Pepe Rubio - Owner of Art Hotel Palma

You are one of the most prestigious antiques dealers on the island. In fact, Art Hotel occupies the premises of your former gallery. Can you tell us a bit more about your experience as an antiquarian in Mallorca?

My antiques gallery was open to the public for 37 years. You could say that my whole life has been dedicated to art. I started as an art collector, going into in the business of buying and selling objects, furniture and paintings later. I found them exclusively inside the homes of Mallorca's most prominent families. There are many old families on the island that have taken great care of their patrimony, so it was the perfect environment for an antiquarian. Most of the largest fincas have preserved their heritage almost intact for centuries, so I discovered authentic hidden gems that hadn't been overly restored, something that didn't happen in other places in Spain or Europe.

Are there any special memories from that time you could share with us?

My insatiable thirst for knowledge allowed me to find unknown, wonderful pieces in every house I visited. I remember a day when a lady asked me to stop by her home because she had some objects to sell. I arrived at around seven in the evening but I was so eager that, at two in the morning, we were still opening drawers and studying pieces, jewels and everything that extraordinary house had to offer. Time just didn't exist when I was standing before an artwork.

Tell us a bit about Art Hotel in Palma. Why did you decide to open a hotel?

Starting in 2005, I started to notice a drop in clients and suppliers triggered by a change of mindset, lack of space and, evidently, the economic crisis. I began to think about what I could do when that fascinating world was coming to an end. I still kept the gallery open for ten more years, working also as an interior designer. It was this line of work that made me realise that I could exhibit my artworks and enjoy the furniture and objects I had within the walls of a hotel.

The Art Hotel is located inside a renovated 19th-century building in the heart of Palma. How has the history of the building, as well as the area where it's located, influenced the hotel?

The building was thoroughly renovated in 1990, so the change from gallery to hotel was fairly easy. I'm very happy to see how well it's turned out, it's a small gem in the heart of Palma. It's also located very close to everything there is to see and do in our city: galleries, museums, shops, restaurants and beaches.

What makes Art Hotel special?

It's a small hotel featuring only 13 rooms, which allows us to dedicate our time exclusively to each client, giving them a completely personalised and tailored experience. It's also full of art everywhere, creating a cosy, quiet and elegant atmosphere. The combination of old and modern works of art throughout its spaces, together with the latest technology, creates a peaceful atmosphere typical of luxury hotels.

The hotel features lots of antiques, which are your favourite?

The best thing about historical Mallorcan fincas was the wooden furniture: chests of drawers, mirrors, tables and chairs. All of them were produced on the island, with influences from the best Italian and French cabinet makers. The collection of chests of drawers and mirrors in Art Hotel Palma is completely unique, not only in Mallorca but in Spain. If I have to choose a piece, I'd go for the Carlos III chest of drawers, which belonged to Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria [a late 19th-century aristocrat who owned various fincas around Valldemossa and Deià].

What are the best bits about your profession?

This professional change has made me feel excited about my job again. I just love being in contact with the public!

You have also recently renovated your Mari-Lin restaurant. What has changed?

Every winter I close the Mari-Lin restaurant to paint and renovate the collection of 17th to 19th-centurypaintingss hanging on its walls. I also usually change the menu to offer new dishes. Mari-Lin is a unique place thanks to its location just behind the Sant Miquel church, a quiet, relaxing place perfect for an afternoon 'aperitivo' or a relaxed dinner.

Any projects in the pipeline for the hotel or the restaurant you can tell us about?

What is most exciting about this new challenge is that you need to evolve every day, search for new ideas and learn to improve in every aspect, both professionally and personally.

What would you recommend to someone visiting Palma for the first time?

Either arriving by boat or place, the first thing you see of Palma is the cathedral, the Palace de l'Almudaina, Bellver Castle and the city walls that defended the town from the sea and the pirates. This old part of the city is the first thing anyone should visit, just wander around its narrow streets and discover its beautiful, charming 'patios'. Here you can visit the cathedral, as well as the Museu de Mallorca, Museu Diocesá, the Arab Baths and the March Contemporary Art Museum, just behind the Art Hotel.

What would a perfect day in Mallorca be for you?

A great day out in Mallorca would start with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. Take a boat trip from Sa Calobra to Port de Sóller, have lunch at one of the wonderful terraces in front of the sea. Then take the tram to Sóller and visit the Can Prunera museum. On the way back, you can take the vintage train to Palma.

Where would you go shopping in Mallorca? Can you share with us a special place to purchase antiques?

Palma is a small city, very easy to explore and with a wide selection of shopping areas. You can visit Oms, San Miguel, Colón, Pas den Quinta, Borne y Jaume III streets, half of it in the morning and the other half during the afternoon. There are also lots of vintage boutiques around town, but the only fun place to go for vintage and varied objects is La Gran Ocasión, on the outskirts.

What is your favourite corner in Mallorca?

It's very easy to find a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Mallorcan mountains, hidden coves and charming villages. Even nowadays, I find myself discovering wonderful spots I didn't know existed. All the Serra de Tramuntana and the northern area of the island are really unique areas.

Finally, a tip to escape the crowds in the summer? What can visitors do in the off-season?

In the summer, the best way to enjoy Mallorca is to visit the island's small villages, untouched by tourism. Get to know the locals and discover Mallorca's authentic architecture in places like Bunyola, Manacor, Sineu or Artá. In winter, you can explore the island by renting a car and driving along the coast. All the beaches and coves are empty now. You should also wander around Palma, and try out the island's traditional cuisine.

Art Hotel Palma is the perfect destination for those looking for a quiet city break or a stylish base from which to explore the island. Don't forget to stop by the Mari-Lin restaurant while you're there to try some of Mallorca's best tapas.