Araxa

Hotel Araxa, tucked away in Palma’s quiet Son Armadans neighbourhood, feels like stepping into another era, one guests happily return to again and again. Catalan architect Francesc Mitjans built the property in 1958: delicate metal structures, clean lines, hardly a straight wall in sight, and some intentionally slanted ceilings because Mitjans wanted to gently disrupt strict geometry. Owner Enrique Grauches has lovingly filled the hotel with original pieces from the 1960s and 70s: vintage stereos, record players, slender-legged bar stools, colourful tiles, entirely consistent throughout. And then there are the charming blue-and-white striped awnings. A Swedish film crew even shot scenes here for the Oscar-nominated film A Man Called Ove. The garden pool is wonderfully peaceful, breakfast simple yet solid, and the 72 rooms free from unnecessary luxury but exactly right. Palma’s centre is within easy walking distance, yet the hotel remains pleasantly removed from the crowds. And the price-performance ratio is genuinely fair. A true hidden gem for anyone who appreciates simplicity done well.