Review: The St Regis Mardavall hotel in Mallorca, Spain (Part 2)

This is Part 2 of our review of the St Regis Mardavall resort in Mallorca, Spain. Part 1 of our St Regis Mardavall hotel review can be found here.

Pool, spa and gym at St Regis Mardavall

As you may have spotted from the aerial photo in Part 1 of this review there are three pools at St Regis Mardavall.

There is the main pool which is spread across three tiers and sits next to the Sa Badia pool bar:

There are lots of loungers situated around the pool as well as on the grassy areas:

The second pool is a kids pool, tucked away in a corner of the resort:

The third pool is much more private and adults-only, and can only be accessed via the Arabella Spa. This comprises an indoor-outdoor pool surrounded by loungers and cabanas. It was significantly quieter during my stay and therefore my pool of choice.

and

Depending on what you count as a pool there is potentially a much smaller, heated salt water pool in the spa itself:

The Arabella spa complex is an excellent size. Off the heated saltwater pool you’ll find a steam room, Finnish sauna, ice cave, salt room as well as experience showers. It is one of the nicer resort spas I have enjoyed.

The gym is part of the spa complex. It is not the biggest but features a range of mostly cardio machines in a lovely light room with skylight:

The grounds themselves are beautifully landscaped. Here are some of my highlights:

and

The beach

Whilst the St Regis Mardavall is perched on the cliffside it is a 1 minute walk out of the back of the resort to the small local beach.

The closest beach is to the right of the jetty whilst the nicer cove is where the last trees are.

There is also a much nicer small (10m wide) sandy cove 300m around the coast. Both beaches have public access, and there is no beach club (they’re too small) but you can still enjoy a dip in the Mediterranean. I can particularly recommend the 300m swim between the two which is a great way to start the day.

Dining at St Regis Mardavall

There are two main restaurants at the St Regis: Aqua, which is on the ground floor of the main building and looks out towards the pool and gardens and Es Fum, on the terrace above.

Es Fum is a Michelin starred restaurant, although it is only open Thursday to Sundays at present. Unfortunately we weren’t able to try it out.

Aqua is slightly more casual, although still impressive. This is also where breakfast is served each morning.

…. although you’ll probably want to sit outside:

Dinner always starts with an aperitivo:

Aqua is semi-fusion and features a range of different cuisines including some Asian inspired dishes. To start, we went for the kimchi prawns and croquettes:

and

We decided to share the Chateaubriand for dinner, which was sublime. Perfectly cooked and very tender:

and

The service throughout was impeccable, and not stuffy at all. Kevin, our waiter, was exceptional.

The breakfast buffet is also impressive. This has returned to self-serve, which is a novelty after 18 months:

Here are some of the pastries:

…. as well as hot items. Eggs are cooked to order:

Freixenet Barroco Brut Cava is available, as are a number of different juices including fresh orange juice and peach juice.

You’ll also find the largest spread of condiments I’ve ever seen, with about 20 different jams and marmalades individually decanted into little ceramic dishes:

Conclusion

This was my first stay at a St Regis and I was seriously impressed. The hotel and grounds are obviously finished to a high standard. I suspect rooms have been refurbished in the past few years judging by their smart features.

But by far the most impressive aspect of the St Regis Mardavall is the customer service. The staff are extremely attentive and responsive and are always ready to try and fulfil your requests. It is exceptional, and second only to my stay at the Four Seasons Langkawi in 2019.

The St Regis Mardavall Resort is a Category 8 hotel, which means you will need between 70,000 and 100,000 points per night, depending on the season. Cash prices start at €680 per night in September. Given our target valuation of 0.5p per Marriott Bonvoy point, you will get decent value here.

You can see more, and book, on the hotel website here.

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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (September 2024)

There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.

You can apply here.

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.

Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card?  It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.  We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

• American Express Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

and for small business owners:

• American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Business Platinum (40,000 bonus Amex points)

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 22nd October 2024, the bonus on American Express Business Platinum is increased to up to 80,000 Membership Rewards points, worth 80,000 Avios. You will receive 8 points per £1 spent for the first three months, on up to £10,000 of spending. Click here to read our full card review. Click here to apply.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 22nd October 2024, the bonus on American Express Business Gold is increased to up to 40,000 Membership Rewards points, worth 40,000 Avios. You will receive 4 points per £1 spent for the first three months, on up to £10,000 of spending. The card is FREE for your first year. Click here to read our full card review. Click here to apply.

The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Marriott Bonvoy points. 

(Want to earn more hotel points?  Click here to see our complete list of promotions from the major hotel chains or use the ‘Hotel Offers’ link in the menu bar at the top of the page.)