Petit Hotel Son Arnau

Owners Alex and Susan have certainly managed to pull of a genuine gem of a luxury guesthouse with the Petit Hotel Son Arnau. The British couple opened the hotel in 2014 after converting two historical stone buildings—parts of which date back to 1738—into this peaceful, rustic property. Original architectural elements have been beautifully preserved, including stone arches, wooden beams, and cobblestone floors, but with a fresh, contemporary makeover that emphases uncluttered spaces and fine artworks. With just six rooms, it's definitely one of smaller hotels on the island, though it stands on 10 acres of picturesque almond groves (which offers a lovely backdrop during February's almond blossom season). But most guests agree that it's the friendly and personalized hospitality that really makes the place special, with repeat visitors who rave about the sense of tranquility and fabulous rural vistas. While not an adults-only hotel, children under 12 are not permitted.

The hotel is located on the edge of the small town of Selva, just south of the dramatic Tramuntana mountain range and above the wide, flat plains of central Majorca. While strolling around town is a pleasant pastime—the main square is less than 10 minutes on foot and there are several places to eat—it's very quiet with few tourist attractions. The hotel's fairly central location does, however, make for a great base for exploring the island, set halfway between the capital Palma (and its airport) and the huge, sweeping bay of Alcudia, both about a 30-minute drive. Easy access to the mountain roads makes it convent to several popular cycling routes, as well as numerous local hiking trails. 

The six rooms and suites are individually styled, but all have the same minimalist, elegant appeal as the hotel's common spaces. Some are finished with marble or parquet floors, whereas others have rustic original touches, such as tile flooring and exposed beams. Whitewashed walls highlight colorful modern artworks or black-and-white photos to complete the upscale look. Many offer lovely views of the town, surrounding plains, or Tramuntana mountain range, and one suite features vistas from a spacious terrace.Standard in-room amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with DVD players and some UK-based channels), Nespresso machines, and electric kettles. Wi-Fi, bottled water, and digital safes are provided free of charge, though rooms lack mini-fridges or minibars. Most of the clean and spacious bathrooms have walk-in showers with removable showerheads, and all come equipped with fluffy towels and high-end Rituals toiletries; robes and slippers also come as standard. Suites have the added luxury of freestanding or whirlpool tubs.

While the Petit Hotel Son Arnau is far from packed with features, it provides enough for a comfortable stay. Guests start the morning with a solid a la carte breakfast that's always included, with items like freshly cooked pancakes and eggs, and a different smoothie on offer every day. A sunny outside terrace means dining can be enjoyed with scenic views over the town. Dinner is also served four nights per week (reservations required), offering a set three-course meal sourced from local seasonal produce. The consensus points toward food quality being excellent.No gym or spa is on-site, but there's an infinity pool large enough for swimming (though the water was a little cloudy on our visit) that's lined with comfy loungers positioned to take advantage of the fabulous countryside views. Cyclists have use of a secure garage, bike washing area, and water refill station. There's also an excellent selection of books to borrow from the hotel's library, plus an honor bar. Free parking is available on-site, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.