Mallorca, renowned for its turquoise waters, rugged mountains and historic villages, has long been a holiday favorite of European royalty, politicians and celebrities—think everyone from Winston Churchill and Audrey Hepburn to Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III, who honeymooned there in the 1950s. More recently, A-listers including Anne Hathaway, Brad Pitt and former First Lady Michelle Obama, have visited for the vibrant Spanish culture and hot culinary scene.
Despite being the largest of the Balearics, nothing feels too far in Mallorca, as you can drive to most places in about an hour or so. For immersion in the island’s natural beauty, Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá concierge Anita Gill ([email protected]) can suggest hikes in the UNESCO World Heritage Serra da Tramuntana, Mondragó Natural Park or the Albufera Natural Park. Fun Highlight: The Drach Caves, which feature one of the largest underground lakes in the world. They turn the cave experience into a show with live musicians playing classical pieces from row boats.
On our recent visit, we enjoyed exploring the cobblestone streets in the villages of Deia, Soller, Valldemossa and the capital of Palma, with cute shops and open markets selling crafts, fashions and food reflecting the region’s mix of Spanish, Moorish and Catalan influences.
(Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá )
While there is plenty of elevated dining—Mallorca is home to 12 Michelin stars—we loved the more casual tapas and wine bars. La Bodeguilla in Palma is a must (booking ahead is essential) with an incredible selection of wines and delectable tapas in a cozy, brick-lined cellar. BarBar offers similar-style food in a brighter, more open atmosphere. Bar La Sang has a focus on local, natural wines, and a rotation of visiting chefs. For something closer to the hotel, less than 10 minutes by car is the renowned Flanigan’s restaurant in Puerto Portals (where Michelle Obama had lunch shortly after arriving on the island last summer). While the restaurant is known for their seafood, the gazpacho is not to be missed; they bring it with a choice of toppings.
Mallorca is currently trending among Americans, particularly New Yorkers, thanks to United’s recent introduction of direct flights from Newark to Mallorca three times a week. We checked out the five-star, adults-only Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá, part of The Leading Hotels of the World, in Illetas, just outside the charming capital of Palma. This 137-room historic property, celebrating 60 years, is an architectural landmark and the first resort on the island to offer a co-branded pool club, Bombon, in collaboration with Italian designer Alberta Ferretti.
(Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá )
The Chocolate Building
Designed by legendary Catalan architect José Antonio Coderch and opened in 1964, the Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá is fondly known as the ‘Chocolate Building’ thanks to its modernist brown and boxy silhouette. The hotel’s distinctive look is considered such an icon of Spanish architecture that local lawmakers have forbidden any renovations altering the exterior. Coderch’s genius design maximizes the seaside setting with all guestrooms and public spaces facing the shimmering turquoise waters.
The vibe of the property is mid-century modern. A chic lobby leads to the bars and restaurants, two stunning outdoor pools and the new Bombon Beach Club, set out over several levels cascading through manicured gardens towards the water and the hotel’s private beach cove.
(Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá )
Guestrooms and Suites
The 137 guestrooms are divided into Deluxe, Premium and RedLevel categories. Each room sports contemporary interiors with furnishings in calming beiges with touches of sea blue, and all have spacious terraces to enjoy the sea views. The Deluxe and Premium categories are a roomy 400 square feet. There are also 23 suites available in four different sizes, starting at 818 square feet, all including Melia’s RedLevel concierge service.
We stayed in room No. 702, a RedLevel Sea View Master Suite, which spans 1,182 square feet and has two distinct areas. The spacious sleeping area includes a king bed and a cleverly designed desk hidden behind the headboard, should you need to work. This area is connected to a massive glass-enclosed bathroom with a freestanding bath, double sinks, separate toilet and a rain shower with heavenly scented products from Barcelona-based Carner. There’s also a long corridor of closets and a dressing area. On the other side of the bathroom is a chill-out area with a large Balinese-style daybed, sofa, compact bar and Butler’s pantry stocked with interesting local products. Another full bathroom is off the living space. Both areas are sea-facing with two terraces for enjoying the water views. Another option for VIPs: the RedLevel Royal Suite, also 1,182 square feet, but a different layout, featuring a dining area, kitchenette with a microwave, a lounge area with a sofa, and a bathroom with a whirlpool tub overlooking the water. For VIP arrangements, contact General Manager Lucas Torán at [email protected].
Each night, a manager left us a hand-written note and a thoughtful treat—a drawn bath with regional salts and herbs, an adorable beach bag in a Mallorcan Ikat print with sunscreen, or a bottle of local natural wine paired with cured meats and cheeses.
Good to know: If you’re not familiar with Melia’s RedLevel, it is the premium service at Gran Melia Hotels, with a dedicated concierge and upgraded experiences. At the Hotel de Mar Gran Melia, there is a lovely RedLevel lounge off the lobby with food on offer all day, and a happy hour every night in Amaro bar with cocktails and unique tapas from the region. Also included for RedLevel suite guests: airport transfers, daily ironing, spa entry and use of the Bali Bed sun loungers.
(Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá )
Spa and Well-being
At Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá, wellness and relaxation blend stylishly. Central to this is the new Bombon Pool Club, where Alberta Ferretti’s iconic tie-dye prints in shades of blue adorn the large, comfy (and shaded) sun beds surrounding the hotel’s two outdoor pools and the rows of sun loungers overlooking the sea.
The Spa by Clarins features five treatment rooms, including a double for couples therapy. All treatments use Clarins products, the signature being a Rebalancing Massage with Essential Oils, they also offer several treatments just for pregnant women. There is also a spa circuit: a heated pool with a variety of pressure jets, hydro massage, followed by a sauna. To arrange spa services, contact Spa Manager Belén Meaurio at [email protected].
For fitness, there is a small but well-equipped gym, and during the summer season, the hotel offers a daily class schedule with a mix of yoga, breathwork, stretching, and meditation led by Tefi Skoufalos, who is trained in both yoga and music—a truly spiritual experience. Classes are held on a platform overlooking the private cove, where the hotel’s sweet orange cat occasionally slinks by. Off-property is golf and tennis, which the concierge can book.
Dining
Food is a highlight at Hotel de Mar Gran Melia. The main culinary event, not to be missed, is Arrels by Marga Coll, offering five- and seven-course tasting menus for breakfast and dinner. Chef Marga has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for her focus on fresh, local ingredients. Her unique five-stage breakfast is a two-hour journey through the flavors and textures of traditional Mallorcan cuisine. Fruit, cold meats, cheeses, crusty brown bread, and cocarrois (a Mallorcan empanada), followed by Mallorcan sweets—ensaimadas (a coiled local pastry filled with cream), cocas de patata (a light potato roll), accompanied by sweet wine. Her seven-course dinner is even more impressive, each designed from ingredients she shopped for in the morning market, artfully presented and paired with local wines.
(Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá )
Beyond the fine dining at Arrels, there is an ample buffet breakfast at Perseo, tables groaning with local produce, cheese, cured meat, nuts, pastries, eggs to order and continental fare, plus à la carte dinners at night overlooking the sea. During the day, the Alberta Ferretti Bombon Pool Club’s poolside restaurant offers a culinary journey inspired by the Mediterranean—think recipes crafted from local ingredients, including caviar, scallops, wild rice, lobsters, Black Angus beef and Iberian ham. The Amaro bar and lounge has a retro 1950s feel, fitting with the mid-century look, classic cocktails and a tuxedo-clad piano player offer an elegant soundtrack.
Good to know: The hotel is seasonal and open April to October.
Unique Souvenir: In celebration of the hotel’s 60-year milestone, Gran Meliá has created a coffee table anniversary book, “Hotel de Mar 1964-2024: 60 años del hotel Chocolate.” The limited-edition collector’s item pays homage to the architectural prowess of Coderch, chronicling the history of Hotel de Mar, “El hotel Chocolate,” from his architectural vision to the present day.
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