When I first consulted a map and noticed the proximity of The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort to Magaluf, I'll admit to a moment of trepidation. My memories of that particular corner of Mallorca date back to post-exam celebrations in my teenage years – a whirlwind of cheap cocktails and questionable decisions that, as a father in my mid-thirties, I have no desire to revisit. Thankfully, my concerns proved unfounded. That deceptive cartographic closeness translates to a comfortable four kilometers to the southwest, and the resort exists in an entirely different universe from the raucous playground down the coast.
Nestled in the refined enclave of Punta Negra, the St. Regis commands an enviable position just fifteen minutes from Palma's cultural riches and a mere five minutes from Puerto Portals, the exclusive marina where paparazzi have captured everyone from Paris Hilton to Bill Gates. Currently, the St. Regis reigns supreme as the most impressive property along this particular stretch of coastline, though competition looms on the horizon with a Mandarin Oriental scheduled to open next door in spring 2026. For now, however, this venerable establishment maintains its unchallenged position.
The resort sprawls across four terracotta-hued buildings that house 125 guestrooms and suites, most recently renovated in 2018. While our suite hadn't received the latest refresh – some rooms have just undergone renovation – it still exuded considerable luxury. The king-size bed proved remarkably comfortable, one of those rare hotel beds where you genuinely sleep better than at home. Yes, the occasional plastic light switch or cherry wood cabinet reveals the property's age, but thoughtful touches like Ren face wash and premium Scandinavian shower products do a good job of distracting you. The indoor pool area, I suspect, will be next in line for an update, as it's beginning to show its years compared to the rest of the property.
Traditions triumph What truly distinguishes the St. Regis is how it embodies the brand's 120-year tradition of timeless elegance and exquisite detail. This isn't a hotel that shouts about its luxury; rather, it whispers it through considered rituals and sumptuous design touches. Take, for instance, the Mardavall Snapper – the resort's signature interpretation of the Bloody Mary, a tradition maintained by every St. Regis property worldwide. Or the butler service, which extends beyond the predictable unpacking and pressing of clothes to truly understanding and realising each guest's unique preferences. For families traveling with young children, as we were, the butler service proved invaluable, arranging everything from sterilisers to cribs with seamless efficiency.
The gardens deserve particular mention. Two elegant pools – the Cascade and Serenity – beckon guests to while away Mediterranean afternoons, complemented by Balinese beds that offer shaded sanctuary from the Mallorcan sun. A dedicated children's pool ensures young guests have their own space.
Elsewhere in the gardens, contemporary sculptures compete for attention with vibrant birds of paradise flowers. Walk through the floral archway at the garden's end, and a gate provides direct access to the Balearic Sea via Mardavall Beach – a rare privilege in an increasingly developed coastline.
Where to eat? The resort's four bars and restaurants cater to varying moods and appetites. Es Fum, the property's Michelin-starred restaurant, delivers award-winning cuisine that justifies its stellar reputation. Terra takes inspiration from Mallorcan recipes and local products, while the Mar Sea Club offers a more casual coastal dining experience, and the recently renewed St. Regis Bar in the lobby lounge provides an elegant setting for evening cocktails.
The resort clearly positions itself as family-friendly without sacrificing sophistication, a balance many luxury properties struggle to achieve. There’s an Explorers Club and a Teen Club, however, both were empty whenever we checked and there isn’t anywhere you can leave children under two, unless you pay for a dedicated nanny.
The spa ranks among the island's largest and most comprehensive, featuring an Egyptian brine bath and salt sauna alongside more conventional treatments. After days exploring Palma's Gothic Quarter or the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountains, it provides a welcome retreat.
The St. Regis Mardavall ultimately succeeds because it understands what modern luxury travellers seek: not flashy ostentation, but rather refined comfort, impeccable service, and the kind of gracious hospitality that makes you feel simultaneously pampered and at home. It's a property that honours its heritage while remaining relevant to contemporary tastes.
Is it perfect? No hotel is. Some areas would benefit from updating. But that’s a minor quibble in the context of an overall experience that delivers on the St. Regis promise of lavish amenities and timeless elegance. As we checked out, I couldn't help but smile at how dramatically different our experience on Mallorca’s south west coast had been from my week in Magaluf. The St. Regis Mardavall offers something infinitely more valuable than youthful hedonism: sophisticated tranquility in one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful settings.
Article by Sam Shead
