Portals Hills Boutique Hotel

Grandly framed in glittering gold damask-style patterning, the crisp white entrance to Portals Hills is certainly eye-catching -- especially when glinting in the midday Majorcan sun. The hotel's unmistakably glamorous signature white-and-gold motif continues into the lobby, where starburst mirrors hang above a white leather couch, and futuristic molded columns meet ceiling gold-light pods. Drawing inspiration from a luxury Miami condo, the property features clean-lined Art Deco architecture, bright sun-filled spaces, and numerous often subtle references to flamingos (note the feathered parasols and bird table legs). A sweeping Hollywood-style staircase provides dramatic entrances down to the airy bar area, with bi-level floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook a chic pool terrace, expansive views of the surroundings, and distant sea views. Chilled background music (R&B and seventies soul on our visit) sets the tone during the day, creating an uplifting and upscale beach-club vibe. By night, the mood mellows even more, as the hotel serves as a hub for the see-and-be-seen set. The hotel is undeniably -- some might say self-consciously -- exclusive, hip, and stylish, attracting yachting millionaires, well-heeled tourists, and even occasional celebrities. We also saw a couple kids splashing around the infinity pool, so families are also more than welcome.   

This hotel is located half way up a steep hill in a residential neighborhood of the town of Portals Nous -- one of the more upscale and relaxed areas on the west coast of Palma Bay. While there's little of interest right nearby (which does lend the hotel a secluded feel), a stepped footpath leads directly to a handful of cafes, restaurant, and shops of the resort (five minutes on foot). From here its another 10-minute walk downhill to the millionaire yachts, high-end shops, and refined eateries of Puerto Portals (or a five-minute drive from the hotel). Right next to this marina is a short stretch of beach, and around the coast there's another relatively secluded sandy cove. Marineland Mallorca is also five minutes away by car, and the Real Golf Beninat golf course is five minutes in the other direction. The quaint cobblestone streets of Palma are a 20-minute drive away, with Palma de Mallorca Airport taking around the same time to reach. 

Although advertised as suites, most of the hotel's 31 rooms don't really have a suite-style layout, with sofas and coffee tables providing corner seating areas in single-room layouts. The actual suites, however, are particularly spectacular, with separate bedrooms and proper kitchens. They're also furnished by Fendi luxury fashion house. Regardless, decor across most rooms is immaculately finished in the hotel's hallmark white-and-gold, with numerous gilded accents that include flamboyant gilt-framed mirrors, shiny metallic lamps, and glittering feature walls. The outstanding Key West Suite is more colonial in flavor, and opens to a pool-side patio with reserved loungers. All standard rooms open to balconies with comfy seating and sea views, while a Penthouse Suite has a spacious rooftop terrace. Rooms are generally quiet, though some past guests have complained of noise from local dogs. Amenities are suitably upscale, with 40-inch flat-screen TVs, high-end MP3 sound systems, and Nespresso coffee machines. Minibars are fully stocked (with a bottle of bubbly) and room service is 24/7, plus all rooms come with waffle-towel bathrobes and slippers. Wi-Fi is free of charge and fast enough for video streaming. Bathrooms are clean and contemporary, with spacious walk-in showers (rainfall and handheld heads), heated towel rails, and Bulgari toiletries. A luxury penthouse apartment is also available, with a private elevator, panoramic rooftop terrace, and high-spec kitchen, plus reserved poolside daybed.

Most meals are served in the hotel's Collins Restaurant, a bright and pristine space with floor-to-ceiling windows and alfresco terrace. Breakfast is a small, yet very fresh, buffet plus an a la carte menu of eggs and crepes (not included as standard). Dinner is "Mediterranean fusion" with a focus on organic, seasonal, and locally-sourced ingredients; the menu is expensive but extremely good quality and accompanied by one of the longest wine lists on the island. Light meals are available throughout the day from La Cabana poolside bar, which turns into an exclusive nightspot with DJs in the evening. The hotel also has its own nightclub, Suite 32. A small infinity pool offers superb views over the surrounds, with no shortage of loungers with waiter drinks service, plus four daybeds (for a fee). Though there's no major spa facilities, a "wellness lounge" offers a range of body and beauty treatments which can also be had poolside or in a private treatment room. There's also a modern fitness room with a bit of cardio equipment (and just a few weight machines), plus an in-house boutique selling clothing that reflects Miami lifestyle. Parking is free of charge, and guests also have the chance to hire a weekly-changing luxury car.