It’s Travel Tuesday and today we head to Mallorca
One of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean of the coast of Spain, it’s known for its beach resorts and sheltered coves, limestone mountains and Roman and Moorish remains. The island’s mild climate and lovely beaches have made Mallorca a popular destination for decades, but there is a cultural richness that many haven’t explored, creating a new stage of discovery on the island. The city was prosperous under the Moors and was known for its beautiful fountains and lush courtyards. Within the walls and winding streets, signs of Palmas’ past wealth are evident in its sumptuous churches, grand public buildings and mansions that crowd the old town. See the Guardian’s list of must-do’s here.
Within the walls of the old city, one of Europe’s most exciting hotels for 2015 – Sant Francesc Hotel Singular – sits on a privileged location on the square in historic Palma where the Basilica, Convent and XIV century elegant Cloister of Sant Francesc are jewels to be discovered. Built with golden limestone quarried from the island, the city transforms from morning to night bathed in a light that seems to come from within the stone itself.
The Soldevila family, a long-time staple in Spain’s hospitality DNA (Hotel Majestic in Barcelona circa 1918), were ready to branch out and with young Andrés Soldevila Ferrer at the helm, this building with extraordinary heritage and esteemed location was a perfect fit. While Andres steered the family’s project into the future, mom and dad weren’t far behind!
Former interior designer, Nuria Ferrer Klein, aka mom, added her distinct mark to the hotel’s design and the senior Andrés Soldevila Casals continues to oversee the family’s legacy ensuring that a 5-star service and product will be delivered by the next generation of hoteliers. Already been deemed a ‘Hot Hotel’ by the likes of the UK times and every other media source, we had to see what all the hype was about. One look inside this 42 room oasis and it wasn’t hard to see why!
The Lobby
Behind the beautiful façade of hotel Sant Francesc lies a treasure trove of terraces, courtyards and a lush garden. Upon entry, step through the portal into the true heart of the house – the Patio Mallorquin and Lobby Bar. The courtyard was originally used to saddle-up the horses as evidenced in the perfectly restored hitching posts.
Today it is a soaring regal space serving a creative selection of tapas available day and night. Olive trees and a bubbling fountain create the perfect setting for the elegant bar which offers an extensive list of cocktails including classics and handcrafted creations. With indoor or al fresco seating, you’ll find a range of cavas, champagnes, and wines, including those from small production vineyards that can only be sipped on the island.
STUNNING every which way!
Can we talk about these floors?! Stunning doesn’t even describe them — and they continue all the way inside the hotel as well as to the pool tiles on the roof. Looking around it doesn’t come as a surprise they were done by the best of the best: ceramic designer Antonio Cumella of Ceramica Cumella (who is also working on tiles for la Sagrada Familia back in Barcelona!)
The rooms are modeled after a Mediterranean-style villa, with lots of light and a subtle and natural colour palette. It’s the finest of fine where Mallorcan quarry stone and French oak blend exquisitely with lavish fabrics from Güell Lamadrid and custom furnishings by renowned artists including Antonio Citerio, Jaime Hayon, industrial designer Stephen Burks, graphic designer Gordon Guillaumier, Paola Lenti, Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, Paola Navon and Philippe Starck.
This building sat untouched for 135 years before an illustrious team of architects, designers, landscape and hospitality teams took over the restoration. Originally an 1880 historic manor house, Architect Tolo Cursach of International Hospitality Projects (IHP) went to great lengths to protect its past during renovation. Respect for original features has been maintained, but with some contemporary updates, such as beamed ceilings, covered verandas and restored original frescoes and moldings (thanks to “Paca” Francisca Iglesia from Studio Gabriel Rotger Cabrera).
Likewise a similar faceted strategy was devised by Interior Designer Maria Jose Cabré of MJC Arquitectura on the inside. Using a mix of furniture designers including RODA by Gordan Guillaumier; Piero Lissoni for Living Divani, Curve; Antonio Citerio from FlexForm, model FEELGOOD; and the Van Thiel & Co Furniture Collection with lighting overhead by Nautic and Parachilna the results are stunning from guest room to the former stables (now the main restaurant!)
Dine in the Former Stables
Even on the roof, where by day the panoramic terrace is the perfect place for sunbathing
Rooftop by Day
Anna Esteve of AE Land 1988 Studio headed the subtle yet essential landscape design throughout with help from master Craftsman Pere Coll to design the pots and planters. The results: nothing short of perfect.
Rooftop by Sunset
We have to ask about the most expensive room? The Tower Suite, of course, sits atop the hotel with incredible views of the old town, the Sant Francesc Basilica, the sea and the Tramuntana mountains.
La Torre Suite
…even better by night!
Rooftop by Night
Rooms start at 285euros/night. When are you going?
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