Nakar Hotel, Palma, Mallorca - Explore & Book
"While the name derives from the Arabic for nacre (mother-of-pearl), there's not a hint of pearly iridescence in the contemporary styling of Nakar Hotel. Set on Palma's most bustling and upmarket shopping street – Avenue Jaume III – this high-end hotel is notable as much for its buzzy location as its sharp eye-pleasing design and hip urban attitude. The 57 guest rooms are a techno-geek's dream, with cutting-edge gadgetry and swish 21st-century interiors. Some open to private decked terraces with big bubbly hot tubs for alfresco soaks á deux. After exploring the charming medieval lanes of Mallorca's capital, a stylish underground spa provides a low-lit retreat away from the crowds. Alternatively, a terrace features one of the city's few rooftop pools, with amazing vistas over the terracotta rooftops, to the Gothic cathedral and a shimmering strip of Mediterranean Sea beyond. On balmier evenings, chill-out sessions from hip local DJs bring a happening vibe to the poolside cocktail bar. A restaurant serving excellent haute-rustic cuisine completes an outstanding city retreat - and one that squeezes an impressive raft of features into its boutique proportions. A genuine pearl indeed. Highs The super-central location: most of the city's attractions are an easy stroll awaySome of the finest views in Palma from the rooftop terrace and infinity poolHigh-tech rooms are completely soundproofed - we couldn't hear a thing from the busy street outsideThe outstanding restaurant has a seasonal menu and summer terrace for alfresco diningGreat for romantic city breaks: book a Deluxe Room for a private alfresco hot tub Lows The rooftop pool is unheated and the surrounding terrace gets busy on sunny daysThe in-house restaurant is pricey by local standards but food is excellent qualityRear-facing rooms are overlooked by other buildingsFamilies are welcome but it's more of a grown-up getaway" - Leon Beckenham
