Sa Carrotja, Finca d’Agroturisme

Tucked away on a tiny street a 15-minute walk from the center of Ses Salines, Sa Carrotja, Finca d’Agroturisme is a peaceful retreat for couples. Stepping through the low wooden gate that marks the entrance to the property is like entering a rural oasis where the only sounds are those of birds nesting on the grounds and the soft clucking of chickens and hens in the coop. A gravel path lined with stones, palm trees, and colorful flowers leads to the main building, a lovely traditional Majorcan home dating back to the 16th century. The hotel has been modernized, but has kept most of its original architectural features, including thick sandstone walls, exposed wooden beams, arched windows and doorways, and terra-cotta tile roofs. The homey lobby feels like the living room of a private home, with plush armchairs placed around a wood-burning stove, several rocking chairs with blue cushions, and shelves packed with books and ornaments. 

Exteriors are pleasant and relaxing as well. Vines and thick bougainvillea with fuchsia and white flowers offer shade over the main terrace, where breakfast and dinner are served daily. An additional covered terrace decorated with wooden patio furniture, old agriculture tools, and muslin curtains overlooks the pool area, offering an intimate spot for a romantic dinner or a break from the sun during the day. Sa Carrotja’s adult-only policy -- no children under 15 -- means the property is peaceful and serene, with an atmosphere that feels a world away from the more family-friendly properties found closer to the beach.

The hotel is located on a small side street right outside of Ses Salines, a tiny village that's less than 10-minute drive from the beach. There isn’t much in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, but the town center is just a 15-minute walk away, and there are a couple of bars, a restaurant, and a supermarket an easy stroll away. Although small in size, the village is known throughout the island for its handful of outstanding restaurants, including one frequented by the Spanish royals. Ses Salines is also a good base to explore nearby towns and beaches, including Es Trenc -- one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in Majorca -- located a 15-minute drive away. Colonia Sant Jordi, home to dozens of restaurants, shops, a marina, and several sandy beaches can be reached by car in about 10 minutes. Santanyi and its bustling twice-weekly street market is a 15-minute drive away, and most of the gorgeous coves the south of the island is known for are all within a 20-minute drive of Sa Carrotja. The hotel is a 45-minute drive from Palma and its airport. 

The hotel has 12 rooms, all decorated in a simple yet classy style with lovely traditional architectural touches that vary between units. Thick ‘mares’ stone walls, terra-cotta or tiled floors, and wooden beams lend rooms lots of Mediterranean charm, while soft neutral colors and wooden accents make them homey and welcoming. A bit of soft wall art perks things up even more. At about 193 square feet (18 square meters), Standard Rooms are a little small, but many have large windows that open onto a furnished terrace or patio. In warm weather, this helps them feel a little larger. Superior Rooms have a bit more space and feature a seating area and a spacious outdoor deck with wooden furniture. 

All units feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and individually controlled air-conditioning. Pool towels are provided in all rooms, and central heating is available seasonally. Bathrooms vary in size, but all are clean and appealing, with sandstone walls, wooden accents, large mirrors, and either shower/tub combos or spacious showers. Hairdryers and toiletries in large clay containers are also provided.

Although the main attractions in Majorca are its gorgeous beaches and coves, the hotel’s pool is a lovely alternative for a lazy day -- which is a good thing as there isn't a shore in sight at this property. The pool is generally quiet, with just a handful of other guests snoozing on loungers under straw umbrellas, and surrounded by nature and colorful flowers. An honesty bar is open throughout the day, and guests are welcome to grab drinks, fresh fruit and other small snacks, and report their consumption at the end of their stay. Free breakfast is served daily at the restaurant -- including breads, jams, meats, cheeses, and eggs cooked to order -- and a traditional regional menu is offered for dinner. Meals take place on either of the hotel’s two charming covered terraces, or indoors in a spacious dining room with traditional tavern-style furniture. The hotel also features free Wi-Fi throughout and a number of bikes that guests can borrow free of charge.