If Ibiza is the party mecca of the Balearics, then Mallorca is its more laidback sibling. Long a popular destination amongst discerning travellers – Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco had their honeymoon here at Cap Formentor, while Audrey Hepburn, Winston Churchill, Princess Diana and the Dalai Lama were all frequent visitors to the island – it’s gained a reputation for luxury hotels, a buzzy restaurant scene (it’s home to 12 Michelin-stars) and fabulous shopping.
In recent years, the island has seen Kate Moss throwing karaoke parties, Pixie Geldof getting married, and Tom Hiddleston smouldering in The Night Manager (C’as Patro March, the Deia-restaurant where some scenes were filmed, is a pilgrimage for the film buffs), while it gets regular air time every summer thanks to Love Island, which takes place here.
The largest of the Balearics islands, it’s a melting pot of Spanish, Moorish and Catalan influences, with the architecture, culture and cuisine reflecting this. As well as delicious tapas and fine Spanish wines, Mallorca has incredible natural landscapes, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Serra da Tramuntana, Mondragó Natural Park and the Albufera Natural Park, while beaches like Cala Deià, Pollensa and Cala Vasques draw in both local and tourist crowds.
If – as it should be – Mallorca (or Majorca, begrudgingly), is on your list of potential holiday destinations for 2024, our guide to the chicest places to stay should come in handy – and make sure you peruse our Jet2Holidays discount codes and EasyJet promo codes for deals on flights.
Best Mallorca hotels 2024 at a glance:
- Best Adults-Only: Pure Salt Port Adriano Hotel & Spa
- Best Mallorca Hotel for a Romantic Getaway: La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel
- Best for Foodies: Cap Vermell Grand Hotel
- Best Family-Friendly: Kimpton Aysla Mallorca
- Best New Opening: Hotel Son Net
- Best In Palma: Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden
- Best For Couples: Palacio Can Marques
- Most Remote: Es Racó d’Artà
Which part of Mallorca is best to stay in?
Palma de Mallorca is the island’s capital city and cultural heart. Its beautiful Old Town (one of the best preserved Gothic centres in Europe) is home to many historic landmarks (such as Bellver Castle), museums and galleries (don’t miss the Fundació Miró Mallorca, dedicated to the famous artist), as well as Michelin-star restaurants (Zaranda is one of the oldest and the best), not to mention rooftop terrace, exclusive nightclubs, outdoor pools and picture-perfect beaches, natch.