With its classic architecture and privileged, beachside location on a beautiful sandy cove, the Cala Major, Hotel Nixe Palace 5* is reminiscent of the golden age of Mediterranean travel. With a choice of city and sea facing rooms and suites, fine dining restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, gym, and a sea view spa flooded with natural light, this traditional grand dame hotel is a fine choice in the city of Palma, on the Balearic island of Mallorca.

Vintage Icon

The hotel has a vintage charm, and welcoming feel-good vibe, which reflects a happy and helpful team under the leadership of General Manager Francisco Serrano, writes Andrew Forbes (The Luxury Editor).

Family firm, Hoteles Santos is taking the Hotel Nixe Palace into the next chapter of its story, with a renovation of guest rooms (the Junior Suites are looking wonderful) and the opening of the gourmet ‘A Popa’ restaurant.

When I arrived, I felt embraced by classic luxury Hotel Nixe Palace has a history of hosting the great and good for decades. Take the grand staircase down to the beach level and guests pass pictures capturing sunny moments with famous guests over the years, including Rita Hayworth in the 1060s, local (and internationally renowned) artist Jaon Miró in the 1980s, as well Spanish icons singer Raphael, and global stars like Van Morrison. My guide, giving insights into the legendary stories of this historic hotel is Guest Relations manager Nina Kepic, who is on hand to make sure your stay in fully personalised.

The property resonates with charm, history and old-school glamour, a hotel that offers the attractions and sophistication of the city of Palma, just moments away, the beauty of the Mediterranean, its waters lapping the shore of Cala Major, the sandy cove below the guest room terraces.

Notable location

The Spanish Royal Family maintain a palace 5 minutes walk to the east, the Palau de Marivent. It’s the family’s summer refuge, and when they are not in residence you can enjoy the beautiful gardens.

Less than 10 minute’s walk to the north is the magnificent Fundació Miró Mallorca, the studios and workshop of the late Joan Miró where he painted and sculpted from the 1950s to the 1980s – a fascinating place to visit.

It makes for an amazing setting for a hotel facing the sea yet surrounded by culture and history.

Dining

Bistro 269 is on the main terrace, an all-day dining experience for international favourites, snacks and drinks served with a view of the sparkling sea. In the evenings, dining is accompanied by a pianist, a classic touch that perfectly suits this charming hotel.

A Popa Sea Club is the hotel’s exclusive gastronomic space overlooking the beach, offering a gourmet tapas selection, rice dishes and fresh fish and seafood.

Enjoy specialities like creamy duck confit croquettes, or fresh organic seafood pasta with crispy crab and prawn cream. The slow-cooked Iberian pork cheek with spiced sweet potato puree is a delight.

Deserts are sophisticated, almost theatrical – like the Frozen Explosion.

Guest Rooms & Suites

I stayed in a newly renovated Junior Suite -a space filled with light, with a contemporary Mediterranean feel. The private terrace, furnished with sun beds and dining area was a real treat. The details are all there, including a lovely welcome gift of sunglasses, sun hat and authentic Mallorca bag, hand woven with palm leaves, evocative of the islands artisan crafts.

The bathroom is well-presented with all the amenities you could ask for.

Cosy and comfortable, guest rooms are sea or city-facing, and include spacious and elegant junior suites and suites with private terraces.

Nixe Herbal Spa

The hotel’s spa overlooks the beach and with direct access to the hotel’s solarium terrace. The indoor spa, with treatment rooms, and Sisley boutique also includes a water therapy circuit and pool that leads to an outdoor wellness pool with jets.

Events

The Nixe Palace Hotel is very much part of the local community, hosting weddings, events, and local business meetings. The hotel is a favourite for international businesses too, as explained to me by Delia Guzmán, Sales Manager at there the hotel and her colleague Ana Novás. Flexible, sea-view meeting and event spaces, and sun-drenched terraces and dining areas make for memorable events.

Hotel Nixe Palace has a special feel – a welcoming place where clearly the team feel like a family welcoming you back home. Throughout your stay, expect thoughtful gestures that make you feel special. As I checked out the team passed by a beautifully boxed ensaimada de Mallorca, a local pastry delicacy, so I could take home a delicious flavour of the island.

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