The Place
This hotel’s English owner, a former lawyer, has an entrepreneurial streak perhaps unusual in a ‘safe’ profession: more than a decade ago, Vivian Read bought an arid, flat piece of land, plus an old finca; it took six years’ hard work to create his hotel, and now it is one of the best on the island. Palms have grown, and white parasols cast their shade around the enormous pool. Halls and corridors display an art collection gathered over 30 years. English Edwardian antiques rub shoulders with Victorian furniture, Sevres china, sculptures and interesting old clocks. As you might expect, the furnishings of the comfortable suites and bedrooms are English rather than Mediterranean.
Food is served on an agreeable glazed-in veranda, with a pleasant temperature, looking out over a garden of several acres. Service can’t be faulted. A spacious covered swimming pool was added in 1999, with sauna, whirlpool and solarium, so this is an all-year hotel.