Finca Son Palou

Having worked in Europe, Asia and Africa and stayed in major hotels' chains, this is a traveller's gem. Owner and staff do everything in their power and walk the extra distance to make you feel at home, please you and make your stay a memorable one. Our room was very spacious and cleanliness is next to godliness... as they say. The food quality and choice of local wines is nothing less than outstanding and even if we could not stay longer than one night because of unavailability, we came out of a four stars' hotel nearby to have dinner once more and repeat this unique food experience. Major Mallorca's attractions are reachable within thirty's minutes distance at most-even Palma- if a traveller is seeking adventure but the proximity of trekking trails or even just enjoying nature and silence is among the available choices. It is worth every euro or dollar spent and is a traveller's dream come true. Other four stars hotels might have more available facilities in terms of spa but cannot copy a cosy and unique experience such as this.

We enjoyed our time at the Finca Son Palou immensely. It was everything that we had hoped for and expected. The hotel is nestled on a hill in a mountain valley. The setting was serene and quiet. The food was spectacular in both taste and presentation - and it was reasonably priced. After dinner the first night, we knew that we were going to make sure we returned from our day trips to other parts of the island in time to have dinner at Finca Son Palou. The staff was wonderful. We enjoyed sitting on lounge chairs on the lawn or at the pool. In fact, the best days were those when we did not go sight-seeing, but just rested at the hotel. A truly wonderful experience, especially after spending a week in the hustle and bustle of Barcelona.

My fiancee and I visited Finca son Palou from 10-17 October 2009. We chose the destination (Orient) because it seemed a good base for walking from the hotel directly and for day trips in the car to other walks in the northern Mallorcan hills. We chose the hotel based on travellers' reviews. The location and the hotel both lived up to our high expectations; we will go back and have no hesitation in recommending them. Finca son Palou is a comfortable, traditional farmhouse with a lot of character and magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. The staff, who all speak good English (very helpful if your Spanish is as basic as mine), are welcoming, efficient and helpful. The quality of the food is exceptional, and there is achoice of a la carte or the a couple of daily specials to choose from - all excellent. I'd also recommend the Mandala restaurant next door - open for lunch but only on Friday and Saturday ecenings - well worth a visit. The hotel has a several suggested walks which range from easy to challenging - you need good eyes to spot some of the waymarkers, which are little stonepiles with red spots on - but it's also worth going further afield e.g. to Valdemosa. Be warned - the roads to and from the hotel and throughout the north Mallorcan mountains are very windy and steep, with several hairpin bends - especially on the road from Bunyola to Orient.

To paraphrase W.B Yeats: I will arise and go now, and go to Orient..... And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow, Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings; There midnight's all a-glimmer, and noon a purple glow, And evening full of the linnet's wings (and sheep bells!!). I cannot recomment this hotel highly enough, particularly if you are looking for somewhere to chill out and be left in peace. It made me realise how much I have compromised in the past with accomodation and location. Blue seas and palm trees are not a patch on Orient Valley. It was not a cheap holiday but I don't regret a single Euro and will save to go again ASAP!