Paradisiacal Palma

With its spectacular bays, lush, bougainvillea-strewn landscape and luxurious villas hewn into the honey-coloured rock, Mallorca has long been a favoured European fling among the cognoscenti. Not just a pretty face, however, as the island’s capital is a veritable cultural hub in its own right, studded with world-class galleries, museums and shopping. Amid the buzz of the sun-drenched streets, the Nakar Hotel is a serene retreat with light-soaked lounges, spa and a spectacular rooftop infinity pool.

 

The 57-room hotel is the brainchild of Toni Ramis, who commissioned a team of exclusively local architects and designers to realise his vision of an authentic, yet innovative Balearic guesthouse. The result is a harmonious blend of Mediterranean cool and cosmopolitan verve in the very heart of the Mallorcan metropolis.

 

 

Ideally located on the chic shopping precinct of Jaime III Avenue, the Nacar building has been managed by Ramis’ family for three generations, and has undergone a renaissance with each generational change. The latest incarnation pays tribute to the spirit of the original Pension Nacar, while embodying the zeitgeist of modern day Palma. Together with acclaimed architect Magi Margues and designer Marga Rotger, Ramis has created a bold new lifestyle boutique hotel that blends sophisticated design with local flavour.

 

Locally sourced oak and stone contrasts with industrial tones of black-lacquered iron and glass in the light and airy public spaces, while the aesthetics of the rooms and suites are defined by earth-tone fabrics and a neutral colour palette. Thoughtfully designed with the modern traveller in mind, guest rooms have been outfitted with state of the art media systems including screen-mirroring AppleTV, which are Netflix and Spotify enabled, Nespresso machines and spacious bathrooms with luxurious Molton Brown amenities. While in-room Jacuzzis and private terraces lend the Deluxe Rooms more than a little romance.

 

 

Overlooking Palma’s sweeping bay, Nakar Hotel’s eighth-floor restaurant and bar, CUIT, is a love letter to “Urban Majorquine” cuisine and produce. Overseen by the head chef, Miquel Calent, the varied menu celebrates locally sourced and organic ingredients, while breathing new life into traditional recipes sourced from all corners of the island. Dishes such as monkfish with Mallorcan almonds are complemented by a carefully curated collection of Spanish wines. A small tapas menu is also available at the bar and poolside.

 

Taking things up a level, the rooftop sundeck and pool is exclusively for residents during the daytime hours. However, sundowners come with an open invitation to the neighbourhood, transforming the terrace into one of the city’s hottest haunts for guests and locals alike. With panoramic views over the gargoyle-studded architecture of the city’s old town, the infinity pool provides the ideal setting in which to soak up the ambrosial musical stylings of renowned DJ Toni Jimenez at one of his weekly sets.

 

When indulging in the eternal cocktail hour of the Balearics becomes a little too much like hard work, the hotel’s spa is perfectly placed to ease away the strains of everyday life. The subterranean space includes an indoor pool, the only one in Palma’s Old Town, steam bath, sauna and two massage rooms. Treatments using a holistic range of products by Comfort Zone include the “Aromasoul Mediterranea” and “Algae Facial”.

 

 

Located in Palma’s main shopping district, Nakar Hotel lies amid stylish avenues, home to designer boutiques, concept stores and galleries. Follow the church bells to the waterfront 13th-century Palma Cathedral, while the beaches of Ciudad Jardn and Can Pastilla are only a 15-minute walk away.

 

For more information and reservations, contact Nakar Hotel directly at +34 971-720-223.

 

Images and text courtesy Design Hotels.