Hotel Pure Salt Port Adriano

A lofty portico supported by neoclassical columns and decorated with Roman-style urns adds a certain grandeur to arriving at the Hotel Pure Salt Port Adriano. And passing through its shimmering entrance it doesn’t end there, with a bright and airy lobby done up in swaths of polished marble, swish leather seating, bronze-based pillars, and ornate chandeliers. To the rear, floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the hotel’s infinity pool and superb views of the port and Balearic Sea panorama beyond. A sit-down check-in kicks off a seamlessly upmarket experience upon arrival. This assuredly luxury-level hotel was opened in 2002 and constructed in the style of a sprawling Mediterranean villa, joining the Pure Salt brand in 2016 after an extensive makeover that included an extension. It comprises three interconnected, four-story sections surrounded by manicured gardens filled with palms and ancient olive trees. Neatly pressed waiters attend to guests reclined on loungers and Bali beds scattered around the grounds -- peaceful and relaxed, thanks to the hotel’s adults-only policy. 

The hotel is set on a cliff overlooking the upmarket Port Adriano on the southwest coast of Majorca. Remodeled by Philippe Starck, the marina below is filled with swanky yachts, high-end boutiques, and fine-dining restaurants, plus there’s the small sandy El Toro beach. It’s only a five- to 10-minute stroll down, and while it’s a steep climb back up free shuttle service is available on request. While not a great deal more of interest in the immediate area, there are charming coves within a 15-minute drive and the popular beach resort of Santa Ponsa about 10 minutes away (where there’s also an 18-hole golf course). The island’s buzzing capital of Palma is just over 20 minutes’ drive away, and Palma de Mallorca Airport is closer to a 30-minute drive.  

One of the standout features of the property is that every one of its 93 guest rooms and Suites open to balconies or terraces with panoramic sea views. Decor is smart and stylish, with earth and ochre tones paired with hardwood floors, striped fabrics, and splashes of velvet. Driftwood slats and original mural artwork add individual character, while Renaissance-themed rooms feature impressively rendered artistic reproductions from the era. Some of the Suites open to terraces with whirlpool tubs, while Swim-Up rooms have private sundecks and direct access to a small lap pool with submerged loungers.In-room amenities are accordingly upscale, with large flat-screen TVs (with an impressive selection of international and English-speaking channels), Nespresso machines (with free capsule refills), and very well-stocked minibars. All higher-end rooms feature larger TV integrated into the glass-paneled walls. In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge, with a fast and reliable connection throughout. All bathrooms are finished in dark marble tiling and have contemporary fixtures, and most come with double sinks and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. Upgraded guest rooms and Suites add separate whirlpool tubs. Standard bathroom amenities include professional hairdryers, robes and slippers, and Bulgari toiletries. The one-off "O" Suite features a bathroom with an internal garden, and a small sauna (with a remote control for music).

With a relatively small restaurant, most of the dining area spills out onto a terrace with panoramic sea views. A peaceful atmosphere is maintained thanks to the hotel's resident hawk and handler, here to scare off annoying seagulls. Breakfast is decent though not always included in the rate and it's pricey, and a bit lacking a variety. Some past guests have complained of long lines at the omelet station. Most agree, however, that dinner is outstanding, with an a la carte menu specializing in local seafood (which is included in an optional half-board plan). There's 24-hour room service available, but with just one restaurant, on-site dining options are limited. Another highlight is the sizable -- though not huge -- outdoor infinity pool, with a large, circular jetted tub and plentiful surrounding loungers and Bali beds (free with Suites or reservable for a fee). The long lap pool off Swim-Up rooms is available to all guests, and leads to a secluded section with semi-submerged loungers. Also free to all guests 24/7 is the Ona Spa, a pleasant, lower-level wellness center with a posh heated pool, relaxation booths for couples, a sauna, and impressive selection of massage and beauty treatments. There’s also a bright sea-view gym, free yoga sessions five times a week, and a golf simulator, which guests have use of free of charge for 30 minutes with a golf coach. Golfers also have free shuttle services to nearby golf courses. While there’s no noisy animation or live shows, regular live DJs add some evening ambience poolside over the summer months. Beach services include lounge and umbrella rentals, plus the hotel can arrange a variety water sports, including scuba, kayaking, boating, and jet skiing. Practical amenities include free Wi-Fi throughout and on-site parking, bike rentals, and round-the-clock concierge service.