Hotel L'Avenida

Islands and beaches are a classic combination, but sometimes it pays to head for the hills instead. In this case that means the hilltop town of Sóller, half an hour north of Palma de Mallorca, with a view out to sea over the northern coast of the island. It’s here, in an architecturally distinguished century-old townhouse, that L’Avenida makes its home. It’s elegant enough on the outside, but it’s somehow even more impressive inside, where period architectural details and an eclectic variety of furnishings and décor are unified by the keen eye of a skilled contemporary designer.

With just 12 rooms and suites it still feels, to a surprising and welcome extent, like a private townhouse — albeit one whose guest rooms are remarkably stylish, more than a little luxurious, and blessed for the most part with extraordinary views. In-room spa treatments are available, and there’s a pretty little pool, as well as a bar and a seasonal lunch-only outdoor restaurant. For dinner you’re out on the town, at the mercy of your hosts’ recommendations, which is actually a blessing in disguise — in terms both of expertise and of sheer friendly professionalism, the service is one of L’Avenida’s greatest strengths.