For a Grown-Up Mallorcan Adventure, Book Yourself Into the Island's Newest Boutique Hotel

For an easy, breezy summer getaway with style, head to this charming new boutique hotel on Mallorca, Spain’s largest Balearic Island.

PALMA, Mallorca - Not to brag, but I’ve been to Mallorca quite a few times. A two-hour flight from the UK to a beautiful island off the eastern coast of Spain has always been a popular holiday idea for the Brits. Growing up, I remember fun beach holidays in resort hotels that ticked all my boxes because my check list in those days usually consisted of a big swimming pool and a kids club.

Needless to say, at 33, my tastes have changed, but Mallorca has ticked my boxes once more thanks to a new boutique hotel in the capital city of Palma. I am a sucker for an old Spanish town, and Palma delivers on all fronts with its winding narrow streets and centuries-old buildings. The new Hotel Mama from restaurant group Grupo Capuccino has taken over a 19th century building on the corner of a picturesque grand square, providing a perfect base from which to explore the charming city.

The decor stands out: colorful, modern, slightly Moorish, with cactus print sofas and checkered marble floors improbably coming together. From the breakfast table in the courtyard, a blue sky shines against  terra cotta and leafy palm trees. It is the most elegant setting to kick off a grown up Majorcan adventure.

Book it

Rates change seasonally and typically start at €252 depending on room type. Click here for reservations. Or get in touch with the Fathom Travel Concierge, and we can plan your trip for you.

Checking In

Location
Anchoring a corner of the beautiful Placa de Cort opposite the impressive courthouse and a 600-year-old olive tree that attracts a lot of attention, in the heart of Palma’s old town.

Hotel Style
Eclectic elegance. Decorated by the Parisian designer Jacques George, the style is bold (see the wall of Mexican wrestling masks behind the reception desk), yet tasteful (see the beautifully tiled fireplace and mirrored wall).

This Place Is Perfect For
Couples. There’s something oh-so-romantic about being in the middle of Mallorca’s old town.

But Not So Perfect For
Kids. And depending on how rowdy your group is, you might want to look elsewhere for a girl’s trip.

What’s on Site
A lot for a small hotel: a spa with treatment rooms, gym, and screening room. The highlight has to be the rooftop pool, perfect for an afternoon chill (if you can get a bed, it is rather cozy).

Food + Drink
The signature all-day restaurant Capuccino Grand Cafe spills out from the beautifully appointed bar onto the square with a crowd-pleasing menu, from gazpacho to burgers to salads and pizzas. There’s also quite a fancy-looking Japanese restaurant, Tahini, in the downstairs courtyard (where breakfast is served). It is open for lunch and dinner.

Number of Rooms
32 rooms, eight of which are suites that face the plaza.

In-Room Amenities
There is free WiFi, but I found it slightly patchy at times. The mini bar has a decent selection of Spanish snacks and drinks. Floris London toiletries were fine, but not exciting (I always prefer local brands).

Drawbacks
Some of the rooms don’t have the wow factor that others do. Our room, number 48, was a little bit of a let down. Small, slightly character-less, except for the nicely tiled bathroom, and not much of a view. It still made a comfortable base from which to explore the city.

Standout Detail
The decor downstairs is awe-inspiringly beautiful. Thinking of that breakfast courtyard makes me feel wistful. It's also located in one of the most picturesque squares in all of Palma. One could easily sit in the bar all day watching the world go by.

Checking Out

Just a few minutes walk from the big gun sites like Palma Cathedral and Royal Palace of Almudaina, as well as the shopping district Paseo del Borne (check out the concept store Rialto Living on Carrer de Sant Feliu). A little further afield, but still walkable, is the hipster Santa Catalina, nice for dinner (we enjoyed the newly opened Spot) and the food market Mercado Gastronomico San Juan, a 25-minute walk away, is fun to check out in the evening. Plus, the beach is nearby too.

Good to Know
Room service has a similar vibe to the Cappucino Grand Cafe menu, but with a smaller selection, which can also be ordered to the rooftop pool (nachos on the roof on our first day were a treat).

Plan Your Trip

Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is less than fifteen-minutes by taxi; unless you want to explore areas outside the city, you don’t need a car.

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