Villa Italia

Reviewed by Michael Soffe


YACHT SPOTTING..............

Villa Italia is a reformed and refurbished 1920s villa overlooking the delightful old fishing port of Andratx. Fishing boats still come in and out, but the port is also a playground for the rich and famous. You will find yourself partaking in a bit of yacht-spotting! The port has changed considerably in the past twenty years and construction has been rampant. However, the urbanizations that cling precariously to the steep hills above the sea line are not unattractive and the bay is still very beautiful. Puerto Andratx has many little shops and some very good restaurants, several with terraces overlooking the sea.

Several of the 16 bedrooms have sea views and some have their own terraces. The property, although small, meanders between the main two-towered building and the Castillo, a later extension. Extensive renovations in 2008 and 2009 have transformed the Suites and Superior Double rooms (and their en-suite bathrooms) into sleek, modern spaces. The double bedrooms found in the Castillo have more Mallorquin rustic feel with beamed ceilings and rough wall rendering. Still luxurious, all are well equipped with Satellite TV, Wi-Fi, Bathrobes, slippers - all one would expect to find in a hotel of this quality.

Between the two buildings on one of the many terraces lies the swimming pool which is heated in winter, or, of you fancy a dip in the sea, access to a small rocky cove is only 50 metres away. Perched on one of the upper floors of the Hotel is the Spa (newly inaugurated in 2009) which comes complete with Sauna, Turkish Bath, hydromassage pool (overlooking the Port no less!!) as well as a "massage zone" for essential pampering!!

The “Club Royal” is the name of the restaurant and all meals can be taken here. In the warmer months the tables are laid on the terrace in front of the restaurant with those wonderful views over the port from your table. The restaurant has a very good reputation – it is open to the public for lunch and dinner – and serves a mix of Italian, Spanish and International Cuisine.

The Hotel has a very high percentage of repeat visitors, many of whom have been faithfully returning for twenty years.

An ideal Hotel for those who want luxury with a sea view and for those who prefer not to hide away in the countryside. Puerto de Andratx is great for people watching.