Exclusive:
Mirror reporter Richard Garnett experienced luxury, with top notch food, decadent rooms and scooter exploring at a divine Balearic jewel set amongst beautiful surroundings
A luxury experience awaits you at the Zafiro Palace Hotel in the beautiful resort of Camp de Mar in Andratx.
Opened in 2021, this 304 all-suite retreat is one of 14 hotels owned by the Plomer family but surely the jewel in the Zafiro crown.
Set on a hillside, sumptuous surroundings blend seamlessly with stunning views of the valley and the captivating allure of the Mediterranean Sea. If relaxation, outstanding customer service and top-notch food is what you’re after then this ticks all the boxes. It’s also less than half an hour’s drive from the airport, so you can hit the ground running.
Every room at this five-star residence has been meticulously designed to the highest standard, ensuring a perfect stay for each guest. The only question to answer is how high a level of luxury to take the experience to.
Starting with beautiful junior suites boasting double sink bathrooms and Jacuzzi hot tubs, serious upgrade options include a penthouse suite with plunge pool, or how about a private pool with a stunning sea view? The newly-launched Zafiro Club Suites take luxury to new heights of exclusivity, with a private pool, bar, and bespoke options such as in-room massages and personalised concierge.
If the sky’s the limit, the huge two bedroom owner’s suite ramps luxury living up to the max with an enormous private terrace that boasts a grand Hydromassage bathtub, all framed by the stunning vista of the hills and crystal clear waters beyond.
Set over a variety of levels, swimming pools are dotted across the hotel. A popular main pool with a swim-up bar is complemented by adult-only pools, including a stunning sky pool. Relaxation is top of the agenda here and there is no shortage of places to enjoy it.
Zafiro Palace offers board options that range from B&B, a welcomingly flexible half-board and all-inclusive. Majorca has an abundance of outstanding restaurants to visit but it would be a crime to stay here and not take advantage of the superb dining experience the hotel provides.
A breakfast of seemingly unlimited options can be enjoyed in the main restaurant before making way for a mouthwatering lunch menu that includes paella, tapas and a quite outstanding seafood risotto. But it is the three adjacent fine dining restaurants that truly provide an experience of culinary excellence.
Mix up your options with Japanese sushi one night, lobster the next and if you can handle it, an 800g Tomahawk steak that you will never forget.
Drinks are plentiful and of a high quality with an extensive wine selection to choose something special from.
All-inclusive here means exactly that and includes your own minibar and even breakfast in your room if you so desire. But for an extravagant extra, surprise your partner with a floating breakfast in your private pool or treat them to a private dining experience on your own suite terrace as the sun sets over the hills.
After all that top-drawer food and basking in the sun, release your inner zen with a visit to the Gem Spa where a team of pampering experts will take you into their care. Enjoy a Turkish bath or take a dip in the heated indoor pool with views of the sea and mountains. If you’d rather swap the range of body massages and luxury treatments for a more active pursuit, the hotel’s well-stocked gym has got you covered. Classes such as yoga and pilates are also on offer.
Exploring the local area doesn’t get any more fun than jumping on one of the hotel’s superb electric scooters. If you book through the Zafiro website, have a driver’s licence and are 25 or over, you can set out on your own adventure with the warm breeze in your face. Ride through the mountains to visit nearby Port d’Andratx with its pretty boats and harbourside restaurants, taking in stunning scenery along the way.
Directly in front of the hotel is the Golf de Andratx course and although it is not part of the Zafiro Palace, discounted rates are available to guests. This par-72 course is not for the faint-hearted however. Weaving around the hilly terrain of Camp de Mar, here is an 18-hole test that will push even the most capable golfer to the limit.
Featuring the longest hole in Spain, known as the Green Monster and another hole with a green that is protected by walls on either side, even the club pro advises hiring a buggy, insisting that people “only walk the course once”.
Head north to Consell and visit the island’s oldest winery Bodega Ribas, where over 200,000 bottles of Majorca’s finest are lovingly made every year.
The family business is run by Javier and Araceli Ribas, who produce 12 different wines from six grapes. The passion of winery guide Juanma is plain to see and after the production process is explained you will have the chance to try the wines yourself. Leave a bit of space in your suitcase for a bottle to take home.
Alternatively, try a perfume making workshop in Palma at Viti Vinci. Learn about what makes a perfectly balanced scent with base, heart and top notes before having a go yourself. Who knows, you might come up with something special.
Book the holiday
- Flights to Palma, Majorca, are available from airports across the UK.
- Rooms at the Zafiro Palace Andratx hotel in Camp de Mar, Majorca, start at around £427 a night on all-inclusive, Zafiro Club rate from around £250 a night B&B; three-night minimum stays. zafirohotels.com
- More info at spain.info