Boutique hotel Posada Terra Santa in Mallorca.
Photo: Ricardo Labougle
Hotel of the Week: Rockwell Group Reimagines a Boutique Hideaway in Palma de Mallorca
Building on the 16th-century backbone of the Renaissance palace, Posada Terra Santa embraces the island’s rich artisan culture through subtle, timeless touches
Boutique hotel Posada Terra Santa in Mallorca occupies a restored 16th-century building. Photo: Ricardo Labougle
When Ignacio Jiménez and his wife, Carmen Cordón, began restoring the abandoned, 16th-century building that would become the couple’s first boutique hotel, they uncovered rubble masked artifacts like old grain jars that hinted at the manor home’s past life. The epicenter of Mallorca’s commerce during the Renaissance era, 26-room Posada Terra Santa—the first boutique property in the couple’s small hotel group, Hidden Away Hotels—is named after the street it’s sitting on in the heart of Palma’s historical center.
Five Gothic arches are the highlight of the restored interior, while the façade’s Renaissance window with the original coat of arms—the emblem emblazoned with a deer belonging to the barons of Boixador, the former residents—inspired the building’s second act.
Stone arches at Posada Terra Santa in Mallorca, which recently underwent a renovation helmed by Rockwell Group. Photo: Ricardo Labougle
After debuting a decade ago, Hidden Away Hotels enlisted Rockwell Group’s Madrid-based team to continue building on the historic hotel’s rich narrative with a design philosophy centered around sustainable luxury and what already exists culturally, physically, and contextually.
“We saw the building as providing a fabulous canvas—the vibrant terracotta walls, shuttered windows, and indoor-outdoor living,” says Eva Longoria, studio leader and principal at Rockwell Group in Madrid. “This inherent vibrancy called for a neutral palette that would allow us to shine a spotlight on special, crafted moments, such as the raw wood reception desk or natural stone tables.”
Bedroom suite at Posada Terra Santa in Mallorca, designed by Rockwell Group. Photo: Ricardo Labougle
Guestrooms are swathed in a sand-colored, textured wall covering, the dominant pop of rich, saturated color coming from the rouge woven tapestry headboards. “Throughout, our materials nod to the craftsmanship of the island: weaving, pottery, stonework,” notes Longoria.
For the rooftop pool and lounge, the palette shifted from the terracotta shade threaded throughout the rest of the hotel to cobalt blue inspired by one of the original colors found in Mallorcan llengües, typical ikat woven patterned textiles synonymous with the island. Traditional basket weaving, or cestería, is celebrated with bamboo- and braided grass-woven wicker furniture, baskets, and accessories. “At the hotel, we interpreted this [artistry] in the form of more textured fabrics that evoke a sense of place and tradition passed down through generations,” explains Longoria.
Rooftop pool terrace at Posada Terra Santa in Mallorca, designed by Rockwell Group. Photo: Ricardo Labougle
Inspired by the island’s centuries-old pottery tradition stemming from clay fields in Marratxí and Pòrtol, the design studio incorporated the use of both glazed and raw ceramics in the form of terracotta tiles lining the bar, cocktail tables, and entrance to gastronomic restaurant La Despensa del Barón, which unfolds under the arrow-shaped Gothic arches. Wall-length shelves of cream and caramel vases and large clay planters—an homage to the jars found during the initial restoration—serve as the main décor.
“Our materials nod to the craftsmanship of the island: weaving, pottery, stonework”
Eva Longoria
“One of the challenges in working with this historic property was creating an immersive environment while also maintaining a light touch,” explains Longoria. “We needed to hone in on how we could achieve a compelling narrative and concept with furnishings and only a few architectural interventions. I think the rebirth of the hotel is perfectly timed for a fresh season and era.”
See more images below:
Photo: Ricardo Labougle
Photo: Ricardo Labougle
Photo: Ricardo Labougle
Photo: Ricardo Labougle
Photo: Ricardo Labougle
Cover: Boutique hotel Posada Terra Santa in Mallorca.
Photo: Ricardo Labougle
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