On an island awash with pomp, Son Viscos is refreshingly honest, but no less chic for it. Just a 5-minute jasmine-scented drive from the terracotta hues of Valldemossa, and bang in the middle of the dramatic Tramuntana mountains, the house (a former 18th-century inn) sits above idyllic grass terraces cleaved from the valley. Take a cold beer to the sunloungers and refresh with a paddle in the ancient water channels or outdoor showers. It won’t be long before the views entice you to explore the mountains and surrounding villages.
Up at the house, the honeyed façade is unassuming but the gnarled wooden doors conceal an ode to great design and impeccable hospitality. Six bedrooms capture a near monastic serenity, then bright prints and woven rugs lift the reclaimed wooden furniture with a simplicity that is both elegant and cosy. On departure, a fellow guest reveals he had already booked in for the end of the year, at the same time as another arrives on a return visit. It must be something in the water, because after a paddle in the stream tumbling down the terraces, we vow to return, too.
Highs
- A wonderful spot for enjoying the Tramuntana mountains, with awesome views and enchanting gardens
- Spacious and beautifully furnished rooms; not your typical B&B and well priced for what you get
- A veritable feast at breakfast and numerous pretty spots to enjoy it in
- Friendly managers Michael and Isabel make a stay supremely relaxing
- Great hiking and biking nearby, and easy day trips to Soller, Deia and Palma
Lows
- Valldemossa's restaurants are a drive away (or a 10-15 minute walk, which you probably won't fancy in the dark)
- No kids under 12; this is a romantic retreat
- The house is sandwiched in-between 2 roads and you need to cross over one to reach the gardens
- The small freshwater pool is quite deep and chilly - think dips rather than lengths
- Some sound travels through floors between rooms
Best time to go
Mallorca is a great destination at any time of year. Most people visit between April and September. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking or cycling as it's not too hot. July and August are the hottest and driest months. Rain is most likely between October and March, when everything becomes greener. Winter is beautiful at Son Viscos when the fires are lit and the crowds disappear.
Our top tips
Chopin stayed in Valldemossa with lover George Sand over the winter of 1838. The Palacio del Rey Sancho, next to Real Cartuja de Valldemossa in the main square, hosts daily performances of his music in season.
- Boutique B&B
- 6 rooms
- Breakfast only (restaurants nearby)
- Over 12s only
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
Spread over 3 floors, the spacious, bright bedrooms are individually designed and coolly stylish (Michael also owns a furniture store). In our room (Menta, a Deluxe Superior), a huge oak four-poster stood alongside comfy leather armchairs and large reclaimed cupboards, while textures were broken up by frames of bamboo around tall leaning mirrors and pops of bright colour in woven rugs and throws. We loved the quirky one-off pieces, including a pretty rocking horse and the wire chairs.
Laurel and Aloe (Deluxe rooms) are on the ground floor but the bright and clean design stops them from feeling dark (we loved how the mountain-face is incorporated into Laurel's design). At the top of the house, resplendent Lavanda and Romero (Deluxe Superiors) are tucked under the eaves with exposed beams and Velux windows. Canila, a Deluxe with Terrace, is the newest room and benefits from its own little slice of outdoor space. Only Romero and Aloe have baths, though the rest have rainfall showers, a couple of which are in-room.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- WiFi
Eating
Mornings at Son Viscos must be among the best on the island. In the warmer months, bursts of birdsong prelude a breezy alfresco meal, while in winter, the cosy lounge has a long dining table for communal feasts.
Whatever the weather, breakfast is a delight: expect all the mainstays of a Mallorcan morning - a superb spread of meats and cheeses, little homemade pastries and freshly squeezed orange juice - as well as eggs, nuts, fresh fruit and yoghurt laid out on the large kitchen table for you to take where you please.
For other meals, you can bring in picnic food or drive out to restaurants (Valldemossa is walkable in 10-15 mins, but you might not want to in the dark). Michael has an excellent knowledge of nearby eateries, which is good, as you’re spoilt for choice.
There’s a nicely stocked honesty bar (and fridge) to allow you to enjoy an aperitif or nightcap on the terrace.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Honesty bar
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- Strike out from the B&B for a mountain walk or ask Michael for his recommendations - he knows a route for every rambler
- Or stay put to soak up the silence and views on Son Viscos’ terraces - all have sunloungers and many have outside showers, as well as ancient waterways running beside them
- You’re bang in the middle of the Tramuntana mountain range, famous for its pretty villages and dramatic scenery. Valldemossa, Deia and Soller are all close by
- Day trip to Palma for a wander around its atmospheric Old Town
- Sandy beaches are a rarity on the mountainous northwest of the island, but rocky (and picturesque) Cala Deia is an easy drive away
- Mallorca - and this part of the island in particular - is famous among cyclists. Rent bikes and power along the (severely hilly) mountain roads
- Book a massage; Michael can arrange a session in the garden or your room
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Mountain biking
- Plantlife / flora
- Shopping / markets
- Well being
Kids
Over 12s only. Aloe, Laurel and Romero can all fit a rollaway bed.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Extra Beds Available
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Set in a green valley 5 minutes outside of Valldemossa (by car). It’s bang in the centre of the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range and surrounded by pretty historic villages like Deia (20 minutes by car), Soller (30 minutes), Banyalbufar (35 minutes) and Fornalutx (35 minutes).
By Air:
Fly into Palma (24km); click on the links below for a list of airlines. You’ll need to hire a car from the airport, but it’s only a 40-minute drive and you’ll have the benefit of being able to explore more of the easily navigable island. See our car rental recommendations. There's free parking at the hotel.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Mallorca and getting around
Airports:
- Palma de Mallorca 24.0 km PMI
Other:
- Beach 7.0 km
- Shops 3.0 km
- Restaurant 3.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape