Par Margaret Kemp
Just 20 minutes from Palma Airport,
Hotel Gran Meliá De Mar (A Grand Melia Hotel) is located in Illetas,
Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, founded in the middle ages.
Known as the “Chocolate Hotel”, because of its’ brown façade and shiny ceramic tiles, it was designed in the 1960's by the famous Catalan
architect Jose Antonio Coderch (1913-1984) and the revolutionary design of the seven-storey - 129 rooms and 13 suites - is considered to be one of the finest examples of modern Spanish architecture.
Local attractions such as the Pilar i Joan Miró Museum (Miró was a friend of the architect and there are tributes to him throughout the hotel) and Marivent Royal Palace are five minutes by taxi, while the achingly chic nautical and leisure complex
Puerto Portals, is
the place to anchor the Riva, shop and party.
In the bright marble-floored lobby with cosy book filled corners, and tributes to local artists, get ready for a warm welcome. Bali style beds punctuate lush lawns and fragrant herb gardens. Each room faces the blue Mediterranean and spacious terraces allow total privacy due to the diagonally shaped rooms.
Definitely reserve “Red Level” and take advantage of the elegant sea-view private lounge serving delicious tapas, snacks and drinks throughout the day. And reserve SPA by Clarins rejuvenating plant based treatments.
Choose from three epicurean delight restaurants: Bardot, inspired by the French icon, opens from early morning ‘til late afternoon for cool cocktails, fish of the day and sumptuous seafood platters. Perseo sends out generous buffet breakfast, light lunches lunch and alfresco dinners.
Arrels by locally born
cheffe Marga Coll, is always an original and exciting experience. From the five-stage gastronomic Majorcan breakfast (€56) to the seven-course tasting menu for dinner.
Book well ahead for the popular breakfast/brunch style concept which reflects the culinary treasures of Majorca, using island recipes. Begin with homemade yogurt, scrumptious sorbets, seasonal fruits and juices. Cold cuts of local meats and charcuteries, cheeses and emblematic island sausages. Continue with delicious meat or fish pies with vegetables followed by egg dishes, and finally sweet pastries, such as the famed spiral-shaped island signature ensaïmada. Wash down with excellent island wines and cavas with each course. Burn off the calories in the well equipped gym!
Double rooms - from about €200 per night with breakfast. Free Wi-Fi. Valet parking €20 per day - free for Red Level guests.
Gran Meliá De Mar
Leading Hotels of the World
Adults Only
Paseo de Illetas, 7,
Calvia, Mallorca, Spain
T: +34-971-40-25-11
Le site Melia - Majorque - Gran Melia de Mar
