Sant Francesc Hotel

Mallorca

There are few better places to embrace summer on the Mediterranean than the balmy Balearics. And this converted 19th-century mansion in the beating heart of Palma is our top pick for a trip this month. You’ll find it in an atmospheric square in the old town, where apricot-hued houses come to life with colourful shutters and the dance of laundry billowing in the fresh sea breeze from the balconies above.

Sant Francesc channels the relaxed energy of the island without sacrificing on elegant design. The grand marble staircase, chequerboard tiling and modern art of the lofty entrance hall are more akin to a dream home than formal lodgings. Floor-to-ceiling windows with industrial ironwork framing bring in oodles of light from the charming inner courtyard. Dotted with olive trees, it’s a peaceful, historic-feeling spot to ponder a while. Elsewhere, expect plenty of soft-grey banquettes which slink the length of the bar and lounge areas and are coupled with antique mirrored coffee tables and stacks of art and design books. Comfortable and cosy, you’ll want to explore every inch.

Warm monochrome is the score across the 42 rooms, where marshmallow-like beds are among the finest on which we’ve taken slumber. Latte-coloured linen, fresh flowers, rattan light shades and wooden shutters punctuate the rest of the room.

Come morning, breakfasts are a veritable feast of classic Spanish produce – cured meats, Manchego, quince membrillo, fresh fruits and creamy yoghurts – best enjoyed from within the walled, palm-dotted garden. The seafront and Palma’s grand cathedral are only a ten-minute pootle away along the cobbled backstreets from the square, so fear not, you’ll work it off in no time. But do be sure to save some time to bask on the rooftop pool terrace. It’s our favourite spot by far, which you’ll often have all to yourself, such is the hotel’s appeal as a base from which guests disperse to explore the region. With views spanning the city and a smartly conceived drinks menu (including a rather superb vanilla milkshake and gin and tonics the size of fishbowls) it’s one worth raising glass to.

Doubles from £350.