POSTCARD FROM... Mallorca
Robert Kittel, founder of the always on-point Pretty Hotels, visits a couple of cool new finds on the largest of the Balearic islands
WHAT’S THE NEWS?
It feels like Mallorca is undergoing a huge transformation. For the first time in 20 years, I didn’t feel uncomfortable on the island, which can fill up with package tourists. I’ve been discovering a new breed of authentic and typically Mallorquin hotels, which are drawing sophisticated travelers.
WHERE I’M STAYING…
At Meem Townhouse, a beyond-beautiful new property in the lovely and still authentic northwestern town of Sóller in the Tramuntana mountains, a World Heritage site. Meem was conceived by Jessica and Albert, who used to live in Barcelona where Albert ran restaurants. With Meem, they’ve transformed a historic townhouse into what feels like a second home, with beautifully designed rooms in a sleek and reduced architecture.
I also was able to visit a new sanctuary in the north of the island called Es Raco de Artà. A famous architect family from Palma created this hideaway filled with fine art (expect an original Miró when entering the wine cellar), organic gardens and the well-designed spa of your dreams (think of Amanpuri with a Mallorquin look and feel). The hotel will be open in fall, and I highly recommend spending a week here recharging your batteries.
THE BEST MEAL I HAD…
Jessica from Meem Townhouse sent me to Can Pintxo in Sóller. It is one of those typical tapas bars, where you get a complimentary ceramic plate filled with fresh olives within the first five minutes. With a glass of cold cava, you feel immediately comfortable. Unlike in Barcelona or Madrid, you can come for dinner as early as seven or eight.
THE MOST FUN THING I DID…
Walking down to the beach in Banyalbufar, a tiny little beach village in the west. The bay over there is just magical—you only ever see two or three other people, the opposite of a typical Mallorcan beach packed with tourists and boats.
MY ADVICE…
Come in the fall! In summer, it’s quite hot on the island and it is still packed with tourists. September and October are magical and you can enjoy the small villages and bays with more locals and new expats, many of them from Scandinavia, Switzerland and the UK.
Robert Kittel is the founder of Pretty Hotels, one of our favorite curations of small, thoughtful, authentic properties.
Love this! heading there Aug 29-Sept 5th and I can't wait to see some of your rec's
Do you have a Black Book Mallorca? I'd love to learn of all of your recommendations!