A Weekend Of Razzle Dazzle At Hotel Zel Mallorca – Review

When you think of Palma you may associate the capital of Mallorca with the gothic Santa Maria cathedral, the cobbled narrow streets or the post-war seaports. But the arrival of Lio and new beachside hotel ZEL Mallorca has dropped a veil of sequins and glamour on the sleepy city.

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Review: Hotel ZEL Mallorca

Best Time To Visit Palma

With warm sunny spells well in to the middle of October, consider swapping the crowds of high summer for the quieter and far more pleasant off-season months such as May and September. The mercury is still pushing up to the mid twenties and it’s far more comfortable to walk around taking in the sites of the city.

Premium Room Mediterranean View

STAY

While Kos, Ibiza and Malaga may be known as the party isles, Palma is fast becoming an adults playground for those who are looking for a more sophisticated vibrant nightlife without the raucous adolescence. The newly opened ZEL hotel is the perfect combination of relaxation and grown-up entertainment offering live music and DJ sets on Friday evenings, a chilled house playlist over dinner and an LP player in each of the rooms.

As the first property from Rafa Nadal’s new ZEL lifestyle brand (part of the Melia hotel group) it’s just a short 15 minute drive from the city centre and possesses all of the warmth and inviting nature of a traditional Spanish home. A welcome sanctuary to retire to after a late night, it’s open-plan format is awash with rattan lampshades, linen sofas and tiled coffee tables to inspire laid-back lounging. For those who may have sampled a little too much sangria the night before, there’s a Nadal-approved gym to sweat it out. But instead of soulless machines, TV on a loop and pumping techno, it’s an all-white space clad in floaty curtains, the latest aesthetically pleasing equipment and acrobatic yoga classes to boot. Follow with a hugely satisfying deep tissue massage to pummel your tired pins and you’ll be ready to hit the dancefloor all over again.

Junior Suite Mediterranean View bathroom

EAT

ZEL’s effortless attempt to create a home away from home makes it difficult to tear yourself away from their menu of Iberian ham croquettes, burrata and fresh paella but if you fancy something a little different De Tokio A Lima is a must-visit. Set in the centre of Palma overlooking the tree-lined streets below, it’s dark and mysterious with a sophisticated and sexy interior direction including navy sofas, stylish coffee table books and contemporary artwork. Take a seat on the terrace and dive in to a menu of shrimp fritters with an orange dressing followed by beef sirloin tataki with wild asparagus and orange tartar. Although Palma is well-known for its gastronomic options, there are few places that offer a stand-out dinner menu with an unrivalled cabaret show quite like Lio…

DO

Breathing new life into the iconic Tito nightclub – once frequented by Charles Chaplin, Grace Kelly and Sean Connery – Lio has finally arrived in Mallorca. As part of the world renowned Pacha group, Lio has brought it’s wildly popular Ibiza show to capital. A modern interpretation of a cabaret show, it’s high-end, sensual and fully immersive where dancers sashay with the audience, teach them routines and fully expect you to take part both on and off stage. Alongside gripping and deliciously indecent dance routines, there are stunning vocal performances and a natural chemistry between the dancers that leave you more intrigued about the behind-the-scene relations than a Strictly series.

© Biel Grimalt

Although the cuisine is usually a side product of such a show, Mallorquin and Michelin recognised chef Andreu Genestra has ensured that the menu very much remains the star rather than a supporting act. Inventive sushi platters, fresh turbot and dauphinoise potatoes so good it required seconds are almost enough to distract you from the leather-clad Madonna medley taking place on stage.

With every minute packed full of fun and frivolity, it’s impossible not to swivel from left to right as if you’re watching a Nadal match to see what the troupe have in store next. Undoubtedly a well-oiled machine, Lio ignites an infectious joy throughout the audience that makes it impossible not to throw caution to the wind and join in.

BUY

Palma is often overlooked as a shopping destination but it’s a mecca for fashionistas that know where to go. For the latest looks straight off of the catwalk, Paseo del Borne is home to brands such as Louis Vuitton store, Hugo Boss, Escada and Bvlgari whereas Rialto Living is a must for those looking for a luxury lifestyle under one roof. From books and art to interiors and fashion, it’s what you imagine your life may look like if you lived out your Pinterest boards. If you’re looking for something a little more authentic, Via Verí is packed with independent stores, handmade gifts and local artisans to ensure you take home a little piece of Mallorca.

BOOK IT

Rooms at ZEL start at £229 per night holazel.com

Lio Mallorca has a minimum spend of £215 per person mallorca.liopacha.com