The Coast
First trips, swimmers, boat days, anyone who wants the sea outside the window.
Palma BayAdults only
A 19th-century military fortress turned hotel. There is nothing else like it on the island, and staying in an old bunker carved into the rock is the closest thing to sleeping in a Bond villain's lair. Secluded and very private. The rocks are harsh underfoot and breakfast gets repetitive over a full week.
What to know
The Sea Club is worth a lunch on its own: salt-baked sea bass and a glass of rosé. You are twenty minutes from Palma and feel like you are on another planet.
Formentor Peninsula
The biggest name on the island is back. Much more a classic resort than the small fincas, and the renovation kept the historic bones while adding the glossy parts people expect. Busy in the peak summer weeks. The right call for families who want a kids club and more than one pool.
What to know
The drive out along the peninsula is narrow and slow. The beach is shared but gorgeous. Give it at least two nights, because getting in and out eats a half day.
Port de Sóller
High on the cliff above the harbor, big and polished and run like a professional resort. The infinity pool faces the sunset over Sóller. It gives up some of the hidden, boutique feeling in exchange for big rooms and easy logistics, which is exactly the trade a lot of families want.
What to know
The hotel shuttle runs down to the port for dinner, and the historic tram between the port and Sóller village is worth riding once. The most conventional luxury stay on the coast.
CanyamelAdults only
A quiet clifftop spot on the east coast, adults-only and grown up about it. A traditional farmhouse serving Mexican food is a strange combination that somehow lands. The gym is small; the sea views from the garden more than cover it.
What to know
Bring sturdy shoes. A steep staircase carved into the cliff drops you straight to the water. Canyamel is a world away from the busy west coast.
CanyamelAdults only
The cooler sister to Can Simoneta, right next door. Every room is a suite, the design is stripped back, and the suites are spread out enough under the trees that you rarely see anyone. The paths get confusing at night. Best for couples who want to disappear.
What to know
You can use the facilities at Can Simoneta, so take the short path between the two and try both restaurants. Canyamel is sleepy, which is the point.
Camp de Mar
Clifftop on the southwest coast with steps down to a small cove. Mediterranean meets design hotel, breezy and unfussy, rooftop pool that catches the sunset. The crowd skews younger and more international than the old fincas.
What to know
Twenty-five minutes from Palma, next to a small sandy beach you can walk to. Cove access is via cliff stairs, so not ideal with mobility limits. Andratx and Port d'Andratx are ten minutes away for dinner.
Banyalbufar
Richard Branson's estate, and it is enormous: 800 acres of olive trees and vines. The interiors are polished but keep the old farmhouse structure. It is a long way from shops or towns. For people who want to hike and ignore their phone.
What to know
No sandy beach, but the rocky cove swims beautifully. You need a car to reach Valldemossa, Deià, or anywhere for dinner.
Porto Petro
The only high-end all-inclusive we put on a list like this. Huge, well run, and the kids program is a genuine lifesaver for parents. The size makes it feel a bit anonymous. Best for families who want to know the total bill before they land.
What to know
Use the Dine Out program, which covers meals at local restaurants in the village. It is the easiest way to see the town while still staying at a resort.
Calvià
A heavy hitter on arrival. Two private coves and a Matsuhisa on site is a serious combination for this island. For people who want the newest rooms and a big international brand behind the service.
What to know
The peninsula keeps it feeling tucked away even with Palma close by. We will check the current room and restaurant details for your dates.
BanyalbufarAdults onlyOpening 2026
Sixties Riviera energy, yellow accents, seaside rather than stone farmhouse. Every room sees the water. The hill it sits on is steep. For design people who want a pop of colour instead of another set of beige linens.
What to know
Banyalbufar is known for its terraces and open sunset views. The village is tiny and very quiet after dark.
