Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá - The Leading Hotels of the World - Adults only
Mallorca, Spain
Cas Catala-Illetes
Vibe
Pine trees frame the rocky headland, where modernist lines meet calm sea breezes above a secluded private cove.
“Modernist coastal flagship”
José Antonio Coderch’s modernist chocolate-tiled exterior houses original Milá and Correa furniture and sea-facing private terraces.
A protected 1964 modernist landmark nicknamed El Chocolate, admired by Joan Miró from his nearby studio.
Private stepped access to La Calita cove, two seaside pools, and chartered Riva motorboat excursions.
On a rocky Illetas headland overlooking the Mediterranean, ten minutes west of Palma.
“the building remains a celebrated example of Mediterranean vernacular architecture and sees a design focused on clean, angular lines…”
Rooms
Every room angles outward to the sea, featuring private terraces shaded by vertical wooden slats and mid-century ceramic details.
Wellness
A hydrothermal circuit features a heated hydro-jet pool and sauna, while open decks host oceanfront yoga overlooking the cove.
Backstory
Opened in 1964, the building earned the nickname El Chocolate from its brown ceramic tiles and geometric modernist silhouette.
Eat & drink
Multi-course Balearic tasting menus celebrate island produce, alongside retro cocktails and live evening music in the sea-view lounge.
The neighborhood
Set along the quiet Illetes coast, the hotel sits ten minutes from central Palma and close to Puerto Portals marina.
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“Pine-shaded peninsula hideaway”
Secluded
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.