June 17, 2026 |
What’s better than soaking up the sun in Mallorca with a chilled glass of Cava in hand? Not much. Well, sitting a ways away from the city, just a 30 minute taxi ride from Palma’s airport in fact, sits the rural town of Sencelles, and just outside of it, you’ll find just the place to do it. Enter Son Xotano, the modern farm-style boutique hotel that sits pretty amidst vast olive groves, sprawling lavender fields and operational vineyards. Once you stay, you won’t want to leave.
Part of the Annua Signature Hotels group, Son Xotano opened its doors during August of last year, with the 22-guest room property dating back to the 12th century. The architectural restoration of the hotel was led by Clapés Pizà, a Mallorca-based studio founded by Adrià Clapés and Joan Pizà whilst interior design was led by Virginia Nieto, whose work blends the soul of the island with contemporary modern design. The name of the place meanwhile, comes from the Catalan word for ‘The Estate of Xotano’, pronounced Shon-tano, and pays homage to the property’s rich agricultural heritage and deep connection to the land.
We arrived late in the afternoon during golden hour. The sun’s soft radiance glowed gently against the golden stone structure of the building, embellished with light blue shutters. The sky began to shift into subtle pink and orange hues as the temperature started to cool.
Trailing along a tiled path lined with rows of lavender that scented the air, we arrived at reception. We were greeted by a dusty-blue room adorned with numerous 2kg Loewe candles in the same shade as the walls and doors. A subtle scent of deep wood filled the air as the candles slowly burned. Aside from their flicker, the room was bathed in a warm yellow glow from a cluster of cream paper lanterns in various shapes and sizes. Panels of wood lined the soaring ceiling, while soft neutral chaise longues and deep armchairs framed the room – a calm space where we sat and enjoyed our tropical welcome mocktail.
My partner and I stayed in one of the hotel’s 14 Suites – a Junior Suite with a terrace, to be exact. Located just a stone’s throw from the main building, our room felt more like a private villa than a hotel stay; secluded and intimate.
The shades of light blue followed us from reception and flowed gracefully into our room. The space was softly lit by a cream fabric lantern shade, while a gigantic Japanese 1950s Akari-style lantern hung dramatically above the bed, which sat proudly at the centre of the room. Beneath it, the bed was enormous, dressed in crisp white linens and locally sourced, Mallorcan-made roba de llengües green pillows. It was the type of bed you want to sink into immediately. However, we didn’t have time for that – we had a suite to explore.
Opposite, a freestanding bath stood proudly alongside cream suede seating. Nearby sat a walnut-wood desk with a neat Nespresso coffee maker and a welcome booklet. The blue and white striped document contained a tell-all of information on the hotel: room service, in-room massages, boat hire and treatments.
Continuing our suite tour, a short corridor led us into the bathroom, where deep twin sinks sat beneath a generous array of amenities. We really didn’t need to pack anything – there were hair ties, slippers, shaving kits, toothpaste and the list goes on. The amenities didn’t stop there, either. Hair care, body butters and washes were all supplied by Aesop, scenting the room with each pump, particularly its refreshing blend of pink grapefruit, orange and lemon rind.
The terrace was decorated with modern Mediterranean-style furniture. A black metal-framed sofa, a table and chairs for room service or a late-night tipple, and two wooden pool loungers made it the perfect place to sit back and soak up the Mallorcan sun.
Later, we headed to the restaurant. Following the path towards the pool, you’ll find the main dining space, with tables overlooking not only the water but also the olive groves stretching into the distance – part of the landscape design led by Studio Nieto. Seated at tables dressed in white linen and set with heavy silver cutlery, we settled in to enjoy a classic Spanish amuse-bouche of olives, alioli and warm bread – a trio you simply can’t get enough of.
The new gastronomy menu, curated by Menorcan chef José María Borrás, offers a mix of ingredient-led Mallorcan classics and elevated dishes. We shared the Iberian ham croquettes, which arrived on a bed of olive tree branches, and the Mallorcan red prawn carpaccio. Both were moreish with every bite, making them difficult to share.
For mains, we opted for the meaty grilled Balfegó bluefin tuna belly with citrus ponzu and miso vinaigrette, served with sautéed vegetables and the Mallorcan pork loin with sunchoke purée. Alongside, we sipped a local wine crafted in Sencelles, less than five miles from Son Xotano. The Bodega 65 Cuvee Uno white wine was fruity and smooth, perfectly cutting through the richness of both the tuna and pork while remaining refreshingly crisp with every sip. Served in a clay bottle rather than glass, it stays cool even in Mallorca’s high temperatures.
The next evening, we dined at The Piazza, a vine-covered courtyard surrounded by lavender and located near the retreat’s herb garden. Tables were spaced generously apart, creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere as we enjoyed a bottle of local light red wine while watching the sun disappear behind the mountains. To start, we shared the glazed octopus with Mediterranean aromatic butter, white garlic emulsion and polenta, followed by the beef tenderloin topped with foie gras, périgourdine sauce and wafer-thin truffle shavings. Both dishes were equally meaty and tender.
Both mornings began with a gentle stroll through the tranquil surroundings as we made our way to the pool area, where breakfast was served. Each table was positioned independently, surrounded by ‘C’-shaped arrangements of Stipa tenuissima, a long grass that gently sways in the breeze with dusty golden tips. We sat in our own oasis as we ordered our daily ritual: two flat whites. The breakfast menu was extensive, and it was a delight knowing the team would try to oblige whatever your culinary heart desired – within reason, of course.
We opted to share a classic omelette with all the fillings – onion, peppers, cheese, mushrooms and Iberico ham. This was followed by smoked salmon toast with crème fraîche, avocado, cracked pepper and a dash of lemon juice. Once satisfied, we drifted inside to the restaurant, where a breakfast spread so plentiful awaited that deciding where to begin may well be the hardest part. From cured meats, warm pastries, freshly cut fruit and chia puddings to a smoothie and juice bar offering everything from watermelon and orange to grapefruit, there was little left to desire. It was difficult not to be overzealous here.
We spent our days on a handful of striped loungers positioned on the grass, just a few steps from the pool itself. Stripped-back renditions of classic tracks, from Kylie Minogue to Amy Winehouse, drifted discreetly from concealed landscape speakers, creating a subtle jazzy mood throughout the day. The poolside menu was pure temptation, with the challenge being not to over-order every mouthwatering dish. From classics to local delicacies, we sampled a variety of plates: the club sandwich, a refreshing watermelon tartare with cubes of feta and fresh mint and sea bass ceviche topped with banana crisps and charred corn. From the moment we arrived, every craving seemed to be anticipated before it was felt. Glasses were never left empty, and an endless offering of nibbles appeared just when they were most welcome.
As we reluctantly departed, sun-kissed and thoroughly rested, one thing became abundantly clear: Son Xotano is not just a hotel, but a sliver of Mallorcan culture. An intimate retreat that welcomes you at every turn, it leaves you plotting your return before you’ve even reached the airport.
Photography courtesy of Son Xotano Hotel.
