24.01.2025

The luxury hotel Sant Jaume – an architectural masterpiece in the heart of Palma

Building design

Spain

Sant Jaume is located in a former 18th century manor house that preserves Mallorca's history while integrating modern design. © Tobias Hager

In the heart of Palma’s old town, tucked away in a picturesque side street between a Gothic church and a 14th century Baroque monastery, Sant Jaume rises as an oasis of sophisticated style and comfort. The exclusive boutique hotel, part of the renowned It Mallorca Unique Spaces group, masterfully combines contemporary design with historical elements to offer its guests an unparalleled experience. […]

In the heart of Palma’s old town, tucked away in a picturesque side street between a Gothic church and a 14th century Baroque monastery, Sant Jaume rises as an oasis of sophisticated style and comfort. The exclusive boutique hotel, part of the renowned It Mallorca Unique Spaces group, masterfully combines contemporary design with historical elements to offer its guests an incomparable experience.

The Sant Jaume is housed in a former manor house from the 18th century. The renovation of this historic building was a tribute to its history and authenticity. The original floor plan was largely preserved, resulting in spacious and individually designed rooms. The impressive façade blends seamlessly into the architectural heritage of the surrounding area and tells the story of centuries of Mallorcan architecture.

Visitors entering the hotel are immediately captivated by the unique atmosphere. The entrance hall captivates with its dramatic accents, including a twelve-meter-high installation by renowned artist Robert Ferrer i Martorell. The three-dimensional artwork captures the sunlight streaming through the atrium and sets the piece off in a dazzling play of light. In addition, colorful illustrations by artist Victoria Masdeu present the vibrant city life of Palma and inspire visitors to explore the city on their own.

The design of the rooms and suites at Sant Jaume embodies the concept of modern luxury. Soft cream and beige tones, natural wooden floors and the finest linen curtains create a calm and inviting atmosphere. Each room is uniquely designed with artistic elements such as paintings and sculptures by local artists. At the center of this splendor is the Sant Jaume suite, a sanctuary of exclusivity with floor-to-ceiling windows, Egyptian bedding and a private terrace complete with Jacuzzi and stunning views of the cathedral and old town.

A highlight that always delights guests at the Sant Jaume is the spacious roof terrace. Fragrant jasmine, elegant lounge furniture and a small outdoor pool make this place an island of relaxation that offers a spectacular view over the old town. The ambience invites you to relax under the Mediterranean sun and watch the hustle and bustle of the city from a peaceful perspective. A dip in the cool water or an aperitivo at sunset will make your stay an unforgettable experience.

The gastronomy at Sant Jaume is synonymous with quality and sophistication. The morning buffet offers a selection of organic products, seasonal delicacies and homemade specialties. Vegan and gluten-free options round off the varied offer, while hot dishes are freshly prepared. The hotel’s bar attracts not only guests but also locals and is known for its creative cocktails and local delicacies.

For those who want to be pampered holistically, the hotel’s own spa offers a variety of beauty treatments and massages with vegan luxury cosmetics from Seaskin. A small fitness area and private yoga and Pilates classes round off the offer. The Finnish sauna and heated whirlpool can be reserved for private moments of relaxation.

Guests with a penchant for the extraordinary also have the option of chartering a luxurious yacht, the Pardo 43. This experience makes it possible to explore hidden bays and even the neighboring island of Formentera – a highlight that remains unforgettable for many.

The hotel’s central location is an invaluable advantage for anyone who wants to experience Palma in all its diversity. The Gothic cathedral La Seu and the Almudaina palace with its impressive architecture are just a few minutes’ walk away. Art lovers will love the nearby galleries and studios, while shopping enthusiasts can enjoy the splendor of the boulevards and boutiques. The narrow cobbled streets lead to hidden squares and charming cafés that exude authentic Mallorcan flair.

Those looking for a short break from the urban environment will find paradisiacal beaches and unspoiled nature in the surrounding area, which is ideal for hiking and cycling tours.

The Sant Jaume and its sister hotels embody the It Mallorca Unique Spaces philosophy – a concept that combines sophisticated luxury with local authenticity. The concierge service goes far beyond the ordinary, reflecting a ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude that sets the hotel apart. From planning and arranging exclusive tours to organizing special requests, Sant Jaume’s dedicated team ensures that every stay is a unique experience.

Palma de Mallorca is more than just a capital city; it is a vibrant mix of culture, history and modern lifestyle. A stay at Sant Jaume allows you to experience these facets without sacrificing comfort and luxury. From the art and architecture to the lively gastronomic scene and quiet moments on the roof terrace – the Sant Jaume is the ideal place to be enchanted by the beauty and diversity of the city.

Whether it’s a cultural getaway or a relaxing summer vacation, the Sant Jaume – Luxury Design Hotel guarantees its guests an unforgettable time that goes far beyond the standard of an ordinary hotel stay. The perfect combination of historical charm and modern design makes the Sant Jaume an unmissable destination for anyone looking for something special.

Discover more architectural highlights on Mallorca in the B3/2024 issue. Click here to go to the store!

Read more about hotels that amaze: On the road at the Aethos Hotel Portugal

09.11.2024

Restorers in the Himalayas

Building design

At an Austrian-Indian conference, the Institute of Conservation and Restoration at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, under the direction of Professor Gabriela Krist, presented the powerful illustrated book on the restoration of Buddhist temples in Nako. The Institute of Conservation and Restoration at the University of Applied Arts Vienna has been working with the Indian Monument Authority for decades. […]

At an Austrian-Indian conference, the Institute for Conservation and Restoration at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, under the direction of Professor Gabriela Krist, presented the powerful illustrated book on the restoration of Buddhist temples in Nako.

The Institute for Conservation and Restoration at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna has been working together with the Indian heritage authorities for decades. Together, conservators and researchers from Austria and India have carried out work on the Buddhist and Hindu cultural heritage in the north of the country: the Nagara temples in the Kulu Valley, the monastery and temple complexes in the village of Dangkhar, the cultural sites in the town of Chambra, the temples in Nako, all located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, as well as in the region of Ladakh. A comprehensive illustrated book on the research and restoration work on the temples in Nako was published last year. The Institute for Conservation and Restoration at the Vienna Angewandte presented the publication together with the Böhlau publishing house at the conference “Crossing Borders – Recent Developpements in Research and Conservation in India”.

“The conference not only showed the successes in the cooperation between Austria and India for the preservation of cultural heritage, but also the continuing enormous need for conservation measures,” says Professor Gabriela Krist, Head of Conservation at the Angewandte and editor of the illustrated book “NAKO – Research and Conservation in the Western Himalayas”. Volume 13 of the series Konservierungswissenschaft. Restoration. Technology series summarizes the Institute’s work between 2004 and 2009 on the Buddhist temple complexes of the Himalayan village of Nako. Following in the footsteps of the Tibetologist who explored the region in 1933, a group of Austrian scientists began exploring Nako in the 19380s. This subsequently led to the restoration campaigns and conservation work by restorers from the Angewandte and from India. Many of the 279 illustrations in the book, which is supported by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, were taken by the Austrian architectural photographer Stefan Olàh.

Gabriela Krist (ed.): NAKO. Research and Conservation in the Western Himalayas. Conservation Science. Restoration. Technology, Volume 13, Vienna 2016. 374 pages, 279 color illustrations, hardcover, 70 euros. ISBN 978-3-205-20267-7.

23.01.2025

Event

Big Time

Building design

The documentary Big Time follows Danish architect Bjarke Ingels over five years in his New York office.

The documentary Big Time follows Danish architect Bjarke Ingels over five years in his New York office. The architect, who was born in 1974, eventually rose to become one of the most famous architects in the world with his architectural firm BIG.

Danish director Kaspar Astrup Schröder portrays Bjarke Ingels as a likeable, dynamic visionary who always has his iPhone to hand, is universally popular and is always in a good mood when meeting his clients. However, according to the director, the architect also makes sacrifices for his success in the USA: his love suffers, as does his health. Fortunately, both are resolved in a happy ending. MRI scans of Ingel’s head are shown regularly to remind the viewer of the possible threat of illness. Or are they supposed to be an indication of the genius attributed to him?

The most exciting part of the documentary is the architecture. Ingels explains it – dressed in stereotypical architect’s black – with the help of sketches at his desk. The architect succeeds in describing the design approaches to selected projects in simple terms. For example, the viewer is given an insight into the design process of the Danish National Maritime Museum in Helsingor or the first New York residential project W57.

The problems faced by the office could also have been exciting if the director had explained them in more detail: After Bjarke’s move to New York, the Copenhagen office is lacking in commissions. Clients doubt that the architect has enough time left. How and whether BIG can solve this problem unfortunately remains an open question. This weakness runs through the entire film – it often touches on problems, but never resolves them.

Although the documentary paints an overly positive and uncritical picture of the architect, and at times resembles an advertising film, it does offer an informative look behind the scenes of the Danish architecture firm.

Here you can check when the movie is showing in your area.