Luxury Mallorca

A blog about the luxury life in Mallorca. Hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, nightlife, events....

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Three unique cultural routes to discover the other side of Mallorca

One of the most unfamiliar faces of Mallorca is one that goes hand in hand with the history of the island and where there is no shortage Roman ruins, Arab walls and a thousand and one treasures that tell us what the largest of the Balearic Islands was like in another time, many centuries ago. To visit the island is essential but why not discover the most unknown and true face of Mallorca? Today we are going to identify some of these historical gems on the tour from the north to the south.

The treasures of Palma

Palma was not always the official capital of Mallorca (once it was Pollença), but nevertheless our capital city is a jewel as far as historical architecture is concerned and to check just take a quick look at the Cathedral, the Palace Almudaina and Bellver Castle, the only circular castle in the world.

While it is worth visiting each and every one of these places, we shouldn’t stop enjoying other lovely locations like the Arab baths, the cloister of Montesión or the church of Santa Eulalia, hidden spots in the city that surprise both themselves and others.

Magic Tramuntana: Valldemossa and Soller

On reaching Valldemossa from Palma you find yourself coming face to face with the Real Cartuja, a beautiful architectural jewel dating back to the reign of James III and which turns the city into a place of cultural importance just like Sóller.

Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Mallorca (along with the first and other places like Deia and Banyalbufar), Sóller is home to other cultural sights such as Can Prunera that are part of the historical tour of the island’s history.

Pollença and Alcúdia, Roman and Arab Mallorca

Pollença and Alcúdia are two of Mallorca’s highlights as far as Arab and Roman remains are concerned.  At the first location the Roman city of Pollentia is the highlight, whilst on the visit to the second location the route takes you to Alcudia’s wall, which is of Arab origin.

Where to stay in Mallorca?

For those who want to get to know the capital of the island, the best option is to choose hotels like the IBEROSTAR Playa de Palma. It is a beach hotel with countless services and situated less than 15 minutes drive from the historic center of Palma.

Of course, if the most you want to do is to discover the north of Mallorca, the accommodation options are in hotels like IBEROSTAR Playa de Muro Village or IBEROSTAR Albufera Park, two hotels located in a unique natural area and within a short distance of the main cultural points on the north of the island.

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The route along Mallorca’s most exclusive beaches and coves.

More than the obvious luxury of having a great car, a good boat or that ring you have been wanting to buy yourself for years, the correct definition of luxury involves opening the mind and going beyond the purely material. By luxury we mean relaxation, sleeping without setting the alarm-clock, watching the sunset on the beach with a glass of wine and good company and yes ... also nature, the sea, blue skies and holidays.

In addition to its full agenda of entertainment, our destination -our island of Mallorca- is a place where you can enjoy luxuriating in its unspoilt, more natural spots.  And as such in "Sa Roqueta" everything is luxurious: from a walk through the Tramuntana to a coffee on a terrace in Deia, or going for a boat ride or a swim in paradisical places like Caló des Moro.

With crystal clear, beautiful turquoise waters encircling the island itself, our beaches and coves are more than a gift ... they are the picture of luxury brought to life. So for all who choose us as a holiday destination, we have developed a mini tour of the most exclusive beaches and coves on Mallorca.

Cala Blanca (Costa de la Calma)

To enjoy relaxing on vacation as well as the luxury of our beaches, there is nothing better than choosing areas such as Costa de la Calma. Located between the towns of Calvià and Andratx, this part of the island is perfect for anyone looking for an adults-only hotel or a spa hotel in Santa Ponsa with direct access to beautiful beaches.

There - besides enjoying one of the island’s most beautiful beach bars (the Snack Costa de la Calma) - we can access almost deserted coves and turquoise waters like Cala Blanca, a true natural wonder.

Cala Blava and Cala Pi, two jewels near Playa de Palma

Not only has the visitor opted for a spa hotel in Playa de Palma (a perfect choice for those wishing to unite beach, rest and recreation) but this area near the island’s capital also gives perfect, easy access to coves of great natural beauty like Cala Blava (near Son Veri) and Cala Pi. The latter cove is not only one of the prettiest in Mallorca but is unique in the world for its long, narrow shape and permanently calm waters.

Serra de Marina, a paradise for surfers

If northern Mallorca has anything, it is beautiful beaches, beaches such as Son Serra de Marina. Natural, un-crowded and very close to the all inclusive hotels in Alcudia, this beach is ideal for those who want equally to enjoy both rest and water sports like surfing or kiteboarding.

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Luxury and relax on Calvia's coast, the best destination of the Mediterranean

Majorca is an exclusive destination for those looking for the best: this is a fact; we know it and we love it. Our island is not only one of the preferred destinations by national, British and German tourists, but also a place full of unique corners rarely included in travel guides (and that is precisely what makes them so special, that they are hidden nooks sometimes only known by locals).

Although tourists normally focus their vacation in Palma, the island has other luxury locations like Playa de Muro, Calas de Mallorca or Andratx. Which is the best option for enjoying relax and luxury in August? The exclusive Calvia's coast, one of the most esteemed of the world and the perfect refuge for celebrities that visit the island during their summer holidays. This is our own luxury route around Calvia.

1. A beach day in El Mago or Portals Vells beaches

Although Majorca is full of beautiful coves and beaches, in this area of the island (the municipality of Calvia) there are two exclusive small coves: El Mago and Portals Vells beaches. Two intimate and quiet corners perfect for a beach day far away from the mass tourism areas of the island. The best of them? Their views and their direct connection with nature.

2. An afternoon in Malgrats Islands

It might not be included in any travel guide, but Malgrats viewpoint (between Santa Ponsa, El Toro and Port Adriano) displays one of the most beautiful sunsets of the island. With its characteristic golden colours, intense reds and pinks, the sunset in this area of the island is simply stunning. A must live experience.

3. A dinner in Puerto Portals

After sunset, it's time to put on our formal attire (which in the island means a cool blouse and sandals) in order to have dinner in some of the many terraces on this Majorcan coast. Although there are many options available, luxury concentrates in ports like Portals, an exclusive place full of premium boutiques and luxury cars where to savour authentic delicacies with views of the most exclusive boats.

4. A cocktail in Campino, in Palmanova

And if you like to have a cocktail after dinner, near Puerto Portals you will find the beach bar Campino. Located in Palmanova, Campino lies on the beachfront. Its hallmark? Its views and strawberry daiquiris.

Hotels which offer customised luxury

If you want to live all these experiences during your next trip to Majorca but you do not have your hotel yet, take note, as in this area you will find two of the reference hotels of the chain Sol Hotels & Resorts: the hotel Sol House in Majorca (a hotel located in the most exclusive area of Magaluf, just 50 metres from the beach) and the Sol Beach House (located at the seafront of Palmanova beach).

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Target: a luxury holidays on the north coast of Majorca

One of the virtues that Majorca offers as a vacation destination is its exclusiveness due our island is perfect for those who want an additional luxury  in their days of relaxation,  for those who want  to join exclusive and charming plans with that chic touch that feels so good in summer. Candlelit dinners, exclusive trips, wine tasting only for foodies, etc. A world full of luxury suitable for the most distinguished travellers.

For those who are eager for this new approach to your holidays, we have prepared a top 3 plans full of glitz and glamor you won't be able to resist:

A Michelin-starred dinner

A place where you feel every moment of Majorca, enjoy every beating of the waves and every essence of the mountains. All this and much more is what offers to its customers Jardín Restaurant, Maca Castro's culinary alter ego. Located in the Port of Alcudia, the restaurant was the first of the island which won a Michelin star as its high quality and its undeniable supply are two of its remarkable features.

Its particular recreation of Majorcan cuisine is what makes this restaurant be more than just  a national reference. What about its specialties? Creative cuisine based on seafood dishes and grilled meats.

First-class cocktails at Miama Beach Club

Shrouded in the sea breeze of the island and overlooking the spectacular Muro, the Miama Beach Club is the ideal place to enjoy an evening with friends. Fitted out with live music, a minimalist first class cuisine and a brand new exclusive cocktail menu, the Miama Beach Club is the new place to be on the island (especially in summer). A proper meeting point for those who want to enjoy more than just a mere beach bar including glamour, beautiful people and a unique atmosphere.

Wine tasting at Can Vidalet

Between the Tramuntana mountains and the bay of Pollença Can Vidalet winery is located. A winery that produces quality wines such as the Port de Cecili, the Terra Fusca or its delicious Blanc de Blancs, and that offers private and exclusive wine tastings for wine lovers. We must not forget that in Majorca, wine is a worldwide benchmark (It suffices to recall that the coveted Malvasía highlights among its native grapes).

A world filled with luxury and charming hotels

Speaking on the luxury matter, accommodation must not be overlooked. It is crucial to find the lodging that offers more services for our private luxury holidays to be perfect from beginning to end. Although the north of the island is characterized by a set of exclusive hotels, we highly recommend Garden Hotels, a Made in Mallorca hotel chain that offers customers exclusive services and many extras full of luxury. What are its two major hotels on the north coast of Majorca?

Playa Garden Selection Hotel & Spa: Halfway between S'Albufera Natural Park and Muro Beach, Playa Garden Selection Hotel & Spa is one of the most exclusive hotels on the north coast of Majorca. A design hotel establishment located on the shores of the Mediterranean where getting away becomes a pleasure.

Cala Millor Garden Hotel: as an “Only Adults” establishment, Cala Millor Garden Hotel is the perfect place to enjoy a real holidays as a couple or with friends. Located in the most beautiful area of Cala Millor (and perfectly connected with other beautiful beaches such as Es Ribell, Cala Bona or Sa Marjal) this hotel is equipped with a wide range of extras designed to turn an ordinary vacation into a unique and memorable holidays.

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The plans you should do in Majorca this summer

Summer is coming to our beautiful island, despite spring is still giving us heavy rains and cold winds. The Mediterranean awaits us in Majorca coasts for those who live here and want to enjoy sunny days at the beach. We don’t want the weather to be really hot, but to have a moderate temperature.  We will indicate what our island offers us this summer: the best plans in 2016.

Free Art Festival.- In July. You cannot miss it, if you are in Majorca, The event will show different art from visual to all kind of music. It will be an entertainment event for all ages. Check its website.

Summer Pie Festival.- Life is a festival, as this summer in Majorca. One more year the Contemporary Art Museum in Palma hosts the Pecan Pie Festival about hipster culture, modern music and independent atmosphere in a privileged scenario: Palma nights admiring the spectacular views of the bay from the museum rooftop. You can find more information about this event on Facebook. This year is special: it’s its 5th anniversary!

Sunset in Sa Foradada.- Since it’s really trendy, it’s not the same. Every Sunday Sa Foradada is really crowded and you should take place to admire the beautiful and unique sunset. Mojitos, daiquiris, great music with djs sessions, the spectacular views of Tramuntana landscape, amazing Mediterranean sea...What more can you ask for?

Paella at the beach.- There’s an increasing number of beach bars offering paellas at the beach in Majorca. One of the traditional ones is  Can Gavella, in Playa de Muro, in the north side of Majorca. If you live or stay at a all inclusive hotel in Alcudia or Muro, you will be really close of the best beach bars to eat paella. The west side of the island also offers interesting possibilities in this sense: you will enjoy amazing terraces by the sea. There are many of them in Sant Elm. Look for the restaurant that meets your budget and your taste.

Party in a beach club.- Dance till the early morning, hace a drink near the sea, great music and atmosphere, relax...Beach clubs are becoming really popular. The ones in Can Pere Antoni beach, not really far from Palma centre and Portixol. If you are staying in the centre of the city, you just need to walk a little to reach them. You should stay at the hotels in Playa de Palma, like IBEROSTAR Bahia de Palma with one of the best beach clubs offering different events almost every day: sushi, chill out music sessions, tapas, wine tasting...It’s called Sea Soul Beach Club and you should go at least once. You can also go to have breakfast ;) In Palmanova, Il Chiringo is one of the most popular meeting points in summer. The beach bar in Costa de la Calma is also really popular: you will be in front of the sea in an amazing house.

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Summer holidays in Majorca

Yes, we are lucky… Summer has begun and everything is ready in Majorca.  The island is full of colour, fields are filled with daisies and sun looks wonderful. Tourists arrive, beaches have more and more visitors, deckchairs and parasols, and some streets are impassable. Officially, summer has arrived, and this is our opening season post.

Like in many bars, discos and fashionable terraces in Palma, Alcudia and Playa de Muro (the liveliest areas of the island), the summer beginning has been already celebrated but there are still a few opening parties to include in our June schedule.  The most important and mysterious one is the White Dinner: a date that only allow invited people and is celebrated in a public space whose name is only revealed the day of the dinner. All participants wear white and a lot of people from Palma meet at this event to welcome the summer season.

Nevertheless, this is just the first party. If you are staying at a hotel close to Palma, in Illetas, Palmanova or at one of the hotels next to Costa de la Calma and Santa Ponsa, you can attend almost any event and enjoy the authentic ambience of the capital of the Mediterranean summer. We are not exaggerating.  Majorca is more Majorca than ever. More every day.

A good example of this is Palma, which is focusing on that image of cosmopolitan city, trying to recover the glamour of the good old days by selecting the type of visitor for each summer. It is clear that the capital wants to attract a higher level tourist. This is why now we see incredible 5-star hotels and boutique hotels in the old quarter which are not within most people's budgets.

Shops, boutiques and bars in Majorca are also adapting to this new visitor and, although locals have to increase their expenses to enjoy a good ambience, a good drink or a delicious paella in front of the sea, fortunately there are still places where you can go even in summer without being afraid of expending a lot of money.

If you have arrived to this blog and stopped to read, you deserve a reward. So we are going to tell you a couple of secret places. They are a group of keys and places where you will experience the authentic summer of Majorca by enjoying its gastronomy, swimming in crystal clear waters and dancing.

Can Cavella’s Paella: If you have booked a hotel close to Palma or in the centre of the capital, you have to rent a car to enjoy this wonderful plan.  Can Cavella is one of the favourite places of the people from Majorca to have a paella in front of the sea at an affordable price, with feet covered up with sand, under the fresh shadow of straw parasols while contemplating the Mediterranean Sea. It is a mythical restaurant in the north of the island, very close to Can Picafort, so if you have chosen an accommodation in Playa de Muro or Alcudia, you will have the benefit of being beside. Ask for sangria and dessert, it is worth it. Additionally, if you stay for a long time on the beach, you can dance to the sound of renowned DJs of the island while you enjoy a freshly made mojito. If the place is crowded, very close you will find similar places. In fact, one of them organise parties every Sunday on the beach.

Caló des Moro: Escape from the crowds and swim in one of the most mythical coves in the island. It is not easy to arrive there, so it is not recommended to visit it with children. The cove is small, so you must arrive early. But when you see it, you won’t want to leave. It is an authentic luxury to wake up there and swim in its beautiful waters, in the middle of nothing, with the warmth of the eastern coast of Majorca. It is very close to Cala Llombards, Cala Mondragó and Cala Figuera. Path is not easy and it is not signposted, but if you search it on internet, you will find the right way to arrive.

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Top 5 hotels for May short break

May short break is coming and you may have holidays during this break. It’s time to plan these holiday break and look for a charming affordable hotel in a perfect paradise, where you can get lost and disconnect from the world for 4 days. Here’s a list of the top 5 hotels where to escape on your May holiday break.

IBEROSTAR Santa Eulalia

The authentic Ibiza, the one which offers us history, folklore, gastronomy and tradition. Santa Eularia des Riu is a quiet and relaxing place that allows you to forget about responsibilities and makes you immerse in the exclusive Mediterranean atmosphere. The hotel in Playa de S’Argamassa has one of the best quality-price ratios in Ibiza and it’s perfect whether you are travelling alone, with your partner or kids.

Garden Playanatural

Only Adults hotel in Playa del Rompido. A hotel where you would like to return. It’s like a paradise near an unspoiled sandy beach, surrounded by dunes and natural areas. It’s the perfect place to escape from work and your boss and immerse yourself in a pleasant experience: great weather, gourmet gastronomy, leisure and entertaining, culture, nature and sport. What more can you ask for? Of course! incredible prices.

FERGUS Style Cala Blanca Suites

Majorca is one of the best places where to escape in May: spring is the best time to visit the island before summer. Even though the Mediterranean waters are still a bit cold, few people can refuse to go in water. The hotel in Cala Blanca that we suggest you is located in Costa Calma, near Santa Ponsa, where you will have everything you need to enjoy your holidays to the fullest: golf, gastronomy, water sports, entertaining…

IBEROSTAR Royal Andalus

Cadis. Chiclana. Playa de La Barrosa. Lifestyle, sea, surfing…Come to relax along the Atlantic Coast, playing golf or enjoying the hotel’s luxury rooms in front of the beach. You cannot miss the hotel’s breakfasts and buffets, they are just delicious! Visit its amazing beach club by the sea, where you can admire beautiful sunsets at the coast. Cadis is always a good idea, especially if you want to enjoy a getaway with your friends or your couple and the kids. The hotel is designed for any kind of travellers and it offers excellent services. The price-quality ratio is great and rates are really affordable. Moreover, it offers All-Inclusive board option.  

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Luxury Majorca, by FERGUS Hotels

It’s the trendiest destination due to its safety, comfort, services...and Mediterranean charm. Everyone talks about Majorca, as well as about Menorca, Formentera and Ibiza, which offer us many unique attractions.

Discovering Majorca and enjoying its luxuries with FERGUS Hotels is possible. Come and discover why almost 15 millions of tourists visit the island every year. The island is full of people, colours and harmony in summer, but you can visit it throughout the year and enjoy your holiday to the fullest. Today we are talking about two amazing places: Pollensa and Paguera.

Paguera: nature, leisure and charm

Paguera beaches are surrounded by pine forests and the Mediterranean coast is just amazing. In Paguera we can also find many private properties with almond trees which are the perfect contrast in this place. FERGUS Club Europa is located in the quiet area of Cala Fornells, offering excellent services and rooms designed for couples and families in a quiet and Mediterranean environment.

Pollensa is the perfect quiet destination

Pollensa and Puerto Pollensa are two of the most emblematic places in Majorca. If you are planning to visit the island and want to discover its luxuries, you should stay in Pollensa where all your needs will be met.

If you want to enjoy the sun, the quietness of Majorca coast and practice water sports, you should stay at the amazing 4-star hotel FERGUS Style Pollensa Park Spa. This recently refurbished hotel is designed for meeting all guests needs and its relax and leisure services are excellent.

FERGUS Style Pollensa Park Spa services

Athletes

FERGUS Style Pollensa Park Spa offers exclusive services for sports lovers: cycle parking, hiking and cycling tours, golf, running, gym and spa. Everything is designed for your comfort. Don’t forget to ask for special menus!

With the family

Everybody is welcome at FERGUS Style Pollensa Park Spa, so you can enjoy your stay with your family. There’s a kids club and a special children’s menu, as well as outdoor pools, gardens and playgrounds. Pets are welcome too.

Meetings

If you are looking for events and meeting venues, the hotel is the best choice. There’s nothing better than a comfortable meeting room, where you can organize professional meetings, while you admire the panoramic landscape of Pollensa close to Serra de Tramuntana.

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Discover Mallorca: from the north to the south with Garden Hotels

We all know that relying on quality partners is essential to have a positive experience. In this sense, in the tourism industry, this also applies to business or leisure travels. Garden Hotels offers your family excellent, luxury and comfortable services in order you to explore Mallorca, spending your sunny holidays at the sandy unspoiled beaches on the north coast of the island, hiking or cycling. There are a wide range of alternative activities to do in Mallorca.

The impressive Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is the perfect sun and beach holiday destination for Spanish and foreign families. In northern Mallorca, we can find peaceful places, avoiding the stress of the crowded areas of the island. We recommend you to stay in this side of the island, popular for British tourism, on your next family holidays to Mallorca.

Make sure you book your accommodation

Alcudia Garden Aparthotel  is located in northern Mallorca, a 3-star accommodation within a few meters from Alcudia beach and the Natural Park of S’Albufera, one of the best natural protected areas, where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, quite common throughout Alcudia.

Alcudia Garden has a children’s park where all the family can go, so you don’t have to worry while your kids have fun. This never happens here.

Must-visit places

Below you can find a list of the places that you should visit on the north of the island, by Alcudia and Pollensa.

Alcudia Harbour, and the medieval town of Alcudia nearby.

Practice sports in Alcudia: swimming, sailing, surfing, beach volleyball or paragliding. All these and much more in Alcudia with Garden Hotels.

Puig de Sant Marti

Puig de la Victoria

Alcudia Bay

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Mallorca in your hands

Maybe you receive an email offering you a job in Palma de Mallorca. You should then make your luggage and start working. However, you may just want to visit this wonderful island. Whatever the reason is, in this article you will find some of the places you should visit (even if you are really busy) whether you travel for business or leisure. Take this article or write down these recommendations as they will ensure you a marvellous stay.

Which are the best recommendations in Mallorca? What to do? Where to go?

Mallorca is a unique place. A wonderful destination in the Mediterranean full of amazing places you shouldn’t miss.

Must-see places below:

Paseo del Borne: it’s one of the most popular places in Palma de Mallorca and one of the most emblematic places in the city. It keeps the elegant European style of yore and some of its attributes remind us of Paseo del Prado (Madrid).

Palma Cathedral: it’s the most symbolic place in Mallorca, also called La Seu, which is considered a marvel of gothic art, as it preserves the attributes of the European gothic. Something to admire!

Where to stay in Palma de Mallorca?

Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, Catalonia Majorica Hotel is the best choice. A 4-star hotel in Palma with more than a hundred rooms equipped with minibar and safe. It’s located in Palma bay and from the outdoor pool you will admire the panoramic views of the West Dock full of cruise ships that come to Palma.

Catalonia Majorica hotel is well connected to the centre by public transport, so you will not have any problem to visit the most emblematic places in Mallorca. The Baluard museum, Porto Pi shopping centre and Joan Miro Foundation are really close to the hotel. 

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Majorca: The island of calm

We begin the most beautiful month in Majorca and we made it in style: we propose you a trip in September to the island of calm. It comes when the high season is finished, it shows its most authentic side, its routines, its traditional cuisine, nights, deserted beaches. September arrives and peace arrives, and with it, the best of the best.

First, let’s choose a hotel near Palma or in the centre of the city (for example, a spa hotel in Playa de Palma or, if you travel with your family, a hotel for children in Playa de Palma). At just 10 minutes from the historic centre and at the beachfront. Don’t go to Costa de los Pinos, or take an All-inclusive hotel in Cala Ratjada, although they have very good looking (Yes, they are great, but the aim of this trip is different: we want you to see another Majorca).

Staying near the capital or the Palma airport is, besides comfortable –especially if you only have a couple of days–, affordable and very, but very versatile. To enjoy to the fullest, you should rent a car: you will also need to move through the rest of the island. You must visit Es Trenc and Ses Covetes, since Sa Ràpita is now at its best, with few tourists, with waters still to perfect temperature and spotless sand. Tranquillity and absolute relaxation guaranteed. Perfect for one of those days of beach and paella.

We will also go to the North. You have the option of staying at one of the hotels in Alcudia or hotels in Playa de Muro which, at this time are quieter and services are more numerous... but in that case you will miss the comfort of staying beside the city which is where we will enjoy a schedule full of plans.

Because Palma is the destination number 1. The cultural agenda is plenty with new plans that come with the beginning of autumn season. The main theatre, the Auditorium, the small galleries, the Museum of Contemporary Art Es Baluard, Ciutat Cinema, San Juan Market, the vermouths of Santa Catalina...

Just by walking around the city centre you can enjoy a bit of everything: art, culture, gastronomy, activities for children, sport, nature, heritage...

                                   Playa Garden Selection Hotel Spa

Plans for September:

-    Nit de l'Art: Palma opens the artistic season in style. With its own white night (which this year -for the first time- will last 3 days), galleries and museums of the city show their spaces, new collections, special proposals, performances, readings and live art.

-    New hoarding in VOSE: Ciutat Cinema closes summer season and is totally involved in the autumn with refreshed titles and good auteur cinema. A completely different cinema experience from what you are used to.

-    San Juan Market: since we are in Ciutat Cinema, just across the street is this new gastronomic market in Palma (the first one showing this concept that put on everyone’s’ lips the fantastic San Miguel Market in Madrid) where you can have a few tapas of any type of world cuisine at any time of the day. Besides international food (sushi, thai, pizzas...) there are stalls of Majorcan cuisine with traditional mini llonguets and innovative ingredients. Just delicious.

-    Vermouth in Santa Catalina: We keep visiting markets and recover this appointment left aside by summer. Saturdays at noon, in the Santa Catalina market, the cool district of the city, young and adult people meet for an aperitif and end up dancing until sunset in surrounding bars. An essential plan to share with friends.

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Let’s go to brunch in Palma

If you have a car, there’s an excellent place to brunch in Palma, with affordable prices, perfect location, nice size and high quality. It would be the deluxe Son Antem hotel from Iberostar, with just 24 euros you will taste the most delicious and creative recipes from the traditional cuisine that will make you change your Sunday menu: Tartar, special sushi, snacks and pastry snacks, Florentine eggs, Iberian ham, all kind of cheeses, handmade jellies, fruits, juices, milkshakes, seed breads. But remember, it’s only on Sundays, and it’s open to everybody not only the guests

Majorca is wide awake. Spring is radiant and summer is almost here, despite the lazy clouds and the fleeting rains in April, The city has awaken and every weekend there are hundred things to do day and night. The beach, a paella at the beach, sunset at terraces, life is though right?

Sunday brunch in Palma is getting trendy this year, after having fun Saturday night in Marítimo or Santa Catalina nothing better than a tasty breakfast to fill your energy, in a charming restaurant at the beach or a warm place with an excellent service.

Where can we find these places to brunch in Palma? Well, now is easier than ever: since many local cafés adapted this Anglo-Saxon tradition, as well as some new brunch cafés. The vintage Santa Catalina neighbourhood, with traditional and Nordic style has a lot of places to brunch.

We also have the Blanquerna Street, a place that became trendy in Palma since its pedestrianisation. In this street we’re going to find several cafés where you can forget about bikinis and sand and enjoy the delicious flavours: handmade bread rolls, all kind of traditional breads, organic coffee, eco-friendly products, all kind and size of cakes…fruit juices are delicious too, the same as ice-cream, where we will find a traditional ice-cream industry in Palma: Helados Paco, right in the beginning of the street coming from the centre to S’Escoxador.

Downtown, the Brondo Hotel (a boutique hotel in the Juan Carlos I square) offers a complete and unique brunch in Pama, with bloody mary, and all the cocktails you like.

If you take the Jaime III street to Passeig de Mallorca, the Es Rebost restaurant is ideal if you want to taste the most authentic flavours of Majorca, in the Passeig, close to the Palladium Palma Hotel  we will find several places to enjoy some snacks. We also have the Es Baluard Café, that besides offering sandwiches and nibbles, it has one of the most beautiful views to the city: The port, the nautical club, the city walls, the cathedral, the passeig Maritim…

Outside of the city, we will find de Passeig d’es Molinar, just a few km from the centre of Palma, The perfect place for those who live in the city and want to change the urban atmosphere, the city’s routine without going too far (you can ride a bicycle or just walk from the centre through the littoral from Can Pere Antoni).

In Portitxol (right before d’es Molinar) we will find some cafés and small restaurants where you can have a perfect Sunday brunch, the Es Vaixell restaurant has an exquisite and traditional chicken llonguet, boqueron fish, tuna, Serrano, Majorcan sausage or cheeses, one of the preferred to brunch by the locals. Moving on, we have El Enco where you can find breakfast with a perfect combination of sweet and salty, natural juices, milkshakes and salads. Then we have the Bigotes Bar Brunch, a lovely place where you will delighted by every little detail. From the service, the decoration to the food.

Walking by, we will find the Fibonacci (one of its branches, an industry that has become very popular in the city’s coffee industry) it has little terraces with view to the sea, a wide variety of breads, cold cuts, jelly, cakes, and all you would like to have on a Sunday meal.

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Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofia: Majorca under full sail

It is time to plan the Easter Holiday. Although it seems to be far away and cold weather doesn’t allow us to think of summer, farsighted people always win, always. For this reason, the competitors of the Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofia, which will celebrate its 46rd edition in the renowned bay of Palma in Majorca, have already started to prepare their sails.  

This is one of the first events of the official sailing season in Majorca. It will be held from 28 March to 4 April, and will receive many teams and sailors from all over the world in the capital of the Balearic Islands. Besides, we will enjoy the incorporation of Kiteboarding and the comeback of the Dragon category, one of the most attractive ones in the competition.

Club Náutico S’Arenal and Real Club Náutico de Palma will be the venues of this event, which will offer to water sports lovers, tourists and visitors, one of the most amazing sailing shows in the world.

Online entries were opened on 9 December and are already available for all those who want to make part of the different competition categories. As for accommodation, some hotel chains such as IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts are providing special accommodation offers in Palma in those days: anyone who wants can book from now a hotel in Playa de Palma or a luxury resort in Son Antem at affordable prices, provided that the stay is between 6 March and 26 April. For further information and bookings, you can visit the website of Trofeo Princesa Sofía hotels.

Organised by the Balearic and Spanish Sailing Federation, this event has 192 sailors registered from different nations and continents. Besides, it will be the debut of kitesurfing, which wants to join the Olympic Sports and will have its first international competition in Majorca, specifically at Portitxol beach, very close to the centre of Palma and to Real Club Náutico (sailing club of the city).

Men and women will sail 16 kitesurfing races but will be scored separately, according to the event organisers.

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Iberostar Son Antem Concept Store

Hotels aren't always as they seem. There are hotels that change not only every season, but also every weekend during the whole year. It is model that directly comes from hotels situated in capitals such as Tokyo or New York. More than an accommodation, they are a meeting point in the city for high society, visitors and tourists that want to live, at least during one day, this special experience. Different and interesting.

One of these hotels is located in Majorca: Iberostar Son Antem, famous for being one of the few hotels close to Palma that offer Sunday brunch, renowned as a golf hotel in Majorca with two exceptional 18-hole golf courses with specialized academy and store.

One of the most important events in Majorca was celebrated the first February weekend at this hotel: Son Antem II Concept Store, a mini “fashion week” that receives during a weekend some of the best fashion companies in the world with parades, showrooms, performances, model shootings… Additionally, people enjoyed gourmet gastronomy, beauty workshops, music and golf.

The most attractive element is the capacity of transformation that characterizes this hotel: in the first Concept Store, 32 rooms turned into fashion spaces, as any other catwalk in Rome, Paris or New York, decorated as if they were boutiques or designer studios. It was a radical change interesting for fashion lovers that could see how it worked backstage. This year 50 rooms were used for this event.

This second occasion was very similar; it received some of the main fashion figures in the island: owners of brand stores, specialized bloggers and journalists, models, magazines, TV. Besides, those who travelled with family could enjoy reserved areas for children, where they could play under supervision of hotel staff.

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Rediscovering Majorca

Many are those who have visited Majorca. The largest of the Balearic Islands is one of the places that more travellers receive every year and, although most of them are British and German, the national tourist is the third on the list of its visitors.

Although it is sometimes criticized because of its fast evolution as tourist destination, with a coast dotted with hotels, apartments, villas and luxury bungalows, Majorca has a lot of places waiting to be discovered, many hotels and establishments which have understood the cultural needs of the people of Majorca.

Now we can see an island that does not depend on the seasons, but is still boasting its main attraction (the beaches) and is taking the lead in a more varied calendar of activities, adapted to the needs of many travellers. Live music, art exhibitions and open-air theatre, traditional celebrations which become more and more famous, clubbing areas specialized in different types of tourists and residents, opera and classical music for winter, cocktail bars on the seashore offering theme events, brunch and vermouth in the centre of the city, cinema seasons, gastronomic and tapas tours...

Nowadays, you can travel to Majorca in any time of the year without giving up amusing experiences. Although the most visited beach areas, such as El Arenal or Calvià, are closed in winter, Palma and the surroundings offer a trip alternative which is really worth it. Moreover, many travellers affirm that it is better in the first months of the year than in July or August, because there are not so many tourists. 

If you decide to rediscover the island and you want a comfortable trip full of plans, choose the accommodation or hotel in the centre of Palma. Many boutique hotels in the old quarter have been opened, most of them with 5-star category, offering spaces open to the public such as cocktail bars and restaurants where we can taste some of the delicious specialIties of the island.

  The area of hotels in Passeig de Mallorca, close to the Contemporary Art Museum of Palma and to Paseo Marítimo is one of the best locations if you want to enjoy a comfortable accommodation right in the centre of the city, easy to arrive by car or by public transport, surrounded by the most exclusive areas in the capital. Booking a room in Passeig de Mallorca costs around 90 Euros per night in a design hotel specialized in city breaks.

Hotels in Paseo Marítimo are also a good option. But bear in mind that it is better to stay close to the beach, and not beside the beach if you are looking for peace, since in front of the sea is located the main clubbing area: so famous discos such as Tito’s, Pacha or El Divino.

The surroundings of Palma, specially Illetas and Cala Major, are other interesting areas to rest and enjoy a pleasant ambience next to sea. Son Vida, one of the luxury residential areas in Palma, gathers the best hotels of the island, as well as the southern area, towards Llucmajor. There is easy to find gold and spa hotels in Son Antem, open all the year round and offering the advantage of being in the middle of the Majorcan countryside, away from the bustle, and just 10 minute drive from the capital and 5 minutes from the airport.

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Playa de Muro vs Playa de Palma

It is one of the common questions from those visiting for the first time Majorca. Playa de Muro vs Playa de Palma The answer is not easy because both areas are perfectly prepared to receive all types of travellers, specially families with children or groups of friends in search of beach and fun.

However, the differences are noticeable, as far as geography and ambience are concerned. So, while Playa de Muro is a destination mostly visited by families looking for peace, nature, beach and sport, Playa de Palma is a leisure centre, very related to German travellers that have medium purchasing power and want low cost holidays with All inclusive.

Hotel industry, in general, is better quality in Playa de Muro. There you find relatively easy luxury hotels and 4-star hotels with spa, gym, chill out areas, top level apartments and bungalows... In Playa de Palma, on the contrary, most of the hotels are a bit old, need a refurbishment and an urgent adaptation to new times. It is truth that Playa de Palma is experiencing in last years a revitalization in this sense. Although the recovery of this tourism area is taking more time than planned, the private initiative has taken the first steps and the main hotel chains are investing in reinventing and giving a new direction to their hotels.

This is why now you can book high quality hotels with miniclub in Playa de Palma, Adults Only hotels, apartments to stay with friends or family, and accommodations that have turned their old facilities into avant-garde spaces.

The complimentary offer in Playa de Palma is growing, more in quantity than quality, but there are some places you must visit, especially if you travel with children: Palma Aquarium -considered one of the largest aquarium in Europe-, Aqualand water park, several public areas for children with funny attractions and gardens, minigolf centres, tennis, football and volleyball courts...

But the general trend in Playa de Palma and S'Arenal are the souvenirs stores, bars, discos and restaurants, most of them targeted at German public, fast food and takeaway meals. Night clubbing is one of the most famous in Majorca, since it gathers in a few streets all types of discos, dance locals, mythical bars and all kids of cocktail bars. The atmosphere in the promenade along the beach is always lively and parties usually go on until dawn.

Playa de Muro, on its behalf, offers a more homogeneous ambience capitalized by couples and families with children, most of them from England. The hotels with miniclub in Playa de Muro, the spa resorts and luxury apartments, are some of the most common accommodation in this area of Bay of Alcudia, where the building of hotels has been less aggressive and better adapted to the environment. Its nearness to S'Albufera Natural Park in Majorca has contributed to a better conservation of the area: landscapes, nature, dunes, pine groves, wetlands... All this is situated in a seaboard where you can also find the most recommended beach bars and restaurants in the island, cocktail bars and chill outs with a select ambience. Now, it is unsuitable for low cost budgets.

The nearest area to Alcudia in Playa de Muro, in the surroundings of the big boulevard that connects the beach with Pollença Bay as far as Can Picafort, Son Serra and Artà, is the most crowded. Here you can find more similarities to Playa de Palma and even to Magaluf and Palmanova (some of the most visited places in the island): fast food restaurants, small supermarkets, souvenirs stores, mats and other objects for the beach, a few discos and many restaurants and coffee shops.

As you advance on the city towards Artà, you will find more green areas and services targeted at sport lovers: professional tennis centres, padel courts, paintball circuits... And beside the beach, scuba diving, sailing, surfing and kite surfing schools, open-air cafés under the pines, and even companies that organise horse or pony rides around the beach and near paths. In this area you can find some of the best hotels with miniclub in Playa de Muro, family hotels and apartments adapted to those who travel with kids.

Both Playa de Palma and Playa de Muro are safe tourist areas with all types of medical, administrative and financial services designed to meet the travellers needs, which are who represent the main body of the population in these areas.

Despite the constant fight for deseasonalizing these two destinations, Playa de Palma seems to have the capacity for riding out: its nearness to the urban centre of Palma and Majorca airport turns it into an interesting leisure site for locals and senior tourists which usually occupy the few hotel spaces opened during the low season months.

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Shopping in Palma: Passeig del Born

Just as Madrid has its triangle of art, Palma boasts one of the most exclusive triangles of fashion in Europe. The commercial area offered by Jaime III, Unión and Paseo del Borne shape an imaginary geometrical figure where we find the most important fashion, accessories and cosmetics companies in the world.

Louis Vuitton, Carolina Herrera, brand store Corner - where we find shoes designed by Manolo Blahnik and jewellery by Swarovski-, Loewe and the recently inaugurated Liujo boutique are gathered in this triangle to offer one of the most luxury and select shopping routes in Europe.

Along with these international renowned firms, there are some prêt-à-porter stores such as Bimba, Lola o Mulberry and the classic El Corte Inglés, Mango, the Swedish H&M, Cortefiel, Calzedonia and all the Inditex line, including its luxury brand Uterqüe.

Regarding cosmetics, L'Occitane and Kiko Milano stand out, among others. On one of the triangle vertexes, towards San Miguel and Sindicato (next to Plaza Mayor in Palma), we find other places of reference as far as beauty is concerned.  Mac and Séphora.

Towards Jaime III street, very close to the hotels in Paseo Mallorca -Palladium Hotel and Saratoga Hotel- we can see bridal design stores such as the famous Rosa Clará, in addition to several shoeshops, young clothes brand Pepe Jeans, Pedro del Hierro boutique...

Getting premises at these streets, as in San Miguel, means to have a high investment, since renting one square metre is costing an average of 100 Euros. But if you have the possibility, it is worth it.  The mere fact of walking around these streets bring us many surprises: on summer, it is not strange to see a member of the Spanish Royal Household, European political figures and some of the most representative figures in international high society.

Those staying in a room next to Jaime III street, or in some of the luxury apartments in this exclusive triangle of boutiques and big fashion companies, will also enjoy one of the most select ambiences in Majorca and, by night, one of the quietest areas, since clubs are situated some streets away from here, in La Lonja and Santa Catalina neighbourhood.

For those who prefer to be out of the city and have booked a hotel close to Palma with golf or spa and all types of facilities, the disadvantage is the transport: parking in August in the centre of the Balearic capital is an authentic odyssey. The best thing you can do is to take a taxi or rent a car and leave it in the promenade or Capitanía, and peacefully walk towards the centre.  There we find some of the most wonderful buildings in Palma, as well as beautiful views of La Almudaina, the Cathedral, the called Jardines del Rey and the Balearic Islands Parliament.

We who live in Palma use to visit these shopping areas which, in fact, work better than the big shopping centres. The good climate, ideal to walk and buy during the week or weekends, keep us away from the big shopping areas: Porto Pi, Festival Park, Carrefour, Ocimax... Even though, the city is panning to grow in this sense and, in last weeks, the building of a new shopping centre in Ses Fontanelles is confirmed, on the way to the centre of the city and Playa de Palma. The controversy among residents is just beginning.