Unusual hotel in the Balearic Islands
Presentation
Practical information
Heading to the Bay of Palma: behind the fortress, a hideaway for a romance.
In the bay of Palma de Mallorca, a promontory over the sea, Cap Enderrocat, is home to the remains of a 19th-century military fortress.
Carved into this arid and deserted rocky cape, almost invisible from the sea, the fortress was built by the Spanish crown to protect Palma following a major historical event: Spain's loss of Cuba. Back in 1898, at the end of the war against the United States, defeated Spain had to cede the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico to the Americans, while Cuba gained independence. In fact, the oldest colony of the Spanish empire in America (where Christopher Columbus first set foot on American soil in 1492!) came under American protectorate.
The fortress, which became a base camp for new recruits between 1950 and 1996, could have become a museum or a ruin without the intervention of Mallorcan architect and designer Antonio Obrador. Knowing it since his childhood, he opened a discreetly luxurious 5-star hotel with around twenty rooms and suites in June 2010. The island's Moorish past is highlighted in the hotel's lounges with oriental rugs and furniture. The former ammunition carts are ingeniously repurposed into coffee tables, and the ammunition itself is used as door handles, recalling the fortress's history.
In the defense posts, cannons have been replaced by private sun-drenched terraces. Canopied outdoor beds overlooking the sea, spacious bathrooms, and Mallorcan artisanal fabrics made using an ancient Indonesian technique, all set against a backdrop of white and light colors, create a charming atmosphere, as in the Fortaleza rooms located in the former military quarters, accessed via rock-carved alleys.
In the most secluded part of the fortress, the El Cabo suite overlooks the sea and offers exclusive features, including private terraces and a pool, with views over the bay of Palma. Equally exceptional, the Del Mar suite is surrounded by a fruit garden to better enjoy the terrace and pool, which are also private.
At the edge of the stunning infinity seawater pool, one can admire the sea, the sky, and the pool water blending into a palette of blue against the backdrop of the bay of Palma.
As elsewhere, while some contemplate, others prefer to stay active. Borrow scuba diving gear to explore the marine reserve, rackets and balls for a game of tennis on clay courts, bicycles to traverse the mountains, opt for sailing instead of a fishing trip, take care of yourself with yoga or Pilates classes, be tempted by a guided tour of Palma's alleys and markets, a round of golf, a flight over the azure Mediterranean by helicopter, or a cooking lesson with chef Victor García. As we said, here you won't escape happiness.
In your suitcase? A mat for sun salutation sequences on your private terrace and a chic shirt for a tête-à-tête dinner in a secret spot of the fortress.
Open from mid-March to mid-November
In the bay of Palma de Mallorca, a promontory over the sea, Cap Enderrocat, is home to the remains of a 19th-century military fortress.
Carved into this arid and deserted rocky cape, almost invisible from the sea, the fortress was built by the Spanish crown to protect Palma following a major historical event: Spain's loss of Cuba. Back in 1898, at the end of the war against the United States, defeated Spain had to cede the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico to the Americans, while Cuba gained independence. In fact, the oldest colony of the Spanish empire in America (where Christopher Columbus first set foot on American soil in 1492!) came under American protectorate.
The fortress, which became a base camp for new recruits between 1950 and 1996, could have become a museum or a ruin without the intervention of Mallorcan architect and designer Antonio Obrador. Knowing it since his childhood, he opened a discreetly luxurious 5-star hotel with around twenty rooms and suites in June 2010. The island's Moorish past is highlighted in the hotel's lounges with oriental rugs and furniture. The former ammunition carts are ingeniously repurposed into coffee tables, and the ammunition itself is used as door handles, recalling the fortress's history.
In the defense posts, cannons have been replaced by private sun-drenched terraces. Canopied outdoor beds overlooking the sea, spacious bathrooms, and Mallorcan artisanal fabrics made using an ancient Indonesian technique, all set against a backdrop of white and light colors, create a charming atmosphere, as in the Fortaleza rooms located in the former military quarters, accessed via rock-carved alleys.
In the most secluded part of the fortress, the El Cabo suite overlooks the sea and offers exclusive features, including private terraces and a pool, with views over the bay of Palma. Equally exceptional, the Del Mar suite is surrounded by a fruit garden to better enjoy the terrace and pool, which are also private.
At the edge of the stunning infinity seawater pool, one can admire the sea, the sky, and the pool water blending into a palette of blue against the backdrop of the bay of Palma.
As elsewhere, while some contemplate, others prefer to stay active. Borrow scuba diving gear to explore the marine reserve, rackets and balls for a game of tennis on clay courts, bicycles to traverse the mountains, opt for sailing instead of a fishing trip, take care of yourself with yoga or Pilates classes, be tempted by a guided tour of Palma's alleys and markets, a round of golf, a flight over the azure Mediterranean by helicopter, or a cooking lesson with chef Victor García. As we said, here you won't escape happiness.
In your suitcase? A mat for sun salutation sequences on your private terrace and a chic shirt for a tête-à-tête dinner in a secret spot of the fortress.
Open from mid-March to mid-November
Cap Rocat
Carretera de Enderrocat, s/n
07609 Cala Blava (Majorque), Espagne
Tel : (+34) 971 74 78 78
Fax : (+34) 971 74 78 76
From 352 EURCarretera de Enderrocat, s/n
07609 Cala Blava (Majorque), Espagne
Tel : (+34) 971 74 78 78
Fax : (+34) 971 74 78 76
Pricing details
Rates 2021, from €352 per night for two in a double room, breakfast included. Delivered to the room: fresh fruits, homemade pastries, cereals, yogurts, and jams)24 rooms, including 22 air-conditioned suites with wi-fi connection, flat-screen TV, DVD/CD player, minibar, espresso machine, bathrobe/slippers, and a bottle of water.
⊹ In low season, from €352 per night
⊹ In high season, from €625 per night (minimum stay of 3 nights)
Gourmet restaurant, wellness treatments and massages, gardens, large lounges and shared patios, clay tennis courts, fitness center with personal trainer service, yoga and pilates classes, library, DVD/CD, etc.
Please note, for safety reasons due to the unique architecture of the fortress, Cap Rocat cannot accommodate children under 15 years old.
Note: All prices are provided for informational purposes only and must be confirmed directly with the establishment.
Comments
20 minutes from Son Sant Joan Airport in Palma de Mallorca
