EcoHotel & Spa Monnaber Nou

A set of wrought iron gates marks the start of 370 acres of grounds at Monnabr Nou. From there, the driveway flanked by ancient olive groves cuts a perfectly straight line to the main entrance of the hotel. While defunct farm equipment and rusty tools create an immediate distinctively Old-World rustic vibe, this stately 17th-century home is still very much a working farm; the rural idyll may be emphasized by a bleating lamb or passing gaggle of geese. Stepping inside, the atmosphere of the country house prevails via exposed stone walls, timber beams, and stained-glass windows that create a certain timeless quality. A crackling log fire warms a high-ceilinged lobby lounge decorated with Medieval-looking tapestries and gilt-framed paintings. The property's centuries-old stone olive press is prominently displayed. 

Meaning "hill of flowers" in Arabic, the Monnaber Nou is a family business, renovated from ruins and opened in 1984 as one of the first country hotels on the island. There's concession to modernity throughout the hotel, though some might find the interiors a little too old-fashioned. Guest rooms are spread between the main house, an adjacent building, and an annex that's a five-minute stroll away. Solar paneling, water repurposing, and organic farming techniques make this a particularly eco-friendly property. Clientele tends to lean towards older couples on short breaks, cycling groups, families (especially during the summer), and occasional business travelers staying for corporate events.

The hotel is set amongst a picturesque patch of countryside located in Northern Majorca, just on the outskirts of the small town of Campanet. The mountains provide a majestic backdrop, with numerous trails accessible directly from the hotel's grounds. Local attractions include the Campanet Caves, a five-minute drive away (or 25 minutes on foot). The magical Fonts Ufanes springs are just a little farther. Within 25 minutes drive are the two long sweeping bays of Port de Pollenca and Port d'Alcudia, while the unspoiled beach of Formentor is around 45 minutes away. Palma, with its beautiful Old Town, can be reached in about 40 minutes by car. Palma de Mallorca Airport is the same 40-minute distance.

The 25 guest rooms, suites, and apartments are located either in the main building (where the Deluxe Rooms are found), a block behind the main building (housing the apartments), or in a separate annex a five-minute walk away (the location of the Standard Rooms). Decor is firmly traditional, with floral print fabrics, antique-style furniture, and gray carpet in the main building and terra-cotta tile on annex floors. Some rooms feature stone walls and wood-beamed ceilings. While interiors are clean and well-maintained the overall look leans toward dowdy. Annex rooms all open to balconies or terraces, while rooms in the main building have Juliet balconies, most with lovely countryside views. 

Standard amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with around 60 channels), minibars, and safes. Noticeably absent are coffee/tea facilities, irons and ironing boards, and slippers, which some may expect from an advertised four-star hotel. All rooms have both air-conditioning and heating. Apartments also feature small dining areas and kitchenettes that include electric burners, refrigerators, microwaves, and cookware. Larger units have two bedrooms and spacious private terraces. All bathrooms were updated around 2013 and include shower/tub combos, heated towel racks, cotton bathrobes, hairdryers, and generic hotel branded toiletries.  

Housed in what was previously the stables, the hotel's restaurant is a formal looking space that opens to an alfresco terrace for countryside panoramas. A buffet breakfast is always included in the room rate, and covers the usual hot and cold items, plus cooked-to-order eggs. Lunch and dinner is served a la carte, with a menu that might include lamb and suckling pig raised on-site paired with seasonal, homegrown fruit and vegetables. There's also an extensive Majorcan wine list  and rotating specials menu. Though it's not cheap, the food is excellent quality, and room service is available. A small lobby bar serves drinks in a cozy lounge, while a second bar is located poolside. 

The hotel's main pool has a geometric design involving various sections with whirlpool tub and aqua massage. There are plenty of loungers available, plus there's an area where guests can enjoy showers both standing and lying down. A separate building houses the spa, which has a small heated pool, whirlpool tub, sauna, and steam room. An added spacious relaxation room was added in 2017. The annex building also has its own pool, with a separate splash pool for kids. Other leisure facilities include two tennis courts, bike rentals, and a bike station with storage and workshop tools. The hotel also has five horses for horse-riding trips around the area. Free Wi-Fi is available, though it can be a little slow.