T+L Hotel Review of Son Xotano Hotel, Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca is Spain’s newest island. Son Xotano hotel isn’t easy. The sign for the hotel is small and nondescript. The dirt road to the right is also unremarkable. And the quiet lane might make you believe you are driving into the middle of nowhere.

Son Xotano, nestled in the middle the largest Baleriac Island, is surrounded by rustling trees, cicadas and distant goats bleating on the other side. The hotel staff greeted me with a cool, lemon-infused drink and a towel in the courtyard. This was just what I needed on a day that reached 100 degrees under the Spanish sun. Son Xotano is a place where luxury is not measured in formality. It’s measured in thoughtfulness.

Check-in and my quick walk to room 14, located near reception, were both a breeze. Although the large bed and bathroom, stocked with Aesop items, were welcome, I did not plan to spend too much time in my room. I changed into my swimsuit and went to the hotel pool. It was surrounded by daybeds and lush green grass.

We sat on the beach, ate delicious snacks, and planned the rest our weekend on the island. Other hotel guests appeared to be content with reading their novels under the shade of palm trees.

Son Xotano’s central location is ideal for exploring the island: You can reach every corner in less than 45 minutes. Palma, largest city of the Balearic Islands and the Balearic Islands’ capital, is just 20 minutes away. Towns like Deià, popular among creative crowds, and the historic port city of Alcúdia, with its medieval houses and beautiful white-sand beach, are slightly farther.

We enjoyed our explorations, but each night we returned to the hotel for dinner. The menu, crafted by chef José María Borrás, offers dishes deeply tied to Mallorca’s seasons.

“I do not have a yard.” Mallorca is the garden,” Borrás tells me, noting he uses as many of the island’s products as possible before he even considers importing goods. He wants his guests to slow down, savor each ingredient and enjoy the experience. It’s not only about the high quality of the food, but also the people that are responsible for growing and producing these products.

My favorite meal—local langoustines with homemade pasta and a salad prepared with plump Mallorcan blackberries and other ingredients sourced from the farmers’ market down the road—gave me a sense of place in every bite. 

Son Xotano has a very unique character. It is small and not very accessible, but it tells the story of Mallorca. The island’s Islamic period, between the 10th to 13th centuries, is where its roots lie. It has changed hands several times and served as a farm, vineyard, or even a horse breeding estate. This is my review of the latest chapter as a 20-room boutique.

The Rooms

Son Xotano offers 20 rooms and suites that provide privacy and a cozy atmosphere. Accommodations are located throughout the property in the main building and the smaller stone buildings which were used as storage and stables.

The rooms and suites are decorated with neutral tiles, natural stone walls and exposed pine beams. They were all created by Mallorcan artists. Some of the rooms feature private gardens, some with outdoor furnishings. Others have terraces offering guests an eye-level view of the palm trees. Suites have larger living spaces and deep soaking bathtubs. The decor offers a stylish, serene sense of serenity. It’s ideal for a destination such as this.

Food and Drink

My stay was made memorable by my dining experience at Son Xotano. The hotel restaurant is nestled in between olive and Cypress trees. kilómetro cero This philosophy encourages the use of local ingredients whenever possible. Warm bread is served with two types of olive oil and butter. This is followed by a delectable salad featuring goat cheese, blackberries and other greens. Then guests can select from a wide range of main dishes.

My husband chose to eat roast chicken on a bed of fragrant olive leaves, while I opted for pasta topped with langoustines. Then, we finished it all off the only way you should in Mallorca—with ensaimada. Since hundreds of years, the spiral bun has been a staple in local cuisine. It is made of flour, eggs, water, sugar and sugar. Guests can also pair it with a sommelier-recommended local wine.

Activities and Experiences

Son Xotano guests often choose to lounge on their terraces and gardens or in the oversized beds by the pool. If guests do decide to explore, they can choose from a selection of activities that will help them discover the quieter side of Mallorca.

The team can arrange guided hikes for active travelers that take them through Mallorca’s varied landscapes from pine forests to coastal cliffs. Other options include guided biking on routes that meander along country roads and horseback rides in Mallorca, which honor the hotel’s equestrian history.

Mallorca being an islandThe water is the main attraction. You can take a boat tour to explore the most picturesque coves. The sunset cruise was the perfect blend of scenery and fun, as we were able to get off and swim in a small cove.

Visitors to Can Vivot can enjoy guided tours to historic sites, artisan workshops and glassworks.

The Spa

Son Xotano does not have a spa but guests can still book massages in their rooms. The guests can choose to relax in the garden under the olive trees, while the Mediterranean breeze blows.

Offers Family-Friendly

Son Xotano Hotel is an adults only hotel. It was designed to encourage quiet reflection. It is open to guests who are 16 years old or older.

Accessibility and sustainability

Son Xotano occupies a century-old estate. Accessibility is therefore limited. A room was adapted for guests who have reduced mobility, but all paths connecting the different buildings are covered with loose gravel.

Son Xotano takes sustainability seriously. During its restoration, the team employed natural insulation techniques as well as traditional rainwater collections systems and cross-ventilation to reduce the ecological burden of hotel. Its outdoor spaces are an example xeriscape landscape, with native, water-saving plants and drip irrigation. The hotel uses only glass and metal products and containers. There are no single-use plastics anywhere. The restaurant’s local sourcing philosophy helps to keep its carbon footprint low.

Location

Son Xotano, located in the middle of Mallorca’s countryside is about 25 minutes drive from Palma de Mallorca Airport. You will need to rent a car if you plan on visiting the small villages or any of the islands beaches. Renting a car is affordable. Some cars cost as low as $20 per day. Uber is available but can be expensive. The island also has a robust bus system For those who would rather not drive.

Book Now

Son Xotano belongs to Preferred Hotels & Resorts. I Prefer members receive free Wi-Fi and room upgrades. They can also check in early, get exclusive rates, or even enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi.

Get special rates on nights at Son Xotano start from €350 ($380) during low season and €500 ($545) during high season.

Each T+L Hotel Review is written by a reporter or editor who has visited the hotel. The hotel chosen must also align with our standards. core values.