Purohotel Palma

An inconspicuous entrance off a charming, narrow cobbled lane opens into the hushed interiors of the Puro Hotel. Opened in 2004, this stylish boutique property combines chic, contemporary minimalism with bohemian touches and sharp Scandinavian design -- all of which are distilled into its intimate reception area. A huge wood-carved mandala (a spiritual symbol representing the universe and motif repeated throughout the property) dominates behind a sleek, minimalist front desk. Brown leather Barcelona couches provide seating and colorful original photographic works are set against a backdrop of cool, crisp white walls. The 18th-century mansion is now a swish labyrinth of glass paneling and clean-lined architecture that would feel clinical were it not for a liberal smattering of water features, objets d'art, and frequently changing exhibits by local artists. 

The constant light thud of background chill-out music also evokes the vibe of an Ibiza beach club, while evenings ramp up with live DJ sets and a hip party crowd. Moroccan riad-style courtyards -- one featuring a 50-year-old palm tree -- add more than a dash of North African flavor, while a gorgeous rooftop terrace is crowned with daybeds and enjoys stunning panoramic views across Palma's rooftops, the nearby Cathedral, and Mediterranean sea. The "Private Wing" just across the road from the main building also houses a deluxe spa, swish meeting rooms, and a handful of rooms.

The hotel is located in Palma's La Lonja district, a centrally located upmarket part of the city's Old Town mostly comprising quaint cobbled lanes lined with restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. While the area can feel busy over the tourist season, the narrow lanes are mostly pedestrianized and have plenty of attractions within walking distance. The wide leafy promenade of Passeig de Born and its high-end shopping is just a couple minutes' walk away, while the impressive Gothic cathedral is around five minutes on foot. The trendy Santa Catalina neighborhood, brimming with bars and restaurants and a bustling food market, is about 10 minutes away on foot. Mallorca Airport can be reached in around 10 minutes by taxi.

While all 51 rooms and suites are finished in muted earth tones with hardwood floors and a mixture of minimalist dark wood and Moroccan furnishings, each has its own unique layout or decorative twist. Large leather ottoman poufs or couches, and leather-and-mirrored dressers give the spaces a masculine vibe. In-room technological features include impressive 52-inch flat-screen TVs (with free movies and music through Netflix and Spotify), Bose surround-sound equipment, and iPod docks. 

Rooms lack coffee-and tea-making facilities, but they do have minibars that come with everything from Majorcan gin to energy drinks and even hangover-cure shots. Colorful doors slide open to reveal sleek, modern bathrooms clad with black stone tiles, contemporary fixtures, and wall-mounted hairdryers, as well as shower/tub combos or walk-in showers with rainfall and directional heads. Molton Brown toiletries, robes, and slippers are also provided. Some rooms open to small unfurnished balconies overlooking the street, though others just overlook internal courtyards.

The hotel's Opio bar and restaurant is a popular venue for both guests and locals, serving a range of Asian-Mediterranean fusion dishes for dinner, while the bar opens later in the evening with cocktails and regular DJs. There are also tapas and shisha menus available. Both the bar and restaurant are closed over the winter months, however. An excellent free breakfast buffet of hot and cold items (including chilled cava) is served each morning in the hotel's breakfast room, which extends to a patio area during busier times. 

The chic rooftop terrace provides several daybeds, a small plunge pool, and views over the city; for even better views, two additional daybeds are located at the top of a pair of towers where guests can indulge in evening "Sunset Tapas" accompanied by panoramic vistas. Across the street is the Puro Spa, which offers massage treatments accompanied by meditation and music, plus a sauna and steam rooms. There's also an outdoor terrace with a large, black mosaic-tiled hot tub and a comfy corner for lounging. The hotel lacks fitness facilities though. Wi-Fi is fast and free throughout the property. The hotel also offers free shuttle service to their Purobeach Palma beach club, around a 10-minute drive away.