Well - to be honest I didn't quite know what to expect.

I had seen some of the excellent reviews here - but I hadn't been to Mallorca and saw that the Cases Son Barbassa was less pricey than some of the other Fincas that I had tried and failed to book.

Let me tell you - this haven of a hotel hits the mark in every capacity.

If you want to step out of the fast lane for a few days, mellow in a wonderful hideaway, eat exquisite cuisine (much of which is cultivated on surrounding land) and be truly cossetted by very caring yet understated staff - then this is the place for you.

Simple - yet sumptuous the Cases Son Barbassa has a style all of its own which has been devised by someone with a great eye for detail and a deep understanding of the pathos that the weary traveller requires.

Go there.....

Very calm location in the northeast of Mallorca close to Arta.
Stylish yet rural, very nice staff at the Son Barbassa. Mostly couples, we seemed to be one of the few families. We had a junior suite which was nicely decorated, modern but also cosy. Great pool (water was pretty cold...) and pretty lounges / corners to relax, read a book etc. At the BBQ dinner, I got some of the best fish (loup de mer) I've ever eaten, but the meat, potatoes etc. was not to remember! Also the breakfast was kind of disapointing, little choices, cappucino was served in a different style every morning. Clean dishes would be not only nice to have, but should be a must... If more attention was payed to the kitchen / cuisine everything would be perfect.

We stayed at the Son Barbassa for two nights in October. The location is over the valley from Capdepera & a short drive from the lovely cove of Cala Mesquida. The building is a 17th centuary farm house with bags of character. The staff are friendly & helpfull. There is ample space for parking but be warned, the road leading to the San Barbassa is atrocious in places, full of potholes & needs to be negotiated with care. The only downside perhaps is the isolated location but this could well be a plus for most people booking a stay there. The food is above average without being sensational. Whilst we were there the hotel hosted a local wine tasting dinner which was very nice and presented an opportunity to meet Spanish & Australian guests too. Would we go back? Yes.

High expectations for this place, especially after it appeared in Sunday Times guide to 10 best locations in rural Mallorca. We joked about the paper saying it was ideal for 'fashionistas', but actually it's not at all pretentious in that way.

Stunning location and beautiful buildings but many small things let it down. They need to strive for excellence here given cost, reputation etc and indeed enjoy a stunning location, wonderful infinity pool in the very private new house we stayed in, great base near the coast and walled towns of Capdepera and Arta.

However, room not ready when promised (took 2 hours when told 30 mins), rooms poorly cleaned with bath untouched, towels and toiletries forgotten, dinner bookings forgotten and were made to feel like a criminal when asking for a pre-booked table, grumpy Germans putting towels out on sunbeds before breakfast. All small things but culmultatively, in a place that should be really special, makes for a less than special experience. Complaints led to a 10% reducation in room rate, but no apologies from staff except the very able and effiecent Nicole. Shame the other inept ones let her down.

Also, young Britsih family reported they were promised a room with some separation for toddler. Did not get what was promised and told would have to pay for entire booked stay if wanted to leave and try elsewhere. Seems harsh when did not get promised facility but indicative of the overall lack of grace of the place despite it's outward smartness.