Back to Palma de Mallorca

Es Príncep

From $330/night • Score: 4.9★ (2840 reviews)

Exterior 1Exterior 2Interior 1Interior 2Surroundings

First Impressions & Architecture

Perched dramatically atop the historic Baluard del Príncep ramparts, Es Príncep commands one of the most enviable vantage points in Palma de Mallorca. As you approach the property, navigating the honey-colored, labyrinthine stone streets of the ancient Calatrava quarter, the hotel reveals itself not as an imposition upon history, but as a thoughtful continuation of it. Constructed directly into the ancient defensive walls that once guarded the southeastern approach to this Mediterranean capital, Es Príncep bridges the centuries with an effortless grace that immediately signals its membership in the prestigious portfolio of The Leading Hotels of the World.

The architectural narrative of the hotel is a masterclass in contextual design. Local studio ARICC Arquitectura, alongside interior designer Sandra Tarruella, approached the historic site with profound reverence. The exterior preserves the rugged, formidable character of the 16th-century fortifications, utilizing indigenous marés stone—a warm, porous sandstone historically quarried across the Balearic Islands—to anchor the building to its topography. Yet, crossing the threshold reveals a seamless transition into contemporary Mallorcan luxury. The lobby is a voluminous, light-drenched sanctuary where minimalist design principles meet organic textures. Polished concrete floors, pale oak accents, and cascading greenery soften the austerity of the stone, while floor-to-ceiling glass frames mesmerizing glimpses of the azure sea beyond. The scent in the air is subtle—a bespoke blend of wild rosemary, fig, and sea salt that instantly grounds the traveler in the Mediterranean sensory landscape. From the moment the valet relieves you of your luggage against the backdrop of ancient ramparts, the pacing of the city slows, replaced by an anticipatory hush that defines the five-star experience.

The Room Experience

Accommodations at Es Príncep are conceived as private urban sanctuaries, balancing restrained luxury with uncompromising comfort. Ranging from intimate double rooms to sprawling suites, the living spaces reflect a sophisticated palette of neutral tones, soft linens, brushed brass fixtures, and bespoke furnishings crafted by local artisans. The design philosophy champions understated elegance, ensuring that nothing distracts from the true protagonist of the room: the Mediterranean light and, in many cases, sweeping vistas of the Bay of Palma.

Entering the Sea View Suite, one is immediately struck by the fluidity of the layout. The bedroom features a king-sized bed dressed in high-thread-count Egyptian cotton, flanked by artisanal reading lamps and integrated USB and wireless charging stations that cater to the modern traveler without cluttering the aesthetic. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open onto a private, glass-balustraded balcony that feels suspended directly over the glistening sea and the adjacent Parc de la Mar. It is a front-row seat to Palma’s maritime theater, where traditional llaüt fishing boats bob alongside sleek modern yachts.

The bathroom is a statement in spa-like indulgence, clad in large slabs of local stone and featuring a freestanding soaking tub positioned to capture courtyard or sea views, complemented by a separate rain shower with phenomenal water pressure. Es Príncep elevates the in-room ritual further by partnering with iconic organic apothecary brand Grown Alchemist, providing full-sized amenities housed in amber glass bottles. Technology is seamlessly integrated throughout the suite; a discreet tablet controls climate, lighting moods, and room service requests, while a state-of-the-art smart television and Marshall Bluetooth sound system allow guests to curate their own soundtrack to the island sunset. Soundproofing is absolute, ensuring that despite the hotel's central, walkable location, your private chambers remain an oasis of absolute tranquility.

Signature Amenities & Atmosphere

While the rooms offer a haven of rest, the shared amenities at Es Príncep are designed to elevate the senses and promote deep revitalization. Chief among these is the AlmaQ rooftop terrace, an elevated social hub that captures the very essence of Balearic outdoor living. Centered around a sleek, rectangular outdoor swimming pool that mirrors the infinite blue of the sky, the rooftop is lined with plush sun loungers and Balinese daybeds. By day, it is a sun-worshipper’s paradise; by twilight, it transforms into one of Palma’s most sophisticated gathering spots, where hotel guests and discerning locals mingle over craft cocktails while the sun dips below the horizon, painting the historic cathedral in hues of amber and rose.

Descending below street level reveals the hotel's crown jewel of wellness: The Coco Spa. This extensive subterranean thermal retreat is an unexpected architectural marvel in the heart of the old town. Spanning a generous footprint, the spa is anchored by an 18-meter heated indoor pool featuring hydromassage jets designed to work out the kinks of international travel. The thermal circuit is comprehensive, offering:

The atmosphere across the entire property strikes that elusive balance between high-end sophistication and relaxed Mediterranean warmth. The staff—attentive, multilingual, and intuitively discreet—anticipate needs before they are voiced, whether that involves reserving the prime poolside cabana or arranging a bespoke private yacht charter along the Tramuntana coast.

Food, Drink & Local Nightlife

Culinary programming at Es Príncep is a celebration of Mallorcan terroir, elevated through modern gastronomic techniques and international finesse. The hotel’s flagship dining destination, Zaranda—spearheaded by acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Fernando Pérez Arellano—brings an exceptional level of fine dining to the property. Set within a sophisticated dining room that balances historical architectural elements with sleek, contemporary furnishings, Zaranda offers a tasting menu that reads as a love letter to the Balearic Islands. Expect reimagined traditional recipes where local seafood, organic vegetables from inland farms, and exceptional olive oils take center stage, paired with an exhaustive wine list curated by a passionate head sommelier who champions both legendary international vintages and boutique Mallorcan vineyards.

For a more relaxed yet equally elevated culinary experience, Marea Alta provides casual daytime dining and evening tapas on the rooftop terrace. Here, the menu focuses on sea-to-table freshness—think freshly caught red prawns from Sóller, artisanal charcuterie, and masterfully grilled meats, all accompanied by inventive mixology. The cocktail program at AlmaQ rooftop bar deserves special mention; the barmen treat mixology as an exact science, utilizing local botanicals, house-made syrups, and premium spirits to craft signature drinks like the Balearic Spritz or smoked rosemary old fashioneds.

When you wish to venture beyond the hotel doors, Es Príncep’s walkable-core setting places you at the epicenter of Palma’s vibrant nightlife. Within a five-to-ten-minute stroll, you can find yourself exploring the trendy independent cocktail dens of the La Lonja district, sipping natural wine in hidden plazas tucked behind the cathedral, or dining at neighborhood bistros favored by local creatives. The concierge team maintains close relationships with Palma's top tables, granting access to reservations that are otherwise notoriously difficult to secure.

Who This Stay Is For

Es Príncep is not a monolithic resort designed to keep you sequestered within its gates; rather, it is a sophisticated urban outpost tailored for travelers who wish to immerse themselves fully in the cultural fabric of Palma while demanding uncompromised luxury upon their return.

Practical Travel Notes

Planning your stay at Es Príncep requires a few logistical considerations to ensure a seamless luxury experience: