With the tourist boom of the 60s and 70s, a large part of Mallorca’s hotel offer was concentrated on the coast in order to exploit the tourist attraction of the island’s fantastic coves and beaches. It was not until many years later that the interior of the island, much less overcrowded, began to be valued: its villages, its agricultural estates, its particular architecture, its fiestas and traditions that had been forgotten in the sun and beach boom.
What is a rural hotel?
There is some confusion about what a rural hotel is, as there are many different regulations. A rural house, a monastery where guests are accepted or a hotel in a village could pass for a rural hotel, but they are not.
In Mallorca, the regulations define a rural hotel as an establishment that provides accommodation services by renting rooms (as opposed to a rural house, where the whole house is rented), in rural buildings that stand out for their architectural, ethnological or heritage values, built before 1 January 1940, and located on a rural estate of at least 49,000 m2.
It is not essential that the farm has agricultural activity (that would already be agrotourism), but it is likely to have it.
Why stay in a rural hotel in Mallorca?
A rural hotel will be located on a rustic estate, outside the town centre, which guarantees a peaceful environment. The building itself and its surroundings will allow us to learn more about the traditions of Mallorca: the particular architecture of its buildings, the activities linked to its previous use and the traditions linked to it, etc.
Rural hotels will be particularly appreciated by hiking or mountain biking enthusiasts, as they are usually very close to routes that allow these activities.
Many, if not most, rural hotels fit into what we could call “charming hotels”. Both the building itself and its surroundings are different from a normal hotel. In the specific case of Mallorca, there is the added bonus of being able to enjoy panoramic views of the countryside and the mountains that are difficult to enjoy in a town or city.
How much does a rural hotel in Mallorca cost?
As with other types of hotels, there is a wide range of prices among the different rural hotels. The municipality in which they are located, the size or the services they offer will dictate the price to a large extent. You can find them for as little as €150 to luxury rural hotels where a room costs €1000 a night or more. The average is between €200 and €300.
Rural hotels in Mallorca
This is a short list of some of the best rural hotels you can find in Mallorca.
Finca Cas Curial – Agroturismo Adults Only
In the middle of the orchard of the valley of Sóller we find this fantastic agritourism for adults only. The present building dates back to the 19th century, but the origin of the finca dates back to the Arab period, more than 800 years of history have seen these walls
In addition to its spacious and bright rooms we can enjoy its terrace with outdoor swimming pool surrounded by gardens and orange trees.
It serves a buffet breakfast based on local products, light lunch, and dinner with a menu also based on typical products of the day. It is a fantastic starting point for hiking and cycling and for discovering the beauty of the Tramuntana mountain range.
Facilities: private car park; electric vehicle charging station; outdoor swimming pool; buffet restaurant; pool bar.
Services: organisation of sports activities (with charge); massages (with charge).
Agroturismo Sarbosar
This small hotel occupies a 17th century building on an estate located between the villages of Santa Maria and Alaró, in the Raiguer region, at the foot of the Tramuntana mountain range
Its rooms are spacious and comfortable, but retain all its old charm. The surroundings are peaceful, but at the same time it is only a few kilometres from the motorway for easy access to other parts of the island.
The hotel has a small cafeteria, and even offers children’s menus. There is a play area, and they will also help us to organise our activities outside the hotel.
Facilities: private parking; electric charging point; outdoor swimming pool;
Services: organisation of sports activities (cycling, snorkelling, scuba diving, golf, boat trips; for a fee); babysitting (for a fee).
Sa Pedrissa – Adults Only
Between Valldemossa and Deià we find this spectacular 17th century country house which was the residence of the Archduke Luis Salvador. Completely modernised, but retaining its romantic character, it is a privileged viewpoint overlooking the sea and the mountains
It is the ideal setting for a couple’s getaway to enjoy the marvellous views and stroll through the beautiful gardens together.
It has a spectacular swimming pool in a paradisiacal setting. The experience is completed by the Es Pi restaurant, where a spectacular breakfast, lunch and dinner are served.
Facilities: private parking; outdoor swimming pool; picnic area; bar-restaurant.
Services: car rental; organisation of sports activities (for a fee); massages and beauty treatments (for a fee).
Puig de Ros d’Alt
This agritourism is located in an 18th century finca in the municipality of Llucmajor, in the south of Mallorca, near Palma. The setting is peaceful, in the middle of a large almond plantation, and is ideal for any time of the year
In summer you can enjoy its swimming pool and gardens, and in winter, its cosy lounge with fireplace.
It has a buffet restaurant for breakfast and an à la carte restaurant for dinner. It is close to two golf courses and several cycling routes, and also has a gymnasium.
Facilities: private parking; outdoor swimming pool; bar-restaurant; gymnasium; sauna.
Services: massages and beauty treatments (for a fee); organisation of sports activities (golf, cycling; for a fee).
Fincahotel Los Naranjos – Adults Only
In the neighbourhood of Son Sardina, in the municipality of Palma, we find this small rural hotel with only 10 rooms among orange and lemon groves. The place is exceptionally quiet, but at the same time very close to the city itself
The hotel is housed in a former stately mansion, providing a luxurious and romantic atmosphere, ideal for a couple’s getaway.
Facilities: private parking; outdoor swimming pool; snack bar.
Services: massages and beauty treatments (for a fee); sporting activities (golf; for a fee)
Agroturismo Ca’n Gaia
This old possessió from the end of the 18th century is located between Portocolom and Cala d’Or, in the southeast of Mallorca. It has been completely modernised, but retains typical elements such as wooden beams, the type of flooring and the wrought iron ornaments
It has a large outdoor swimming pool, and is surrounded by gardens and orchards from which some of the produce for breakfast is sourced. It also has its own restaurant, but it is very close to Portocolom, and can even be easily reached on foot to enjoy more options… It is ideal for cycling enthusiasts, as there are many routes nearby.
Facilities: private parking; swimming pool with hydromassage area; restaurant; snack bar.
Services: organisation of sports activities (cycling, golf; for a fee).
Sa Cabana Hotel Rural & Spa Adults Only
Between vineyards and olive trees, near the village of Consell, we find this 16th century villa converted into a marvellous rural hotel
It particularly stands out for its original circular spa, with complete facilities where you can enjoy a variety of body and beauty treatments.
The hotel has a restaurant and snack bar, where you can enjoy a variety of tapas. The wine cellar is also worth mentioning, with an excellent selection of wines.
Facilities: outdoor swimming pool; restaurant; cocktail and snack bar; spa; sauna; gymnasium.
Services: car rental; bicycle rental; massages and beauty treatments (for a fee); organisation of sports activities (hiking, canyoning, coasteering).
New Can Furios Hotel
In the village of Binibona, at the foot of the Tramuntana mountain range, we find this small rural hotel that occupies an old possessió whose history dates back to the 13th century, during the Christian conquest of Mallorca
The building retains all its traditional air with stone walls, wooden beams, wrought iron… The place is a haven of tranquillity where you can relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains.
From here we can take a number of hiking or cycling routes, or we can choose to take a dip in the swimming pool. It also houses the Sa Tafoneta restaurant, which serves a delicious breakfast, light meals at lunchtime, and tasting menus for dinner.
Facilities: outdoor pool; bar; restaurant
Services: massages (with charge)
Agroturismo Alquería Blanca
This splendid agritourism is located in the municipality of Bunyola, in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, occupying a possessió (estate) which was itself an old Muslim farmhouse dating back to the 12th century. The estate has never lost its agricultural character and was opened as a hotel in 2005.
We can walk through its gardens, fields and orchards, have fun with the grazing animals, visit the old chapel, relax in its modernist lounges or take a dip in the swimming pool and admire the spectacular views. We can also enjoy a delicious breakfast or tasty dinners.
Facilities: car park; outdoor swimming pool; bar; restaurant.
Services: car rental; organisation of sports activities (with charge).
Finca Son Roig
This spectacular rural hotel is located in Porreras, a municipality in the interior of the island, towards the southeast. It still conserves part of its agricultural production to supply its restaurant, where a wonderful breakfast and elegant dinners based on traditional dishes are served
We can cycle around the estate, or cool off in the magnificent swimming pool, and then relax under a parasol with a refreshing drink. Or if it’s too hot in summer, or too cold in winter, we can take refuge in the cosy lounge.
Facilities: car park; outdoor pool; bar-restaurant; pool bar-gym;
Services: car rental; bicycle loan (for touring the estate).
