The Perfect Balearic Escape to Nobis Hotel Palma Mallorca

Every summer, once school is out, I fly home to Ireland with the boys to kick off our time in Europe. A few weeks later, Scott joins us. Over the years, it has become tradition that the boys head off on a parent-free adventure with my side of the family, while Scott and I slip away for a little grown-up time of our own.

This year, we met in Barcelona. After a couple of vibrant and fast-paced days in the city, we were ready for something quieter. Somewhere with a slower rhythm and a bit more room to exhale. We wanted understated luxury, thoughtful design, and easy access to sea air which lead us to the perfect Ballearic escape to Nobis Hotel Palma Mallorca.

We’ve been to the island before and keep finding reasons to return. The clear turquoise beaches, the charm of its UNESCO-listed towns, and the views across the Serra de Tramuntana all offer something special. It has the best of both: natural beauty and old-world character, all wrapped in a relaxed energy that invites you to slow down.

This time, we did our research. We were looking for a stay that felt intimate and intentional. A hotel with a strong design point of view, rooted in the history of Palma itself. That search led us to Nobis Hotel Palma. Originally constructed as a Muslim palace during the medieval Islamic era of the Balearic Islands, the 12th-century building is one of Palma's oldest. From the moment we arrived, it felt like exactly the kind of calm and considered space we had been looking for.

After being welcomed with a glass of cava in the courtyard, we were guided through the check-in process with a calm efficiency that immediately set the tone for the stay. There was no formal counter, no sense of rush. Just a quiet seat under the open sky while the team handled everything with warmth and attention to detail.

We were then shown to our King room, which featured a loft-style layout. A short staircase led up to the main space, where high ceilings, soft neutral tones, and layered textures created an atmosphere of relaxed luxury. The design felt thoughtful and refined, with each element working together to make the room feel both spacious and grounded. Mirrored doors on the shower and WC helped bring more light into the space, adding to the sense of calm. The windows overlooked the rooftops and stone buildings next door, offering the kind of quiet, historic charm that is so hard to replicate. It felt peaceful and private, a true escape from the hum of the city outside. This was more than just a place to sleep. It was a space to fully unwind.

Much of our downtime at Nobis was spent on the sun deck, a beautifully designed space that feels more like a private terrace than a typical hotel rooftop. The loungers were perfectly placed to catch the afternoon light, framed by potted palms and textured stone that gave the entire space a sense of effortless elegance. It was the kind of setting that encouraged you to slow down, whether that meant reading, enjoying a cocktail, or simply taking in the surroundings without a plan.

The decor echoed the design language found throughout the hotel, with soft neutrals, organic textures, and a focus on simplicity done well. Afternoons brought cocktails as we lingered for hours, completely content under the warm sun with the quiet hum of the city in the background. Just below the sun deck is the cooling pool, a small plunge space designed more for refreshment than for swimming. It is not a lap pool, but it offers exactly what you want after a warm morning wandering Palma's streets. The water is cool and clear, the setting discreet and calming. It felt like a hidden retreat within the hotel, and quickly became one of our favorite places to pause and recharge.

Evenings at Nobis always started slowly, which is exactly how we like them. After getting ready in the room, we would stop by the bar for a cocktail before heading out. The space itself was beautifully intimate, with low lighting, refined textures, and that signature Nobis elegance carried through in every detail. It never felt crowded or loud. Instead, it had the feel of a private lounge where the service was warm and the drinks were carefully crafted.

It was the kind of setting that made you want to linger. The cocktail list leaned classic but was clearly curated for a well-traveled guest, and the staff made excellent suggestions with a level of care that felt personal. Sipping something perfectly made while easing into the night became a small but meaningful ritual. It allowed us to take a breath, shift gears, and enjoy the simplicity of good conversation before stepping out into Palma’s evening light. That quiet moment between day and night quickly became one of our favorite parts of the stay.

On some vacations, we conveniently forget our usual workout routine, but at Nobis we managed to squeeze in a couple of sessions. The hotel’s fitness space is sleek and minimal, tucked away and outfitted with cardio equipment, weights, and room to stretch. It felt like a quiet reset before easing into the rest of the day.

Breakfast each morning was served in the open-air courtyard, a setting that made everything feel unrushed. Framed by warm stone and climbing greenery, it was the kind of place where you could chat over a cappuccino and feel no need to be anywhere else. The menu offered a beautiful mix of local produce and classic options including fresh pastries, ripe fruit, poached eggs, and dishes that were as balanced as they were satisfying.

The concierge team made everything seamless. They helped us arrange a rental car for a day exploring the island and secured dinner reservations at some of Palma’s best restaurants. Their suggestions always felt considered, never just a list.

Our time at Nobis was exactly the kind of grown-up pause we needed which was calm, beautifully designed, and quietly memorable from beginning to end.

We’ve stayed in many beautiful hotels across Europe, but there’s something about Nobis Hotel Palma that stays with you. It is not just the design, or the architecture, or even the location — it is the way everything quietly works together to create a sense of ease. There is a calm confidence to the property that seasoned travelers will recognize immediately. Service is warm without being intrusive. The spaces feel refined without ever tipping into excess.

Whether you are in Palma for a few days or just passing through as part of a longer journey, Nobis is the kind of hotel that enhances the destination itself. We will absolutely be back, and we wouldn’t hesitate to send friends, family, or readers here. If you are looking for the perfect base in Palma, this should be your first choice.

You can check availability and reserve your room at Nobis Hotel Palma through our curated Expedia Travel Shop, where we feature only the properties we truly love and trust.

Check out our favorite activities in Mallorca here.

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to book or purchase through them at no extra cost to you. As always, we only share places and products we genuinely love and recommend.