Son Palou

Small, stylishly-renovated agroturismo hotel in Orient, a tiny village surrounded by gorgeous scenery

Mallorca has dozens of agroturismo properties - old farmhouses that have been converted into small rural hotels. We've checked out many of them, but Son Palou stands out from the crowd. Hidden away in the unspoilt Orient Valley in the northwest, this 14th century finca is still owned by the Coloms, the same Mallorquin family who have farmed the land for generations. After extensive restoration work, they opened Son Palou in 2002 and now have 14 bedrooms featuring antique wooden beds, sleek bathrooms (some with jacuzzis) and superb views.

This is an ideal place to recharge your batteries: laze in the garden by the infinity pool admiring the vistas, dine on fresh organic produce (the hotel is surrounded by apple and cherry orchards), have a massage or go hiking, riding or biking in the surrounding Tramuntana mountains. Inside there are cosy sitting rooms, an honesty bar and billiard and card tables. Palma, golf and the nearest beaches (Soller) are all within 30 minutes' driving.

Highs

• Fabulous mountain and valley views
• Relaxing, peaceful and tranquil atmosphere
• Lots of pretty nooks for hiding away
• Good-sized swimming pool
• 150 hectare estate of orchards, trails and its own waterfall
• Excellent base for hiking
• The charming Colom family
• Special offers for i-escape members!

Lows

• Slightly off-the-beaten-track location (a high for some); hiring a car is a must
• Don't expect a hectic nightlife - Orient is tiny but it does have a couple of other restaurants and a bar.
• The valley has its own microclimate: it can be cloudier in winter compared to the rest of the island, but thankfully slightly cooler in mid-summer (hence it's the only place in Mallorca where apples grow).