Residencia Son Floriana

It may come as a surprise (and perhaps a disappointment) that this tiny, quaint hotel actually belongs to the Protur chain -- better known for their big, resort-style properties. Any evidence of this fact, however, is certainly kept under wraps at this two-centuries-old country house, which oozes bucolic charm from the get-go. A pebble-studded courtyard is shaded by ancient olive trees, while vibrant fuchsia bougainvillea stand out against rough sandstone walls. Pieces of old farming machinery stand alongside playful modern sculpture, such as a giant metal sardine tin. 

Originally a simple family country house dating from the late 18th century, the property opened as a restaurant about 30 years ago. It's certainly retained its charm, and exposed beams, rough walls, and eclectic furnishings make you feel as if you've stepped into an old Mediterranean cottage. The diminutive size means service is personal, and friendly, and the atmosphere intimate, relaxed, and warm. Unlike most hotels in the area, it is open year-round, attracting mostly couples from the UK, Germany, and mainland Spain.

The hotel is located in the peaceful Son Floriana neighborhood on the outskirts of the laid-back and relatively small Cala Bona resort, on Majorca's east coast. It's about 10 minutes on foot into town and its pleasant, low-key beachfront promenade lined with restaurants. The beach is a bit rocky, but it's mostly soft sand with clear water, and it can fill up during high season. For a longer stretch of sand and more buzzing nightlife, Cala Millor is a five-minute cab ride, while the pretty historic towns of Arta and Capdepera are about 15 minutes' drive away. The location is also one of the island's more remote; it's a good hours' drive from the capital Palma and Palma de Mallorca Airport. 

The hotel has just eight rooms -- six doubles, one single, and one suite -- each named after a local beach and all renovated in 2016. While individually styled and often varying in shape and size, decor is an attractive and inviting combination of parquet-style flooring, shabby-chic furnishings, and charming original features, such as shuttered windows and exposed beams. Most rooms lack balconies or terraces, but most overlook pleasant gardens or courtyard; the suite opens to a lovely little furnished patio. Street-facing rooms pick up a little traffic noise, but it is minimal.

All rooms have remote controlled air-conditioning and heating units, plus 32-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars (with soft drinks and beer), and free digital safes. English-speaking TV channels are limited to news, but Wi-Fi is free of charge and works well. Bathrooms are clean and marble-clad, most with shower/tub combos, and all with modern hairdryers, quality BioSpa toiletries, and bathrobes. Pool towels also come as standard.

As you'd expect from a boutique-style hotel of this kind, there's not a great deal in the way of facilities. The restaurant is obviously the centerpiece, and it does not disappoint. Firstly, breakfast is outstanding, offering a small buffet with fresh fruit, freshly baked breads, cheeses, and smoked salmon, with the option of cooked-to-order eggs and bacon. Orange juice is freshly squeezed and coffee of excellent quality. 

The restaurant also opens for lunch and dinner (to the public, too) offering a choice of set or a la carte options, with a select and well-prepared choice of Majorcan and Mediterranean fare. A half-board rate is available, which covers a set menu (on a seven-day rotation); prices are generally high but so is the quality. Meals can also be enjoyed in a charmingly rustic, semi-covered courtyard, plus there's an impressive cellar of largely Majorcan wines.

The hotel also has a pleasant adults-only sun terrace, with a tiny swimming pool (shady in the afternoon), handful of loungers, and gazebo housing a few simple exercise machines. Several bicycles are available to borrow for free, there's a cozy TV lounge, and Wi-Fi is free of charge throughout. On-site parking is also free and plentiful.