CONVENT DE LA MISSIO

Sleek virgin-white convent that's the max in minimalism

Built from a 17th century monastery in Palma’s old town next to the church of the same name, Convent de la Missio is a sleek boutique hotel where statement-making minimalism creates an airy and sophisticated place to stay.

With its virgin-white walls, modern art pieces and a mixture of Mallorcan antiques and cutting-edge interiors, architect Toni Esteva has converted the cloistered spaces of this one-time Gothic convent into a shrine to design and a cool oasis in the maze of Palma’s narrow back streets.

All 14 bedrooms at Convent de la Missio have been individually-designed. Room 7 is the most charming thanks to its original Gothic ceilings, but architecture fans may plump for number 4 with its innovative duplex layout. Bags of goodies from local chocolatiers the Chocolate Factory make a welcome change from the usual ‘goodnight kiss’ at turndown and Bulgari toiletries in the bathrooms are another indulgence in this hymn to restrained luxury.

Chill-out space

The basement spa has a sauna, steam room, massage rooms and a whirlpool housed in the monastery’s original crypt and the Zen-like roof terrace is the perfect spot for enjoying the scorching Mallorcan sun.

The second floor living room is the chill-out space of choice, with triple-height, vaulted ceilings, a fireplace-cum-art installation taking up one wall, floor lights that could pass as sculptures and a scattering of glossy design books.

Award-winning restaurant Refectori and its tiny black bar are a magnet for some of Mallorca’s big hitters and next door an art gallery showcases the work of local artists, architects and photographers.


Convent de la Mission was reviewed by Room for Romance

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
Chef Tolo Trias has created an imaginative menu of Mediterranean classics in Refectori, Convent de la Missio's clean-lined restaurant, opening out onto a patio. Expect the unexpected with dishes like ostrich loin steak marinated in ginger and orange with green asparagus noodles, or the wonderful zucchini blossom sesame tempura stuffed with soft cheese, arugula and jamon iberico.

Breakfast
Breakfast is served until 11am.

Room service
Available morning and evening.




See & Do
The narrow, cobbled streets of Palma's old town beg to be explored and boast plenty of museums, tapas bars and places of interest. The Museo de Arte Espanol Contemporaneo has among its collections plenty of works by Picasso to mull over. There's an impressive gothic cathedral, soaring high above the cruise ships docked in the harbour. Take a stroll along Passeig des Born, doing some shopping, and sitting outside a café, or check out great views over the city from Castell de Bellver.

Spa
There's a solarium, sauna and hammam, as well as a jacuzzi to wallow in.

Diary Dates
Late January
Palma turns into one big party for the Fiestas de Sant Sebastian. Expect parades, feasting and live music in the town squares.

July-August
Head north out of Palma for the Festival de Pollença. This classical festival boasts a great line-up local and international acts.

GETTING THERE

Location
Carrer de la Missió, 07003 Palma, Mallorca

Parking
None on site, but there is secure parking around the corner.

Trains
Plaza España, station – 500m.

Taxis
Around EUR 20 from the airport.

Airport
Palma – 8km.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
EUR 230-391

Open/closed
Open all year

Check-in
2pm

Check-out
Midday

Minimum night stay?
Two nights at weekends.

Children
Welcome.

Pets
Welcome.

Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms

Wedding license?
Wedding receptions can be held, with up to 100 guests catered for.