Beyond the Summer Hotspots: Five Under-the-Radar European City Breaks with NH Collection Hotels & Resorts
This summer, Minor Hotels invites...
Discover Perowne International's finest hotels in Spain and the Balearic Islands
With Spain and the Balearic Islands already one of the hottest booking destinations for 2024, according to Simon Lynch, global director of sales at Scott Dunn, we've rounded up some of Perowne International's finest hotels in the area.
Best for: A stylish escape – Oku Ibiza
Located on the fringe of the sandy Cala Gracio Bay, OKU Ibiza is a minimalist haven oozing style and soulful relaxation - the perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere of the famed White Isle. With a focus on slower living and enriching experiences for the curious traveller, the hotel comprises 185 boho-chic guest rooms and suites, a standalone four-bedroom villa with a private pool, two hotel pools, two restaurants and an intimate spa. Offering understated luxury, the minimalist chic design and laid-back atmosphere make OKU Ibiza a total haven. OKU Restaurant, helmed by OKU's executive chef, Mark Vaessen, offers a refined menu featuring a raw bar and delectable signature dishes of Asian and global fusion delicacies, using the freshest seasonal ingredients, including an impressive selection of robata and hibachi grill dishes. With an open kitchen and some dishes created tableside, guests can enjoy a theatrical culinary display at its very best. The chic and calming spa offers a selection of holistic healing rituals, guided by guest practitioners and Shamans, inviting guests to immerse themselves in sound ceremonies, gong baths, reiki sessions and crystal healings before heading to the spa for a restorative OTO CBD treatment.
Located on the fringe of the sandy Cala Gracio Bay, OKU Ibiza is a minimalist haven oozing style and soulful relaxation - the perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere of the famed White Isle. With a focus on slower living and enriching experiences for the curious traveller, the hotel comprises 185 boho-chic guest rooms and suites, a standalone four-bedroom villa with a private pool, two hotel pools, two restaurants and an intimate spa. Offering understated luxury, the minimalist chic design and laid-back atmosphere make OKU Ibiza a total haven. OKU Restaurant, helmed by OKU's executive chef, Mark Vaessen, offers a refined menu featuring a raw bar and delectable signature dishes of Asian and global fusion delicacies, using the freshest seasonal ingredients, including an impressive selection of robata and hibachi grill dishes. With an open kitchen and some dishes created tableside, guests can enjoy a theatrical culinary display at its very best. The chic and calming spa offers a selection of holistic healing rituals, guided by guest practitioners and Shamans, inviting guests to immerse themselves in sound ceremonies, gong baths, reiki sessions and crystal healings before heading to the spa for a restorative OTO CBD treatment.
Best for: Golf and spa facilities – Finca Cortesin, Andalusia
With a stunning setting in the rolling hills of Andalusia, the privately-owned Finca Cortesin is the epitome of refined yet relaxed Mediterranean living, set in one of the region's most sought-after coastal enclaves. Designed in the style of a typical Spanish 'finca', the hotel is the place to retreat to for a well-deserved break, to soak up the Mediterranean heat in phenomenal surroundings. Its fresh yet grand design is inspired by traditional Spanish architecture: antique terracotta floors, wooden doors salvaged from ancient castles, hand-painted wall coverings in soft pastel tones, and exquisite furnishings to create an air of understated refinery. Set across a sprawling 532-acre estate, the extensive resort is surrounded by nature and comprises an award-winning 67-suite hotel, contemporary-designed villas for rental, a championship golf course, spa and sports facilities, Japanese cuisine, an exclusive shopping boutique, a contemporary art gallery, and a Beach Club. The resort is home to four swimming pools, including a heated indoor saltwater spa pool, one for adults only, one perfect for family fun, and one at the Beach Club, all ideal for relaxing in the Andalusian sunshine.
With a stunning setting in the rolling hills of Andalusia, the privately-owned Finca Cortesin is the epitome of refined yet relaxed Mediterranean living, set in one of the region's most sought-after coastal enclaves. Designed in the style of a typical Spanish 'finca', the hotel is the place to retreat to for a well-deserved break, to soak up the Mediterranean heat in phenomenal surroundings. Its fresh yet grand design is inspired by traditional Spanish architecture: antique terracotta floors, wooden doors salvaged from ancient castles, hand-painted wall coverings in soft pastel tones, and exquisite furnishings to create an air of understated refinery. Set across a sprawling 532-acre estate, the extensive resort is surrounded by nature and comprises an award-winning 67-suite hotel, contemporary-designed villas for rental, a championship golf course, spa and sports facilities, Japanese cuisine, an exclusive shopping boutique, a contemporary art gallery, and a Beach Club. The resort is home to four swimming pools, including a heated indoor saltwater spa pool, one for adults only, one perfect for family fun, and one at the Beach Club, all ideal for relaxing in the Andalusian sunshine.
Best for: Gastronomic adventure – Villa Soro
Set in the beating heart of the Basque Country, San Sebastián, Villa Soro reopened in April 2022 following a beautiful redesign with a new wellness space, offering guests an elegant gastronomic retreat with the benefit of some of Spain's finest restaurants right on guests' doorsteps. Originally built as a British-style family home in the 19th century, the historic Aristocratic villa comprises 25 rooms and is one of the few heritage properties in the City of San Sebastián, maintaining the spirit of the period with large lounges, high ceilings, fireplaces and an original carved wooden staircase. The hotel feels akin to an intimate private residence, with a serene, roaring log-burning fire, a bar, and a library. With an abundance of space and extensive gardens designed by prestigious French gardener Pierre Ducasse, the villa offers the sensation of being in the middle of the countryside, despite its location in the heart of the city. For dining experiences to remember, the team can advise on the best of the city's 19 Michelin-starred restaurants, family-run favourites and Pintxos bars. For sight-seeing, the team are on hand to offer tips on the city's unmissable galleries, museums, food markets, picturesque walks and neighbourhoods too.
Set in the beating heart of the Basque Country, San Sebastián, Villa Soro reopened in April 2022 following a beautiful redesign with a new wellness space, offering guests an elegant gastronomic retreat with the benefit of some of Spain's finest restaurants right on guests' doorsteps. Originally built as a British-style family home in the 19th century, the historic Aristocratic villa comprises 25 rooms and is one of the few heritage properties in the City of San Sebastián, maintaining the spirit of the period with large lounges, high ceilings, fireplaces and an original carved wooden staircase. The hotel feels akin to an intimate private residence, with a serene, roaring log-burning fire, a bar, and a library. With an abundance of space and extensive gardens designed by prestigious French gardener Pierre Ducasse, the villa offers the sensation of being in the middle of the countryside, despite its location in the heart of the city. For dining experiences to remember, the team can advise on the best of the city's 19 Michelin-starred restaurants, family-run favourites and Pintxos bars. For sight-seeing, the team are on hand to offer tips on the city's unmissable galleries, museums, food markets, picturesque walks and neighbourhoods too.
Best for: City escapes – Sant Francesc Hotel Singular, Palma De Mallorca
Sant Francesc Hotel Singular, situated in the heart of the historic centre of Palma, Mallorca, offers the perfect base for a city break, a romantic weekend and practically year-round sunshine. The five-star boutique hotel is set within a former Mallorcan mansion, built in 1860, which was lovingly restored in 2015 and is home to 42 elegant rooms and signature suites, three restaurants and bars, and a fitness and wellbeing centre. The stunning roof terrace with an enticing pool is the perfect sunbathing spot, and during the evenings, guests can enjoy sundowners at the rooftop bar with panoramic views across the city. The Wellbeing Sanctuary, which acts as an oasis in the heart of the Old Town and features an extensive treatment menu designed to counteract the effects of urban life, uses the finest products from Anne Semonin. By night, foodies will delight with a meal at relaxed, fine-dining restaurant Quadrat Restaurant & Garden, serving the finest Mediterranean specialties with a modern twist, with the option to dine al fresco in Sant Francesc's lush garden in warmer months. Sant Francesc is the perfect base to discover the cobbled streets of Palma, steeped in culture and history and explore nearby landmarks.
Sant Francesc Hotel Singular, situated in the heart of the historic centre of Palma, Mallorca, offers the perfect base for a city break, a romantic weekend and practically year-round sunshine. The five-star boutique hotel is set within a former Mallorcan mansion, built in 1860, which was lovingly restored in 2015 and is home to 42 elegant rooms and signature suites, three restaurants and bars, and a fitness and wellbeing centre. The stunning roof terrace with an enticing pool is the perfect sunbathing spot, and during the evenings, guests can enjoy sundowners at the rooftop bar with panoramic views across the city. The Wellbeing Sanctuary, which acts as an oasis in the heart of the Old Town and features an extensive treatment menu designed to counteract the effects of urban life, uses the finest products from Anne Semonin. By night, foodies will delight with a meal at relaxed, fine-dining restaurant Quadrat Restaurant & Garden, serving the finest Mediterranean specialties with a modern twist, with the option to dine al fresco in Sant Francesc's lush garden in warmer months. Sant Francesc is the perfect base to discover the cobbled streets of Palma, steeped in culture and history and explore nearby landmarks.
Best for: Art lovers and couples – Can Ferrereta, Santanyí, Mallorca
Nestled in the authentic Mallorcan town of Santanyí on the south-east coast, Can Ferrereta provides the perfect Balearic island break for loved ones, promising fine locally-sourced Mediterranean food, soulful art and design, and indulgent wellness experiences. The Soldevila-Ferrer family, who also own Sant Francesc Hotel Singular in Palma, have meticulously restored a historic 17th-century building, transforming it into a 32-room hotel surrounded by verdant gardens. The hotel's restaurant, OCRE, serves simple and seasonal Mediterranean fare made from local produce, much of which comes from Santanyí's beloved food market. Sitting by the 25-metre swimming pool and amongst the flourishing gardens, LA FRESCA restaurant and bar is the perfect spot to relax, with fresh meat, fish and salads alongside an extensive wine and cocktail menu. The SA CALMA SPA offers innovative multi-sensory, Mediterranean-infused treatments, as well as yoga, meditation, and a 24/7 gym. The village of Santanyí is situated in one of the most authentic and historic locations in Mallorca, occupying a privileged position slightly inland from more than 48km of spectacular coastline, offering easy access to some of Mallorca's most beautiful and unspoilt beaches.
Nestled in the authentic Mallorcan town of Santanyí on the south-east coast, Can Ferrereta provides the perfect Balearic island break for loved ones, promising fine locally-sourced Mediterranean food, soulful art and design, and indulgent wellness experiences. The Soldevila-Ferrer family, who also own Sant Francesc Hotel Singular in Palma, have meticulously restored a historic 17th-century building, transforming it into a 32-room hotel surrounded by verdant gardens. The hotel's restaurant, OCRE, serves simple and seasonal Mediterranean fare made from local produce, much of which comes from Santanyí's beloved food market. Sitting by the 25-metre swimming pool and amongst the flourishing gardens, LA FRESCA restaurant and bar is the perfect spot to relax, with fresh meat, fish and salads alongside an extensive wine and cocktail menu. The SA CALMA SPA offers innovative multi-sensory, Mediterranean-infused treatments, as well as yoga, meditation, and a 24/7 gym. The village of Santanyí is situated in one of the most authentic and historic locations in Mallorca, occupying a privileged position slightly inland from more than 48km of spectacular coastline, offering easy access to some of Mallorca's most beautiful and unspoilt beaches.
Best for: Nature enthusiasts – Grand Hotel Son Net, Puigpunyent, Mallorca
Just a 20-minute drive from Palma in the foothills of the UNESCO World Heritage Tramuntana Mountains is the Grand Hotel Son Net, a stylishly understated, art-filled hideaway on a private Majorcan estate dating back to 1672. With just 31 rooms and suites, Grand Hotel Son Net juxtaposes elegant, palatial architecture with tastefully transformed interiors by Lorenzo Castillo that are relaxed and elegant; breathtaking views for days; citrus orchards; and lush Mediterranean gardens for couples and families to explore. Son Net's elegant interiors featuring snug corners make for idyllic, relaxing afternoons, while the surrounding Tramuntana mountains paint the perfect backdrop for cycling and hiking around the surrounding region in the off-season, with highs of 19 degrees Celsius in March and April. There are multiple pools flanked by private shaded cabanas, encircled by impeccably tended lawns and flowerbeds that give way to an ecological vegetable and herb garden, a small farm, and a private vineyard. Son Net is also set to debut a new spa and wellness centre this year. The building will include an impressive indoor saltwater pool, five signature treatment rooms, a thermal circuit, and a state-of-the-art fitness room.
Just a 20-minute drive from Palma in the foothills of the UNESCO World Heritage Tramuntana Mountains is the Grand Hotel Son Net, a stylishly understated, art-filled hideaway on a private Majorcan estate dating back to 1672. With just 31 rooms and suites, Grand Hotel Son Net juxtaposes elegant, palatial architecture with tastefully transformed interiors by Lorenzo Castillo that are relaxed and elegant; breathtaking views for days; citrus orchards; and lush Mediterranean gardens for couples and families to explore. Son Net's elegant interiors featuring snug corners make for idyllic, relaxing afternoons, while the surrounding Tramuntana mountains paint the perfect backdrop for cycling and hiking around the surrounding region in the off-season, with highs of 19 degrees Celsius in March and April. There are multiple pools flanked by private shaded cabanas, encircled by impeccably tended lawns and flowerbeds that give way to an ecological vegetable and herb garden, a small farm, and a private vineyard. Son Net is also set to debut a new spa and wellness centre this year. The building will include an impressive indoor saltwater pool, five signature treatment rooms, a thermal circuit, and a state-of-the-art fitness room.
