Hotel Honucai

– Colonia Sant Jordi.

'Everything says: It's not about us.'

Written by Jens Oomes

You are enjoying a great hospitality experience when you feel 'a bit special'. For a hotel or a restaurant to provide this experience, it requires creativity and passion. The four star Hotel HonucaiHawaiian for turtle - definitely exudes these traits.

Despite having as many as 78 rooms - as I only learned after my visit - the hotel feels intimate. They've succeeded in providing a personalised service and deserve the label of 'boutique hotel’.

We were welcomed by cheerful, multilingual staff before being immersed in Honucai's unique interior atmosphere. If someone would pitch me the idea of styling rooms and corridors in a sub-marine theme with lots of blue's, turquoise, seashells and coral, it would raise my left eyebrow. But Honucai's team has pulled it off tastefully by using textured wallpapers, balancing the different colour shades, and using quality materials for all furniture and fixtures. The idea is clear: they want to honour the amazing location they have!

Look out the window and see the picturesque little port that harbours a beautiful blend of small working fishing boats, traditional Mallorquin Llauts and a few private yachts. With the coves in the distance, the little lighthouse on the end of the breakwall and the rocks and islets scattered over the bay, you could wonder where the decorated areas of Honucai's surroundings begin and end.

We entered our room after a very quick check-in procedure. A mini bottle of Mallorquin Hierbas liquor with a small ice bucket was waiting for us. The fresh ice was an indication that the hotel staff runs a smooth operation. The complementary hierbas and almonds reminds guests that they are in Mallorca. A quality Honucai tote bag, another gift, encourages guests to go out to the wonderful beaches that are only a short walk away.

So while a lot of attention had gone into the interior, everything about it said: 'It's not about us, it's about our amazing location and surroundings!'

We enjoyed a great night's sleep in a dead-silent room. My eternal hotel frustration remains the two single beds turned into one though... Before venturing out, we did enjoy the well sized room featuring mini bar and coffee machine. So, coffee in-hand, I enjoyed a relaxing moment, sitting in the balcony sofa, taking in the wonderful views. The seagulls were hovering over the palm treetops and there was happy chatter of the tourists below. The breeze gently blowing in from the sea... a great way to start the day!

Cala Marmols, Es Trenc, Es Carbó or Cala Tugores are some of the nicest beaches of the island, just a few minutes away. The receptionists can point you to routes through authentic fishing villages where typical Mallorcan architecture dominates, such as Cala Figuera, hidden between rocky cliffs, pines and fig trees. Take an evening stroll along the path from Colònia de Sant Jordi beach to the lighthouse to enjoy the perfect sunset moment.