Four Seasons Formentor – Next Up
Next Up
Four season’s new property Formentor
At the far tip of Mallorca, where the road narrows and cyclists climb in slow rhythm toward the cliffs, the new Four Seasons Formentor rises—restored, reimagined, and ready for something quieter.
I drove up in Black Betty, my Mark II Panda, with my best friend riding shotgun, roadie beers in hand (non-alcoholic, for me). We left the hum of Palma behind and made our way north, past Pollença and into that familiar winding stretch that always signals arrival.
The hotel meets you with that signature polish: valets smiling at the sight of two blondes in a classic Fiat, welcome drinks chilled just right, and rooms that strike the balance between global comfort and local calm. Ours opened onto a sea-facing terrace with those rare touches that actually matter: homemade lemonade, fresh fruit, thoughtful linens, and a bathroom that felt both nicely designed and genuinely functional.
I told Sof I’d swim. She said I was mad; that it was still too cold. I bet her an Aperol spritz the pools were heated (they were). We headed out to the pools where I answered emails and Sofia settled into scrolling. The view was endless, the air that perfect early spring cool, and the service kind enough to make you forget where you are for a moment.
Later, we wandered down to the sand. Direct beach access is a rarity in Mallorca, especially like this—quiet, refined, no steps, no fanfare. We passed the hotel’s future beach club and picked up a bottle of rosé and crisps from the neighboring chiringuito. The owners told us, with a smile, that it was the same wine the hotel serves—at a third of the price. We took our bounty back to the Four Seasons loungers and settled into that late-day magic: sea glittering, sun dropping, everything soft.
Dinner was at Mel, chosen for its sushi-free menu and perfect for our friends on their babymoon. The setting sun poured over our plates.
Later, we slipped into pajamas, poured more wine, and I turned on the international news—a small luxury I never tire of in hotels with real reach. Sofia smoked on the terrace overlooking the sea and took a video of me bumbling around the room, looking for the Financial Times that I had brought up with me.
The Four Seasons knows its lane: find a knockout location, make everything feel effortless and put the clients at ease.
The next morning I stretched on the spa deck post-gym, then met Sof at breakfast. Four Seasons breakfasts are an institution for a reason. Green juices, homemade yogurts, latkes (don’t skip them), a shakshuka, and just enough people-watching to keep it entertaining.
Before checkout, we toured the property with Antonio from the sales team. He had that rare sincere energy of someone who likes their job. The hotel, we agreed, was intelligently redone. The footprint preserved, the location heroed, the atmosphere grounded without pretense. Yes, parking should be included. Yes, the gym could be bigger. But the overall feeling? It’s Mallorca at its most quietly good. Here are the needed details.
There are 110 rooms and suites, each drawing the outside in with pale woods, linen textures, and a restraint that feels confident. You enter through tall doors into a grand lobby that lands soft, not loud — filtered light, scale, clean lines, no drama.
The beach unfolds in a long curve of quiet sand, and there are two pools: the main pool with private cabanas and energy that builds through the day, and a separate adults-only pool that's more reflective, edged by trees.
Food here is a focus. Mel is the heart of the property — open-air, vibrant, serving modern Mediterranean dishes that actually reflect where you are. Koa is the Japanese offering — calm, clean, elevated — while La Delizia pulls from the Italian coastline with handmade pastas, grilled fish, and a warmth that’s surprisingly personal for a hotel restaurant. Bar Bahari is casual and poolside, best for barefoot lunches and iced rosé. There’s a natural rhythm to it all — nothing overworked.
For clients in early October, I’ve booked the resort’s private boat transfer to Port de Pollença — a sunset departure for an aperitif, a walk along the boardwalk, and dinner harborside, followed by a return by sea under stars. It’s the right kind of punctuation for a day here.
This stretch of the island opens naturally into experiences: I’ve lined up hikes in the Tramuntana, cycling routes, and private olive oil and wine tastings inland. The spa is serene, minimal in design, and tucked quietly into the property. The fitness center is small and not the draw — movement here is best done outdoors.
And while it’s beautiful for couples or small groups, Formentor is also built for grand events — expansive, architecturally considered, with the kind of spaces and service that can carry a celebration from sunlight to starlight, all staged along the Mediterranean.
This is what the new Four Seasons does best: it gives you location, legacy, and ease.
It’s where I’ll send clients who want sand at their doorstep, something luxurious without the fuss, and a place where every corner is done well—thoughtfully, generously, and with just enough style to make you want to stay longer.
Next spring, I will. Hopefully with a sun-kissed +1.
Until then,
Jen