Up in the northeast tip of the island, looking over olive and almond groves to the castle of Capdepera and a sliver of blue sea, sits this stunningly chic little hideaway. It’s classified as an agroturismo, but the swanky infinity pool flanked by muslin-draped daybeds, the adults-only spa with lomi-lomi massages, and the stylish glass-walled restaurant make it feel much more. 20 suites and rooms are spread across 3 cases (houses): the 16th-century farmhouse, an attached wing and a more contemporary hilltop villa with its own pool. Expect cool white interiors with beamed ceilings, a smattering of art and sumptuous bathrooms.
Friendly staff will supply hiking and cycling maps (try the 75-minute trail over maquis hills to the lovely sandy sweep of Cala Torta), arrange watersports at the more developed beaches of Cala Ratjada or Mesquida, book tee times at any of 4 golf courses in the vicinity, or offer pool towels and gazpacho lunches if you prefer a lazy day in. Do factor in some of the latter: there are few better spots to do very little.
Highs
- A real sanctuary from the crowds of Cala Ratjada and Mesquida: you’ll feel pampered, privileged and very peaceful here
- We loved lounging by the sleek pool with lazy novels and cold drinks from the boho chic pool bar
- Lots of shady spots to sit and sunbathe: most rooms have terraces, the spa is a real suntrap
- We loved dining al fresco under the inky evening sky, surrounded by colourful flowers and chirping crickets
- Five beaches within 10 minutes’ drive, and some even lovelier ones within 30
Lows
- You’ll need a car to reach beaches and villages, but it’s not far
- We felt that the flavours of our dinner did not quite match the idyllic setting and presentation
- While children are accepted (and welcomed), we reckon it’s more of a couples’ hideaway
Best time to go
April-May and Sept-Oct strike the loveliest balance between climate and crowds; in July-Aug the island is packed, but here you can withdraw somewhat. This is also a great off-season option, with spa, sauna, hot tub and firelit sitting rooms; plus cobweb-clearing trails and golf courses on your doorstep.
Our top tips
Take plenty of books to work through on the dreamy poolside daybeds; and when you've finished, swop them for more from the sitting room stack. Guests here, both English and German, seem to have excellent literary taste.
Location
Romantik Hotel Cases de Son Barbassa, to use its full name, is located on the northeastern tip of the island, just outside Capdepera and 5km from the beach at Cala Mesquida.
By Air:
Fly to Palma (80km). It's a 60-minute drive from here. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving Palma airport.
From the Airport:
You can take a taxi here but if you plan to explore the island, we'd recommend that you hire a car (see our recommendations). There's a car park at the hotel.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Mallorca and getting around
Airports:
- Palma de Mallorca 80.0 km PMI
Other:
- Beach 5.0 km
- Shops 3.0 km
- Restaurant 2.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
We loved our stay at Cases de Son Barbassa last week. The food is divine, fresh and locally sourced (including veggies and olive oil from the farm directly) and the wines are also the best available on the island. I am craving some rosado now that I'm back in London. We had hired a car and the location is excellent as very close to some beautiful beaches and two medieval towns, Capdepera and Arta, which are full of charme and not too busy. As a family of fours with two girls who love having fun in the swimming pool, we were conscious of noise levels, but no-one ever complained and a lovely lady even joined the splashing. The personnel were all lovely and attentive to our needs and made our stay super enjoyable by booking extra activities and some treatments at the SPA. We will be back!
We had a wonderful relaxing stay in a Junior Suite recently. The room was quite simply furnished but the white and rattan scheme was soothing and welcoming with a private and very quiet large balcony. We had an enormous bathroom with the most incredible view of the hills. The bedroom had no drawers at all so there was nowhere to store small items and there was no tea/coffee facilities which we remedied by asking reception for a kettle. They did this but did not then supply any tea so we had to supply our own and ask reception for some milk. The bed was huge and comfy but the pillows not ideal for my back and neck condition but I find this happens most of the time when I travel in Europe. The pool area is simply stunning, one of the nicest we’ve ever experienced, and the restaurant is gorgeous too - a beautiful spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The service at dinner to get a drink was slow but it didn’t matter, the staff were still very friendly and hard working. The food was delicious and beautifully presented but after eating there for 3 consecutive nights, we were ready to mix things up. Breakfast was also very nice with the freshest fruit and a good selection of items. We had a very warm welcome at reception when we arrived very late on our first night. We thought it was very good vault overall and will certainly come back to stay again.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape