On the island of Mallorca, an ancient seaside fortress has been transformed into Cap Rocat, maybe the most miraculous hotel in the Balearics. One room, in particular, best reveals why.
There are no more cannon blasts. No bombs, nor bullets, nor battle cries. These days, stillness is the dominant sound at Cap Rocat. Housed in a fortified citadel built to protect the Bay of Palma, Cap Rocat is nothing if not imaginative. To stay here is to be embedded amongst a quiet maze of ancient trenches and tunnels, guard posts and munitions depots. The old fort walls still stand, thick and imposing, their militarism balanced by a location in one of Mallorca’s most private and natural areas, surrounded by a marine reserve and set squarely within a protected area for birds.
Any room you choose at Cap Rocat will be in the running for “hotel room you tell everyone about for the rest of your natural-born life.” But to have the most Cap Rocat experience at Cap Rocat — the most creative experience — choose one of the three Sentinel rooms.
Open the door to Sentinel #11, for example, and you’re met with a stunning view of the Mediterranean sea. The gradation of blues, the sparkle of the water, and the brilliant light combine for a hypnotic panorama. Even more impressive, it’s a view framed entirely by stone. Carved out of the rocky cliffside, this enchanting cave suite was once a strategic dugout where cannon sat guarding the sea, ready to fire upon enemy ships.
Owner/architect Antonio Obrador was determined to preserve the identity of this place and its natural environment, making Cap Rocat into a hotel of unmatched luxury without erasing its history as a defensive fort — or doing harm to the surrounding ecosystem. A colossal architectural and design challenge. For his success, he was rewarded with the Europa Nostra Heritage Award.
The three Sentinel rooms are a perfect example of his execution. Apart from two extensions dug to accommodate a shower and bathroom, the original structure has been kept largely as it was. The sandstone walls are original, and the exterior is arranged like a sniper’s nest dug into the cliff.
Floors lined with local marble ensure you’re not roughing it, as does the large terrace, small saltwater swimming pool, and outdoor lounge that blends into the decor. There are no neighbors. You won’t even see a fishing boat in the water 40 meters below. It’s an ultra-intimate retreat, and to our knowledge, the best place in Mallorca to admire a sunset over the bay. The Sentinels are a world apart within the resort. Here, you can enjoy all your meals facing the sea, including breakfast. On the menu, two options: traditional Mallorcan recipes from the Sea Club, and their more elaborate cousins from the La Fortaleza restaurant. Private dinners tailored to your tastes are also available.
Of course, it’s not just the Sentinels that will thrill you. All the suites are standouts, including the Del Mar, which offers a different but equally remarkable experience. A small villa integrated into the fortress, it feels like your own vacation home on the Mallorcan coast. The sea can be heard and seen from the bedroom, terrace, garden, and infinity pool. Here again, the natural-toned décor celebrates simple, elegant luxury.
Beyond the accommodations, another hidden jewel: at a depth of 12 metres, in the most protected corner of the citadel, the spa. Its swimming pool, set among stone walls, is bathed in natural light thanks to a well placed glass roof. When you emerge from the water, you’ll have a choice of treatments inspired by Turkish hammam or Ayurvedic culture. Like the rest of Cap Rocat, a work of art.
It’s no wonder that Cap Rocat is so popular with newlyweds, splurging couples, and celebrities. This is a once in a lifetime stay — with a matching price tag that typically starts at over $1,000 per night during prime season. When you consider what went into creating it, and the rare position of beauty it occupies, it makes sense. The cannons are quiet. Man your post.
Book Cap Rocat on Tablet Hotels
