of all the picturesque locations we’re recommending in Mallorca, that of Can Verdera is the one with the most official awards: the valley that surrounds it has twice been awarded ’Spain’s Most Beautiful Valley’. The hotel is charming too, laid out in steps up the hill, in line with its beautiful tiered gardens, which have a pool and outdoor bar. There are just 11 rooms and suites, some dressed in a more contemporary style than others and some with hot tubs. You’re close to the pretty village of Fornalutx and only a few kilometres from Söller, so there are plenty of restaurants nearby, and there’s a magical bar to come back to with incredible views.
- The Gran Hotel Son Net is an old, yet elegant sanctuary in an elevated spot in the foothills of the Sierra de Tramuntana, which is so large and magnificent that it dominates even this spectacular landscape. Built in 1672, and very carefully converted into one of the grandest rural properties in Mallorca, this is the sort of escape where you sleep in a super-king sized four-poster bed, your huge marble bathroom has modern underfloor heating and the lofty restaurant boasts a 50 strong staff and a fantastic wine collection. Speaking of collections, you’ll also get a chance to appreciate the owner’s art collection, which includes works by Chagall, Hockney, Frank Still and Andy Warhol.
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- Amongst the foothills of the Sierra de Tramuntana you'll find Hotel Son Ametler. The emphasis here is on peace and tranquility, with top-notch but unobtrusive service. There are just eight bedrooms, four have their own balcony with stunning views, and they’re all light, airy and simply, but stylishly decorated. Breakfast is included, there’s a kitchen open all day offering treats made largely from ingredients from the estate, and three times a week they offer four course supper.
- Sa Carrotja is another lovely stone house surrounded by olive groves and fig trees, then wonderful rural views, that’s been beautifully converted into a small hotel. The building’s layout perfectly allowed for the addition of a pool and pool terrace, in addition to the courtyard and other sunny terraces. The 12 bedrooms are mostly upstairs, and are traditional looking, with tiled floors, exposed beams, whitewashed walls and solid wood furniture; downstairs there’s a cool, uncluttered feel. It’s all very comfortable. Breakfast is provided and evening meals are available. Only children over 15 are welcome.
For Total Relaxation
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- Extremely relaxing, but also extremely romantic, Castell Son Claret is a luxurious reincarnation of a 14th century castle, with views over a beautifully designed garden and behind that the hills. There are 38 rooms and suites here, some in a modern annex, where you can also find two suites with their own private pools. The decor is impeccably chosen with oak floors, marble fittings and subtle hues. You can expect serious pampering here, with an impressive list of spa treatments, regular yoga classes and Michelin-starred dining. A romantic retreat.
- Cal Reiet is a boutique style country retreat converted from a 19th century estate close to Santanyi and the coast. There are just 15 bright, elegant rooms and suites, decorated with a blend of contemporary and traditional style which complements the original features of the house perfectly, but makes it very comfortable too. There’s a lovely pool surrounded by palm trees, and a spa and restaurant too, plus a yoga studio and space for cooking lessons.
- Sa Cabana is a 16th century finca close to Consell, inland from Soller, which has been converted into a chic 25 room hotel. The views from the windows and terraces of the contemporary styled rooms include palm trees in the foreground, a circular, artfully lit pool and welcoming pool deck, and then the mountains beyond. There’s plenty of al fresco seating in the restaurant and the spa is impressive.
For Families
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- Close-ish to Soller, S'Olivaret began life as an olive press, and there are still extensive olive groves in the foreground of the rural views here. Today there are also 27 traditionally styled rooms and suites, with terracotta tiles on the floor, exposed beams, pine furniture and traditional fabrics. The rooms also have views of the mountains, and some of the suites are more than big enough for a family. This is also a perfect spot for walkers and cyclists, and if you haven’t got your bike with you can hire one at the hotel.
- If you want to make sure you have plenty of space you might consider Possessio Binicomprat, a 16th century country wine estate now offering 11 traditionally dressed suites or self-catering apartments, which have private living and dining areas and beautiful private terraces. All the accommodation has exposed stone walls and wooden beams. Outside there are lush gardens and a pool. Perfect for exploring Mallorca, whether you want to do it on foot, on two wheels or by car.
- Monnaber Vell is another wonderfully relaxing option for families, with 13 rooms and suites against yet another incredible backdrop. Built in the 13th century, the interiors today are a careful blend of traditional and contemporary, with lots of exposed stone and wood, and neutral colours used to echo the beautiful landscape. The pool in particular has a pretty amazing view. The restaurant specialises in Mediterranean food, and there’s an indulgent spa with a Finnish sauna, Turkish steam bath and beauty and massage therapies available.
- There’s a lot to please your kids about many of our picks for the best rural hotels in Mallorca: the space, the fruit trees, the beautiful pools, the tiled floors… but we think Sa Rota d'en Palerm has gone the extra mile with its large supply of toys and games to share amongst their collection of eight self-catering apartments. They can also arrange babysitting. Surrounded by a beautiful Mediterranean garden and fruit orchards, this is the sort of place you can really imagine loving as a kid. And the elegant traditional decor help make it even more comfortable for everyone.
Still not sure which to book?