While most of the action in Mallorca takes place by the beach or in the city, the island’s top luxurious retreats tend to be hidden deep in the countryside, far from the bright lights and thudding bass lines of the resort towns. The choice is yours — unless, of course, you are someone who doesn’t want to compromise. For you, there is Cap Rocat — a stylish ancient fortress set in a nature reserve right on the water’s edge. Here, the occasional falcon swooping overhead and the private beach, coupled with plenty of stylish spots for long lunches and sundowners, could keep you here for weeks.
Overall score 9/10
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Rooms and suites
Score 10/10
No two rooms at Cap Rocat are the same. Each occupies its own unique space in what was once an ancient citadel. Carved out of sandstone, this majestic structure sits on a secluded cape jutting out into the Bay of Palma. What does unite them is their huge dimensions — most are around 40 sq m — in most hotels, the smallest Double Fortaleza rooms would qualify as junior suites. Each comes with vaulted stone ceilings, furnished outdoor seating areas and huge bathrooms that have a separate bath and shower, double vanities and plenty of posh organic smellies. In the next step up, the Suite Cap Rocat has four-poster, king-sized beds and three levels of outdoor terraces, the highest of which comes with a Balinese bed with sprawling views across the nature reserve. At the very top end, the Sentinels Suites, hidden among the rocks in the utmost privacy, have private swimming pools and sea views. Guests have the option to enjoy breakfast delivered to their room or in one of the serene outdoor spaces at their leisure.
Food and drink
Score 9/10
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The Sea Club — set on the edge of a cliff overlooking the lapping blue waters of the Balearic — is how we imagine lunch in Mallorca: a laid-back, open-air spot specialising in fresh grilled fish and paella dishes, where a glass of crisp white wine can turn into a bottle or three as the afternoon heat begins to gently subside. For a more elegant evening meal, choose the tasting menu at La Fortaleza in the courtyard of the old fortress — a hopelessly romantic torch-lit setting. Bar service is also available by the saltwater infinity pool and the private beach club.
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What else is there?
Score 9/10
Given the sprawling 88-acre property and its 30 rooms, getting around might pose a challenge if it weren’t for the team of ever-cheerful beach buggy drivers who seem to magically appear whenever you have somewhere to be. Cap Rocat’s subterranean spa has been carved out of the rocks and feels like something from a Moorish fantasy. There’s a saltwater swimming pool that invites you to swim out of a cave into the light and a huge list of spa treatments, from hammam sessions to massages on the world’s first floating massage bed. The resort also has a swimming pool and a small private beach, from where you can jump off the cliffs (or climb down a ladder) directly into the sea.
Where is it?
Score 8/10
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The only real downside of Cap Rocat is that there isn’t much to do. For those who like to keep busy, the bright lights of Palma are a 20-minute cab ride away, and the hotel has a private boat service for anyone wishing to see more of the island. Alternatively, just kick back, relax, and allow yourself to do nothing in what’s arguably one of the most beautiful spots in the Mediterranean.
Price B&B doubles from £727
Restaurant mains from £20
Family-friendly N
Accessible N
Dog-friendly Y
Isabelle Kliger was a guest of Cap Rocat
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