Mallorca

On a vast country estate 25 minutes outside Palma, among verdant gardens and rolling orchards, you’ll find a 17th-century Mallorcan palace that’s been restored and reopened as Grand Hotel Son Net. The central building is flush with charming details: bright-blue-tiled floors, romantic arches, pretty wallpaper, lush linens. Guests stay in lavish suites (each is unique), settle into cottages, or rent a private two-bedroom house with its own garden and swimming pool. Guests might venture into Palma or take advantage of the property’s proximity to the Tramuntana mountains, which are excellent for hiking and biking. For days spent ambling around the property, there’s a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, an all-day tapas bar, and the primary restaurant, Mar & Duix, which leans into Mallorcan flavors and farm-to-table vegetables.

In classic Belmond style, the group managed to find the two most authentically preserved, drop-dead gorgeous sixteenth-century manor houses to act as its Mallorcan flagship. Nestled into Deià’s Tramutana mountains, La Residencia’s massive rooms, three pools, spa, and in-house art gallery make the hairpin turns of the drive from Palma entirely worth it. Inspired by Deià’s artistic spirit, the hotel has a café dedicated to surrealist Joan Miró, with thirty-three of his original works on the walls, and a gallery displaying works from other local artists. Belmond partnered with designer Matthew Williamson, who moved to Mallorca several years ago, on Suite 67—it is easily our favorite. The cottage and pool area are soaked in color, with green floral wallpaper, antique furniture, and thoughtful conveniences like a jewelry tray and Roberts radio on the dresser.

Create your own retreat or join one that is already scheduled at this holistic hotel hidden in the countryside. Rural-chic rooms are elegant and effortless, immediately inspiring relaxation. It has everything you would expect from a property committed to wellness - daily yoga classes as well as a menu of organic food, most of which comes from their garden. The spa is the highlight of the place with typical offerings as well as those that are more spiritually focused, like a chakra balancing massage.

Just outside of Palma, Cap Rocat has been transformed from a 19th century military fortress to a boutique hotel with just 30 suites. Designed by Mallorcan architect and designer Antonio Obrador, the restrained Moorish décor pairs beautifully with the military features, like ramparts and crenelated gates. The property is expansive, but call a golf cart and you'll whiz you to the infinity pool, movie theater, two restaurants (try the local limited-production wines), and subterranean hammam in minutes.

A five-star property wrapped up in an intimate boutique hotel, the Sant Francesc is an ideal base for exploring the city of Palma. The neoclassical nineteenth-century building has been thoughtfully renovated, and modern amenities like the rooftop pool, gym, and updated guest rooms don’t overshadow the historic details. Soaring ceilings, original frescos, and crown moldings complement the neutral décor and contemporary, mostly Spanish art collection. Grab a drink in the lobby bar, which is centered around a Mallorcan courtyard, or at the rooftop pool, which transforms into a sushi lounge at night with views over the city’s many church spires. There’s a petite spa with a lengthy massage menu—try the Hawaiian-style lomi lomi nui. We did—and it was heaven.

First of all, this Belmond is on the Northwest coast of Mallorca. If that's not incentive enough to get on a plane, you can tour the coastline in one of the resident boats, hike, or ride Vespas around the island. Home to one of Spain's largest sculpture gardens, the arts are really the focal point of the resort. There are cooking classes for foodies, but the main draw are the workshops in sculpture, painting, and ceramics, taught by artists in residence.

The only advice we have to those seeking to push themselves through the original back-to-basics boot camp? Stick it out. The seven days of crazy-long hikes, intense workouts, and a cleansing, vegetarian diet will be hard work, but it will also whip you into shape. Not for the faint of heart (or the fussy), this no-frills, no-excuses program is no less grueling (or cushy) than at its original location in Calabasas, California—but the fact that it's in Mallorca definitely makes it more palatable.