Portixol

Relaxed harbourside hotel and restaurant on the edge of Palma where Scandinavian simplicity meets Mediterranean deco style

Portixol stands proudly looking out to sea by a tranquil harbour on the edge of Palma. The area, a former fishing village known as El Molinar, is enjoying a new buzz: colourful cottages are being converted into stylish restaurants and a new coastal promenade means there's a steady stream of locals who come to dine and exercise. Much of the area's success is down to Portixol. Today the hotel's as fresh, bright and smooth as when its Swedish owners first breathed new life into it back in '99.

Step inside and you'll notice the distinctive nautical feel touched with a tinge of 1950s deco. Picture yourself on a luxe-cruise liner of a bygone era: the restaurant's large windows look directly onto the swimming pool and Med beyond; sleek loungers line the decks. Upstairs its 24 bedrooms are uncluttered, contemporary and comfortable in best Scandinavian traditions. It's easy enough to hop into town but equally easy to laze away your days without moving. Lie by the pool, sip another Sea Breeze in the cocktail bar. Welcome aboard and enjoy the voyage!

Highs

• Stylish, simple rooms, many with panoramic sea views
• Generous-sized pool for a city hotel
• Lively bar serving cocktails and snacks (the burgers are in a league of their own) - and even better restaurant for fine dining - one of the best in Palma; alternative trendy waterside eateries are just around the corner
• The new seafront cycle path and walkway stretches for miles in either direction; exploring the local area on the hotel's bicycles is a must
• Imaginative, quirky details: binoculars in rooms with views; vinyl records in the lounge; a small porthole fishtank in the washroom
• A great hideaway in any season - they have the best CD/DVD collection we've encountered anywhere
• Child friendly, though not overrun with kids

Lows

• Not all the rooms have views, some are a tad small and only two have a bath tub - but all are comfortable and come with powerful showers
• Walking into the heart of Palma will take you at least 20 mins - but you can cycle, drive or take the exercise
• Availability is scarce - this is a personal favourite and it's not short of fans