Illetas

Introduction to 5 Star hotels in Illetas

Illetas is a pretty resort only 10 minutes away from Palma with 3 stunning beaches, Playa de Illetas being the largest is a gorgeous cove with terraces cut out of the rocks that host Las Terrazas restaurant for light lunches, snacks and drinks during the day and sundowner cocktails, chill out music and torch lit dinners into the evening. The beach is host to Virtual Beach Club and various small bars and cafes. You can find a range of beach shops, massage and wellness centre, watersports, sunbeds and umbrellas.

The resort is a mix of smart hotels and private residences and doesn't feel overcrowded with tourists, although the beaches are a draw for the locals from Palma at the weekend and can get extremely busy. Illetas however, is not an overdeveloped resort and holds a certain charm.

Where to stay in Illetas?

There are two sensational 5 star hotels that we would highly recommend in Illetas. The first is the Melia de Mar that has recently undergone refurbishment, it has also changed it's policy on children in the hotel and is an adult only haven if you need peace and relaxation. The Melia de Mar enjoys an impressive location on the sea front with comfortable sunbeds lined along the rocks looking out to sea where you can enjoy sunbathing with a welcoming breeze. The recently refurbished rooms are modern and stylish and include your own coffee maker. Standard rooms have a small balcony with chairs. The Melia de Mar is a great base from which to enjoy all Majorca has to offer, being only 5 minutes by car into Palma and 5 minutes into fashionable Puerto Portals, home to upmarket restaurants, bars and superyachts.

The Maricel situated on the outskirts of Illetas in Cas Catala is a spectacular property with 16th and 17th century architecture coupled with contemporary interior design, an equally dazzling location on the seafront, the hotel bestows a tranquil atmosphere with the sound of the waves lapping up against its foundations. The terrace here provides an alluring spot for pre dinner fishbowls of gin and tonic.

Although, not 5 Star hotels, also worth mentioning are the recently refurbished and now adult only Barcelo Albatros and the more traditional Hotel Bon Sol, both with private access to the sea.

What to do in Illetas?

We've already mentioned the stunning beaches and watersports and just along the coast about a 5 minute walk away at San Augustin there's a sailing school if you want to be fully occupied during the day. Illetas is a quiet resort with a scattering of tourist type beach shops but you won't find designer labels here. However, its convenient location makes getting out and about and exploring all the island has to offer very easy.

Where to eat in Illetas?

Whilst we can't say that there are any top class restaurants in Illetas, the beach restaurant is great for seafood and lunch on days to the beach and the Virtual Club is also good during the day, but having been there for dinner before we found the menu limited and expensive. Far rather head into Palma where you will be spoilt for choice or walk up the hill to nearby Bendinat where there are a couple of good restaurants or go a little further into glittering Puerto Portals for a wide variety of restaurants and bars.

A recommendation and a favourite of ours would be the Il Paradiso restaurant offering local and mediteranean dishes, situated almost next door to the King of Spain's Summer Palace which serves fantastic food, with a good range of wine. In Summer book a table on the terrace or ask for a window table for a lovely view over the bay of Palma and if you're driving you will love the valet parking.

With any good restaurant in the area, we'd always advise you to book to avoid being disappointed, particularly in the height of Summer and at Weekends.

Why stay in Illetas?

If you like to be near the coast then Illetas is perfect for you, the hotels mentioned here both offer stunning waterfront locations and a really convenient base. There's not a lot going on at night but everything you want from a night out is only 5 to 10 minutes away in both directions and when you get back you're assured of the peace and quiet you need for a good nights sleep. Illetas is great if you like to go to the beach with it's picture postcard Cala where you can watch the yachts moor up and come ashore for lunch in the Virtual Club.