Feet in the sand, the sun low over the Mediterranean turning the Tramuntana on the horizon orange — the DJ behind the open bar is spinning Afro-House, and the scent of grilled lobster drifts across the wooden tables toward the water. This is not a beach day with a sunbed and a plastic cup. This is Beso Beach.
Concept
Beso means kiss. The barefoot-luxury model that Rafa Viar and Angie López have cultivated since 2012 in Formentera now carries its DNA to Mallorca — to the Palmanova beachfront, inside Hotel Zel, the island's first resort from the joint venture of Meliá Hotels International and Rafael Nadal. Viar, a Basque restaurateur with decades of experience, and López, a Catalan with a fashion background, are also responsible for the design language: natural materials, straw parasols, palms, wooden furniture set in the sand. Siesta meets fiesta — with genuine culinary ambition. Beso Beach opened 2023 as the group's fifth location, after Formentera, Sitges, Ibiza, and Tulum.
Atmosphere
Palmanova beach stretches for more than a kilometre of white sand. Four areas structure the venue: the main restaurant under sun sails with a direct sea view, the bar with low-hanging lanterns, the Chiringuito Beach Bar with a thatched roof for cocktails and light bites, and a private dining room for up to twelve guests. Balinese daybeds, a pool bordering the sea, and a wet bar complete the ensemble.
In the afternoon the DJ energy is electrifying — guests call the view simply unreal. Those who want the lively atmosphere come in the afternoon; those who prefer a quieter sunset dinner wait until the last evening light cuts across the water at an angle.
Cuisine & Drinks
Basque-Mediterranean fusion is the culinary guiding principle. Head Chef César de Luna — trained in Argentina, London, and Paris, with experience in Michelin-starred houses — focuses on top-quality produce and fresh seafood. The bright-red carabinero scarlet shrimp are the house classic; alongside them shine the seafood paella with scarlet shrimp, the Almadraba tuna tartare with avocado and kimchi mayo, the Iberian ham croquettes, and grilled octopus with mashed potato and samphire. The chocolate Orgasm cake rounds things off.
Guests consistently praise the tartare and the croquettes; paella quality is described as inconsistent. The price level is at the very top end — budget generously. The Beso Mojito is the signature drink; the wet bar by the pool has its own menu.
Music & Programme
Beso Beach considers itself far more than a restaurant. The in-house music label BSound sets the sonic profile: House, Deep House, Funky, and Afro-House, shifting with the time of day and the energy. Resident DJs — among them Sedanosaurio (Alex Sedano, 70s/80s disco), Santi Tanit, Böje (saxophonist and producer), and Hektor Karmona — play across the Beso locations throughout the season. In summer, regular sunset parties with guest acts are programmed; current dates appear in the events section below.
Who It's For & Best Occasions
An international premium crowd gathers here — drawn by the A-list allure (the Nadal/Meliá connection, and Beso Formentera's history of guests including Messi, Cesc Fàbregas, and Luis Suárez) and genuine culinary quality. Ideal for a long beach day with a daybed and lunch, a sunset cocktail evening for two, or a private event in the dedicated dining room. Forbes has called Beso Beach the culinary game-changer that Palmanova needed.
Insider Tip
Come in the afternoon for the energy and the DJ set; come later for the quiet and the best light. The paellas are generously portioned — well sized for two to share.
