The beautiful Balearic island addresses designed to suit all ages
Mallorca’s natural beauty – from its sparkling, crystal clear waters to its enigmatic mountains – leaves no wonder why it’s been one of Spain’s most popular destinations for so long. Whether in search of culture, history, gastronomy or outdoor adventures, theme parks and entertainment, the island has something for families with children of all ages, with many Mallorca hotels putting family-friendly activities at the heart of their offers. The Balearic Islands are also taking essential steps in encouraging more responsible, sustainable tourism, from eliminating single-use plastics to replanting native trees, making Mallorca a thoughtful, welcoming and enriching destination for families with optimistic visions of the future.
How we choose the best family hotels in Mallorca
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials.
Ikos Porto Petro
Located in a tranquil corner close to the 765-acre Mondrago National Park and between two idyllic, quiet sandy beaches that feel like secrets, Ikos Porto Petro is named after the little fishing village it sits next to. Say ‘Ikos’ to aspirational young families, and the parents tend to get giddy. This is a place where you can take children to a restaurant backed by a Michelin-star-studded chef and feel quite comfortable, whether your baby has thrown 10 plastic spoons on the floor followed by a lovingly prepared bowl of creamed poached fish or not. Clever acoustics mean offspring-free diners can still clearly hear the talented and not in any way ‘holiday-camp’ live musicians as well as their own grown-up conversations. The crèche or kids’ club is then on hand to take over in the morning, and parents can join in on ordering some crisp cool Cava by one of the four pools (there’s another for kids). All rooms have great views here (some staff suggest it is the best Ikos of the bunch for that reason alone), and they all have either large balconies, gardens or private pools and terraces.
– Becky Lucas
Grand Hotel Son Net
The makers of Finca Cortesin in Andalucia are behind the stylish new hideaway that opened in Mallorca this year, set in a 17th-century manor house just a 15-minute drive from Palma. The Pool Cottage House is the perfect option for families at this intimate but spectacular escape, which offers guests the chance to explore the 14-acre grounds, wander through citrus orchards, take in the mountain views, and savour produce from the on-site farm, vegetable garden and vineyard. Families with an eye for decoration can admire the palatial interiors, including rustic beams, stone floors, carved wooden ceilings, and antique fireplaces. The kids can also feed various animals on the farm, collect eggs from the hens or splash around in the multiple pools.
La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel
The bohemian village of Deia is known to draw artists, writers and musicians from far and wide. Set on its dreamy cliffs, La Residencia is an art lover’s paradise, with an on-site gallery and artist residencies across the year. So it’s no surprise that the hotel looks to cultivate creative talent among its younger guests with painting, drawing and sculpture classes run by resident artists. The Smile Club also lets little ones get stuck into table tennis, t-shirt painting and necklace making; foodie families can also take cooking classes together, with special cookie-making lessons for seven to 13-year-olds. While exploring the grounds, animal lovers can’t miss the hotel’s most adorable hosts – Chico, Fosca and the other resident donkeys, who are always keen for a meet-and-greet with the kids.
Kimpton Aysla Mallorca
One of Aysla’s key attractions isn’t mentioned on the website or by the concierge. Each morning, on the golf driving range adjoining the Mallorca hotel, a teenager trundles a buggy up and down, arms outstretched to scoop up golf balls. The Pac-Man-esque diligence becomes a daily fixture for me and my son, watching from the balcony sunbeds. “Yes,” we agree, “that would be an excellent job to have.” We’re on the southern side of Mallorca here, but not directly on the coast; instead, tucked away on a residential hillside enclave beloved of local families, with the busy sands of Santa Ponsa just five minutes drive away. Aysla is American group Kimpton’s debut opening in Spain, and the branding is subtle: designed by Mallorcan architect Guillermo Reynés, both the main hub (in the former hacienda-style golf club) and the clean-cut, modernist bedroom wing act as showcases for the island’s artisans.
Jumeirah Port Soller
With rooms either facing out to indigo waters or hilly greenery, this hotel presents the beauty of Mallorca’s natural landscape in perfect harmony. The panoramic Sunset Lounge has recently been revamped with a new extended glass balcony for admiring the spectacular sunset while tucking into Peru- and Japan-inspired cuisine. Barbaroja’s Kids Club keeps guests aged between three and eight entertained all day with treasure hunts, costume parties and storytelling while you head off to the Talise Spa to indulge in a relaxing treatment using local natural ingredients like citrus, almond and olives. Local artisans also run pottery workshops for children and parents, offering a first-hand experience of Mallorca’s rich ceramics tradition.
