by Alice Revel, The Telegraph, May 3, 2017
In a prime position overlooking Majorca's spectacular mountains, forests and the breathtakingly blue Mediterranean, the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa has all the luxury dining and leisure options you might need for a fly-and-flop stay. With three excellent restaurants, an expansive spa and numerous pools, all encircled by terraced gardens, it's one of the island's most inviting destinations for some indulgent relaxation.
Location 10/10
Style/character 7/10
With 120 bedrooms and suites, the Jumeirah Port Soller is by no means small, but the design – the hotel is spread across 11 low-rise modern buildings, all on different levels – means that it doesn't feel crowded even when full. The hotel has made the most of its verdant hillside location with pretty terraced gardens (bright with flowers and native plants) set between buildings. Two swimming pools (including an adults-only infinity pool) and a rooftop sun terrace are positioned to take advantage of the all-enveloping views. Spacious, light and airy, rooms are simply finished in neutral tones. Freestanding bathtubs and private suntrap terraces, plus all the necessary tech, ensure guests' five-star expectations are comfortably met.
Spa facilities 8/10
The Jumeirah's well-appointed Talise spa is a destination in itself. Set over two floors, there are ample facilities to occupy guests for at least a couple of hours - whether or not you've booked a treatment. The thermal space features a sauna, steam room, sensation showers, ice fountain and relaxation rooms, and there's a well-equipped fitness centre. The spa's highlight, however, has to be its outdoor hydrotherapy pool – again with those dramatic panoramic mountain views. Decorated throughout in muted, natural tones, the spa's design has a tranquil, cosy feel.
The Treatments 8/10
A broad selection of massages and complementary therapies are on offer, but it's the locally inspired treatments that really differentiate the Talise Spa. The Mediterranean serves as the source for ingredients such as olive seeds and aloe, which are used for massages, while the orange and citrus used in certain extracts comes from Majorca specifically and is more commonly used for facial treatments.
Also using Natura Bissé products, those facials are tailored to guests' individual requirements. After discussing my desire for refreshed, revitalised skin with my therapist, I tried the anti-ageing Mediterranean Orange facial which incorporated a deep cleanse, massage and exfoliation, and concluded with a detoxifying mask. My pores were given a real clean-out and my skin left brightened and luminous. It was a perfect conclusion to my holiday.
Food & Drink 8/10
A garden terrace offers a pretty location for breakfasts, with an ample buffet including many local specialities (pastries, cheeses, charcuterie), as well as hot dishes to order. Come sundown, three dining options are available to guests so there's little need to stray from the hotel. Offering a modern twist on typical Majorcan cuisine and a wine menu to please enthusiasts, Els Fanals' tapas-style dishes are beautifully presented and inspired by the island from mountain to Mediterranean. The elegant, eminently Instagrammable Sunset Sushi Lounge makes the most of fresh local seafood, while a creative cocktail menu and live DJ add to the ambiance after dark.
Favourite Thing
That view of course – and the rooms' private suntrap balconies.
Could be better
Some of the hotel's rooms could be considered a little plain, lacking in charm and slightly dated in style.
Value for money
Rooms at the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa (+34 971 63 78 88) cost from €349 (£300) per night, with the Mediterranean Orange facial costing €140 (£120).
This article was written by Alice Revel from The Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].