Tried & Tested

Hotel check: Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa

28 Nov 2014 by GrahamSmith

WHAT'S IT LIKE?

Jumeirah's Mallorcan property opened in April 2012 in a spectacular cliffside setting in the Spanish island's Port Soller resort.

It's the first European leisure property for the Dubai-based luxury group and is open from March to November.

Design-wise, the new-build has taken inspiration from local architecture and interior design. Its 120 guestrooms and facilities are set across 11 low-rise interlinking white buildings, each no more than three storeys high, that follow the line of the hillside and offer fantastic views in all directions.

Jumeirah Port Soller clifftop

Jumeirah Port Soller entrance

Entrance

The property is reached via a steep winding road, with friendly staff on hand to welcome you on arrival.

The entrance to the main building is in the style of an old stone fortress – circular and soaring with lots of light flooding in through a glass dome and long narrow windows.

Straight ahead is the understated, airy reception area and, at the end, a floor-to-ceiling view of the Mediterranean Sea. There are seats by the reception desks for you to relax and enjoy a complimentary drink while you complete check-in.

Being set across a number of buildings, with lifts connecting certain sections, it can take a little time to get your bearings at first but is easy enough to navigate after that.

WHERE IS IT?

Port Soller is an upmarket resort village set around a sweeping semi-circular bay at the foot of the Tramuntana Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has beaches, a marina and a promenade lined with restaurants and bars.

The property is a short but steep walk up from the village – a regular shuttle service is laid on if you are car-less and don't fancy sweating it. It's a good location for exploring the towns and villages of this part of the island, as well as hiking in the mountains.

Palma airport is about a half-hour drive away.

ROOM FACILITIES

The 121 rooms and suites start from 45 sqm (not including the balconies) and come in Superior, Deluxe and Junior suite categories. Half offer mountain views and the other half sea views (both equally lovely). There are also two Presidential suites.

They are modern and fresh in feel and are well designed to make the most of their respective vistas, with floor-to-ceiling patio windows that slide right across on to large balconies, making the floor space seem even larger.

Facilities that come as standard include free wifi, 42-inch flatscreen TVs, Bose docks, desks with media hubs, Nespresso machines, robes, safes, minibars, a complimentary bottle of Rioja, fresh fruit and bottled water.

Deluxe Sea View room

Deluxe Sea View room

Shower

The bathrooms are very sleek and have twin sinks, separate baths and walk-in showers, and Penhaligon’s amenities.

I couldn't have asked for more from my Deluxe Sea View room. Spacious and peaceful, it offered superb panoramic views of the water and, in the evening, the setting sun – the balcony terrace had seats and a comfy fabric-covered daybed to enjoy it from.

The shower also had a floor-to-ceiling sea view. There was a walk-in dressing area with plenty of hanging space, and the king bed was very comfortable.

On one occasion it was relatively late in the day before the room was cleaned, but other than that I was well looked after.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

There are several options. Cap Roig restaurant is located on the ground floor of the main building and serves imaginative, well-presented dishes with a focus on seafood.

I enjoyed juicy Soller prawns and tomatoes to start, and a beautifully cooked piece of sea bass for my main, and some delicious Iberian ham. Service was attentive, and the sommelier recommended a good bottle of Rioja to accompany the meal.

Unfortunately, the weather was poor on the evening I dined and so the outdoor terrace wasn't open – the atmosphere was a little staid inside. The weather had improved in time for breakfast, however, so I was able to enjoy the lovely views while dining from the bountiful buffet on offer. A la carte options are also available.

Es Fanals is a tapas restaurant located at the highest point of the property, overlooking the infinity pool and sea. There are also bars by both pools, and the Sunset Lounge bar for fabulous vistas and good cocktails.

The property is well-staffed with plenty of team members on hand to offer help. A few waiting staff did seem to struggle with English, but otherwise I had no problems.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES

The hotel has a 180-capacity ballroom and three meeting rooms linked by a foyer and again offering fine views. An incentive group from the US was staying while I was there.

LEISURE FACILITIES

There are two main pools – a family one and, at the top of the resort, a beautiful infinity pool looking out to sea, for guests aged 12 and upwards.

Jumeirah Port Soller pool

The impressive 2,200 sqm, three-floor spa has ten treatment rooms with daylight and a thermal area with a mountain-facing infinity pool, salt bath, Arabic hammam, sauna with daylight, spa bath, ice fountain, steam room, "sensation" showers and a relaxation room.

There is also a gym with Technogym equipment, and a kids' club.

VERDICT

A luxurious retreat for a relaxed break. The facilities are excellent and the views superb – sit back and soak it up.


FACT FILE

  • PRICE Internet rates for a stay in March 2015 started from €319 for a Superior Mountain View room.
  • CONTACT Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa, Calle Belgica s/n, Port Soller; tel +34 971 637 888; jumeirah.com


Michelle Harbi
 

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