Hidden away in the Mallorcan countryside, at the foot of the Tramuntana Mountains, lies Castell Son Claret, a historic manor estate transformed into a luxury hotel. With its beautiful countryside setting, Michelin-starred restaurant and romantic castle suites, it’s easy to understand why this hotel has become an island favourite.

I have been a frequent Ibiza visitor for as long as I can remember. Without getting too nostalgic here, my first assignment as a journalist was actually in Ibiza, where I reported for a local Dutch newspaper for two summers. I think that’s why the island, its beaches and the lifestyle around it will always have a special place in my heart. And still today, almost 10 years later, I always feel a little more carefree as soon as I land there. I guess the Balearic air just has that effect on people. But I’m quite ashamed to admit that despite all those years of visiting Ibiza, I had never been to its bigger sibling, Mallorca.

Ibiza has long been a favourite among international travellers looking for a mix of glamour, freedom and, of course, a little hedonism. Whether that sense of freedom is actually achieved is debatable, but that’s a story we’ll keep for another time. Meanwhile, Mallorca has been hitting the hospitality headlines, attracting more attention in the luxury scene, with international hotel brands and boutique properties expanding their presence on the island.

So, I had been waiting for the right opportunity to visit Mallorca, and when I was invited to explore the countryside setting of Castell Son Claret, the time had finally come.

Castell Son Claret: from farmhouse to luxury hotel

Located a comfortable half-hour drive from Palma Airport, Castell Son Claret is easily accessible from the city, but still feels like a completely different world. Deep in the Mallorcan countryside, the hotel sits at the foot of the UNESCO-listed Tramuntana Mountains, surrounded by a 134-hectare private estate. One of my favourite moments of the entire trip was arriving at the driveway and seeing the castle waiting for us at the end.

The property dates back to the 15th century, when it functioned as a rural estate focused on agriculture and livestock. In the 19th century, it evolved into a manor house, surrounded by olive groves, lemon trees and wildflower meadows.

Now, there is something that has always fascinated me about historic hotels, simply because you can feel that so much has happened there. Where you now have your morning cappuccino on the patio, I imagine the ladies of the manor once chasing after their children before continuing with their daily work on the farm. It’s that contrast between now and then that makes Castell so interesting. You can just feel the heritage while you devour a glass of champagne. It’s quite sensational.

It was not until the 21st century that the manor house was renovated. In 2010, a German couple fell in love with the property, bought it and transformed it during a three-year renovation. (Uhm yes, this guy bought his wife a castle. Now, there are some guys who won’t even text you back.) Throughout the last decade, the hotel has remained an island favourite, and with its serene countryside, luxurious rooms and lovely people working there, it’s easy to understand why.

A taste of the Mallorcan countryside

While there are many things I loved about Castell, its countryside setting and castle-meets-finca vibe were definitely my favourite, and I particularly enjoyed the picnic organised by the staff in the estate’s garden. There is something beautifully healing about resetting in nature and eating and drinking locally sourced products.

We explored the castle’s vegetable garden, where we had a farm-to-table picnic looking out over the fields and mountains. Something that really stood out to me was Mallorca’s mountainous landscape, much more than I had expected. The island is full of mountains, and according to the locals, that’s where the real Mallorca magic happens.

During the picnic, we indulged in Mallorcan ham and drank lemonade made fresh from the lemon trees on the estate. It was the best lemonade I’ve ever had, and I promise I’m not exaggerating here. The same goes for the almond ice cream, by the way, which is made from almonds grown on the estate. Everything just tastes so much better when it’s made on the spot.

But beyond pleasing my taste buds, I found it interesting to discover that Castell Son Claret partners with the ESMENT Foundation on a major social inclusion project, supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities through training and employment opportunities. For example, participants help with the annual olive harvest on the estate, with the harvested olives being used to produce olive oil. I can always appreciate it when hotels contribute to society.

Michelin-starred dining and castle suites

You might have already heard of Castell Son Claret because of its Michelin-starred restaurant, Sa Clastra, run by the talented chef Jordi Cantó. On the menu are local ingredients (think lamb from nearby farms, lemons from the gardens and squid from the ports of Sant Andratx), giving a modern touch to traditional Mallorcan cuisine.

I loved the presentation of the dishes, which was quite extraordinary. Some of the creations, such as the dessert, were a little funky, in the best possible way, and definitely not what you would expect from traditional Mallorcan cuisine.

But besides the menu, the highlight of Sa Clastra for me is the setting: dining under the stars on the romantic patio of the castle, where you can enjoy fine wines surrounded by the historic walls. And yes, coming back for a romantic dinner date at Castell Son Claret has just been added to my bucket list.

The rooms and suites are spread across the estate, with some located in the main castle building and others in the surrounding villas. I stayed in both a Garden Suite and an Estate Courtyard Room overlooking the patio, and I slept surprisingly well in both. The rooms are spacious, light and luxurious, but each has its own character.

What I particularly loved about the Garden Suite was waking up in the morning, opening the windows and looking out over the trees while listening to the birds singing. The Estate Courtyard Room, on the other hand, had more of that historic castle feeling, which I also really enjoyed.

So, who should visit Castell Son Claret?

After four wonderful nights at the castle, I have a pretty good impression of what Castell Son Claret has to offer. The hotel is ideal for couples, with its comfortable suites, romantic fine dining, pool and spa. It’s for those who love the Balearics and want to explore more of the islands’ nature and countryside. I also think it’s a wonderful place for first-time visitors to Mallorca who want to discover a different side of the island, as the hotel really introduces you to Mallorcan culture through food, countryside living and local traditions.

Of course, Mallorca has always been a popular summer destination, but I actually think it’s even better to visit during the shoulder seasons, away from the crowds. If you are looking for a last-minute autumn getaway, the hotel is still open and offering an end-of-season special from 1–14 November 2026, with a 10% discount on selected rates and complimentary room upgrades for Castell members.

For more information, visit www.castellsonclaret.com.

AUTHOR: Lisa van Leer

IMAGES: Pressence Berlin & Lisa van Leer