'I found a quiet hilltop resort in Mallorca with the best restaurant on the island'
Mallorca is well-known to many as a popular holiday destination with its sprawling beaches, charming villages and stunning landscapes. And if you're thinking about a trip to this largest of the Balearic Islands, I urge you to venture an hour east of Palma Airport to the idyllic, luxury hotel Cap Vermell Grand Resort, in the heart of the Canyamel valley.
Located on the northeast side of the island, away from popular spots like Palma and Cala D’or, Cap Vermell provides a relaxing oasis separate from the often crowded tourist bustle of Mallorca. With four restaurants on-site, a spa, 24-hour gym, country club access and close proximity to four prestigious golf courses, this mini village has everything you need for a relaxing weekend break.
The rooms at Cap Vermell Grand Resort
Designed to replicate a traditional Mallorcan hilltop village, the resort has 142 rooms all containing private terraces overlooking the serene Canyamel valley. The rooms' interiors are comfortable, sleek and simple (in the best way) with luxurious Diptyque products, which are a lifesaver if you’re travelling with little luggage.
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On the grounds of the resort there are two swimming pools plus a separate children’s pool and an outdoor jacuzzi. And if you’re looking for a real touch of luxury, there are even private villas containing their own pools and spacious rooms - perfect for large families and wedding parties.
The restaurants at Cap Vermell Grand Resort
Voro
The Cap Vermell resort is home to the two Michelin Star restaurant Voro, the only one with two stars in all of the Balearic Islands. Paying homage to his Andalusian upbringing, chef Álvaro Salazar plays with the traditional Mediterranean flavours that we know and love, transforming them into a menu that is both unique and nostalgic at the same time.
There are two tasting menus to choose from: Voro, featuring 18 'creations' (courses), and Devoro, featuring an impressive 22. These can be supplemented with wine pairings, perfectly explained by a sommelier or, if you’d rather choose your own, you’ll find a wine list with 300 local and international options.
In my opinion tasting menus can sometimes be too overwhelming with the different mixture of flavours and ingredients, but this was not the case at Voro. Every course was meticulously thought out, and I left the restaurant with a very satisfied full stomach. The service provided was 10 out of 10 too, with our waiter’s thorough knowledge and detailed explanations of all the dishes, and at the end of the meal we even received a booklet explaining all the courses we had just enjoyed.
Tapas Bar
Is any trip to Spain really complete without some tapas? I would say definitely not, so I was thrilled to see a tapas restaurant (aptly named ‘Tapas Bar’) available at the resort. The trendy bar had seating both outside, perfect for a spot of al fresco dining, or inside if you’re looking for moody lighting and modern touches.
The menu features a mixture of more traditional tapas plates such as patatas bravas, croquetas and gildas, along with elevated dishes like Iberian pork loin, wood-fired octopus and tuna tartar. For me, the standout item on the menu was the beef cheek. Slow-cooked in rioja wine, mole and butter bean purée, the tender meat fell apart as soon as I touched it, and it was some of the most succulent beef I’ve ever tried.
What to do at Cap Vermell Grand Resort
In case you were looking to enhance your relaxation that bit more, there's also a spa on site. Serenitas Spa offers a range of custom-designed treatments from full-body massages (which I can confirm is well worth the money) to 'cryo-time freeze facials', all undertaken by expert therapists.
Hotel guests also get free access to the country club, a two-minute walk down the road. Featuring a semi-Olympic 25-metre indoor pool, tennis and paddle courts, a sauna, a state-of-the-art gym and a full timetable of fitness classes, the club is a must-visit if you’re looking to balance out the gastronomic experience of the hotel.
If you do want to explore the surrounding area I would recommend hiring a car for your stay. Nearby you’ll find Artà, a picturesque village known for its historic landmarks and impressive architecture, as well as Canyamel Beach, a 290-metre stretch of white sand. Although the beach is walkable, about 20 minutes or so away, a car is worthwhile if you don’t want to be limited to the resort.
How much does it cost to stay at Cap Vermell Grand Resort?
Rooms at Cap Vermell Grand Resort start from £460 in low season. The resort will re-open in Spring 2025.
