Lindner Golf Resort Portals Nous

The Linder Golf & Wellness Resort brings a piece of Africa to an upscale property on the Spanish island of Majorca that’s nestled beside an 18-hole golf course. The hotel, which opened in 1999, features lovely colonial designs and archways in an atrium. The front of the main building has porthole windows, columns around the entrance, and intricate metalwork along balconies. The real wow factor is the decor inside. Stuffed lion and buffalo busts adorn the walls of the wooden lobby, though the taxidermy might be off-putting to some. Leather seating and travel trunks add to the ambience, as does a pool table in the hunting-style lounge. Champagne is frequently on ice at the front desk. The clientele here are often returning guests, and the hotel is particularly geared toward German tourists. 

A decorative metal gate leads into the hotel, which is situated next to the 18-hole Real Golf Bendinat course. This is a quiet residential area of Portals Nous, though there's a fair amount of traffic on the main street. A few markets and restaurants are within a five-minute walk on Carretera Andratx. Illetas Beach can also be reached on foot in 15 to 20 minutes. The drive to Palma Cathedral in Palma's city center takes 15 minutes, while the Bellver Castle is a 20-minute drive. Puerto de Palma harbor -- with trips to Valencia, Mahon, Ibiza, and Barcelona -- is a 20-minute drive as well. Palma de Mallorca Airport can also be reached in about 20 minutes.

Guest rooms have an exotic look and are inspired by African hunting trips. African artwork adorns the walls and decor features animal print fabrics. These safari designs are combined with stylish tufted or leather headboards; some rooms have canopy beds. Private balconies or terraces overlook the pool or gardens, while Junior Suites feature golf course views. Every room offers 32-inch flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars, and safes. Bathrooms have a feminine feel with painted tiles over sinks and shower/tub combos. There are also bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, and magnifying mirrors. Upgraded rooms have separate showers and bathtubs. Classic Class Rooms are the smallest option, and most of the other rooms offer sitting areas next to beds. African Junior Suites have unique designs like tusk lamps and parquet floors, while Mallorca Suites are the largest and have separate living rooms.

True to its resort name, the Lindner has several luxe features including a pool and spa, and it's situated by the 18-hole Real Golf Bendinat course. The lovely outdoor lagoon pool is surrounded by loungers placed on the sundeck and lawns. The pool is closed in the winter, but there’s also a pretty indoor pool with a colonial ship mural and a hot tub, where guests often relax before their massages and facials in the Bahari Spa. A tanning bed, saunas, and outdoor tiki cabanas with massage beds are also available. A small gym offers modern cardio machines, free weights, and flat-screen TVs.

The hotel has a kids' club that's open seasonally and has a nice covered playground. There's also a kiddy pool with a slide by the lagoon pool. Breakfast is included in many room rates and served in the Restaurant Es Romani, which serves Mediterranean fare. The Chumbo Pool Restaurant serves international cuisine and has patio seating and a tropical bar. There’s also the classically decorated Club House Bar with leather bar stools and booths. Business travelers are catered to with four meeting rooms that can fit up to 558 people, plus computers are available in the common area and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Parking is free and bike rentals are available.