Convent de la Missio is tucked away down a lane in Palma's busy old quarter, so when you pass through its opaque glass entrance you will find its calm minimalist atmosphere a surprising contrast. The Mallorquin architect owners spent three years transforming this 17th-century convent into one of Palma's most stylish and sophisticated hotels.
Inside, the use of light and space is exceptional: the original high vaulted ceilings and limestone walls have been retained and fused with cutting-edge design, natural materials and large windows. There's a sleek bar, a superb restaurant and a funky sitting room complete with bean bags, glossy design books and a log fire for winter evenings. The 27 cream and white bedrooms, including seven suites, are light and airy with wafting muslin, pale oak floors and ultra-chic bathrooms. Best of all, they are peaceful. Other delights include a Zen-inspired roof terrace, a whirlpool and sauna down in the old crypt that's free for guests to use, and an art gallery featuring ceramic and photo exhibitions.
Highs
- Immaculate stylish decor and attention to detail; we were blown away all over again when we last revisited
- Fabulous, innovative cuisine from their renowned Marc Fosh restaurant
- Ideal central location for exploring Palma's historical sights and boutiques
- The rooftop terrace and pool are the perfect antidote to the summer heat, exuding tranquility in the heart of the city (save the occasional bell-ringing from the church next door)
- Really friendly, helpful staff
Lows
- You'll need to book ahead for dinner as the restaurant is popular with locals
- Lovers of chintz and clutter will find the minimalist public rooms rather stark
- The suites aren't cheap, but they are definitely worth it
- The narrow streets make driving difficult, but we wouldn't advise bringing a car anyway
Best time to go
Anytime, as the hotel is open all year round. Spring and autumn are the nicest times; July and August get very hot but the rooms have good aircon and there is a roof terrace. In mid-winter it's still a lot more pleasant than northern Europe - on sunny days you can sit outside the cafes. During Easter week Palma hosts many processions. On 19 January bonfires are lit in the squares and concerts are given for the Patron saint of Palma, St Sebastian.
Our top tips
We loved the city's Modern Art museum, which had displays by Miro and Picasso when we stayed. There's a fabulous terrace out front, with contemporary sculptures, views of the sea and a cafe with big lounging chairs.
- Boutique Hotel
- 27 rooms
- Restaurant and bar (open daily except Sundays during winter)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
Rooms
The 27 rooms are split between five categories: Superior Double, Double Deluxe, Junior Suite, Suite Premium and Luxury Suite. All are stylish, elegant and comfortable. Decorated with great care and predominantly in white and cream, they make the perfect antidote to the summer heat. Solid oak floors, white-washed walls, high ceilings (some vaulted, some beamed) and subtle modern artworks create a feeling of light, space and pared-down luxury. Anything which might spoil the look is hidden away in slick white cabinets (a satellite TV, the minibar etc). An antique Mallorcan desk, squishy armchairs and gorgeous cream woolly rugs soften the contemporary look.
Some rooms have modern four-poster beds romantically draped with swathes of white muslin. Others have large kingsize beds. All are firm and comfortable with crisp white linen, piles of soft pillows and fine mohair throws. Chic design continues through into the limestone, chrome and glass bathrooms complete with bathrobes, slippers and Bulgari toiletries. Some of the larger rooms have teak-decked balconies overlooking the central patio and pretty church; clever bamboo and wooden screens hide the large apartment block next door.
Most Superior Doubles and Double Deluxes overlook the lane at the front of the hotel. The main difference between these categories is size, though some of the Double Deluxes have four-posters, others are laid out on two floors; a couple are a bit smaller (great for singles). Our favourite of these is the white-beamed attic room, located next to the roof terrace and with views of the church.
All Junior Suites feel fresh and spacious. There are suites available with private balconies overlooking the central patio, however, the suites without have the added benefit of a larger room. Our favourite Suite features a sitting area and bright bathroom opening onto the terrace. All have a hydro-massage baths and a sitting area.
The Luxury Suite is for those looking for an exclusive stay in Palma, complete with its own private roof terrace, Whirlpool Jacuzzi and steam room.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- WiFi
Eating
The hotel's glam Michelin-starred restaurant Marc Fosh is named after and directed by the man himself, one of the best chefs in Spain. The contemporary Mediterranean cuisine is presented in tasting menus that highlight fresh Balearic produce. The innovative dishes change regularly depending on the season, and Fosh's latest inventions, but you can expect fresh seafood, punchy vegetables and rich meats, all presented like perfect works of art. This is a culinary experience not to be missed.
Booking ahead is strongly recommended as the bar and restaurant are justifiably popular with outsiders. There are also loads of great eateries and tapas bars within walking distance; ask at reception for recommendations.
Breakfast (served 8-11am) is delicious and presented with care whether it be fresh wild berries, cereal and yoghurt, a plate of Spanish ham and local cheeses or a full English affair cooked to order. Room service is also available.
Features include:
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Palma has a wealth of historical and cultural places to see, and many important sights such as the Le Seu Cathedral are close by. See our Palma guide for details.
- Shop until you drop in the many nearby boutiques, then have a massage and relax in the hotel's whirpool bath and sauna
- Stroll around Palma's harbour, home to some of the world's most expensive yachts.
- Take a cocktail at Palma’s most famous bar Abaco, an old Moorish palace filled with art, music and beautiful people (15-minute walk) or enjoy a beer in one of the outside cafes in La Lonja.
- Every evening in August there are free open-air concerts and movies around the city.
- Visit an art gallery - the Fundacio de Caixa or Joan Miró's old house are recommended.
- There are numerous golf courses near Palma - the hotel can arrange tee times and discounts.
- Take the scenic mountain journey to Soller in Mallorca's oldest wooden train (the station is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel) For more info and train times click here.
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Golf
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Shopping / markets
- Well being
Kids
Children are welcome, although rowdy kids are unlikely to go down a treat with the other guests and small sticky fingers could easily ruin the perfect decor!
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
Extra beds (supplement cost) or baby cots (free) can be accommodated in the Junior Suites and Suites
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Babysitting:
Babysitting available by arrangement
Baby equipment:
Baby cots available on request
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The hotel is located in the heart of Palma, about a 15-minute drive from the airport.
By Air:
Palma (7km). Click on the links below for a list of airlines.
From the Airport
The hotel can arrange a transfer, you can take a taxi (there are plenty outside the arrivals building) or, if you plan to explore the island, hire a car.
By Car:
See our car rental recommendations. Convent de la Missio has a number of allocated spaces at a secure car park just round the corner from the hotel. See Rates.
Detailed directions are provided when booking is confirmed through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Mallorca and getting around
Airports:
- Palma 7.0 km PMI
Other:
- Beach 5.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 6 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape