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Hotel Mama Rebrands as Hotel Cappuccino in Palma de Mallorca
UPDATE July 2020. Hotel Mama has rebranded as Hotel Cappuccino—a move which makes great sense to me, as the Cappuccino name has a reputation and good presence in Mallorca. The following review was written in 2018, after our stay, but I have updated it to show the hotel’s new name.2021 update: The hotel’s Tahini restaurant is no longer located here.
Palma de Mallorca’s most central boutique hotel is in the most important square in the heart of the city’s old quarter: Hotel Cappuccino is in Plaza de Cort.
The 32-room 5-star hotel is opposite the distinctive town hall building and close to the iconic ancient olive tree known as Olivera de Cort. With its huge trunk sculpted by nature, this magnificent tree is a well-known meeting point in the city and most visitors to Palma probably pass through Plaza de Cort during their stay.
Grupo Cappuccino’s First Hotel
I’d watched the development of this hotel from a 19th-century building with interest, knowing that it was to be the first hotel for the Mallorcan Grupo Cappuccino, which has high-quality restaurants and cafes in several locations in Mallorca and in Ibiza, Madrid, Valencia, Marbella, Jeddah, and Beirut.
Cappuccino cafes are known for their unique architecture and design and for high standards; prices for drinks and food reflect the quality of the brand, but it’s worth splashing a little extra cash to appreciate the setting, surroundings, and smart service of these unique places. For years, we have been taking our visitors to the rear courtyard garden of Cappuccino Grand Café—a former palacio in Palma’s C/ San Miguel; that oasis in the city, with its central fountain and colourful bougainvillea, never fails to impress.
A Cappuccino Grand Café is just one of the attractions of the new Hotel Cappuccino, where we spent one night last week in a superior room (room number 37 on the third floor). The hotel offers eight suites facing Plaza de Cort, eight deluxe rooms, eight superior rooms, and eight standard rooms.
On arrival
When we arrived late afternoon, the terrace of Hotel Cappuccino’s Grand Café was busy with people enjoying the best-possible spot for some serious people watching as they sipped drinks and ate their food.
As we entered the hotel, smiling reception staff greeted us from behind the desk. We noticed an impressive and colourful display of Mexican fighting masks behind them. These unusual features hinted that we were in for a treat in terms of interior design.
While check-in formalities were being completed, we were invited to have a complimentary coffee, tea, or iced tea in the Grand Café—where we happily sat taking in our surroundings. Art is everywhere and reflects the artistic tastes of Juan Picornell, the Grupo Cappuccino owner.
Picornell’s eye for the aesthetic can be seen in all of the group’s properties, but it’s writ large here at Hotel Cappuccino, where the Parisian interior designer Jacques Grange could express his bold vision and attention to detail over five floors and a basement.
A display of Mexican fighting masks in the reception
The light and airy ground-floor area
Comfortable lounge area
Smart and good-looking staff with a welcoming smile
Looking up in the central courtyard
Artwork in Cappuccino Grand Cafe
View down over the inner courtyard
Fountain at the centre of the inner courtyardDesign by Jacques Grange
Jacques Grange is considered one of the world’s best interior designers and decorators: his clients include actress Isabelle Adjani, Princess Caroline of Monaco, Alain Ducasse, Francis Ford Coppola, and Karl Lagerfeld. He was responsible for New York projects such as the decoration of Paloma Picasso’s jewellery store, the Mark Hotel on Madison Avenue, and the Barbizon Hotel.
As Grange had already designed a Cappuccino Grand Cafe (in Madrid), it was not surprising that Picornell wanted Grange to design his first Cappuccino hotel in Palma. The hotel’s director, Cati Crespi, told me the two men respect each other’s work.
UPDATE FEBRUARY 2019: Jacques Grange has been included in the Architectural Digest magazine’s AD100 Hall of Fame 2019.
Room 37
Our superior room was spacious, comfortable, and with plenty of natural light from two sides of the room. One window looked down over the central courtyard, the other had views across rooftops, giving us a different aspect of Palma—a city we know well.
Elegant bathroom of room 37 at Hotel Cappuccino
Room safe in a drawer
Bedroom detail – plenty of storage in drawers
The hotel’s logo is embroidered on some of the linen.
Fresh flowers in the elegant bathroom
Gorgeous tiles on the bedroom floor
Thoughtful addition to the bathroom: a ring treeThe facilities and features of the room are as you would expect in a 5-star hotel, but there’s a lot of attention to detail and Grange’s design made the room feel homely and luxurious. We loved the attractive tiled floor and the shutters on the courtyard-side windows.
We particularly liked the bathroom, which had a large walk-in shower (with logical controls) and a large white traditional-style sink. Although some of the contemporary shallow sinks often found in new hotels look wonderful, they can sometimes be impractical for wet-shaving (I’m told). We loved the Floris toiletries and the attention to detail: a small glass ring tree on the bathroom shelf—for keep rings safe when you’re washing your hands—is something I don’t remember seeing before in a hotel here. And some people will appreciate the fact that the door to the bathroom is solid and not frosted glass.
The room safe was in a low drawer with the controls on the top. Easy to operate, it had a top-opening lid which made it easy to see what we had stored inside. There’s an Illy coffee maker (capsule machine) in the room too.
Other little details included a pale-green leather-clad waste bin and a round coaster-size trays in the same leather on each bedside table. The do-not-disturb signs here are written with ‘Siesta’ on one side and ‘Fiesta’ on the other. Sounds like the perfect holiday.
Hotel Cappuccino’s Other Facilities
The Cappuccino Grand Café is not the only place to eat at Hotel Cappuccino: the hotel also has a Japanese restaurant called Tahini (another Tahini is located in Mallorca’s smart Puerto Portals marina). We didn’t eat here as we weren’t in the mood for Japanese that particular evening but shall check out the special lunch menu they offer for 27€ on a future visit to Palma.
The hotel is the only one I know in Palma to have its own private cinema—CappuCine—where up to 30 people can sit in comfort, enjoying one of the hotel’s collection of classic movies. Screenings take place twice a day and the facility is free for hotel guests and Tahini customers.
CappuCine
Hotel Cappuccino also has a health club and spa. Guests can be assisted by the hotel’s personal trainer and wellness expert Ivan Toscano (who will, if you wish, take you for a jog around Palma. No. We didn’t wish, but plenty of guests would!).
Treatments include a choice of massages (including couples’), treatments, and rituals – for women and men. The spa—like CappuCine—is in the basement. Oh, and do check out the unusual wall clock in the spa area. Never seen one like it before!
Seating in the basement area near the spa
Like quite a few luxury hotels in Palma de Mallorca, Hotel Cappuccino has a roof terrace, with small pool. It offers stunning views of the centre of Palma and is open only to hotel guests—to respect their privacy.
Palma’s Cathedral – La Seu – can be seen from the rooftop terrace
One of the roof terrace views, looking over the beautiful city of Palma, with art of the town hall on the left front and La Seu Cathedral to the rear left.Breakfast
Breakfast is served in the central courtyard. It’s gorgeous in there. Look up and beyond the walls of the tall building that surround you is the sky. It will be a glorious place to sit in the heat of summer and, at night, a canopy is pulled across to make the area feel a little cosier. And imagine what must have been involved in planting the palm trees in there!
What we particularly liked about the delicious generous breakfast was that everything is served to you. There’s no getting up and down from your table to go to the buffet table. It made a relaxing start to the day. And I loved my spelt bread toast and generous helping of perfect avocado (I asked for mine without the poached egg usually included).
Now that’s what I call breakfast!
Our verdict of Hotel Mamá
We loved Hotel Cappuccino in Palma de Mallorca and had only one small issue: in the evening, housekeeping delivered two bottles of Evian water to the room (which was much appreciated). However, the bottles were plastic and we hope that they—and other hotels—will find an alternative to offering water in single-use plastic bottles. Juan Picornell—Grupo Cappuccino’s owner and founder—will, I am sure, be looking for a way to address this issue.
©Jan Edwards 2018
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Travel Safely through Palma Airport
Ready for a holiday…Mallorca here we come!
Mallorca is generally a safe island but, as in any destination that attracts a lot of tourists, it pays to be vigilant – particularly at times when you are most vulnerable or distracted. One such time is at the airport: you may arrive tired, be thinking about the onward journey to your holiday accommodation, or distracted by others travelling with you (“Mum, Dad, are we nearly there yet?”)
When I received an offer of the following infographic from Nicola Griffin, senior editor of the Palma de Mallorca Airport website team, I thought it was worth sharing the information here. The advice is, of course, applicable when travelling through any airport around the world – not just Palma.
One scam worth mentioning in more detail is that of imposter security officers in the vicinity of the airport. If anyone looking official in a uniform stops you and demands an on-the-spot fine for whatever, insist on seeing their official identification. If necessary, call the local Palma police on +34 971 789 245 or demand to see someone from the Guardia Civil.
Over the past 14 years we have made countless trips to Palma Airport in connection with friends and family visiting us and none of these have had any problems there. But it never hurts to be extra careful when you’re in a busy airport…
For more information about Palma Airport, check out their comprehensive website here.
Safe travels and happy holidays!
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Matthew Williamson Designs for Belmond La Residencia in Deia
Deià – one of Mallorca’s picturesque mountain villages – is renowned for attracting creative people, including musicians, writers, artists, and designers. One such person, who bought a home in the village last year, soon put his creative stamp on his new neighbourhood: the renowned British designer Matthew Williamson created the vibrant interior for Deià’s Nama Bar last summer.
The 5-star Belmond La Residencia, in the heart of the village, also commissioned Williamson to work his design magic on their new Suite 67 – which was inaugurated last week. When it comes to hotel suites on the island of Mallorca, this is surely one of the stand-out offerings.
Botanical escapism
The one-bedroom Suite 67 has an outdoor snug, private pool and garden, luxurious living space, and vibrant bathroom. Williamson took his inspiration from the hotel’s superb gardens and created an interior space where guests can feel connected to their natural surroundings. His signature wallpaper, Rosanna Trellis, and decorative upholstery fabrics feature in the living space, and a vintage roll-top bath is a feature of Suite 67’s bathroom. Think rustic decadence and romance.
Here are a few glimpses of what awaits guests staying at Suite 67 at Belmond La Residencia (photos courtesy of hotel). However, Matthew will not be relaxing on your sofa!
The designer in Suite 67
And so to bed in Suite 67
Come into the garden….
Suite 67’s bathroomMatthew Williamson’s interiors projects include the courtyard garden at London’s Blakes Hotel and the romantic bridal suite at Aynhoe Park in Oxfordshire. He designs wallpapers and fabrics for Osborne & Little, furniture with Duresta, and rugs for The Rug Company. Look out for his range of room scents (floral, I imagine) and candles, launching this summer.
Hear Ulisses Marreiros of Belmond La Residencia talking about Suite 67 on my show ‘Table Talk’ on the Mallorca Sunshine Radio website podcasts section, dated June 2nd.
Jan Edwards ©2018
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Olive Oil in a Cocktail? Try This One From Andreu Genestar
Vent de Gregal
Mallorca’s best-quality extra virgin olive oils have the Denomination of Origin Oli de Mallorca and every year the regulatory council of the DO chooses a mixologist on the island to create an exclusive cocktail, with olive oil as an ingredient.
This year the honour fell to Andreu Genestar, the charming mixologist at Gremium – the cocktail bar at Es Princep hotel in Palma de Mallorca. Oli de Mallorca invited me to the launch of the new cocktail – an event held in the new bar. Just a week after we’d stayed overnight in the hotel, I was unexpectedly back for a few hours, with other members of the local media and invited guests, to taste the cocktail.
Andreu named his creation Vent de Gregal (this northeast wind is characteristic of the Balearics) and blends Mallorcan extra virgin olive oil with local ingredients, including orange and lemon juices from Sóller and honey. It was surprisingly delicious and, if you’re in this area of Palma, I can recommend a visit to try this well-balanced cocktail now on offer at Gremium.
Left, Sebastian Solivellas (president of the DO Oli de Mallorca) standing alongside Andreu Genestar. Second from right is Michelin-star-restaurant chef Andreu Genestra, responsible for Bala Roja restaurant at Es Princep
Andreu Genestar prepares his Vent de Gregal cocktail
A top-quality cocktail ingredient
Olive oil meringue canapesA winning oil
On the subject of Mallorca’s choice of delicious extra virgin olive oils, Es Roquissar – produced on the Son Moragues estate in Valldemossa – recently won a silver award at the prestigious New York International Olive Oil Competition. The organic oil is made with the Mallorcan olive variety known as empeltre, which grow in the highest parts of the Serra de Tramuntana estate. This year’s competition featured 905 oils from 27 countries.
Jan Edwards ©2018
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Review of New Palma de Mallorca Boutique Hotel Es Princep
Exterior view of the hotel
Es Princep’s rooftop terrace ‘Amaq’It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the choice of boutique hotels in Palma de Mallorca. Five new ones have already opened in the city this year; two more are scheduled to open by the end of 2018 – by which time Mallorca’s capital will have 28 boutique hotels.
The largest of the new boutique hotels is in the Sa Calatrava district of Palma’s Old Town – a mainly residential area. The independently owned 5-star hotel Es Princep has 68 rooms and suites and opened on February 1st. It’s Palma’s closest boutique hotel to the Mediterranean Sea, with a privileged elevated position alongside the restored ancient city wall known as the Baluard del Princep. And it’s the only Palma de Mallorca hotel that’s a member of the prestigious collection The Leading Hotels of the World.
Warm smiles to greet us – and check out that floral arrangement!
We stayed for one night – our 14th anniversary of moving to Mallorca – in a ‘double premium’ room on the third floor. Our first impression of the place was the reception team’s warm greeting on arrival. This impression of warm hospitality was reinforced by every other member of the hotel’s enthusiastic young team during our one-night stay.
The staff member who checked us in offered us a welcome drink and we accepted a glass of cava. Sitting in the elegant lounge area – where there are velvet-covered chairs, leather Chesterfields, and shelves of gorgeous coffee table books – we sipped and took in the details around us.
Take a seat…there’s plenty to read here
Flowers. Abundant floral arrangements grace Es Princep, bringing a touch of nature into the building. The hotel décor is elegant but not fussy; natural materials – wood, leather, and stone – are key elements of the interior and are typically used in Mallorcan country properties. This largely residential area of Palma was once the location of leather workers and there’s evidence of that within the hotel. I’m not going to reveal in this post what it is, but I can tell you I was absolutely fascinated when I saw it.
Welcome to room 310
Huge bed in room 310 with high-thread-count linen
View of the Baluard of Es Princep – old city wallOur room was everything we’d hoped for and would expect in a 5-star hotel: high-quality stylish furnishings and fittings; all the conveniences that you need when staying away from home; Bluetooth connection if you want to play music from your own device through the room’s speaker; bathroom scales (I left those untouched), and a super-duper rain-style shower. The bed was huge and exceptionally comfortable, but what made the greatest initial impression was the astonishing view.
The full-length window provides a panoramic view of the Bay of Palma and the pleasant area between hotel and the seafront road. Although we’d expected to experience some traffic noise from the latter, we were pleasantly surprised. With the window closed we couldn’t hear the traffic and, even when we opened the window, the sound was muted by the trees down in front of the building.
Up on the roof
The pool on the rooftop
One type of seating on the ‘Amaq’ rooftop terrace at Es Princep
Rooftop sofa seating too
The rooftops of Palma’s old townWe then explored the ‘Amaq’ roof terrace, which must surely be the largest in Palma (apparently 800 sqm) – with a bar for snacks and drinks, plenty of places to sunbathe, parasols, tables and chairs, and a pool for refreshing dips. The entire terrace has a wrap-around glass barrier which ensures that the view is uninterrupted and reduces sound from below. The view from here is breathtaking and we sat for some time gazing out over the Bay, along the seafront itself, and at the higgledy piggledy patchwork of rooftops in the old town. It almost feels as though you’re floating above Palma de Mallorca …
Eats & Drinks
Stylish Mura restaurant
That chocolate dessert! Save space for this one!
Cocktail bar Gremium
Just a small part of the extensive breakfast buffet
Novel breakfast-cereal presentationEs Princep has two restaurants: Mura and the 2-Michelin-star Zaranda.
After dinner, we visited Gremium – the hotel’s smart but comfortable cocktail bar – where the mixologist whipped up an alcohol-free version of ‘Red love’, one of the signature cocktails by mixologist Andreu Genestar.
Breakfast the next morning was a generous and varied buffet, with visual appeal. A freshly cooked breakfast was also available. I particularly liked the variety of breads and preserves on offer, the table of tempting sweet pastries, and the individual portions of breakfast cereals in cellophane bags. Fresh local orange juice flowed generously too.
During our visit we didn’t visit the Coco spa, but now we have the perfect excuse to return. Not that we need one.
What is a Boutique Hotel?
Out of interest, I researched a definition of ’boutique hotel’ and, according to Xotel, the international hotel management specialists, the following are a few of the characteristics – quoted from their website:
- 10 to 100 rooms, with a sense of privacy and intimacy.
- Architecture and interior design are unique and upscale, with décor, aesthetics, and attention to detail typical of these properties.
- True to their heritage, they celebrate the local flavour.
- Exceptional and highly personalized service is crucial.
- High-quality, locally sourced, authentic cuisine.
- Clientele as individual as the hotels themselves: from Baby Boomers to Millenials – smart, fashionable, and chic.
All of the above apply to Es Princep – the ‘new kid on the block’ in Palma de Mallorca that satisfies all my requirements of a perfect boutique hotel.
Jan Edwards ©2018
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Where to Have Lunch in Tranquil Rural Southwest Mallorca
Destination Olivera restaurant at Castell Son Claret
Palma de Mallorca is currently enjoying a lot of attention as a gastronomic short-break destination, but you don’t have to be in Mallorca’s capital to find great cuisine. How about lunch out in a stunning rural hotel in the southwest of Mallorca?
If you want to escape the bustle of Palma de Mallorca for a while and find a peaceful place to enjoy a leisurely lunch, I can recommend the 5-star hotel Castell Son Claret, located in open countryside near the village of Es Capdellà.
Lunch & Dinner Restaurant at Castell Son Claret
Chef Pep Forteza leads the kitchen brigade at Olivera restaurant. The Boss and I have stayed quite a few times at this hotel for personal celebrations and have always eaten dinner in Olivera. The restaurant itself has simple but elegant décor, the service is attentive and friendly and, in fine weather, you can eat on the gorgeous terrace with its views of the pool and Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Oh, and the food’s delicious and makes good use of some of the large estate’s fresh produce.
One of my favourite things about this hotel is the in-house bakery, which produces the wide variety of breads and rolls offered in the hotel. I have a huge weakness for good bread – and breakfast after an overnight stay in the hotel is a real treat!
A look at some of the new Olivera dishes
The cuisine is mainly Mediterranean with some international influences and several of the dishes are presented on tableware created especially for the hotel. Eat from the lunchtime à la carte menu or opt for the chef’s three-course lunch menu for 35 euros (available Monday to Friday). (Price correct at time of publication).
Castell Son Claret has an excellent wine cellar, with around 600 references, curated by sommelier Sebastián Longo – who won an award earlier this year. During my recent visit I tried some new Mallorcan wines that were not yet on the general market, from Selva Vins. If you’re driving or don’t want to drink alcohol, do try one of the hotel’s exclusive alcohol-free cocktails. You can feel pretty smug drinking these: not only are they good for you, they also taste fresh and delicious – and make an impressive addition to any Instagram account!
Olivera’s maitre d’ Roberto Gottelli at the new outdoor Olivera bar with two of the new wines from Selva Vins
One to try from Selva Vins – not yet on the general market
Looks good. Tastes good. A rosado from new winery Selva Vins
A small selection of the breads produced fresh each morning in the hotel’s own bakery
Fresh fish cooked in the Josper oven
A trio of Moroccan dips
Beetroot risotto topped with scallops
Wagyu beef tacos
Veal pepito in a Mallorcan llonguet with fries and spicy sauce
Vegetable paella
Falafel with an aromatic salad
Gorgeous to look at, delicious to drink – and alcohol free too
Another alcohol-free cocktail from the hotel’s mixologists©Jan Edwards 2018
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Balearic Gastronomy Writers’ Awards for 2017
L-R Bernabe Caravotta and Sebastian Perez from Vandal, Maria Salinas, Alvaro Salazar, and well-known chef/culinary consultant Koldo Royo
The Balearic Association of Gastronomy Journalists and Writers (Associació de Periodistes i Escriptors Gastronòmics) yesterday presented its annual awards for 2017. Here are the winners that may be of interest to readers of this blog.
Chef of the Year 2017 – Álvaro Salazar
Award-winning chef Alvaro Salazar
Álvaro was born in Linares in 1985 and studied in Cordoba, before gaining experience working in starred restaurants in places including Paris, Kuwait, and Stockholm. He came to Mallorca in 2011 and worked for Andreu Genestra. In 2014 he moved to the new restaurant Argos within the newly opened La Goleta del Mar hotel in Port de Pollença; that same year, he was named by the San Pellegrino guide as one of the 10 best young chefs in Spain and Portugal. Michelin awarded one star to Argos for 2017 and 2018.
Argos re-opens for dinner after its winter break on Friday, March 2nd.
Revelation Restaurants – jointly awarded to Restaurant Maria Salinas and Vandal
Maria Salinas with her friend Miquel Gelabert from Can March, Manacor
Taking its name from the chef/patron Maria Salinas, this restaurant in Mancor del Vall is located in a typical Mallorcan townhouse and first opened in August 2016. We had a cosy lunch here with friends, enjoying the homely atmosphere and great-value cuisine. Palma-born Maria is a warm-hearted woman whose lovingly made cuisine is based on produce she sources locally, thus supporting producers in the area. She has become known as la madame de la cuisine.
Vandal opened in Palma’s Santa Catalina in the middle of last year and is the project of Bernabé Caravotta and Sebastián Pérez – who met whilst working for the Forn de Sant Joan restaurant group. It’s open for dinner only and offers cuisine from around the world. I haven’t yet eaten here, but it’s on the list…
Sommelier/Maître d’ of the Year 2017 – Sebastián Longo
Sebastian Longo
Sebastián Longo is from Argentina, where he studied at the country’s college of sommeliers. His skills were further honed in Bolivia, Brazil, the USA, and Italy, before he came to Mallorca and the hotel Castell Son Claret in Es Capdellà. There he works closely with chef Fernando Pérez Arellano of 2-Michelin-starred restaurant Zaranda and is in control of the cellar’s more than 600 wine references.
Bakery/Patisserie of the Year – Can Pomar
Francesc Pomar and his wife at the award ceremony
Can Pomar is run by the fifth generation of the business’s founding family. Francesc Pomar started his bakery in Campos in 1902 and today the Can Pomar sign hangs over two bakeries in Campos and two in Palma. In recent years many Mallorcan bakeries have closed their doors, in the face of competition from supermarket bakeries. Authentic traditional bakeries – where the dough is made on site – deserve to be valued. And Can Pomar clearly is.
Best Bar/Gastrobar – Rambar
We won!
The most recent addition to Ramon Andreu’s Tast Group of culinary businesses, Rambar in Palma’s Ramblas opened in 2017 and has gained a reputation for its high-quality meat dishes, cooked on a Molteni grill that was tailor-made for this business. A place for tapas, other dishes, vermouths, and cocktails – and very popular with locals.
Best local cuisine restaurant – Can Amer
Ultima Hora’s Lydia Corral presented Tomeu Torrens with his certificate
Over the years since we’ve lived here, we’ve eaten many times at this atmospheric family-owned-and-run Inca cellar restaurant, where chef Tomeu Torrens has been at the stoves since 2004. Celler Can Amer should be on the must-visit list of anyone coming to Mallorca; find it opposite Inca’s indoor marketplace.
©Jan Edwards 2018
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Splash Out on a Valparaiso Spa Day in Mallorca
Views down to Palma Bay
Want to escape the weather for a while in Mallorca? Whether it’s a rare chilly wet day, or you’d like to escape the heat of the summer sunshine, a hotel spa could be the perfect refuge. Many of Mallorca’s 4- and 5-star hotels have a spa where visitors can pay a set fee to use the facilities for a few hours. It’s an opportunity to boost your sense of wellness with some serious relaxation and perhaps a few pampering spa treatments (although the latter are not usually obligatory).
My friend Sandra and I are fond of a spa day and our most recent was at the GPRO Valparaiso Palace & Spa in Palma. Although I’ve lived on the island for almost 14 years, this was my first visit to this 5-star hotel, which was acquired by the Chinese GPRO hotel group in autumn 2016.
The urban resort hotel was inaugurated in 1976 in a hilltop location on the outskirts of Palma. From the front, the building exterior looks rather dated in design, but the new owners are investing in the property and have already made some considerable improvements. To be honest, I expected to see more Chinese influences – lots of red and gold, for example – in the interior design but the Oriental ownership isn’t that obvious. There isn’t even an upmarket Chinese restaurant!
The Thermal Circuit experience
A weekday thermal circuit day (from 10:00-15:00h) at Valparaiso Palace’s spa costs 35€, entitling you to use all the wet facilities. The use of a robe, towels, slippers, and locker, and a bottle of water (unfortunately a plastic bottle) are included in this price. Spa facilities include a large indoor pool with various jets of water; you can also swim through to the outdoors from here. Despite the unappealing cold wet February weather, we did just that and the water outside felt bathwater-warm. Unlike the water falling from the sky…
Facilities
Other thermal circuit facilities at the Valparaiso spa include Jacuzzi, Finnish sauna, salt-inhalation sauna (beneficial for anyone with chest problems) with tiled ‘armchair’-style seating and a light show (!), herbal sauna, Hammam, ice fountain, Kneipp passage (invigorating alternate jets of hot and cold water target your legs as you walk through). We didn’t get around to using everything – a good reason to return some time – but did each have a half-hour facial treatment whilst there.
The huge spa is at basement level and offers plenty of areas for relaxation. I was surprised by the size and scope of the spa’s facilities. A good range of wellness and beauty/hairdressing treatments is offered and details are on the website.
The several treatment rooms include one for Ayurvedic treatments, and another especially for couples. Six different packages are available for couples alone – including the Honeymoon package (two hours for 360€), which includes a full-body massage with white chocolate! The mind boggles…
Visit both these zones for maximum benefit
A hint at the hotel’s Chinese ownership? The spacious swim-in/swim-out pool
Floor-level view out of treatment room (beneath the blind)
Sauna at Valparaiso Palace Spa
Couple’s treatment room at Valparaiso: two massage couches, hydrotherapy and chromotherapy double bath, shower, double steam room, and day double bedLunch
We had a quick lunch in the Valparaiso Palace hotel’s Mar Blau Mediterranean restaurant – a large light and attractive space overlooking the hotel’s main outdoor pool. Still feeling virtuous after a morning of splashing around, pampering, and relaxing, we chose healthy dishes from the lunch menu – which offers soups, salads, sandwiches (including pa amb oli – bread and oil), pizzas, pastas, and tortillas. Oh, and puds. We thought the lunch food was good value for a 5-star hotel restaurant.
Mozzarella with tomato, avocado, pesto sauce, and lamb’s lettuce salad with basil – 15 euros
Grilled seasonal vegetables with virgin olive oil and ‘Flor de Sal’ – 13 euros
Ooh, tiramisu…Our tips:
- Ask on arrival if there are any special spa package deals available, as they didn’t offer us any as a matter of course. Sandra asked and one package combined the use of the thermal circuit with a blissful facial treatment (followed by our choice of tea and some Mallorcan almonds to nibble in the relaxation area).
- If you decide to have a treatment, it’s best to do it as late as possible, after you have finished using the other facilities.
- Mornings are the quietest time. When we were there, only a few other people were using the facilities. Expect the spa to become busier later in the afternoon and evenings as the spa has a membership deal for locals, who mainly come after work and, of course, hotel guests have use of the place too.
The Valparaiso Palace Hotel & Spa’s thermal circuit is also offered in the evenings and at weekends, for a higher price; expect it to be busier then.
Prices are correct at time of writing.
©Jan Edwards 2018
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Review of Summum Prime Boutique Hotel, Palma
Exterior shot of entrance to hotel, showing a reflection of the church portal opposite.
The choice of boutique hotels in Mallorca’s capital, Palma, continues to grow. Because I have a huge interest in hotels – having worked for several years in the past in hotel PR – I love to check out new places to stay and, when funds permit, to experience them as a guest.
St Valentine’s was the perfect excuse for a night away in one of the several new boutique properties that have recently opened in Palma: the 5-star Súmmum Prime Boutique Hotel. Since the time we booked it, two more boutique hotels have opened in Palma and at least two more will be opening in the coming months.
Location
Carrer Concepció starts as a lane leading from the shopping street Jaime III. It’s a quiet lane that is now home to several good restaurants (Fera Restaurant & Bar, Aromata, Emilio Innobar), the new Zonasander champagne bar/interiors/vintage store, and several art galleries. Súmmum Prime Boutique Hotel is at number 26, right opposite the church.
Zonasander: Vintage studio and champagne bar combined – opened in January this year and run by the Sander family from Sweden
The property
No. 26 has had an interesting past, dating back to medieval times. The original property was built in the 15th century and was a notable palace in Palma, known as Can Berga-Ladaria. In 1874 the original Gothic building was replaced by a new property, which became the Vidal family’s home in the 20th-century and renamed Can Vidal.
The building was in a poor state of repair when it underwent the considerable renovation and transformation that have resulted in today’s beautiful 5-star boutique hotel. Many original architectural features have been restored and serve as a reminder of this Palma property’s history. If you’re in the hotel’s wooden-panelled Club room (with original fireplace and restored panelling), be sure to watch the video (on a loop) showing what the property looked like before it was lovingly restored.
Foyer of the hotel
Staircase up to the Club and bedrooms (lift also available)
Could you guess that this restaurant is housed in what used to be the stables?
Gorgeous original wood panelling and fireplace, sympathetically restored
Restoration par excellence
1874 Lounge terrace
Sauna in the cosy spa at the hotelThe hotel
Súmmum Prime Boutique Hotel has the following facilities:
- Eighteen rooms (including suites).
- Wellness spa (with sauna, spa bath, massage bed, and exercise equipment), which can be booked in advance for exclusive use.
- Equus French restaurant – which offers more than a few decorative hints about the space’s former use as the property’s stables.
- 1874 Lounge bar and adjoining rear terrace for drinks.
- Rooftop terrace and plunge pool.
Our room
We stayed in the Parietti Suite, which faces the Concepció church. This spacious elegantly proportioned suite was once the principal salon of the mansion and has a restored mural on the ceiling – the creation of the 19th-century Mallorcan artist Francesc Parietti. It is thought to represent the goddess Minerva surrounded by cherubs; it’s a beautiful sight when you wake up beneath it, after a very comfortable night’s sleep in the king-sized bed (high-quality bedlinen, a choice of pillows, and a feather mattress-topper made sleep super comfy).
The heavenly view from the suite’s king-sized bed
Handy smartphone – free to use for guests during their stayOur large bathroom was behind the sleeping area and offered an excellent walk-in shower, separate loo and bidet, bathtub, and two washbasins. Toiletries are by Chopard. We liked the provision of small individual bottles of mouthwash too, as well as items such as robes, slippers, hairdryer, etc that are expected in 5-star hotels. We noted a set of bathroom scales, which we didn’t use: too many of the delicious breakfast croissants (raspberry or chocolate, and made by a bakery in the village of Muro) and a weigh-in could come as a bit of a shock!
All rooms have Nespresso coffee machine, safe, good free Wi-Fi, feather mattress toppers, Bluetooth speaker, air conditioning and heating, satellite TV.
Breakfast
The French restaurant Equus (open for lunch and dinner) is also the location for breakfast. It’s a very attractive space, with plenty of decorative hints to remind you that this was once where the horses would have been stabled.
Breakfast is a good varied buffet, with the option of freshly cooked eggs and other breakfast dishes prepared to order. We opted for the cold items but guests on a nearby table had eggs Benedict, which looked appealing.
I was pleased to see the option of freshly prepared healthy juices here; my dark green juice – served in a small bottle – was delicious and, combined with some fruit and a few other items (including a raspberry croissant), set me up for the morning.
Just a part of the breakfast buffet at Summum Prime Boutique Hotel
Lunch or dinner at the French restaurant Equus
All set for breakfast in Equus
Try some Mallorcan gourmet products as part of your breakfastSpecial touches
Other things we liked:
- The ‘welcome’ note from the general manager awaiting us in our room was truly personal and not just the standard ‘have a nice stay with us’-type of message. It made a good impression on us. We found the staff to be helpful and friendly.
- The hotel was lovely and warm – February can be chilly in Mallorca!
- A Handy (brand) smartphone is available in each room for guests to use free of charge during their stay. It was the first time I had seen this facility offered in a Palma hotel.
When we first came to look for a property to buy on Mallorca (back in 2001), we stayed at a handsome rural hotel called Casa del Virrey. The Morgana Group – which owns Súmmum Prime Boutique Hotel – has recently acquired this property, now re-branded Virrey Prime Boutique Hotel. Yet another boutique hotel to check out on Mallorca!
©Jan Edwards 2018
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Review of Lunch at Ca’n March, Manacor
Ca’n March is without doubt Manacor’s best-known restaurant – but you’re unlikely to stroll past it by chance while wandering around town. Ca’n March is located in a side street a little way from the town centre itself. The surrounding area may not have tourist appeal, but this popular restaurant is worth the detour from Manacor’s main shopping area. And, if you arrive by train, it’s within easy walking distance of the station.
Ca’n March first opened as the family-run Fonda Ca’n March in 1925 and is still in the same family. Brothers Miquel Gelabert (a different Miquel Gelabert from the one of wine-making acclaim) and Tolo Gelabert relaunched Ca’n March as a new project in the year 2000.
Chef Miquel and his brigade create New Mallorcan cuisine (modern interpretations of traditional recipes, with international culinary touches), using prime-quality local ingredients. Tolo oversees front of house with a warm welcome for all arrivals.
Having eaten here a few times, I can confidently recommend Ca’n March, which also offers a good-value lunchtime menu – or menú del día. This three-course lunch is offered Tuesday to Friday for just 13,50€ (including IVA, the Spanish VAT).
The interior
Ca’n March has an attractive interior, with modern wooden floors, white wooden furniture, white table linen, and a few interesting decorative touches (including an interesting display of framed old photographs and a handsome antique longcase clock). The glasses and cutlery gleam on the tables and, despite its size, the room feels welcoming and homely.
In the centre of the restaurant you’ll find a display of local gastronomic products (including some of Ca’n March’s own) and handicrafts for sale. It’s a good place to find an authentic Mallorcan foodie gift or souvenir to take home.
We arrived early for lunch by Spanish standards – having made a spur-of-the-moment decision to eat out on our way home from an appointment. Tables filled quite rapidly with locals and I’d recommend making a table reservation if you want to come for lunch.
Handsome clock at Ca’n March
Part of Ca’n March’s dining area, with display of items for sale in the background
Antique items blend harmoniously with the modern decor features
Gourmet treats for sale at Ca’n March
Ca’n March-branded products for sale
Handicrafts from Mallorca on sale at Ca’n MarchOn the menu
The Ca’n March menu card includes à la carte dishes and other set-menu options, but it’s quite easy to miss the fact that there’s a menú del día offered, so do ask. Our server explained what was on the day’s lunch menu, reading from her notebook, as this menu doesn’t come in written-down form.
We both chose the chicken salad starter – a generous portion, which included dried apricots, pieces of chicken, walnuts, pine nuts, pomegranate seeds and more. For our main course we had gallineta – a red-skinned fish that I didn’t know – served in a spinach sauce with potato. The piece of white fish was perfectly cooked and the whole dish was tasty and satisfying.
For dessert I had a light cake-like coca made with cottage cheese, with yogurt and baked-apple purée, whilst The Boss had the classic crema catalana.
A generous starter of chicken salad – fresh and well dressed
My delicious main course fish dish
Coca made with cottage cheese and atop yogurt and baked apple puree. Not my usual type of dessert, but rather good!And more…
In addition to the menú del día and à la carte dishes, Ca’n March offers some special menus:
- CM menu – available Friday night to Sunday lunchtime – for 24€;
- Gourmet set menu – 4 courses for 24€; 7 courses for 35€;
- One Thursday each month from October to June, they offer a gourmet dinner with wine pairings. We attended one last year and thoroughly enjoyed the evening, where diners shared one long table and enjoyed wines from the bodega Can Axartell in Pollença.
I really enjoy Miquel Gelabert’s cuisine, which is a modern and healthy taste of Mallorca.
Prices correct at time of writing.
©Jan Edwards 2018
Eat Drink Sleep Mallorca 