Fontsanta Hotel
Campos, Eastern Mallorca, Spain
Reviewed by
Liz Simpson
Es Trenc is Mallorca's most famous beach, a glittering long curve of white-silver sand and turquoise water, backed by a peaceful nature reserve with 1,700 species of birds and the dramatic Es Salobrar salt flats. The unspoilt natural beauty of the area is breathtaking, but for a long time there wasn't anywhere decent to stay. Happily, this all changed when Fontsanta opened its doors. There are hotels and there are uber-hotels, and this one falls firmly into the latter camp - we could have happily hidden away here for weeks.
Calm, clean and serene, its manicured good looks instantly relaxed us: lavender-lined flowerbeds, white-wicker sitting areas, trickling fountains and hammocks swinging from palm trees. There are two glamorous pools, private jacuzzi areas with sunchairs, and the most amazing thermal spa imaginable. Drawn from Mallorca's only natural hot springs, the 38-degree water powers a circuit with individual bath rooms, an indoor pool, a jacuzzi, a sauna, a Turkish bath and a vaporium, and is said to be therapeutic thanks to its mineral-rich content. It was once a pilgrimage site for locals; today it's a more refined set-up. We basked, steamed and scrubbed, then cycled to the beach (10 mins) to chill out by the sea. And there was no better place to finish the day than the hotel's gourmet restaurant, where the food for dinner was outstanding. We're still in awe.
Calm, clean and serene, its manicured good looks instantly relaxed us: lavender-lined flowerbeds, white-wicker sitting areas, trickling fountains and hammocks swinging from palm trees. There are two glamorous pools, private jacuzzi areas with sunchairs, and the most amazing thermal spa imaginable. Drawn from Mallorca's only natural hot springs, the 38-degree water powers a circuit with individual bath rooms, an indoor pool, a jacuzzi, a sauna, a Turkish bath and a vaporium, and is said to be therapeutic thanks to its mineral-rich content. It was once a pilgrimage site for locals; today it's a more refined set-up. We basked, steamed and scrubbed, then cycled to the beach (10 mins) to chill out by the sea. And there was no better place to finish the day than the hotel's gourmet restaurant, where the food for dinner was outstanding. We're still in awe.
Highs
- Entry to the spa's thermal circuit is included in your room rate
- The pared-back rooms, with their light and white décor. All have private outdoor space with loungers
- The food is superb - imaginative, delicious and reasonably priced. Dinner was one of the best meals we've ever had
- Service is friendly and efficient; there's always someone around but it never feels intrusive
- The beautiful gardens, with neat lawns, Mediterranean plants, two pools, and sculptures all overlooking the Es Salobrar salt flats
Lows
- Not cheap, but everything is top quality
- Some traffic noise from the nearby road
- No other restaurants within walking distance, but the food here is so good you'll find little reason to dine elsewhere
Best time to go
The hotel is open from March to mid-November every year. Most people visit between April and September, but we went in October and it was glorious.