First Look: Aethos Mallorca - Where Quiet Luxury Meets the Mediterranean

Travel & Lifestyle

The hottest hotel in Mallorca is finally open

We are no strangers to the signature charm of Aethos Hotels. Known for their boutique-luxury stamp on some of the world’s most distinctive properties, the Aethos name has become synonymous with quiet luxury that never tries too hard. Each hotel is thoughtfully designed to reflect the essence of its surroundings, whether nestled in the fashion capital of Milan, the sun-baked cliffs of Sardinia, or the wild coastlines of Portugal. No two are the same, yet each property marries effortless five-star hospitality with an aesthetic sensibility that feels both global and grounded.

The Aethos Philosophy

Founded with a mission to create a global members’ club for creatively inclined travellers, Aethos is more than just a hotel brand. It is a philosophy rooted in connection, community, and a way of life. With a focus on wellness, exploration, and a sense of belonging, the brand transforms existing spaces into sanctuaries for discovery. Each property is selected not for what it is, but for what it can become. That ethos has proven successful time and time again.

The culture they cultivate isn’t accidental. Aethos properties are magnets for tastemakers, design obsessives, and soulful seekers who crave more than just a good view. From the interiors to the dining concepts, every detail is crafted to enhance lifestyle rather than offer a stay.

An Arrival Worth the Wait

We first heard whispers of the Mallorca property during our trip to Aethos Sardinia last year. There was talk of a lengthy renovation, a forgotten property, and a vision that only Aethos could pull off. Needless to say, when we were invited for a first look following its opening in June 2025, we were more than intrigued. We were excited.

Our journey began in style. An Aethos-branded chauffeur collected us from the airport, the sleek black car winding along the island’s coastal roads as the blue of the Mediterranean peeked between pine trees. We arrived at the property, tucked away in the seaside town of Paguera, with high expectations and the thrill of discovering something special.

A Mediterranean Revival

Acquired during the pandemic, the Mallorca site had fallen into disrepair. But in true Aethos fashion, what was once neglected has been reimagined. Over five years, it has been painstakingly transformed into a stunning five-star hotel with over 60 suites, each offering breathtaking views of the sea or the rolling hills of Calvià.

Paguera itself carries rich historical weight. Once a strategic coastal point for the Romans and Moors, it later evolved into a quaint fishing town and eventually a seaside resort, now home to nearly 4,000 inhabitants. The Aethos property respects that layered heritage while delivering something utterly contemporary.

The hotel’s exterior is nothing short of showstopping. A contemporary Mediterranean design language runs throughout: natural stone walls, vertical gardens, wood-framed windows, and soft, organic curves that mirror the terrain. The architecture is terraced to harmonise with the coastal slope, creating a visual rhythm between man-made structure and natural beauty. Around every corner, there are hidden green spaces and a landscaped annexe we imagine will soon become the backdrop for glittering summer parties.

Design That Soothes and Inspires

Step into the lobby and you’re met with cool terrazzo tiles, a neutral palette, and floor-to-ceiling windows that lead your gaze straight to the shimmering pool and the dining area beyond. Flamingo-pink parasols dot the sun-drenched terrace. It feels like stepping into a Mediterranean fairytale, each detail layered with intent.

The guest rooms continue the same thoughtful design language. Bedrooms are dressed in soft neutrals — beige, taupe, and ivory — with muted green panelled headboards that lend an earthy, grounding touch. Clean-lined furniture and sculptural chairs upholstered in boucle fabrics create a tactile contrast, while warm wooden bases keep things cosy and elevated.

Details make the difference. Minimalist touches, such as dried botanicals and ceramic vases, bring the outside in, echoing Mallorca’s natural textures. Pendant lights and a sleek ceiling fan balance form and function. Large glass doors flood the space with sunlight and open onto private balconies, blurring the line between indoor retreat and outdoor reverie. It's a seamless transition that encourages rest, reflection, and reconnection with the sea.

In the bathroom, the same meticulous attention to detail continues. The design champions soft geometry, with ribbed floating vanities, irregular glossy tiles that shimmer like seashells, and expansive mirrors that amplify both light and space. Under the sink, you’ll find cleverly tucked trays of Aethos-branded essentials, from bamboo toothbrushes and Marvis toothpaste to curated grooming kits. The Woods toiletries are a sensory joy, scented just right to make you want to linger longer. Some showers offer ocean views, perfect for couples, while others include partitioned layouts for privacy. Either way, this is a space to free your inhibitions.

Sun, Sea, and Style

Outside, the hotel’s yacht experience offers another layer of luxury. Aboard a sleek Falcon vessel, guests can expect lavish interiors, four double bedrooms, an abundance of bathrooms, and more deck space than one could dream of. Cava flows freely, and spontaneous dance sessions are encouraged. With private steps leading to a secluded part of the beach, the Aethos lifestyle extends beyond the hotel and onto the waves.

Back on the property, the Barbie-style infinity pool is a destination in itself. With panoramic views of the ocean and sun loungers lined in symmetry, it is the kind of scene you’d expect to find on the cover of a design magazine. Elevated yet entirely welcoming.

Dining at Onda

The hotel’s restaurant, Onda, offers a menu rooted in local ingredients with global flair. We found ourselves ordering the same favourites daily. The truffled chicken croquettes were impossibly moreish, and the Iberico ham was carved to perfection. From the sea, the ruby-red prawns were the most vibrant we’ve seen, and the oysters with mignonette de albaricoque (apricot vinaigrette) added a touch of decadence we welcomed without hesitation.

Vegetarians are well catered for too — try the grilled artichoke flower with vitello sauce. For mains, the Mallorcan black pork chop served with romesco sauce and wild asparagus stole the show. With a motto printed on the menu that reads 'Live by the Sea', the dining experience feels both grounded and elevated. It captures the Mediterranean way of life at its most delicious.

Wellness, Aethos Style

The spa is a sanctuary within a sanctuary. A full-body massage ahead of our return flight was the perfect ending to our stay. The changing rooms are generous, and the indoor pool — tiled in soft pink mosaic — looks like a scene from an old Hollywood film. It is an indulgent yet understated space, inviting calm without the clichés.

A Sanctuary, Ready for Season

What is most impressive is just how quickly the Aethos team has turned this dream into a reality. Just in time for the high season, the result is a hotel that feels as though it has always been here, rooted in place, and ready to welcome curious minds and seasoned travellers alike.

We will be back. And next time, with friends in tow.

For more information, visit HERE

AETHOS Mallorca

Address: Carrer Mareselva, 2, 07160 Peguera, Illes Balears, Spain

Phone: +34 660 57 14 18

Words by Jheanelle Feanny

All imagery courtesy of AETHOS