Before its highly anticipated return as one of Europe’s premier holiday destinations, the newly restored and expanded Four Seasons Resort Mallorca in Formentor is already accepting bookings for arrivals from late August 2024.
Nestled amidst 40 hectares of forested land alongside crystal-clear waters and at the heart of a private estate that includes a vineyard, the Four Seasons Resort Mallorca in Formentor is a world apart, ideal for relaxation. Despite its secluded location, it is well-connected to the surrounding area and offers a wide range of recreational activities. Combining poetic charm with sincere service, it embodies luxury hospitality and European sophistication.
“From time to time, we have the opportunity to revive a legendary hotel and bring it into the future as a Four Seasons experience, as we have done with the Grand-Hôtel du Cap Ferrat in the South of France, the San Domenico Palace in Sicily, and the Astir Palace Hotel in Athens,” notes Adrian Messerli, President of Hotel Operations – Europe, Middle East, and Africa, highlighting the company’s growing portfolio of historically significant properties across the Mediterranean and beyond.
The resort experience begins from the moment guests arrive from any of the 160 destinations with direct flights to Palma de Mallorca airport. Cars can be rented for the picturesque one-hour journey to the Formentor peninsula, although General Manager Estreya Gosalbez suggests a truly grand entrance: “Our limousine service will pick guests up at the airport and take them to Puerto Pollença. There, they will transfer to a boat and sail through crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush forests, rugged cliffs, and cozy beaches and coves on their way to our private dock, arriving just as the famous did before roads were built to the peninsula. We can also arrange for a tender to pick up guests from their privately anchored yacht near the hotel.“
Building within the historical footprint by restoring the native landscape
Under the direction of Estudio Lamela, priorities have included enhancing aesthetics, improving energy efficiency, thermal and acoustic insulation, and restoring the original facade, all while adapting to new spatial regulations. The international engineering firm ARUP has played an active role in achieving the first LEED Gold environmental certification in the Balearic Islands.
One of the main enhancements introduced at the hotel, which originally opened as Hotel Formentor in 1929, has been the integration of modern technologies throughout its facilities, strictly adhering to Four Seasons’ sustainability standards. In the surrounding landscape, indigenous plantations of fragrant flowers now thrive among tall pine groves, creating pathways for strolling, exotic gardens for weddings and other events, and tranquil spaces for solitary reflection.
The resort experience
The 110 rooms and suites have sea-facing terraces, and some also offer private pools. The décor is bright and spacious with natural materials that evoke a nostalgic yet very modern coastal glamour.
Regarding dining, the menus at Four Seasons Resort Mallorca in Formentor will dance with the seasons in a variety of culinary concepts including: Mel, which offers a menu of farm-fresh products with Mediterranean dishes available from breakfast to evening. Quiosc, a casual open kitchen with terrace under the shade of pine trees and the refreshing sea breeze next to one of the resort’s pools. At the heart of the hotel located on one of the terraces is the Cercle (circle in Catalan), a bar that becomes a meeting place to share stories through the tasting of exquisite wines and ingenious signature cocktails.
On the white sandy beach, guests can unwind in luxurious sun loungers and enjoy the services and attentiveness of Four Seasons staff. Additionally, there is Xiringuito, a pop-up beach bar offering refreshing drinks and light meals. Soon to open is Shima, a Nikkei-style restaurant that will add to the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the resort complex.
Wellness experiences include multiple pools, a tennis court, a state-of-the-art gym, outdoor yoga spaces, and numerous trails and paths around the estate for hiking. An upcoming spa will offer treatments using native botanical products, and plans are in place to open a new full-service spa next year.
Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy numerous aquatic and underwater adventures just steps from the beach, from snorkelling and other non-motorised water sports to boat explorations of Mallorca’s magical caves and remote beaches.
The resort also features the complimentary Kids For All Seasons program, fully supervised, where younger guests can enjoy games, treasure hunts, beach activities, and the chance to meet other children.
Exploring the island
The island has always been popular thanks to places like the historic Cap de Formentor lighthouse, known as the “meeting point of the winds,” and the charming towns of Pollença and Alcudia. There’s also a network of hiking and cycling trails that wind through fragrant pine forests, rugged cliffs with panoramic views, and hidden beaches and coves.
The hotel provides bicycles for those who wish to explore the island and make plans such as enjoying a picnic or spotting the numerous birds that inhabit the islands. Another option for those opting for a bike ride is to enjoy the ride along the bay from the resort beach to the popular Platja de Formentor, where casual restaurants and a festive atmosphere await.
