by Anna Nicholas, The Daily Telegraph, October 13, 2016
Commanding spectacular views of the Bay of Canyamel, the adult-only, five-star Can Simoneta boutique hotel enjoys a dramatic position aloft high cliffs. Comprising three historic stone-built properties, it is the ultimate romantic and tranquil hideaway by the sea, surrounded by extensive gardens and woodland.
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Location 9/100
Situated on the edge of the Llevant nature reserve, the hotel is only a mile (2 km) from the seaside village of Canyamel and the Caves of Artà, and six miles (10 km) from the rural towns of Artà and Capdepera, with its medieval castle. Five minutes' drive along the road is the hotel’s 13th-century watchtower, Torre de Canyamel, which includes a museum and popular restaurant. The prehistoric Ses Paisses settlement and four golf courses are just a 15-minute drive away. Palma airport is about one hour’s distance by taxi.
Style & character 9/100
Can Simoneta is all about aesthetics and good taste. You're greeted by an imposing avenue of olive trees that lead to the hotel’s private carpark and immaculate front lawns, which feature an original sculpture by renowned island artist Joan Bennassar. Architect Antoni Esteva, Majorca’s king of contemporary design, has refurbished three comfortable and understated hotel buildings. He has used a palette of soft neutral shades for decoration and textiles. Modern artworks on whitewashed walls, intriguing sculptures, and large graceful windows are offset by cosy salons with fireplaces and inviting comfy armchairs.
Service & facilities 9/100
The friendly, efficient and relaxed staff members skilfully manage to strike a balance between discreet yet very attentive service. In the hotel’s gardens there is a wellness centre tucked away in the trees, as well as steam and sauna wood cabins. Aside from its own private access to Canyamel beach where it has Café Arenal, a winding stone staircase carved into the cliff gives onto a secluded cove with a natural rock pool whirlpool tub, exclusive to hotel guests. There are two swimming pools and open-air whirlpool tubs in the grounds.
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Bar
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Beach
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Fitness centre
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Laundry
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Parking
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Pool
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Restaurant
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Room service
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Sauna
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Spa
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Steam room/hammam
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Wi-Fi
Rooms 8/100
The 28 individually designed bedrooms include 12 suites, all of which are spread across three ancient country houses: Can Simoneta, once the 19th-century refuge of a sickly priest seeking a seawater cure; Can Nofre, where the bar and restaurant are located; and the recently renovated Beach House, which is close to the sea and a five-minute walk away through the grounds.
Rooms offer minibars, safes, fluffy towel robes and slippers, and all the usual deluxe amenities expected at a premier hotel. In the Beach House, complimentary hot and cold drinks and fruits are offered in the relaxing salon and at night the crashing waves lull guests to sleep. The luxury Gran Neptuno Suite housed in a bijoux cottage has its own pool and garden.
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Food & drink 8/100
The hotel’s peaceful restaurant, run by Valencian chef Pablo Tamarit, offers indoor and al fresco dining both on an open and covered terrace, with panoramic vistas of the sea. A creative Mediterranean à la carte menu using fresh and locally sourced produce, is matched with excellent wines. A breakfast buffet is provided, supplemented by an à la carte menu offering egg options.
Value for money 8/100
Double rooms from €210 (£190) in low season; and from €400 (£360) in high season. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.
Access for guests with disabilities?
There are two adapted junior suites on the ground floor.
Family-friendly?
The hotel is adults-only.
Carretera Artà-Canyamel Km 8, Finca Torre Canyamel, 07580 Capdepera, Majorca, Spain.00 34 971 81 61 10cansimoneta.com
This article was written by Anna Nicholas from The Daily Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.
