Can Auli

Worth getting out of bed for

Pollença has your typical Mallorcan charms: houses in sunset hues with glossy green shutters, narrow streets to explore, cafés humming with activity. But parts of it date back to the Bronze Age and the mighty backdrop of the Serra de Tramuntana range elevates its must-visit status. Staff at Can Auli can signpost hiking routes, but first, save some puff for the El Calvari steps — there are 365 in total — leading up to a Baroque 18th-century chapel. Then, pause for a photo opp on the town’s Roman bridge; and catch your breath in the cafés of the Old Town’s Plaça Major, stopping to admire the unsubtle interiors of the Church of Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles. While the Joan March Gardens offer more quietude amid graceful cypresses and palms. 

Beyond the town, hop on two wheels — cycling through the mountains is the pastime here. The hotel’s teamed up with biking experts Medfeel to provide rentals, coaching and more; and they’ve mapped out three iconic itineraries: to the Formentor Lighthouse, around the lofty Coll de Femenia loop; and the tough, experts-only Sa Calobra climb. But for nature immersion at a more relaxed pace, seek out tucked away calas Murta and Figuera in Formentor, hit Cala Sant Vicenç for artist-inspiring sands; and stroll out to the S'Albufereta wetlands from Port de Pollença. 

Local restaurants

At Smith stablemate Son Brull hotel, 3/65 restaurant takes the rugged traditions of Mallorcan cookery and dresses them up in black-tie finery. The five-course tasting menus teem with authenticity, from the ‘dirty’ rice with pigeon to the fried red prawns to the lemon granita speckled with hotel-garden herbs. La Braseria leans into its Bolivian chef’s love of slow-Josper-grilled meats and fish, and lively flavours, such as green-curry and coconut croquetas or coal-grilled vegetables in mushroom foam. And Fogoneu piqued our interest by being set in a vintage cinema and named after a wine grape, but the eatery's intriguing menus hold it all the way past dessert.

Local cafés

Bo’s is a sweet, stylish spot with a courtyard to spill out onto and the prettiest of brunch bowls. Make yours a matcha mango, zesty green juice or speciality coffee in the AM, then switch up to Aperol spritzes in the PM. Speaking of Aperols… Anima e Farina adds an Italian accent to your Spanish getaway, offering aperitivo hours, focaccia filled with fine meats and cheeses, super-sweet dolci and lashings of vino.

Local bars

Oh! Vermut on Carrer de Colom is a cosy traditional hangout serving up pours of its namesake fortified wine — temper a few rounds with pick-and-mix tapas plates. U Gallet, at the foot of the El Calvari steps, is an unpretentious gathering spot whose courtyard gets livelier as the nights go on (and they do, with a 2am closing time most nights). To go with your craft cocktails, there’s usually live music too, and tapas, because you’re rarely far from a small plate in Pollença.