The Big Six: Mallorcan retreats

Ivy-clad exteriors, private paths and mountain-facing rooms

Castell Son Claret, Es Capdellá

A long palm-fringed drive leads the way to this 18th-century castle which reopened as an exclusive resort earlier this year. The romantic russet-hued estate is set in countryside on the north-west shoulder of Mallorca, close to the hamlet of Es Capdellá. Inside, it cradles 38 palatial rooms each with a private terrace or garden, an on-site bakery, spa and a cave-like cocktail bar. A secluded outdoor pool offers a cool reprieve in the high heat of summer, while the Zaranda restaurant shines with one Michelin star.

Castell Son Claret, Es Capdellá-Galilea Km 1.7, Calvia (00 34 971 138 620; castellsonclaret.com). Doubles from €236, B&B.

Petit Hotel, Alcúdia

This new hotel in a quiet corner of the busy resort of Alcúdia puts you in prime position to explore all that Mallorca has to offer. The picturesque bays and beaches around Port de Pollença are a short drive north, while the pine-backed sand of Platja d'Alcúdia runs for 14km to the south-east. Tucked within the old town, Petit Hotel has atmospheric rooms with exposed stone walls and uncluttered furnishings. A courtyard restaurant serves evening meals with views of the town's floodlit medieval walls.

Petit Hotel, Carrer Amoros 2, Alcúdia (00 34 971 515 260; alcudiapetithotel.com). Doubles from €117, B&B.

Sa Cabana, Consell

This rural estate has been standing at the foot of the Tramuntana Mountains since the 16th century. Its ivy-clad exterior and dainty shuttered windows lead through to newly restored interiors that are decidedly modern in style. Rooms come with velvet armchairs, chequered headboards, colourful artwork and airy French windows that swing wide to reveal sun-soaked terraces in some. The CUB Restaurant, hidden in the old wine cellar, serves produce from the hotel's kitchen-garden.

Sa Cabana, Palma-Alcúdia Km19, 900, Consell (00 34 971 62 20 60; hotelsacabana.com). Doubles from €243, B&B.

Jumeirah, Port de Sóller

A dramatic cliff overlooking the fishing village of Port de Sóller became the site of Jumeirah's first property in Europe last year. The group behind the seven-star Burj Al Arab in Dubai has opted for a more subtle look at its Mallorcan outpost. The classically Mediterranean interiors are whitewashed and breezy, with 120 sea- and mountain-facing rooms, a crowning terrace with an outdoor pool, daytime restaurant and cocktail bar that's angled towards the sunset.

Jumeirah, Carrer de Bélgica, Port de Sóller (00 34 971 637 888; jumeirah.com). Doubles from €250, B&B.

Hotel Calatrava, Palma

This stylish new addition opened near the capital's Parc de la Mar earlier this year. It has understated interiors, with 16 rooms that blend whitewashed walls with dusky furnishings, stripped wooden floors and free minibars. Some have a terrace with views of the Old Town, others gaze out towards the Mediterranean waters in front. A sun deck, spa and café serving snacks and Spanish wines provide space to relax after a day spent exploring Palma's tangled streets and imposing Gothic cathedral.

Hotel Calatrava, Plaza Llorenç, Palma (00 34 971 728 110; boutiquehotelcalatrava.com). Doubles from €198, room only.

Son Jaumell, Capdepera

Rest and relaxtion is the name of the game at this immaculately restored country estate near the town of Capdepera. Situated amid ancient oak and olive groves, it has 24 suites with exposed walls, rustic artefacts and modern en suites. There's a sun terrace with hammocks and day beds outside, a pristine pool and a private path that leads down to the unspoilt bay of Cala Agulla, a gentle 2.5km walk away. A restaurant by former elBulli chef, Andreu Genestra, gives local dishes a gourmet twist.

Son Jaumell, Cala Mesquida Km 1, Capdepera (00 34 971 81 87 96; hotelsonjaumell.com). Doubles from €315, B&B.