Urban, colorful boutique hotel with a hint of Scandi chic in downtown Palma

Concepció by Nobis / Palma / Mallorca / Spain

Palma, Mallorca has turned into a hotspot for cool design hotels. Behind massive doors in Palma’s winding alleyways you’ll find so many interesting boutique hotels it’s almost ridiculous. This one is called Concepció by Nobis and is situated in a 16th century townhouse, perfectly wedged between the old town and the buzzing Santa Catalina area.

In my headline I wrote that this hotel has a hint of Scandi chic. Actually there is more than just a hint, if I am honest. Concepció belongs to the Swedish chain Nobis with 6 hotels in Stockholm and 1 in Copenhagen (I have so far stayed at this one and this one). This is their first venture outside of Scandinavia and it is a real stunner. The reason for this is actually another Scandi connection. The man responsible for creating the design concept is one of my favorite architects, Swedish heavyweight Gert Wingårdh. The result is an aesthetic that pulls Mallorcan and Scandi design together into something that I have never seen before.

The first thing that hits you when you enter is the bright and airy space and the green floors. The massive tiles in different shades of green softens the lobby area and makes it feel cozy and welcoming. The green color scheme is inspired by the surrounding Tramuntana Mountains and these geometric tiles are produced locally. The lobby connects seamlessly with the restaurant, the bar, the lounge area and opens up towards the back where you’ll find the terrace and the pool. Just follow the green tiles and they will lead you there.

There are 31 rooms and they come in different shapes and sizes. Ours was facing the back with a view of the pool. The design is very cohesive with the rest of the hotel, green tiles but with a softer shape than the ones in the in lobby area, white walls that contrast with exposed ceiling beams, the furniture and the massive bespoke wardrobes that are as dark as night.

I haven’t even mentioned the food, the sauna, the wine or the service but I think you have understood by now how smitten I am with this place.

Concepció is sitting on a quiet side street, just a short walk from the old town of Palma and Santa Catalina. Just far enough for it to be calm but close enough to walk, even if you are wearing heels.

The facade of the 16th century town house where Hotel Concepció resides.

The first thing that hits you when you enter is the green floors. I am obsessed with the massive tiles in different shades of green.

The lobby has several different seating areas where you can enjoy a drink with your reading. The Swedish elements have been implemented gently by Swedish design master Gert Wingård.

What strikes me when walking around the hotel (with my camera ready) are all the lamps. Everywhere you turn there are these fun, eclectic, classic lamps that enhances the ambience.

Our comfy bed, framed by a simple but yet stylish headboard.

The green theme continues. But if the lobby area had a more sharp shape, the tiles in the room had more organic, softer shapes.

Did I mention that I am obsessed with the green tiles from local producer Huguet?

The staircase is a real piece of art. The combo of decorative cast iron and solid metal with cream marble is almost too pretty.

In several places in the hotel mirrors have been used to create a sense of space and to play with perspectives. Here it is used as a partition wall to hide the bathrooms from the rest of the lobby area.

At the back of the hotel there is a narrow alley that leads to the pool area. The rugged stone wall, the green tiles and the white rendered facade of the old building is such a pretty combo.

The small, chilly pool is a perfect place to retreat to recharge before it is time to hit the busy streets of Palma.

Ready for a dip in the pool and some lounging in the shade.

I loved strolling around in the narrow alleyways of Palma, especially in the evening.

Mallorca has some stunning beaches. We managed to visit three worth mentioning during our stay. This is Sant Elm in the west.

This beach is the one many say is the prettiest sandy beach, or playa in the island. It is called Es Trenc and you’ll find it on the south coast, around 40 minutes from Palma.

And this one is my favorite. The stunning Cala d’Or on the east coast. A number of coves with crystal clear waters and the whitest sand ever, surrounded by pine trees. I never wanted to leave.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…want to stay at a tastefully designed hotel in the calmer part of town. If you, like me, really like the buzz of a city but appreciate to be able to reside in more tranquil surroundings when it is time to retreat. And if interesting design and great service is your thing, book a room at this hotel!

My favorite thing about this place…

…are actually two things. The first is the interesting combination of design traditions. How Mallorca and Scandi has been brought together, into one unique aesthetic. The other is the service. You are so well looked after as soon as you step through the doors. Attentive and relaxed is how I would describe the people we met during our stay.

What not to miss when staying here is…

…to leave Palma to see some of the island. Mallorca is such a diverse island with mountains, cute villages and some amazing beaches. I love to swim so I kind of have to recommend a swim spot, and it is the Cala d’Or area in the south east. Small coves with crystal clear water. Aaahhh….

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