Carretera Palma-Andratx 19, Costa d'en Blanes, Costa d'en Blanes, Spain | (888) 635-3814
Exquisite spa with traditional Chinese medicine and Egyptian brine bath
Grand, picturesque grounds just a two-minute walk from quiet beach
Plentiful golf options nearby
Home of Michelin-star restaurant, Es Fum
Elegant cigar lounge with whiskey
Modern, tasteful guest rooms with terraces and French writing desks
Large outdoor pool with spacious deck surrounded by lush lawn
20-minute drive from center of Palma; under a 10-minute drive to Puerto Portals
Totally equipped business meeting space with terrace access
Fee for parking
Not on the beach, and the only beach within walking distance is nothing glamorous
There isn't much to fault with this impeccably maintained luxury hotel, but there isn't much to rave about either. Its location, though picturesque, doesn't make it optimally positioned for much other than dining at the hotel, lounging at the pool, or golfing. Guest rooms have terraces and modern decor, including French writing desks and splashy modern artwork setting off the mostly beige color scheme. For many travelers this may be plenty, but in a place like Mallorca, it's unfortunate to have to drive to a good beach seeing as how they're nearly ubiquitous. The lush gardens, pools, multiple alfresco dining options, and sprawling grounds do make the 130-room St. Regis Mardavall a very tranquil and airy place to relax, though the best of what Mallorca has to offer definitely lies beyond the hotel's gates.
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Scene
Modern and luxurious but devoid of local character
Built in 2002 and slightly reminiscent of a McMansion from the outside, the hotel is pleasant to look at, but lacks local flourishes. It could just as easily be in Miami or Boca, which is unfortunate, given the very rich charm and artistic flavor of the island of Mallorca. That said, it is extremely luxurious, set back behind majestic black iron gates that open onto the very impressive lot of property that the hotel commands. Expect to see black Mercedes and chauffeurs waiting for guests, coteries of merry champagne drinkers at the bars -- and guests keen to unwind with cigars and whiskey at elegant Churchill's Lounge, complete with billiards and leather seating.
Location
Impressive and somewhat isolated property, a 20-minute drive from the city center
The St. Regis Mardavall is located in a quiet area of the island and on a huge lot of property, which very effectively isolates the resort and contributes to its cachet. The closest beach, which is located a two-minute walk away, is average, with uninspiring waters (don't expect to see postcard-perfect aquamarine here), rocky sand, and a lonesome jetty. There are abundant golf options within the area (including Son Vida, the oldest course on the island), with free and frequent shuttles from the hotel. Most points of interest must be accessed by car or taxi, with the center of Palma a 20-minute drive away. The airport is a 20- to 30-minute drive.
Rooms
Offering the ultimate in comfort, but not much in terms of design
The rooms at the St. Regis Mardavall aren't anything that would be seen in a travel glossy, but pleasant nonetheless, with balconies and flat-screen TVs. The decor is modern and tasteful, but some rooms feel more like luxury condominiums than luxury hotel rooms; that extra element of design and indulgence that makes a hotel stay memorable is missing. There are a few nice features, like a French writing desk, but otherwise, the rooms have a basic white and beige color scheme with the occasional accent wall or piece of artwork, and very mainstream lighting fixtures. The bathrooms are more memorable, with elegant dark marble, stall showers, gleaming chrome fixtures, and a generous supply of branded toiletries. Some balconies are spacious enough to fit a lounger or two, though the the Blue Oasis Suite comes with its own small fleet of loungers -- and a private pool. Some higher-tier rooms have bathtubs and full kitchens, as well.
Features
Impressive spa with Chinese medicine, and a Michelin-star restaurant
Foodies are well-served by this hotel, which is home to Es Fum, a Michelin-star restaurant serving up creative twists on local cuisine that are as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the palate. Aqua Brasserie is more casual, serving Mediterranean and Mallorcan fare for lunch and dinner, with garden views. The hotel bar, Es Vent, is also very elegant, serving tapas and cocktails with a sweeping terrace to enjoy them on. The hotel's spa, one of the largest in Europe, is exquisite. Offering everything from Traditional Chinese medicine to a rejuvenating Egyptian brine bath, it is a stunning space connected to the outdoors by water, which is a nice touch; the indoor and outdoor pools converge under the glass exterior windows of the spa. The fitness center is elegant, with wood, mirrors, and modern equipment. The outdoor pool is large and vivid blue, surrounded by a spacious deck and green lawn. There are a kiddy pool and small outdoor playground.
