Hotel des Puig

Just like its mountain village setting, the Hotel D'es Puig is small, rustic, and practically picture-postcard perfect. Built from local natural rock and decorated with traditional wooden shutters, the hotel also blends seamlessly into its picturesque surroundings. Inside, it's no less charming, combining original patterned tiling, chunky wooden furniture, and exposed beams with more 21st-century touches such as colorful modern artwork and contemporary seating. Originally known simply as S'Hotel (The Hotel) the property dates back to 1917 and has hosted such cultural icons as D.H. Lawrence and Spanish composer Manuel de Falla. Closed for 50 years, a new generation of the family restored the building and opened it as Hotel D'es Puig (or the Hotel on the Hill). The public spaces are intimate, the atmosphere is exceptionally serene, and staff is attentive. There's ample outdoor space with several lemon-scented terraces that offer stunning views of the mountainous landscape. The Apartment accommodation (popular with families) is located in the annex building, which is more modern and lacks the character of the main building (though unlike the main building, it has an elevator). Limited rooms and lots of repeat customers means booking ahead is a must.

The hotel has an enviable setting on a serene hillside amongst a cluster of traditional stone buildings in the small and scenic mountain village of Deia. Part of Majorca's northern Tramuntana sierra, the surrounding landscape is also particularly picturesque. The village itself has been a popular destination for numerous artists, writers, and musicians for over a century. Much of its properties have now been bought up by wealthy expats, though the place retains a rustic (albeit rather exclusive) charm. There are a few restaurants and the start of several hiking trails within a short stroll. A 10-minute drive brings guests to a shingle beach with two seafront eateries. The charming towns of Soller and Valldemossa are around 20 minutes' drive away, and it's about 45 minutes to the bustling capital Palma and the airport. 

There are just eight guest rooms in the hotel's main building, all combining original Majorcan features, such as terra-cotta or traditional pattern tiling and exposed beams, with tasteful modern touches that include simple contemporary furniture. The six annex Apartments also mix rustic and modern styles, though without the same finesse found in the rooms. Two guest rooms open to small terraces with superb mountain vistas, and a suite features a 360-degree panoramic terrace which also takes in distance sea views; most rooms only offer some views of the mountain surroundings. Standard room amenities include air-conditioning, 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with 360 channels), and minibars. Suites add espresso machines and tea-making facilities. Wi-Fi is free of charge, with good speed and connectivity. Apartments feature two bedrooms, plus separate lounges and fully-equipped kitchens. Bathrooms range from bright and contemporary with walk-in showers to more old-fashioned with shower/tub combos. All rooms come with hairdryers and quality toiletries.

Guests of the rooms (though not the Apartments) enjoy a free buffet breakfast in the hotel's small dining room or on the alfresco terrace in warmer months. It's a quality spread of cereals, breads, boiled eggs, cheese, chocolate muffins, and cold cuts, plus self-serve tea, coffee, and freshly squeezed orange juice -- though there are no a la carte options. There's also no restaurant on-site for lunch or dinner, though guests can help themselves to an honor bar. The hotel has two small pools. One is just about large enough for a few laps, and both are lined with loungers and provide superb mountain views. Though lacking any spa facilities, there is a small modern fitness room. Guests arriving by car also have access to free parking, and there's free and fast Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.