Every cove in Mallorca has its own personality. Some offer serenity and silence, others crystalline waters for endless swims. Some are perfect for families and kids, and others are great for adventurers, found in quiet corners that feel still and untouched. Each one is unique. And up at the very top of the island, tucked away in the north, you’ll find Cala Sant Vicenç – one of Mallorca’s most authentic treasures.
Here, hugged by the rugged Sierra de Tramuntana mountains and rocked by the waves of the Mediterranean, sits El Vicenç de la Mar, a five-star sanctuary in the heart of Cala Sant Vicenç. It’s a luxury hideaway for travellers who want to escape the buzz of the island’s bigger, more chaotic resorts and opt for a coastal stay with fantastic views over the sea and beyond.
Why stay at El Vicenç de la Mar?
Picture it: sheer cliffs, crystal-clear waters, lush greenery and a sweeping horizon where sea and sky seem to merge. Need we say more?
El Vicenç de la Mar opened its doors in 2022, welcoming adults and teens aged 12 and over (no young kids). It’s part of the Mallorca Ç Collection and is set right on the water’s edge, beneath the world heritage landscape of the Tramuntana range. This corner of Mallorca is designed for slowing down – where the mountains meet the sea, and where you don’t have to choose between them.
What are the rooms like?
With just 35 rooms, El Vicenç de la Mar is boutique in scale but big on comfort. These Mediterranean retreats open onto views of the sea or mountains, or onto private terraces made for lazy mornings in the sun.
The entry-level Standards pair classic elegance with clean modern touches, but the star of the show is the Penthouse Suite. Spread across the entire top floor, this 74-square-metre haven comes with a 110-square-metre terrace, its own pool, a master bedroom with a living area, walk-in wardrobe and plants upon plants throughout. Imagine a private villa in the sky – that’s pretty much what it feels like.
Every room is kitted out with high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, a pillow menu, king or twin beds, air conditioning, spa access and sleek bathrooms with either showers or tubs. Depending on what you book, you might also score a private Jacuzzi, plunge pool or panoramic terrace. Every room also features smart controls for lighting, media and direct access to newspapers and in-room dining.
What’s the food like at El Vicenç de la Mar?
Food is the beating heart of El Vicenç de la Mar, thanks to celebrated, Michelin-starred chef Santi Taura. His flagship restaurant, U Vicenç, is set on the hotel’s rooftop terrace with staggering views over the cove and the mountains – including the jagged profile of the Cavall Bernat, one of the area’s defining landmarks.
Here, Taura serves up a tasting menu rooted in ‘new Mallorcan cuisine’, giving traditional island dishes a modern twist. Expect croquettes like grandma used to make, reimagined cannelloni filled with the local veggie dish tumbet, or ensaimadas stuffed with escaldums, a rich local stew. Dishes are cooked with local olive oil from Santa Eugènia, and even the handmade crockery is designed and signed by the chef himself. Add in those sunset views and you’ve genuinely got one of the most romantic spots for dinner you’ll find in all of Mallorca.
Breakfast is also a highlight, with à la carte and buffet options served on the same terrace. Downstairs, bistro U Mayol serves us traditional rice dishes, chargrilled meats and fresh fish –better for your laid-back lunches and casual dinners (save U Vicenç for your special occasions).
What’s the service like at El Vicenç de la Mar?
Checking in at El Vicenç de la Mar means leaving the everyday grind at the door. The Guest Experience Manager personally greets new arrivals, offering guided tours of the property and taking care of all the extras. Want a boat for the day? Done. Fancy a private yoga session or personal training? Easy. Dinner reservations, beach clubs, hidden hiking routes – it’s all organised for you. Once you’re in your room, doors open to the sea breeze, the space is set up for relaxation and all that’s left to do is (you guessed it) relax.
What are the facilities like at El Vicenç de la Mar?
Wellness is front and centre. The spa, found on the ground floor, is a calming, light-filled space inspired by the natural materials of Cala Sant Vicenç: stone, marés sandstone, earthy plaster. Thanks to its glass roof, it’s bathed in sunlight. Facilities include an 18-metre heated pool, sauna, relaxation area and a menu of beauty and wellness treatments using premium cosmetics.
Fitness folk aren’t forgotten either – there’s a 24-hour gym with all the machines, plus the option to book private sessions with a trainer.
But listen: El Vicenç offers far more than the usual spa-and-gym combo. There’s a library with billiards and board games, a boutique cinema with streaming access (each seat named after a Spanish film legend), and a secret terrace. Cyclists are especially catered for: the hotel has its own Bike Centre, complete with e-bikes to rent and facilities to store and tune up your own ride. Given that the Tramuntana is a cyclist’s dream, this is a big draw.
What’s the area like around El Vicenç de la Mar?
Cala Sant Vicenç is a slice of paradise in Mallorca’s north. The area is made up of four petite beaches – Cala Molins, Cala Clara, Cala Barques and Cala Carbó – each with fine white sand and impossibly turquoise water. Together, they form a postcard-perfect little corner of the island, made for whiling away hours and hours on end.
Towering over it all is the Cavall Bernat, a striking limestone ridge that’s inspired countless artists. El Vicenç is stitched seamlessly into this backdrop, with direct access to the shore and panoramic views. The kind of place where you can swim before breakfast, hike after lunch and still have time to sit back with a glass of wine at sunset.
Why should you book El Vicenç de la Mar?
Because El Vicenç de la Mar is more than a hotel. It’s a complete experience that fuses gastronomy, wellness and jaw-dropping scenery. With a calm, exclusive vibe, it’s perfect for romantic escapes, quiet solo getaways or reconnecting with nature. This is a place for travellers who appreciate the little things: the softness of a pillow, the glow of sunset on limestone cliffs, the quiet luxury of space. Above all, it captures the authentic flavour of the Mediterranean – unhurried, generous and all in all, pretty unforgettable.
DETAILS
Address: Carrer de Cala Molins, 6, 07469 Cala Sant Vicenç, Mallorca
Price: Rooms from €580 per night
Closest transport: TIB bus stop at Cala Sant Vicenç with links to Palma; the airport is about 50 minutes away