Hotel Nixe Palace

The Hotel Nixe Palace is straight out of a postcard. Everything about it exudes elegance and glamour, from its privileged and elevated setting overlooking the ocean, to its glittering pool and the striking white balustrade that surrounds it. The lobby -- with its large marble pillars, tastefully upholstered furniture, piano, and rich tapestries -- sets the stage for a palatial experience. Expect refined guests seeking privacy and relaxation, with days filled with lots of lounging and reading by the pool. Airy terraces set the stage fine dining accompanied by views of brilliant sunsets over the water come evening. There are 50 stairs between the hotel and the beach, but the reward for making the trip down is a large expanse of sand surrounded by sapphire and aquamarine.

While the Nixe Palace has a privileged location overlooking Cala Major, the area surrounding it isn't as exclusive as the hotel itself. It's generally a tourist-friendly area full of shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes, though there are pockets of it that can feel a bit shabby. For a more upscale selection of dining and entertainment options, it's worth making a trip into central Palma, which is easily reached by public bus in under 20 minutes. The Miró Contemporary Art Museum is just over a 10-minute drive away in the direction of Palma. A few good golfing options, including Golf Santa Ponsa, can be reached in under 20 minutes by taxi. 

The Royal Suite at the Hotel Nixe Palace is a showstopper. The bed area is excessive, but it works -- think white and gold, lots of tassels, and elaborate light fixtures. The views are incredible, and the terrace is spacious enough for lounging or enjoying breakfast while looking out over the water. Other more standard rooms at the Nixe Palace are less palatial, with more minimalist, modern decor along the lines of what one might expect in an upscale business hotel. Sea rooms have a genuine advantage over the others and are worth the splurge, as front-side rooms overlook a disappointing and busy street. 

While there are many things to gush about at the Nixe Palace, the outdoor pool rises to the top of the list. Though it's small for one at a hotel of this size, the pool is separated from the ocean by a stunning white balustrade punctuated by planters filled with red flowers. For a fee, the hotel's spa offers an untraditionally shaped, indoor heated pool lined with glass windows overlooking a garden with palm trees; aromatherapy showers; and a Turkish bath. The on-site A Popa restaurant has a playful decorative theme that recreates the stern of a boat. If the weather permits -- and in Mallorca, it usually does -- guests should definitely dine outdoors: the terrace is practically in the ocean, and the views of rich sapphire waters are very hard to beat.