Llenaire Hotel

The Llenaire Hotel has been owned by the Colom family since the late 19th century, when they sold their olive oil business and returned to Majorca from Cuba. The property was formed of a Mediterranean manor house and a 400-year-old hunting lodge, and descendants of the 19th-century proprietors turned it into a hotel in 2000; the family is still involved in its daily operations. 

Guests enter through a glass door set in an unassuming stone arch into a bright and welcoming lobby with whitewashed walls, flagstone floors, and dark wood-beamed ceiling. A small front desk sits across from a working fireplace decorated with pretty tiling and old urns adorning a mantelpiece above. Traditional Majorcan ikat fabric lines the windows, and a staircase with wooden balustrade leads up to the rooms above (there is no elevator). The serene colonnaded courtyard contains a trickling fountain and wicker seating under shady arches. 

The hotel is filled with artwork, colorful antique rugs, and a fair bit of original furniture, making the property feel homey and rustic, yet elegant. Beautiful grounds with spacious terraces look out to the surrounding citrus orchards, olive groves, and vegetable garden (all of which supply the hotel's restaurant) and on to mountain horizon and sea views beyond. The hotel attracts well-heeled couples -- mostly from the U.K. -- and the occasional family (though the property doesn't offer much for kids).

Set amidst olive groves and rolling hills with spectacular sea views, the hotel lies in the northeast of the island at the end of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range, between the old town of Pollensa and the resort of Port de Pollensa. It's around a five-minute drive to the golden sands and sweeping bay of Port de Pollensa's main beach, while the charming cobbled streets of Pollensa town are 10 minutes away by car. The island's capital -- Palma  -- with its beautiful Old Town can be reached in just under an hour's drive, while Mallorca Airport takes around the same amount of time.

The 12 rooms are spacious and individually (though similarly) styled with a combination of original touches and antique furniture set against a backdrop simple crisp white walls, drapery, and bed linen. Most have high ceilings with wooden beams, and a few add attractive Spanish tiled floors. Standard Rooms have garden views, rooms on the upper floor of the manor house have larger windows and French doors, while a couple are east facing with sunrise views. Suites are larger and have separate (sometimes tiny) lounge areas as well as dressing rooms. The Llenaire Suite is the largest and has a huge old fireplace in the bedroom and views over the bay of Pollensa. 

All units have bathrobes and slippers, minibars stocked with free still and sparkling water, CD stereos, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and DVD players. Wi-Fi is also free, though thick walls means it can be spotty. Bathrooms are roomy and come with bidets; most have shower/tub combos, while the Llenaire Suite bathroom has a corner tub and separate walk-in shower. Rooms are generally quiet, with only the tinkling of sheep bells and the occasional braying of a donkey within earshot. 

A decent breakfast is included in room rates and guests have the choice of a continental buffet as well as a la carte options. Cooked-to-order eggs are from the hotel's own chickens. Lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner are also available, and there's alfresco seating on the hotel's beautiful terrace looking over the bay of Pollensa and the surrounding mountains. Prices are high, but the food is reportedly excellent, with much of the produce coming from the hotel's farm (the restaurant is also open to non-resident guests). Inside is a small bar and relaxed seating in the more contemporary library. Tucked below the terrace, out of sight and nicely private, is a large infinity pool with cushionless lounge chairs and lovely views. There's also a tennis court and many quiet spots to sit in the extensive and peaceful grounds. The hotel can also host weddings (there is a small chapel) and has plenty of free on-site parking. There's little or nothing geared towards children, and beyond a sauna, no spa facilities.