Cap Vermell Grand Hotel

One hour from the capital city of Palma and surrounded by sleepy towns and olive tree orchards, this countryside retreat marries the sophistication with classic Mediterranean charm.

Overlooking the gorgeous Canyamel Valley, the 142-room Cap Vermell Grand Hotel (which was formerly the Park Hyatt) is modeled after a traditional Mallorquin village. The resort is situated within the 49-acre Cap Vermell estate—grand and expansive, it commands a stunning hilltop surrounded by postcard-perfect rolling hills.

Guests are welcomed to 'Plaça de Torres,' the main gathering place complete with a clock tower, market and family-style bistro that mimic a typical town square. The accommodations (referred to as ‘the village’) are made up of pretty, salmon-colored thatched roof buildings scattered in an arc shape, which are reached by gravel footpaths from the Plaça de Torres. Despite the fact that the property is new (it opened in June 2016), the Cap Vermell Grand Hotel’s design blends well with its surroundings to provide guests with an authentic sense of place. From the rippling fountains and potted plants at every corner to the breezy public spaces of white-washed stucco and landscaped gardens of flowering topiaries, the resort’s atmosphere is utterly romantic.

Accommodations are sophisticated and comfortable. The 38 elegant rooms (14 of which are suites) do not offer much in the form of Mallorquin charm, but all have private terraces, which boast lovely views of the valley below. Each is appointed with sleek, modern furnishings and an open-plan bathroom with rain shower. However, it is the impressive facilities that attract guests to the property, such as the landscaped terrace complete with three swimming pools (two of which are heated), and a fitness center. Wellness seekers will be in heaven here, as the Cap Vermell Grand Hotel’s Serenitas Spa is a modern Mount Olympus with gauze curtains and twinkling lights at every corner overlooking the sweeping vistas of hilly countryside. The seven room–spa offers a variety of locally inspired treatments (including a signature ‘Quartz’ bed which allows for a heated sand massage), plus several steam rooms and an outdoor Jacuzzi.

The resort’s dining options, expertly curated by the Cap Vermell Grand Hotel’s world-class culinary team, are also a draw to the property. Scattered along the expansive terrace, the four restaurants feed into one another amongst gardens and plentiful outdoor seating. Balearic Restaurant serves traditional Mediterranean farm-to-table cuisine, offering an impressive selection of fish dishes, paying homage to the fishing culture that defined the Mallorquin economy for centuries). The airy restaurant is filled with hanging seashells and offers an outstanding breakfast buffet with a variety of local sweet and savory treats. Nearby is the Tapas Restaurant, a sultry bar with a carving station and delectable selection of cheeses and cured meats. The Asia Restaurant serves eponymous cuisine and has a rotating chef. All emphasize wine pairings, and the resort takes pride in its exceptionally curated selection of local and international offerings.

From boating and cooking classes to hiking and visits to medieval towns, the region is rife with opportunities for exploration. Guests are encouraged to rent a car and venture to nearby beach coves to explore and swim or drive to the capital city of Palma for shopping and historical sites. Although the property does not offer any private beaches, the Cap Vermell beach club is only a ten-minute walk away and there are several beaches nearby. The family-friendly resort also has a kid’s club, babysitting services and children’s splash pool.

Families in search of a warm-weather resort experience with opportunities for cultural experiences and activities nearby. Those in search of a full-service beach resort might be happier at Jumeirah Port Sóller.

High season in Mallorca is June through August.

Guests fly to Palma (an hour from the resort), which can be reached by connecting flight (often through Madrid or Barcelona).