Where To Sleep : El Llorenç Parc de la Mar, Palma de Mallorca
Spring was turning into summer, and a friend and I decided to take a little getaway to Mallorca. Despite the fact that Ibiza gets a lot of the glory (and notoriety), this Balearic island is incredibly popular with Europeans. In layman’s terms, this means it’s quite easy (and often inexpensive) to arrive by plane. So we took one.
We landed and scooted off to the countryside, spent a few days tooling around (more on that soon) and ended up the trip with a couple days in Palma de Mallorca, the island’s capital. Despite the fact I’ve been to the island several times, I haven’t posted too much about it (except for a dedication to my favorite vermouth bar, here. I’ve decided that has to change, and I’m going to start with the amazing hotel we stayed in during our days in Palma.
El Llorenç Parc de la Mar is coy with its beauty. Tucked away on the edge of the city’s old town, the exterior doesn’t scream for attention. A step inside, however, reveals the gorgeous, Great Gatsby-esque decor of this five-star establishment. The interior design is the work of Magnus Ehrland, a Swedish designer, and it is breathtaking. When we walked into our room, the ultra-high ceilings were the first thing I noticed. They give the room a feel of expansiveness, added to by the neutral color palate and the Moorish engraved patterns on the wall, while the wood floor beneath our feet kept everything warm and welcoming.
We sat and wowed a bit for a while in the room before changing into our swimsuits to go “check out” the pool. Well…going to “check out the pool” at El Llorenç was a moment that become one of the highlights of our mini-vacation. Climbing the stairs to the hotel’s rooftop felt unremarkable, but one step outside and all we could see was blue. The longest infinity pool in Palma ran straight into the endless stretch of Mediterranean ocean. The hotel is adults-only, so the vibe on the terrace was accordingly chill. Balinese-style sunbeds and lounge chairs in the shallow edge of the pool were perfect spots to have a drink from the bar. If you don’t believe me, just ask Condé Nast Traveler UK, who named it “The Best Mallorca Hotel for Rooftop Views”.
I mean, truly gasp inducing.
After we had a heart attack and a Negroni, the sun had gone down and we headed back to the room for a better look. Loved the combination of gorgeous pops of color and black and white retro photography. I also loved the king-size beds with pillow menus. The rooms just had a really solid vibe, cool, calm and zen-like chic.
El Llorenç just happens to be home to one of the island’s 10 Michelin stars, DINS Santi Taura, from Chef Santi Taura. We caught the restaurant on their off night, so we enjoyed the more informal menu. Santi Taura’s ethos of offering an experience inspired by the island’s traditional cuisine, made with locally sourced seasonal ingredients, was still the same.
We had gorgeous artichokes and the island’s signature coca flatbread, although the meal started with some delicious amuse bouches—house made butter, bread and croquettes. You know you’re at an amazing spot when the bread course is as jaw-dropping as the mains—we could not get enough of it!
As I’m writing this I am wishing I could teleport back…the cannelloni, a Catalan specialty, was so rich and unctuous. I don’t regret a bite of that meal, but by the time the gorgeous rice with its crispy bottom arrived, I wasn’t sure where in which stomach to put it. It was so, so good, we ended up chowing down on it as well. The combination of seafood from local waters and local meat and pork was just chef’s kiss. Full disclosure, we had to take a post-prandial stroll to even be able to function.
Bottom line, this hotel was the epitome of luxury, right in the center of Palma de Mallorca. I really, truly loved it.
It’s part of the Mallorca Ç Collection, a new luxury tastemaker developing distinctive lifestyle boutique hotels with a unique look and feel honoring Mallorca's local history. Keep an eye out for their future openings!
I loved how the breakfast had just a little bit of everything, with truly high-quality meats and cheeses. We popped a bit of fruit, tomato and charcuterie before downing our eggs benedict and going for one last swim in the underground pool and spa. Perfection.
Here are some of the basic need to knows for the hotel.
Where: El Llorenç Parc de la Mar is located right in the center of Palma. The lovely La Calatrava district holds much historic importance in the history of the city, serving as a meeting point for the Jewish, Muslim and Christian traditions of the island. The hotel is a hop skip and a jump from the city’s gorgeous Cathedral, as well as other landmarks such as Cort Square, the Arab baths, and the Convent of Santa Clara.
The Vibe: Moorish retro opulence
Rooms: 33, with 8 suites that include balconies.
Things You’ll Love: The rooftop terrace and its views. Jaw-dropping. During off hours, head down to the basement and relax in the spa. Don’t forget to make time to visit the city of Palma, because you’ll be tempted to stay here all day.
Price: In low season, double rooms start from around €200 and in high season start from €300, but can quickly rise in peak months and weekends.
El Llorenc Parc de la Mar
https://www.elllorenc.com/en/
+34 971 67 77 70
Plaça de Llorenç Villalonga 4
Palma de Mallorca, Spain 07001