La Residencia, an Elegant Hotel & Spa in Mallorca, Spain

I've got to start by saying how much I adore Deià, the charming and historic town where Hotel La Residencia reigns. The hotel is set in two former estate homes with stone and ivy-covered façades, and seems to fit in perfectly with the surrounding rolling green and rock Tramuntana mountains; it's a beauty of a structure. Decorated in typical Mallorcan style with lots of white, its 59 rooms and suites are comfortable and tasteful. Families or larger groups might want to book the hotel's new villa, a self-catering, four-bedroom private home a few minutes' walk from the hotel.

La Residencia is the place to stay for tennis buffs. Its two tennis courts with views of the sea are ideal for practicing your swing and improving your game, especially if you book their resident professional coach from Australia. My Insider Mark Hughes highly recommends the coaching there. Other main draws are the hotel's amenities, such as the spa, two outdoor pools, one indoor pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. For beachgoers, I highly recommend the pretty (but rocky) beach a 10 minutes' drive away. Feeling romantic? On a sultry evening, enjoy a tête-à-tête on La Residencia's candlelit inner patio under the trees. Their acclaimed El Olivo restaurant impresses everyone who comes; I always make a point to come at least once in a summer. And don't miss one of the best tapas places a short stroll from the property. See my file on top restaurants in Mallorca. NB: I have a few friends who have been less than impressed with the service here, and others who say quite the contrary. 40 minutes' drive from the Palma airport.

Rooms from €225 per night; Villa from €4,500.