Sa Vinya des Convent

An ornate wrought-iron gate marks the entrance, and very much sets the tone for this rather flamboyant agro-tourism hotel. Meaning "The Vineyard of the Convent", Sa Vinya des Convent was built on the grounds on a Franciscan monastery, and was a family home before opening as this upscale farm stay. Arrivals pass along a stone path lined with colorful flowers, grape vines, and lemon trees before entering through a sculpted shrubbery arch and into a lavish reception area. Typical of the property as a whole, the space is awash with ornamental antique furniture, baroque-style cabinets stuffed with vintage dolls and decorative glassware, neoclassical busts, and gilt-framed oil paintings. The faux aristocratic manor effect is certainly memorable, though some might find it a little over the top. Despite being just off one of the island's main arterial highways, once inside the family-run property its surrounding gardens and vineyards have a pleasantly secluded feeling of a neatly arranged country farmstead. Clientele tend to be British and German couples on shorter stays, who use the hotel as a base to explore the interior of the island.

The hotel has one of the more unusual locations on the island, situated just off the main road that runs from the capital to the beach resorts on the northeastern coast. It's also set just on the outskirts of one the island's larger towns, Inca, known more for its leather industry and shopping opportunities than tourist attractions. Its central location makes it a great base for exploring the island, however, set halfway between the capital Palma and the huge, sweeping bays and beaches of Pollensa and Alcudia (both around 20 to 25 minutes by ca). Palma de Mallorca Airport is about a 30-minute drive.

The hotel has just 15 individually styled guest rooms, all of which follow a similar look to the common areas, with a lavish mixture of restored antique-style furniture, neoclassical artworks, and gilt-framed mirrors. Architectural features such as stone arches and exposed beams add to their grandiose feel. While entry-level rooms are on the small side, some are spread between two floors with the bed area upstairs. Most rooms either feature separate seating areas, or balconies or terraces overlooking the hotel gardens. In-room amenities are fairly limited, with large smart TVs (offering just a couple English-speaking channels), digital safes, and heating/air conditioning units, but no minibars, coffeemakers, or kettles. Wi-Fi is available free of charge and the connection is good. Standard bathrooms have walk-in showers (with rainfall and handheld showerheads), small hairdryers, and decent toiletries; some suites also add whirlpool tubs. The hotel also offers a bungalow that sleeps up to three guests, with separate double bedroom, living room with sofa bed, and kitchenette with fridge, oven, microwave, coffeemaker, and cookware; there's also a small terrace overlooking the pool.

Breakfast is always free at Sa Vinya des Convent, and comprises of a continental-style buffet that includes homegrown and island produce. During warmer months, the meal can be enjoyed on the garden terrace. While there's no full restaurant on-site, there is an area where guests can help themselves to soft drinks, coffee or tea, and even prepare a sandwich throughout the day at no extra charge. There's also no bar, however the hotel offers free wine tasting in their cellar (of their own wine that is available to buy). Guests shouldn't expect too much in the way of leisure facilities, though the hotel's outside pool is a very pleasantly secluded place to have a dip, and it's surrounding with a mixture of loungers, deck chairs, and daybeds. Bicycles are available to rent, and on-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout are free.