Can Cera, Palma, Mallorca

With the gothic 13th-century Basílica de Sant Francesc at the end of the road, Can Cera is hidden away in the heart of Palma's Old Town, where labyrinthine medieval streets give way to quiet squares. The cathedral and the Almudaina Palace are just a five-minute walk away. Lively Plaça Santa Eulalia with its antique bookshops, cafés and restaurants is just at the end of the road.

By plane: there are direct flights from London (2 hours 25 mins), Manchester (2 hours 40 mins) and Edinburgh (3 hours). The hotel is a 15-minute drive from Palma de Mallorca airport. Paid parking available nearby for €34 per day. Book flights to Mallorca.

A refurbishment has completely opened up the entrance courtyard where you can now dine and lounge in the airy internal garden, decorated with palms and Mallorcan handicrafts. Upstairs lounges hint at the aristocratic families that once resided here with antique rocking chairs, candelabra chandeliers and painted ceilings.

Service is super friendly from staff with excellent English. A complimentary glass of cava is offered at check-in to put you in the holiday mood. The spa is compact and for private use only and is more of an additional feature to the excellent treatments rather than a destination in its own right.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Adults-only
• Coffee house
• Sun terrace
• Wellness centre
• Paid parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms have original shuttered windows which lend character and atmosphere. Colours are muted ochres, greys and burgundy and the furniture is high quality, with mahogany desks and hand-woven bedspreads. A welcome gift of Mallorcan almonds and jam is a nice touch. Suites provide coffee machines as an added luxury.

Room types: Deluxe, Premium, Junior Suite, Junior Suite Gallery, Suite Can Cera

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with complimentary toiletries, bath robes, TV, free Wi-Fi

The menu is limited but the food here is top-notch, with an interesting array of local and international tapas, including Jabugo Iberian ham with Mallorcan bread, guacamole with tortilla chips and wagyu beef jerky. Main courses include seafood and fish cannelloni and Iberian pork with potato and truffle Parmentier.

La Vermutería: tapas, small plates and mains, ranging from cold meats and cheese to Iberian pork. Open daily from 12.30 until 22.30. Small plates start at €9.