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El Llorenç Parc de la Mar hotel review: A delightful designer retreat in historic Palma

Overlooking the Bay of Palma, from the edge of the historic Calatrava district, this delightful adults-only boutique hotel only opened in 2019 but already feels established as one of Palma’s finest places to stay – its design reflecting the history of Majorca’s capital.

Swedish designer Magnus Ehrland has put his mark on the hotel, but forget Scandi minimalism. The hotel sits in La Calatrava, a neighbourhood that has over the centuries been a meeting point for Jewish, Muslim and Christian traditions and clever nods to that past are dotted throughout the hotel in its playful artwork, furniture and décor. 

An 11th-century Moorish clay oven, uncovered during the hotel’s construction, is preserved within the hotel’s restaurant.

Palma’s longest rooftop infinity pool is a charming spot to gaze out to sea or look back at the city’s Gothic Cathedral. 

El Llorenç pairs contemporary Mediterranean luxury with Moorish-inspired design, combining warm stone, rich textures and geometric detailing to create a calm, sophisticated retreat rooted in Palma’s fascinating heritage.

Not only are the city’s attractions on the doorstep, if you fancy a swim Can Pere Antoni beach is a short stroll away.

We were given the warmest of welcomes, and even a couple of drinks vouchers each to use in the hotel’s bars.

El Llorenç Parc de la Mar hotel – rooms 

El Llorenç Parc de la Mar offers 35 rooms and suites ranging from courtyard and city-view rooms to suites with private balconies overlooking Palma Bay. Given that the hotel is in the city, rooms aren’t huge, but they are elegant and perfectly formed. 

We were greeted with a bottle of chilled Cava and chocolates. The Moorish theme continues throughout, reflected in the bathroom tiles, wood flooring and lighting. Black and white photos of holidaymakers from yesteryear reinforce the hotel’s sense of place. 

The rooms have air-conditioning, iPod dock, an easy to navigate tablet for ordering room service and contacting reception, tea and coffee making facilities, minibar and Le Labo toiletries. 

Funky light fittings glow against the restful cream and grey palette.

Ours was a ‘Signature Side Sea View’ room, but looking out from our balcony it felt more special than that rather cautious description! 

El Llorenç Parc de la Mar hotel – dining

Dins Santi Taura is the fine dining restaurant option, Michelin-starred chef Santi Taura himself personally serves and explains the tasting menu. You can choose to chat to him and his team at the bar as they prepare your meal or sit in the restaurant itself.

The menu is based on the traditional cuisine of Mallorca and is popular with locals and tourists alike. 

Designed by the same team, but more informal, is buzzy Urbà on the roof terrace, with stunning tapas-style dishes made to share. The food is a fusion of flavours inspired by Europe, Latin America and Asia – a tasting menu is also available here and we chose it as we sipped the bar’s signature Vermouth cocktail (complete with beautiful lime foam).  

The service is attentive without being fussy. The ‘Yangnyeom’ spicy fried chicken brioche was phenomenal.

Breakfast on the ground floor combines a generous buffet with table service. Fresh fruit and pastries vie for your attention alongside every conceivable cooked option. Please try the traditional island cheesecake!  

El Llorenç Parc de la Mar hotel – Amenities

The rooftop pool has a real wow factor. With views over the sea in one direction and Palma’s rooftops in the other you could easily spend all day here on one of the sun loungers or Balinese beds. Efficient staff deliver drinks and snacks (try the tuna churros croquettes).

The bar area has seating and shade to enjoy a cocktail. Despite its location the pool area is gloriously peaceful.

There is also a relaxing indoor spa with a jacuzzi, small pool lined with dark green glazed tiles, ice fountain, sensation shower and treatment room. To conserve energy reception asks for a little bit of notice to heat up the sauna and steam room. A small on-site gym is basic but good enough for a workout before a day exploring the island.  

El Llorenç Parc de la Mar hotel – Verdict

The hotel is ideal for a weekend (or longer) break exploring picturesque Palma. Unhurried, friendly and comfortable, it’s a great choice if you want to explore the city, or indeed flop by the pool. It’s luxurious without being over the top, with two exceptional restaurants to choose from.  

The details 

El Llorenç Parc de la Mar hotel, Plaza de Llorenç Villalonga, 4, 07001 Palma de Mallorca, Spain. +34971677770 www.elllorenc.com. Standard Patio room from £225 including taxes and breakfast. To book your stay click here. 

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Jonathan Samuels is a British broadcaster, journalist and travel writer. For a number of years he was a foreign correspondent based in Sydney, Australia, covering breaking news around the globe. He travels extensively and is passionate about aviation, amazing places to stay and most importantly, great service.