Es Cucons

Eating

It's a good job there's lots of great walking in the area because the food at Es Cucons is delicious - and there's lots of it. Meals are served in the wine-red dining room or outside on one of two pretty terraces. We ate dinner inside and it was wonderfully atmospheric - small tables, flickering candles, a heavy chandelier and a round table covered in liqueurs acting as the centrepiece to the room.

The food was excellent, consisting of a set menu that changes daily. We started with cod, drizzled with lemon oil, peppers and berries, followed by sunblushed roasted tomatoes with soft cheese, Iberian ham and roasted pine nuts - deliciously smoky and creamy. We assumed this was the main course but were then presented with a heavenly salt-encrusted seabass served with with avoili and green beans. After a pause we managed to find room for the lovely apple gratin with vanilla-pod ice cream.

The next morning the same room was light-filled and cheerful; Ella Fitzgerald on the stereo and sun streaming in past the bar at one end. The buffet-style breakfast included Spanish meats and cheeses, fruit platters, pastries, fresh OJ and smoked sausages. As we lingered over our coffee, one of the four owners, Maria, came through and spoke to each guest about their plans for the day, taking a real interest in what they were up to and making recommendations about things to do.

The hotel also offers light lunches and afternoon tea; try the 'Forte' brew, served in old-fashioned steel teapots with freshly made cakes and pastries. If you want to go out for lunch or dinner, try Can Cosmi in the village, which does lovely tapas (a 10-minute walk away).