Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mallorca Farmhouses
( in UK 0845 800 8080;
www.mfh.co.uk
)
Rustic Rent
(
www.rusticrent.com
)
Secret Places
(
www.secretplaces.com
)
Top Rural
(
www.toprural.com
)
GET THEE TO A MONASTERY
Seeking a meditative retreat? Mallorca has a handful of monasteries (technically
hermitages, as their inmates were hermits and not monks) offering basic digs in
converted cells, blissful silence and often spectacular views. Kids are more than
welcome, but they might have to keep the noise down. Four favourites:
Santuari de la Mare de Déu des Puig
( 971 18 41 32; Puig de Maria, Pollença; s
€10-14, d €17-22; )
Take in the full sweep of the north coast from this captivating
hilltop hermitage in Pollença, where goat bells are your alarm call. Staying here is
an ascetic, tranquil experience. First-floor rooms have the edge. Guests can use
the refectory and barbecue areas, or you can order food (the paella is terrific).
Petit Hotel Hostatgería Sant Salvador
( 971 58 19 52;
www.santsalvadorhotel.com
;
Santuari de Sant Salvador, Sant Salvador; s/d €45/69, 6-bed apt €117-142;
Feb-Oct;
)
High above the plains in the fortresslike monastery of Sant Salvador, the monks
have long since gone, but their former cells have been converted into simple,
spruce rooms, each with an outstanding panoramic view and private bathroom.
Hospedería del Santuari de Lluc
( 971 87 15 25;
www.lluc.net
;
Plaça dels Peregrins,
Escora; s €31-36, d €41-62; )
Popular with school groups, walkers and pilgrims, the
Santuari de Lluc's rooms vary in size and facilities (some have kitchen access);
some look over the courtyard, but those with mountain views are best, while the
downstairs rooms are dark and best avoided. It's a magical spot in the Tramuntana.
Ermita de la Victòria
( 971 54 99 12;
www.lavictoriahotel.com
;
Carretera Cap des Pinar,
Cap des Pinar; s/d €45/69, breakfast €8; )
A side road just east of the bay of S'Illot
winds up high to a magnificent viewpoint and this early-15th-century hermitage.
The 13 renovated rooms have a crisp feel, all white walls and cream linen with tim-
ber window shutters and beams. The massive stone walls and terracotta floors
lend it Mediterranean grace and the position is just wow.
PALMA DE MALLORCA
Old Palma and Es Puig de Sant Pere charm with their boutique hotels gathered around
stately
patis
(patios) and design-focused digs, as well as the occasional family-run hostel.
