As you’ve probably gathered by my previous contributions, if I’m not in the UK there’s a very strong chance, I will be in either Italy or the Balearics. Only two hours away by plane and a good 12 to 14 degrees warmer, I took hand luggage and my laptop to discover a magical experience at Portals Hills in Mallorca.
An island on which to discover hidden gems…
Nestled in the hills between Bendinat and Portals, and just a ten-minute walk from the beach, Portals Hills is surrounded by leafy palms, lush greenery and views as far as the glittering Mediterranean. With temperatures in their late twenties during my stay, it was the perfect opportunity to relax in the sunshine without the high-season crowd.
My favourite time to travel and discover is always out of season where possible and in this case, the temperatures meant poolside reading and sushi in pristine cabanas interrupted only by coastal walks and sea swims in the late afternoon.
When you arrive, you’ll soon realise you’re in one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods on the island. Luxurious yet welcoming, Portals Hills Boutique Hotel takes a cosmopolitan approach, with a modern interpretation of architecture, culinary art and high-class services.
Walking into the pristine lobby, I was greeted with a glass of champagne by Marta, The hotel is described as a contemporary luxury drenched by the light of the Mediterranean and this is the perfect description. Minimal white aesthetics with luxurious touches of gold, there are 30 suites and an exclusive penthouse available, furnished by FENDI (see that little bit of Italy sneaked in) to give an exceptional Mediterranean experience inspired by the style of Miami-Florida.
My room was a Deluxe Suite. These sumptuously appointed modern suites of 37 sqm to 40 sqm show uncompromising attention to detail in both interior design and amenities. A white-on-white palette mixed with golden art deco elements creates a refreshing ambience and unparalleled experience, while each room is perfectly orientated to enjoy stunning sea views from the third floor. Boasting touches such as 40″ flatscreen TVs and JBL sound systems, alongside an all-important Nespresso machine, these suites are simply the epitome of elegance and cutting-edge design.
Portals Hills has one of those rare touches that some equally beautiful hotels don’t always nail and that’s the warmth of the staff, nothing here is too much trouble. Things like the handwritten note alongside the most delicious fruit platter was on the coffee table waiting in my room, Ibizan salt chocolate bars were stocked in the fridge and the bedlinen was crisp white cotton that was almost too tempting to sink into after a 4 am start. Tempting, but the pool and bright blue skies were calling, so I made my way downstairs to discover more.
The entrance hall has a sweeping white semi-circular staircase descending to the swimming pool and lounge bar below, and floor-to-ceiling windows that capture the light as the sun rises to the left and sets to the right of the hotel. Settled in a cabana to the side of the pool, I attempted to start writing this, but the laid-back atmosphere meant I put my laptop to the side and had a beautiful lunch of freshly made sushi and a green smoothie.
As the sun dazzled above me; I thought I’d make the most of the beautiful weather and walked to Bendinat beach, taking a right to the sunset bar overlooking the headland the late afternoon warmth was the perfect backdrop to a glass of Mallorcan Rose.
Strolling back through the flower-studded pathways, the only inkling that it wasn’t summer was the quieter pavements, Portals were quieter without the buzz of restaurants and bars open. Back at the hotel, I returned to my room to discover a bottle of ice and chocolates by the side of the bed, sipping my drink on my balcony as the sun set and the music drifted from below.
Waking up to blue skies, I opened the balcony door and made the most of an incredible breakfast in bed looking past the swaying palms as far as the glittering Mediterranean with the last of the season’s boats leaving Portals. Breakfast consisted of the loveliest creamed avocado on gluten-free bread and fluffy scrambled eggs, followed by an incredible fruit platter and Mallorcan orange juice.
The lazy morning was the perfect opportunity to explore and discover the other rooms in the hotel, the restaurant (please don’t judge, but I couldn’t help but have more fruit with my coffee) and there’s even a quiet zone without music.
I also popped into the gym, it’s not the biggest but it has everything you need and the views are fun to discover; imagine your morning run was overlooking the palm trees and Portals. If working out isn’t your thing, Noi the spa manager treated me to the most incredible Thai massage, trained in Thailand, with over ten years’ experience she is worth booking.
In the spa, their beauty cosmetics are Organic and Natural Beauty products made in Mallorca. The simplest and purest of treatments, leaving the skin finely tuned, calmed and highly nourished, feeling fresh and relaxed. The beautiful treatment indoor poolside rooms at Portals Hills Wellness Lounge are lovely, however, I’d recommend the outdoor Wellness Pavilion allows you to enjoy your session and discover the beautiful, open air.
Dinner was an immaculate platter of vegetarian sushi, followed by an early night of reading and a desert of Ibizan salt white chocolate. The next day watching the sun rise whilst eating breakfast was absolute bliss, literally inhaling the incredible fruit platter, with Mallorcan orange juice; I did not want to leave.
A morning by the pool and writing meant I had time to make the most of my stay before leaving. I know that I’ll be back in Mallorca to discover more of the island again soon, and hopefully with the chance to visit the beautiful Portals Hills again.
Portals Hills Boutique Hotel Mallorca
Carrer d’en Seguí, 4
07181 Portals Nous
Illes Balears
Spain
