Hotel Bendinat

Everything about the Bendinat Hotel feels aimed at creating a secluded, peaceful, and immaculate environment for guests -- and it roundly succeeds. The main building is a lovely Mediterranean-style mansion originally built in 1957, complete with traditional Balearic whitewashed walls, carved-stone detailing, and terra-cotta-tile roofs. Inside, there's also plenty of original Old-World charm that includes vaulted ceilings and dark-wood paneling, tempered with more contemporary features such as modern artwork and glass paneling. The complex also consists of a few small villas dotted around the grounds and a modern block (built in 2003) set to the rear of the main building. 

Impeccably landscaped gardens are filled with sculpted trees, giant cacti, and manicured lawns scattered with palms and scented pine trees. The grounds skirt a low cliff and tier down to stone terraces and rocky coastlines with superb panoramic views over the sea. The atmosphere is relaxed and serene, attracting mostly couples looking to escape the crowds, many of whom are repeat customers. While families with younger kids do make up some of the clientele, it's too sedate to keep most children entertained. 

The hotel is set on a picturesque piece of rocky coast in the neighborhood of Bendinat (where the hotel takes its name), overlooking the west side of Palma Bay. Part of the quiet and relatively upscale resort of Portals Nous, there are a few restaurants within walking distance, as well as a small sandy cove around five minutes away on foot. The resort's main beach is around 15 minutes' walk away, which is located next to the marina often brimming with luxury yachts. The area is also popular with golfers, as several courses are within a short drive and the nearest is just minutes away. The quaint cobbled streets of Palma are within 15 minutes' drive, and its airport around 20. 

The hotel has 54 rooms and suites, which are roughly split between those in main building and small villas (decorated in darker, traditional Majorcan styling) and the modern block (with a brighter, more contemporary feel). All open to balconies or terraces with garden or sea views -- Suites and Junior Suites guarantee sea vistas. Standard amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars, and electronic safes, plus bathrobes and slippers. Wi-Fi is also available free of charge and generally speedy. Bathroom size can vary a lot, though all have shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and good toiletry selections. Room service is also available throughout most of the day. 

The highlight of the hotel is its Las Terrazas del Bendinat restaurant which, as the name suggests, features spacious and shaded terraces with lovely sea views. A buffet breakfast with some cooked-to-order items is always included in the room rate, while for lunch and dinner there's an excellent menu of Mediterranean cooking accompanied by an impressive choice of local wines. There's also a bar split between a bright, airy space and a cozy wine-cellar-like room, plus a poolside snack bar is open in the summer.

There are plenty of seafront terraces, cushioned loungers for sunbathing, and direct access to the crystal-clear sea. The pool is on the small side and certainly not large enough for a decent swim, but it's pretty and there's a small separate pool for kids. Aside from a poolside massage hut, there's nothing in the way of spa or fitness facilities. Parking is free of charge and plentiful, and also includes a secure garage. Wi-Fi is also free, fast, and stretches to much of the grounds.