Think Majorca. Thinking party towns Magaluf, Palma Nova? How wrong can you be! Labelling Majorca as the Spanish Blackpool would be akin to reducing the cultural legacy of the The Lake District to Kendal mint cake. It is a minor tragedy that such an island gem has become characterised, by some, as one of Europe’s top tourist fleshpots.

It is a stunningly beautiful, predominantly rural island, with gorgeous period properties. Its architecture is, and came as a surprise to me, largely Italianate, and not the traditional white-washed walls commonly seen in Spain.

Palma, the isle’s capital city, has quietly established itself as a favourite short-break destination. It’s easy to see why. Just over two hours from the UK, then 20 minutes from the airport, and you’re strolling the tree-lined avenues of one of Europe’s cultural gems. Palma is beautiful.

It has everything you want – winding narrow streets, romantic squares, great art, great music and great food. And find me a city on this Earth with less litter.

Like most cities, it’s best explored on foot. And located right at the hub of the historic old town, is the boutique Hotel Tres which we used as our stepping-off and rest point.

At the centre of a wide choice of restaurants, shops and bars, Hotel Tres is a beautiful, four-star conversion of a 16th century palace.

Its central feature is a period inner courtyard, a shady retreat accessed through old wrought-iron gates set into a period facade.

Exquisitely tasteful, it has a mood and tone of medieval grandeur, now providing a cooling sanctuary for walked-out tourists.

Original rustic features, such as stone balustrades, wooden beams and mouldings, blend in with cool, white, contemporary interiors of glass, wood and steel. We were lucky enough to have a terrace room that overlooked the courtyard. 

Along with the tradition, there is a real fun rooftop oasis – a plunge pool and sauna, with great views across the city. With 41 rooms, the hotel is a manageable size.

Our room was bright, with a minimalist feel, a fabulous super-kingsize bed, sleek designer bathroom, and a flatscreen TV.

There is a Grand Suite that sleeps four guests with a spacious lounge, two bathrooms and a private rooftop terrace with hot tub, shower and sunbeds. It has recently been upgraded and now features luxury Nespresso coffee machines and Bose ipod/iphone docking stations.
 
Having only previously experienced the excesses of Magaluf, my partner had been a little less than enthusiastic in revisiting the Majorca of her youth.

Fortunately, I won her over quite easily – and if its reputation leaves the vast majority of the island for us to enjoy – ole. Hotel Tres is a fabulous hotel from which to explore a great city and island.

TRAVEL FACTS
Monarch airline offers year-round flights to Majorca from Manchester with fares, including taxes, starting from £39.99 one way (£61.99 return). Seats can be pre-booked at £7.50 per one-way flight. Visit www.monarch.co . uk. Hotel Tres is open all year.  Rates start from €215 for a double room with breakfast. There are special rates for May & June: per person in a shared, standard double with king size, three nights – 350 euros. See www.hoteltres.com for more information and bookings.

Tweet