For a start, the change of name to Rotana La Reserva from La Reserva Rotana. It’s subtle but significant: the 5-star hotel with a nine-hole golf course and vineyards near Manacor has new owners (a family from Singapore).

New management is also in place, led by experienced hotelier Giovanni Merello – whom I first met when he opened Palma’s 5-star Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden. He’s directed eight new openings and managed projects in Spain, Italy, Egypt, and China, working for private luxury hotels and international luxury groups.

Some exciting developments are planned to make Rotana La Reserva a true resort, without detracting from the much-loved soul of the place. Expect a choice of restaurants, a spa, and more. One change made already that pleased me: the hotel lounge/bar is no longer decked out inexplicably like an African safari lodge; the wall-mounted hunting trophies are consigned to the past.

There’s good news for those who’d like to play golf at Rotana La Reserva during the cooler months: from 2026, the hotel will be open all year. This year, however, Rotana La Reserva will close on November 3rd for renovations and some super enhancements.

The Food (and Drinks)

We recently ate lunch on the bistro terrace, enjoying the three-course daily set lunch menu (36€), that’s available seven days a week. It’s worth noting that the finca provides the kitchen with fresh produce and its own extra virgin olive oil. For me, a table on this terrace, with its glorious views of the golf greens and the Sa Vall valley below, is the perfect summer-lunch place. Dinner on this terrace is à la carte but we’ve yet to try that.

We also recently attended the first of several Asian-themed evenings planned (there’s an Asian chef on the kitchen team), on the pretty partly-covered patio behind the main restaurant. This will become a fine dining area for five-course dinners. Several events are planned at Rotana La Reserva for this season, so it’s worth following the hotel on Instagram if you’re on that platform, for details.

Pierre Emmanual Vogein is the new executive assistant manager, in charge of food and beverage. He’s moved from Finca Serena in Mallorca, another hotel with its own vineyards and wines.

I love the changes I’ve seen so far and am excited to see how Rotana La Reserva, near Manacor, will develop. And, of course, we’ll be taking advantage of its proximity to home for summer meals out.

Jan Edwards ©2025