Nixe Palace Hotel

Location. Set alongside Mallorcan palaces including the summer home of the King of Spain, this palatial beachfront hotel boasts sweeping views of the bay of Palma, five kilometres from the island's capital, Palma. Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is 15 kilometres away.

Hotel Features. All of the hotel terraces offer panoramic views of the Bay of Palma and the palm-lined white-sand beach of Cala Mayor, immediately in front of the hotel. On the third floor, a triangular outdoor swimming pool has been converted into a chill-out area with a bar, ambient music and soft seating with large cushions. At beach level the spa area includes massage rooms, a hot tub, and hydromassage pool. At ground level, sun loungers are set out in a small lawned area beneath tall palm trees, facing the beach.

The Nixe Palace has three restaurants serving Mediterranean dishes and seafood specialities. Two have outdoor terraces and one is open in winter only. There is also a poolside bar and lobby bar.

In summer, independent operators on Cala Mayor beach provide a range of motorised and non-motorised water sports (surcharges apply). Golf can be played year-round at 15 courses around the island, five of which lie within a 15-minute drive of the hotel. Guests enjoy discounts at most courses.

Guestrooms. Spread over 10 floors, the 133 air-conditioned guestrooms are decorated in a traditional style, with dark wood furniture and colourful patterned soft furnishings. Sea-view rooms also have balconies. Amenities include minibars, satellite television, and marble bathrooms with complimentary Hermes toiletries. Welcome gifts of typical island food or drink await guests.

Expert Tip. The site's rich history is reflected in the hotel's name, Nixe, named after the flagship of one of the island's patrons, Austrian archduke Luis Salvador (1847-1915), which anchored regularly in Cala Mayor bay.