The moment I entered the cool (in both senses of the word) lobby, complete with striking chandelier and water feature, my multi-sensory and, frankly, magnificent Port Sóller experience began. The first sense to be excited? Sight. the sight of the simply breathtaking views from the floor-to-ceiling lobby window, and pretty much everywhere in the hotel for that matter. Once I'd stopped gushing over the beautiful outlook - although this continued intermittently throughout my visit - I realised there was a sweet yet subtle and not at all sickly scent in the air. The lovely Lucia from the hotel explained that this was extracted from Spanish oranges, as was the fresh, ice-cold orange juice that was presented to us on arrival, alongside a refreshingly cool towel with a gorgeous spa scent. It was then that I knew that this hotel was pretty special, combining five-star luxury with an experience that embraces all that the island has to offer...
Natural beauty from all angles
The Tramuntana Terrace
The Observatory Suite
Local plants throughout the property
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As I've already mentioned (and will almost certainly mention again) the views from this property are incredible. Due to its unique location on the hillside, Jumeirah Port Soller boasts panoramas over the UNESCO World Heritage Tramuntana Mountains (great for hiking, biking and general flawing beauty), Port de Sóller itself (a charming Mallorcan fishing village set along a horseshoe bay with two sandy beaches and a handful of upscale bars, shops and restaurants, as well as a fully functional old tram that dates back to 1913) and the perfect blue of the Mediterranean Sea.
All bedrooms and suites overlook either the Tramuntana Mountains or the Mediterranean, with mountain-facing rooms display art depicting the sea, while every sea-facing room features work that illustrates the mountains - the best of both worlds! Lucia showed me around the very aptly-named Observatory Suite, located on the corner to ensure breathtaking views of the mountains, port and sea from not one, not two, but three private terraces. Even the bathroom had floor-to-ceiling views over the Med! Native plants also feature in the pretty terraced gardens set between the eleven buildings that make up the hotel, featuring brilliantly bright flowers and native plants.
A proud history and heritage
The beautiful mosaic piece in the check-in area
The Soller Tram
The hand-blown chandelier in Es Fanals restaurant
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While the location and design of the property really make the most of the area's stunning scenery, the Mallorcan experience certainly doesn't stop there, with every aspect of the hotel nodding to the island's heritage in some way - from the round, stone entry hall designed to resemble ancient Mallorcan defence towers, to a central chimney representing the wheels of Sóller's famous tram. Lucia also showed me to a corridor that has a host of old photographs of Port de Sóller and its tram from the past, as well as what the hotel was like before Jumeirah worked their magic here. This was another lovely touch and it was genuinely so interesting to see how the area has changed... or should I say, how little it's changed, the port still wonderfully picturesque and pristine. As well as looking back to the island's fascinating past, present day Mallorca is also celebrated with the hotel's incredible art collection, comprising over 300 unique pieces from 17 artists from the Balearic Islands. This included the gorgeous Mediterranean/Moorish-style mosaic piece that takes pride of place in the lobby.
Balearic cuisine using Balearic produce
My delicious seafood linguine
The delicious appetizer of mussels, caviar and their exclusive olive oil
Iberian charcuterie and artisan cheese platter
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What better way to immerse yourself in a destination than eating local food created using local produce? I was lucky enough to enjoy lunch at Cap Roig Brasserie (named after a Mallorcan fish, yet another nod to the area!), settling down on the beautiful shaded terrace with panoramic sea views - bliss. The dreamy dining experience began with an aperitivo of a local mussel served on a crisp lettuce leaf, topped with caviar, onions, tomatoes and drizzled with olive oil. Speaking of which, the olive oil (extra virgin no less) is exclusively made for the hotel, using olives from the Sóller Valley. A true win-win situation, this supports local producers, while ensuring the highest quality olive oil is served in the restaurants. It tasted especially good when dunked with the fresh, slightly warm bread served at Cap Roig. After fuelling my Padron pepper addiction (a popular Spanish tapas), I opted for the seafood linguine, which was genuinely the best I've ever eaten, bursting with ultra-fresh prawns, mussels, crab and more! My partner Ross went for a generous platter that comprised a range of Iberian charcuterie and artisan cheese. it's safe to say we were two very happy (and full) diners!
While Cap Roig opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there are two other restaurants here that are open just for dinner. Boasting pride of place on the top floor of the highest building - with, you guessed it, more fabulous views - Es Fanals by Javier Soriano (a highly decorated Spanish Chef) is a fine dining Spanish restaurant in which the menus change weekly according to what produce is available in the area. There is also the 'La Barra del Chef' experience, which offers two seats overlooking the kitchen, allowing you to watch as your dishes are prepared and ask the chefs any questions about their masterpieces. The décor of the restaurant once again celebrates local culture and livelihood. A stunning chandelier hangs above the spiral staircase, featuring colourful lanterns that have been handcrafted by a local glass-blowing business, representing the lamps that Mallorcan fishermen traditionally used while at sea.
The Sunset Sushi Lounge serves, you guessed it, sushi created fresh in front of you by the skilled chefs, alongside creative cocktails, many with a Mallorcan twist - including the Sóller mojito made with local orange juice, and Sóller lemonade, using lemons grown nearby. The swanky glass-fronted setting, Lucia tells me, offers the best sunset views in Sóller, with an impressive crystal piece hanging behind the well-stocked bar to perfectly reflect the light.
Making the most of the local bounty
The use of local produce isn't limited to dining though. it can also be seen in the clifftop Talise Spa. A testament to just how incredible the spa facilities are here, the hotel won Best Spa Hotel in Spain at the World Spa Awards in both 2017 and 2018. As well as an impressive menu of treatments that use local ingredients such as olives, almond and citrus fruits grown nearby, the spa offers ten treatment rooms, a thermal circuit complete with a Hammam, and an al fresco hydropool with views over the mountains - I genuinely couldn't think of more relaxing setting. As well as utilizing and (rightfully) showing off the bounty of Mallorca, the hotel also does all it can to respect and conserve this precious environment through waste management and sustainable changes. In fact, it is currently 99% plastic free - seriously commendable for a property as luxurious as this one!
To experience this dreamy hillside hideaway for yourself, enjoying an experience that perfectly blends Jumeirah luxury with an authentic Mallorca experience, call our Luxury Travel Specialists today.