Esplendido Hotel, Port de Soller, Mallorca - Explore & Book
"What do you do when the first hotel you have created is a rip-roaring success? If you're Mikael and Johanna Landstrom, you take a dowdy, run-down 1950s hotel, apply the magic formula that worked first time around, and create a vibrant and relaxed base in Mallorca's most scenic seaside town. Stylish, funky and occupying the best position in the middle of the bay.Most of the bright and airy rooms look out to sea and, best of all, most have terraces with stunning views across the horseshoe bay. In fact you're so close to the sea that you can hear the waves lapping below. With a spa, a popular bistro-restaurant and bar that would not look out of place in any hip city hotel, pretty terraced gardens and refreshing pools, we can see why the only thing the successful Swedish husband and wife team didn't change was the name. Because it's all rather splendid indeed. A long-standing i-escape favourite! Highs The fantastic views from the sea-facing rooms, pools, garden and restaurants Rooms are packed with little extras (complimentary minibar drinks, Nespresso machines, flip-flops, beach bags) and many have outdoor space - watching the sunset from your terrace as the 2 lighthouses start their nightly vigil is hard to beatThe hearty breakfast in the light-filled breakfast room or out on the sunny terraceThe scenic harbour of Port de Soller, with its many restaurants, sandy beach and friendly atmosphere - and it's only a short tram ride to the mountain-ringed old town of SollerThe road outside is pedestrianised, so there's little or no traffic between you and the sea, making it perfect for an evening stroll Lows Bear in mind that it's popular with families, and the main pool area can teem with kids in midsummerAll 3 pools are small - ideal for a cooling dip, less so for swimming lengths With 74 rooms, it's larger than most i-escape hotels, but retains an intimate air and excellent serviceParking can be tricky but you really don't need a car hereThe upper garden terraces and adult-only pool could be difficult to reach for the less mobile" - Emma Taylor
