Castillo Hotel Son Vida, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mallorca

This hotel is essentially the crown jewel of Mallorca, synonymous with luxury and elegance -- although some find it not quite up to the standards of a five-star that you might find elsewhere in Europe or the US. Opened as a hotel in 1961, the 13th-century castle has hosted quite a few famous visitors, including Grace Kelley, Aristotle Onassis, Saudi Arabian Kings, heads of state, and entertainers. Today, wealthy business travelers, upper-crust families, and jet-setting socialites arrive for the regal atmosphere. The entranceway is a winding stone driveway lined with well-kept flower gardens and palm trees. Bronze sconces, shrubbery, and dark green benches set off the gray stone building, leading guests into a magnificent lobby with thick columns, marble floors and walls, traditional artwork, and wrought-iron railings. Carpeted stairways lead up to each floor, culminating at a rounded stained glass ceiling. Unique touches in the hallways, such as a knight in shining armor statue, add to the stately atmosphere. Green lawns, manicured gardens, and stone walls throughout the grounds offer elegant places to relax, with views of Palma Bay and the countryside beyond.

Located on the Son Vida Estate, a very exclusive subtropical compound of lush gardens that lingers above the Bay of Palma, this hotel is not made for travelers who like to wander. Though breathtaking, the setting offers little within walking distance, other than a golf course and several stately homes. The Palma de Mallorca Airport is about 20 minutes away by car, and it takes roughly 15 minutes by to get into the center of Palma. There are no local bus lines that service the hotel, though taxi service is prompt. Guests should prepare to hire a car, or the limousine service offered by the hotel, if they'd like to explore the city or dine anywhere off-property.

Decor is classic and elegant, with ornate wood headboards, sconce-style bedside lamps, and stately seating areas with floral upholstered chairs. Some lower-tiered rooms feature two twin beds pushed together. Some higher-tier suites have private saunas and whirlpool tubs, kitchenettes, and balconies overlooking the sea. Bathrooms are modern and spacious, with large porcelain bathtubs, quality toiletries, and heated floors. For the ultimate in indulgence, the Royal Suite, with its four-poster bed, private sauna, remote-controlled bathtub, and abundance of artwork, is a fine choice. The specific decor details vary from room to room, and the Classic Suite has beautiful dark wood exposed beams, lush velvet lounge chairs, ornate drapes, and imposing wooden furniture. As luxurious as the rooms are, some may find the style ill-suited for a tropical locale. Amenities in all rooms include free Wi-Fi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. 

The spa has airy white treatment rooms for offerings like Reiki and aromatherapy, a sauna, and a lovely steam room decorated with blue tile; products are upscale and meticulously displayed. The outdoor pool is stunning, surrounded by cushioned loungers, umbrellas, and buoyant palm trees. The indoor pool and whirlpool are both in a solarium-type room with sweeping views of the Mallorcan mountainside all around. Golf aficionados are spoiled by the surrounding Arabella Golf Course, and even non-golfers can still take in the views of the verdant course. For the business set, the hotel offers six different meeting rooms, which are extremely regal, with large chandeliers, elegantly upholstered furniture, and gold-framed portraits of aristocrats. The two on-site restaurants include Es Castell, serving seasonal Spanish fare, and Es Vi, focused on distinctly Mallorcan flavors -- both offer outdoor terrace seating with expansive views. Bar Amas is sophisticated, with brown leather armchairs and a glass case holding collector rifles, while the poolside bar has a casual vibe. There is a cute and colorful Kids Club with a separate kiddy pool and sandy playground area.