The picturesque little town of Soller in northwest Mallorca might not seem like the obvious location for an ultra-slick boutique hotel, but stunning L’Avenida has established itself as one of the island’s hippest spots. Surrounded by mountains and just a short tram ride from the beach, it’s a perfect holiday base.
Despite its chic design, this is no case of style over substance. The personal approach of owners Tania and Paul Sliiper has created a glamorous, homely and utterly indulgent hotel. Better still, until 1 March it’s available as an exclusive rental, so you can rally your friends and enjoy the 12 rooms and beautiful pool all to yourselves.
Rooms: Spread over 2 floors, the 12 rooms (all doubles) have the feel of cosy boudoirs, with large, super-comfy beds and leather daybeds flanked by stylish Kartell ‘bougie’ lamps. The decadence extends to the fixtures and fittings, too: think glamorous black Pachderme chandeliers, Parisian silk curtains and feature walls of opulent Cole & Son paper. Even the bathrooms are beautifully luxurious thanks to Philippe Starck designs and lovely organic products. Particularly spoiling are the wonderfully spacious Luxury Suites, which enjoy four-poster beds and the best views in the hotel.
Food: Paul previously worked in marketing at Hotel Cipriani in Venice and Hotel Splendido in Portofino, so he certainly knows a thing or two when it comes to food. This translates well into L’Avenida’s bistro, which offers an appetising brand of modern Mediterranean cuisine. For lunch we enjoyed a warm goat’s cheese salad and beef carpaccio with artichoke hearts. Dinners are equally spoiling, but you’ve also got the choice of numerous characterful restaurants and cafés on your doorstep.
Breakfast is a delicious spread of homemade muesli, jams, mini pastries, and local ham and cheeses. If you’re renting the whole hotel you can choose whether you want to self-cater or be fully catered.
Top Tip: Catch the vintage tram which rattles down to the beach at Puerto Soller, and enjoy a day on the sand followed by evening cocktails by the sea.
Customer review: “The managers Matthew & Laura are very helpful and attentive; superb hosts.”
Andrew, United Kingdom (21.04.14)
i-escape gift: a bottle of cava on arrival.