Nestled within a secluded headland on the Bay of Palma, the Cap Rocat hotel is a former 19th century military fortress transformed into the ultimate in discreet luxury. Entering the hotel via its drawbridge is like stepping into an extremely chic fairytale that takes the phrase 'getting away from it all' to another level. The whole fortress, with its ramparts, turrets and eight-metre high walls, is imperceptible from land and sea.
The dramatic architectural integrity and natural environment of the fortress have been maintained beautifully. Hewn out of rock, the arched former munitions stores and shooting pads now form the refined three rooms and 21 suites. The classic and contemporary elements, soft colours and luxurious, simply fabrics imbue a sense of cool calm. The sandstone walls are hung with black & white vintage photos of Mallorca and the oasis of the large bathroom made me want to stay there for hours. Stepping outside there is a patio, where breakfast is delivered in a picnic hamper. Up a few steps are a further two completely secluded terraces. One is decked out with sun loungers, and the highest has a covered daybed with incredible views of the glittering Mediterranean. The design of the rooms and terraces, with their privacy and unostentatious style, manages to embody an incredibly romantic, barefoot chic.
Due to the size of the property, the welcoming staff ferry guests around in golf carts along pathways lined by fortress walls that seem to slice through the sky. The complementary sun hat and basket come in handy at the incredible saltwater infinity pool, created from a rampart. The pale blue of the pool water against the indigo sea dotted with yachts is a magical view. Next stop is the small private beach, and swimming in the sea around the former pier. The sea is crystal clear here due to the waters being part of the natural reserve in which the hotel sits. Various water sports, such as sailing and diving, are available from this spot, as well as yoga on the beach in the summer.
Cap Rocat has plenty of stunning alfresco spaces and two Mediterranean restaurants - the formal Fortress restaurant, which was once the soldiers sleeping quarters, and the more casual, open-air, waterfront restaurant. The former was not yet open when I visited but the latter makes the most of the romantic bay views. It serves refined Mediterranean dishes and an impressive wine list at a range of price points. There are also wine tasting and cooking classes available in the atmospheric, original fortress kitchen.
In its magical architecture and bay setting, Cap Rocat has put its warring history to rest and created a peaceful, romantic Mediterranean hideaway of impeccable low-key luxury.
Cap Rocat, Ctra. d'Enderrocat, 07609 Cala Blava, Mallorca, Spain www.caprocat.com; +34 971 747 878. Double rooms from €350 per room, per night, suites from €450 per room, per night.
