Mallorca’s rugged north west is scenically spellbinding, fringed by picturesque coves and peppered with handsome small towns that bask in the sunshine between the Tramuntana mountains and the sea. The regional architecture is overwhelmingly traditional, but here and there you’ll find unexpected gems like Villa Argiles, a chic three-bedroom home that is beautifully contemporary both inside and out.

From the hotel-style bedrooms to the glossy, minimalist kitchen, this is a private and very inviting space to relax and entertain, ideal for two or three couples or perhaps a family with older teenagers. The outdoor areas are equally appealing, with extensive grounds and a large summer kitchen complete with oven, hob, pizza oven and a fridge to keep your drinks at the optimum temperature for poolside refreshment or a pre-dinner aperitif. The pool is angled so you can have sunshine all day long, and when it’s time for lunch or a catch-up with your Kindle, there’s plenty of shade on the lounge terrace or beneath the garden pergola. If you prefer to eat out there are a handful of small bars and restaurants in nearby Bunyola (500m), where you’ll also find local shops and a handy bus connection to Palma (23km) so you can easily visit the city without the hassle of parking.

Bunyola itself is worth a wander, popular with walkers and cyclists pausing for breath on their way to or from a Tramuntana trip, and at its most lively on a Wednesday or Saturday when the market comes to town. Bunyola also enjoys a privileged position at the apex of the so-called golden triangle of Deià, Valdemossa and Sóller, placing you a 20 to 30-minute drive from their artisan shops, upmarket cafes and endlessly photogenic streets. Your nearest beach is Platja den Repic, part of the long sweep of fine sand that runs all around the crescent bay of Port Sóller, and there are numerous other small coves and beaches tucked into the sinuous northern coastline.

Our choice of Mallorquín properties is as diverse as the island itself, ranging from simple seaside charm to comfortable and stylish. Much of our portfolio is privately owned, and price alone is therefore not a universal guide. We contract all our accommodation in person, and each property has its individual appeal.

To help you make the right choice based on your own priorities, we have devised a simple grading guide to be considered in conjunction with each individual property description, awarding up to a maximum of five stars for the below categories.