CASTILLO HOTEL SON VIDA Bed down where Michael Douglas, super-model Claudia Schiffer and the Spanish royal family have rested their heads. A peaceful retreat surrounded by cypresses and pines – yet only 15 minutes by bus from the maze of Palma de Mallorca’s shopping streets – the Castillo Hotel Son Vida perches high above the Bay of Palma. Part of the Starwood Luxury Collection, the 13th century castle hotel (complete with a knight statue in full shining armor in the lobby) has 164 rooms and suites. Interiors include gilt-framed mirrors, Juliet balconies overlooking the city, and fresh-cut long-stem roses on antique dressers. By day, take a dip in the grand pool or tee off on three nearby championship golf courses. At night, dine on the outdoor stone terrace, lit by crystal oil lamps. HOTEL TRES A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this minimalist boutique hotel is ideally located smack in the old town of Palma de Mallorca. You can easily walk to the landmark cathedral, perched overlooking the seaside, from here. Hotel Tres’ 41 moderately priced rooms are split between two buildings, one a 16th century palazzo (which we prefer) and the other a modern block. In the middle is a stone courtyard sprouting a towering palm tree, under which 30-something guests (which the hotel tends to attract) linger checking out emails on their computers. Guestrooms are snug, but the open bedroom/bathroom design helps make them feel bigger, and the Tres signature table that rolls over the bed is a clever space-saver. Lots of glass, white walls and wood floors lend a clean look. Several rooms have king beds – hard to find in Mallorca. The rooftop terrace boasts a small splash pool and fab views over Palma’s rooftops. To learn more about Mallorca, call your Cruise Holidays vacation expert. CRUISE HOLIDAYS 21