Hotel Villa Italia

Passing through its twirly wrought iron gate set between tall stone walls to the tinkling of tiered fountains, the arrive experience at the Hotel Villa Italia certainly has more than a touch of class. A stone bust sets a classic Italian theme, one continued with neoclassical features such as Roman urns and balustrade terraces. Secluded footpaths dappled with sunlight are decorated with pretty broken tile mosaics and lined with tropical flora and colorful flowers; nearby almond blossoms added a pleasant background scent during our visit. The property is composed of two buildings, with the original villa built in the fifties as a summer residence for the De Vitta family. The second, El Castillo, was constructed a little farther up the hillside a few decades later, though in the same style of a grand Italian country villa. Set into a hillside, steps can be steep with no proper elevator, so the hotel is not suitable for the mobility challenged. It's from the higher terraces that one can really appreciate the hotel's elevated position with breathtaking, sweeping views over the bay. Inside, the reception area is sleek and contemporary with a hushed, upscale atmosphere, while much of the rest of the hotel is characterized by original architectural features such as exposed beams, marble stairs, and traditional arches. The hotel tends to be more popular with older couples, mostly from the UK and Germany, with many repeat guests who book their favorite rooms well in advance. The stunning views and romantic surroundings also make it a regular choice for weddings.

The Villa Italia is just one of the few hotels dotted around the fishing village and upmarket resort of Port d'Andratx, close to the western tip of Majorca. One of the most picturesque bays on the island, the area is particularly popular with the yacht set (featuring an impressive marina) with the surrounding mountainside scattered with upscale holiday homes and residences. The hotel is set just on the outskirts of the main cluster of waterfront restaurants and bars with an elevated position providing spectacular views of the surrounds. The buzzy resort center is about a five-minute walk downhill, where well-heeled expats mingle with locals and the occasional tourist. As well as direct access to the water just across from the hotel, there are a few small sandy and rocky beaches within walking distance (though a decent stretch of sand requires a 10- to 20-minute drive to neighboring Camp de Mar or Sant Elm). The island capital Palma is around 40 minutes away by road, with Palma de Majorca Airport a little farther.

The property has just 21 guest rooms in all, distributed between the main original building (housing superior rooms and suites) and the more elevated El Castillo building (mostly standard double rooms). The rooms in the rear annex tend to be more rustic in style, with parquet floors, textured plaster walls, and a mix of modern and chunky carved furniture -- including impressively ornate wooden headboards. Rooms in the main building have been more recently renovated with a brighter, more contemporary feel with clean lines and stone cladding. All but a few rooms open to balconies or terraces. The duplex Torre Room at the height of the property featuring the most expansive views of the bay, though all have at least some views over the water and picturesque surrounds. Amenities include flat-screen TVs (from 32- to 50-inches), fully-stocked minibars, and electronic safes, plus free and fast Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are clean and contemporary, with spacious walk-in showers (with rainfall and handheld heads), thick bathrobes, and proper hairdryers, plus luxury Chopard toiletries. The hotel's three suites are particularly elegant and spacious, mixing up crystal chandeliers and four-poster beds with original fireplaces and huge gilt-framed mirrors. They also feature large windows that take full advantage of the views; the Los Arcos Suite even has the bed positioned just right for extra effect. Suites feature espresso coffee machines, extra TVs, and large bathrooms with separate aqua-jet tubs.

For a boutique-size property, the Villa Italia packs in a lot of features. Positioned between the two buildings is the swimming pool, though it's not huge and prone to shade, it's long enough for a swim and lined with plentiful loungers. There's no poolside bar though there is attentive waiter service. Just above the pool terrace is an upper terrace with more loungers (and more change of uninterrupted sunshine). Renovated and reopened in 2017, the swish spa offers a sauna, steam room, and heated indoor pool with fine views, plus the usual massage treatments. The hotel lacks a fitness room. Food at the hotel also has an excellent reputation, and deservedly so -- though expect high prices (breakfast is free). Breakfast is a mix of hot and cold buffet items with a separate a la carte menu cooked to order that includes various egg-based dishes, as well as smoked salmon and fresh orange juice. Breakfast is always included in the rate, and half-board plans are available. The restaurant has wraparound glass paneling (opened during warmer weather) offering more panoramic bay views, and is also open for set lunches and candlelit evening dinners that can be enjoyed al fresco. Vegan and children's menus are also available, as is room service. A real highlight is a traditional English Sunday roast accompanied by live music and particularly popular with the British locals. There's a small lobby bar as well as a terrace bar, though the vault bar is only used for events (mostly wedding). Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.