Hotel Hospes Maricel & Spa, Mallorca

Location

The hotel is situated in C'as Català on the edge of Cala Mayor, one of the least prepossessing of the island's resorts, although it is only 15 minutes by car to Palma with its shops, restaurants and sights. A positive is that the hotel is only a five-minute drive from Bendinat Golf Club and the excellent Port Calanova sailing school as well as the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró museum. There are plenty of marine sports clubs in the vicinity as well as sandy beaches. 

Referred to as the 'Palace', this grand stone mansion with tower (in 16th-century style) was built in 1948 by leading local architect of the day, Francisco Casas Llompart. In its heyday the likes of actors Errol Flynn and Montgomery Clift would flit by. It has since been fully refurbished and modernised. Renowned architect Xavi Claramunt created Natura, an ultra modern building crafted in natural stone and wood, along with a spa block, which are both located across a busy road adjacent to the hotel and accessed via a private tunnel, surrounded by gardens and foliage.

Accommodation

There are 51 rooms and suites; 29 in the Palace and 22 housed in Natura. The majority of rooms in the Palace have sea views but some have small windows and no terrace. However there are premium rooms with terraces, and four suites. Rooms in Natura have mini plunge pools and terraces but not all rooms have sea view. Deluxe rooms in the Palace follow an Art Deco theme with wood effect flooring and textiles in neutral tones. A comfortable king-sized bed, desk, television, minibar and safe are provided along with bathrobes. 

Dining

The Maricel restaurant with its romantic terrace directly overlooking the sea offers superb lunchtime and evening fare under the direction of celebrated island chef, Rafael Sánchez. A lunchtime menu and five-course evening tasting option are available along with à la carte dishes. Inspired creations such as lobster cannelloni with purple potato chips and frothy yolk sauce are followed by such gems as turbot with baby squid noodles, confit potato and Kaffir lime. Desserts include the decadent chocolate 2.0, a symphony of textured chocolate delights.

The breakfast buffet offers a wide selection of pastries, breads, juices and cereals while egg dishes, pancakes and waffles are made to order. There's an excellent selection of Majorcan delicacies, as well as charcuterie, smoked salmon, and cheeses along with special dietary products. 

Facilities

The property has excellent facilities including the full service Bodyna spa situated close to the Natura building. It includes gym, sauna, hot tub, steam room and hair salon as well as an internal pool that also extends outside. Treatments can be taken here or in small natural grottos close to the large infinity pool and solarium at the rear of the hotel close to the sea.