The best villas to rent for a summer in Mallorca
As one of the gems of the Mediterranean, Mallorca has been an ever more popular holiday destination in recent years. The promise of culture, outstanding food, impressive mountains, warm blue seas and incredibly pretty beaches draws people from far and wide. If a trip to Mallorca is on the cards this summer, make it the best it can be by opting to stay in one of these villa rentals, the finest on the island. From a John Pawson-designed architectural wonder to houses with vast grounds and unbroken sea views, you simply won't find better.
1/12Villa Santanyi, Santayani
One of the most unique and prestigious houses on the island, this pink plaster marvel was designed by renowned architect John Pawson. A minimalist at heart, this house is a reflection of Pawson's aesthetic; clean lines and clever windows make the play of light a huge factor in the villa's character, with furnishings kept fuss-free, practical and beautiful. The outdoor dining space looks over the 30m infinity saltwater pool, with light reflecting off the water's surface and casting glittering shadows onto the pink walls. Inside, the master bedroom and main kitchen and dining area are vast, with a wooden Japanese bath in the master bathroom and marble and steel used in the kitchen. The grounds also boast a clay tennis court and ample space to wander, but the rooftop is perhaps the best vantage point from which to take in the surrounds; as the owner says, on a warm night, you could even sleep up there and look at the stars. The nearest town is Santanyi, a short drive away, surrounded by some of the loveliest coves and beaches on Mallorca. It's the perfect house for a laidback holiday spent watching the architecture of this incredible house cast shadows around the main courtyard. You can't help but be astounded by its beauty. The house is available to rent through design and architecture specialists Welcome Beyond, who handpick the most interesting and inspiring places to stay.
Sleeps up to 10 guests, from €2,000 per night.
Daniel Torrello2/12Sa Tanca, Deià
Overlooking the village of Deià from a short walk up the hill from the main street, Sa Tanca is a standout example of traditional Mallorcan building. The original owner was responsible for the preservation of the island's antiquities, and as such took great care to build a house that respected materials and architecture of Mallorca. Now owned by an architect and styled by Alice Elisabeth Foley, the house is one of the most beautiful in Deià, inside and out. A terrace wraps around three sides of the stone building, with a seating area out the front that overlooks Deià and the sea beyond (as well as the famous Belmond La Residencia hotel), while the back terrace has a lawn, heated pool and loggia for outdoor dining, as well as an outdoor kitchen. Inside, the design is full of character, warmth and elegance, with the design studio at Palma-based Rialto Living providing a helping hand on sourcing luxury fabrics. There are wooden beds in the Mallorcan style (with four posters from gracefully twisting mulberry wood) in two of the double bedrooms, a traditional kitchen with modern appliances that any keen cooks will find it hard to leave at the end of the holiday, and lots of cool spaces for sheltering from the sun. The house is light, airy, spacious and simply a lovely place to be with everything a guest could need catered for.
Sleeps up to 8 guests, from £3,320 per week.
3/12Son Brull, Pollença
For those looking for the privacy and space that a villa affords but the luxury amenities and hospitality of a hotel, Son Brull is the answer. Surrounded by fields of vines and set against the backdrop of a hill, Son Brull is both close to Pollença and its port – a short cycle away on the hotel's electric bikes – and utterly peaceful and secluded. The villa suites are built into the landscape, so as you walk the path from the hotel to your private idyll, the rooftops are covered with local flowers and it's just the steps leading down to your front door that give away the buildings. Inside, polished concrete and light wood characterise these luxury dwellings, which have a living space with a sofa and dining table, and two en-suite bedrooms leading off that. All the rooms open out onto the surrounding greenery and the master bedroom and living space can be totally opened to your private garden, swimming pool and terrace. Once you arrive there, there is simply no need to leave as villa guests can make full use of the hotel's two restaurants, bar, bigger swimming pool for swimming lengths and ample spa facilities. There are also yoga lessons on offer, a tennis court and daily excursions to make the most of. It's simply a wonderful place to stay.
Sleeps up to 4 guests, from £1,210 a night, including breakfast (room rates start from €310 per night).
4/12Villa Sa Punta de s'Aguila, Port des Canonge
Expect traditional, Mallorcan perfection during your stay at the villa Sa Punta de s'Aguila. Perched along a track above the stunning coastline, the converted farmhouse built into the rolling landscape has plenty to offer: panoramic sea and mountain views, a private heated swimming pool, tennis courts, five en-suite bedrooms and a white sand beach, only a 20 minute walk away. Secluded enough for guests to enjoy the perks of privacy, the villa is only a short drive away from the stunning villages of Valldemosa, Deiá, Soller and Banyalbufar, making day trips a breeze.
Sleeps up to 10 guests, from €26,740 per week.
5/12Villa Zafiro, Santanyí
A 16th-century beauty, this charming village townhouse is full of character – but with all the luxury amenities necessary for a restful, pampering holiday. Recently renovated by the owner, an architect, the house boasts updated finishes and modern, yet simple design. Relax by the pool tucked in the private garden, or whip up a fabulous paella on the onyx kitchen island (and don't worry about tidying up, maid service is included with your stay); whatever you do here, it is sure to be fabulous.
Sleeps up to 6 guests, from €7,920 per week.
6/12Crystal Paradise, Santa Margalida
At this sleek villa, expect your stay to be ‘beach-y keen’. Sparingly designed with hints of Mallorcan glamour, each room in the house (including its three bedrooms) gives guests ample space to unwind and enjoy the island's inherent tranquility. With its white walls, wooden beams and lashings of sunbeams, the villa practically glows during the day – should it become too much, cool off in the pool or take a short drive to one of the many white sand beaches nearby. The perfect destination for a group of travelling friends or a small family.
Sleeps up to 6 guests, from £326 per night.
7/12Villa Magnolia, Pollença
Surrounded by vineyards and fragrant orchards, this 242 acre compound is perfect for those seeking to completely immerse themselves in nature whilst still enjoying five-star luxury comforts and heaps of privacy. With not just one, but two, outdoor pools to choose from, guests can spend their days sunbathing and swimming; however, they mightn't want to limit themselves. Kitted out with a spa, jacuzzi, indoor heated pool, cold plunge tank and hammam sauna, relaxation is paramount at Villa Magnolia. Those seeking to stay active amidst all of the tortillas and ever-flowing Rioja can work up a sweat at the villa's state-of-the-art gym or head out on horseback (there are stables on site, too). After a long day of sunning and spa-ing, enjoy an evening tipple in the billiards room or library before hunkering down to a delicious dinner provided by a local private chef.
Sleeps up to 14 guests, from €39,005 per week.
8/12Turquoise & Fuchsia, Binali
A stay at this stunning villa is sure to be one that is soul-soothing. From its all-white walls and modern decoration to the refreshing swimming pool and lovely terraces with expansive views onto the sea, the villa is nothing short of idyllic. A short drive from the Las Salinas salt flats as well as the Playa den Bossa and Cap des Falco, there is plenty of opportunity to explore the Spanish island. Close to hiking trails through secluded villages, too, the villa is perfectly located for those seeking active adventure during their holiday.
Sleeps up to 12 guests, from £12,780 per night.
9/12Villa Leticia, Valldemossa
Perched high above the village of Valldemossa sits the impressive Villa Leticia. With panoramic views overlooking Mallorca's dusty green mountains full with olive groves and onto the cobalt blue sea beyond, even just one day spent at this Finca will be memorable. With seven bedrooms, too, there is plenty of space for guests to spread out and maximise tranquility. After enjoying a breakfast prepared by the villa's chef (included in the stay), play a game of tennis before jumping into the infinity pool, roaming the villa's well-tended vegetable gardens, or, after a glass or two of Rioja, settling down for a well-deserved siesta. Regardless, however you plan your days at Villa Leticia, expect Spanish holiday perfection at its height.
Sleeps up to 12 guests, from €13,155 per week.
10/12Sa Terra Rotja, Valldemossa
As with most houses in the Tramantuna region that Sa Terra Rotja finds itself in, this house is built in the traditional Mallorcan style from local stone with colourful shutters. It sits in a secluded location with sea views and a walking path to the local pebble beach. Inside, the house is open and comfortably furnished, with the bedrooms having something of a hotel character to them in their luxury. Both indoor and outdoor dining areas seat up to 10 guests and the house itself sleeps the same eight, making it a wonderful choice for large family holidays spent between the pool, the beach and the nearby sights.
Sleeps up to 8 guests, from €19,600 per week.
11/12Casa Al-Qudya, Alcúdia
Whilst the rest of the villas on our list come with swimming pools, we promise you won't miss out with a stay at this striking villa. Why? Casa Al-Qudya is set right on the Mediterranean. Wake up to the sounds of crashing waves and azure as far as the eye can see and enjoy meals or a good read on the expansive terrace with the Mediterranean as your additional guest – no matter what you do, it's sure to be dazzling. Inside, it is almost equally impressive: with four bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen and a lovely, open-plan living space, guests will marvel at the villa's sleek, beachy air. A short drive from the charming back streets of Alcúdia's old town, too, the villa is superbly located and perfect for those who enjoy exploring.
Sleeps up to 8 guests, from £629 per night.
12/12Son Balagueret, Valldemossa
Son Balagueret is built into a hill, around 3km from the picturesque village of Valldemossa. The estate sits in 1,500 hectares of ground, with access to a coastal path that leads to neighbouring Banyalbafur and down to a pebble beach. The house is traditional in style, with rustic touches to the charming interiors – exposed original beams and Spanish tiled floors provide a wealth of character. There are four bedrooms to choose from, one sitting at the top of an original 13th century turret, and all as lovely as each other. A private pool can be heated when needed, a cleaning service is provided and there is a tennis court shared with two other villas close by for guests to make use of.
Sleeps up to 8 guests, from £13,836 per week
