Last week we took you to the wonderful country of Singapore, but this week we are taking you to Mallorca, one of the greatest natural destinations in the Mediterranean. There is so much beauty to see on this island; Majestic limestone cliffs that plunge into stunning translucent water, vast plains covered with almonds, olives and vineyards and idyllic inlets that are only accessible by boat or foot. Mallorca allows its visitors to be free and explore at their own pace with its great portfolio of hiking and cycling trails, as well as its numerous gorgeous villages for you to travel through.
One of the major reasons Mallorca is such an amazing place to visit and a premier summer destination is its beautiful coast. The islands lovely coves serve as a reminder of why the world fell in love with its beaches. Picture warm caramel colour sand beaches, with the wind blowing on your skin , as you turn to face the sea, its translucent sapphire waters stare back at you, then you turn around and see beautiful pine forests as your back drop, who would wouldn’t fall in love with this?
If you want to enjoy a luxurious stay in Mallorca, we recommend staying at the Belmond La Residencia. This Mediterranean dream is sheltered by green mountains on Mallorca’s north-west coast, and right next door to a pretty swimming cove. Its beautiful twin manor houses are set in lush gardens among citrus groves on the edge of the artists’ village of Deià. Guests are free to do as much or as little as they wish; guests can explore the region’s cultural treasures, learn to paint, hike in the hills, or enjoy a packed picnic from the hotel among the olive terraces while watching the sunset.
Our accommodation of choice is The Villa; this former private residence offers deluxe self-catering accommodation in traditional Mallorcan style. The Villa is perfect for a family or friends vacation, it is built on three levels and offers three double bedrooms. Guests can also experience breath-taking views of the village of Deià and the Mediterranean from this wonderful hideaway and home away from home in the north-west-coast.
Other great amenities include a daily maid service, Living room with open fireplace, fully-equipped kitchen and dining room and a heated swimming pool. In addition the hotel is only a short stroll from an assortment of museums, shops and restaurants.
Palma’s cathedral is a major architectural landmark in Mallorca and the city itself. Its grand size and beauty can simply not be doubted, as well as its stunning interior features that are unlike any other cathedral in the world and were designed by renowned contemporary artist Miquel Barceló and Antoni Gaudí. Although the structure of the cathedral is predominantly Gothic, its main façade is quite different and quite a startling sight to see.
The cathedral occupies the site of what used to be the central mosque of Medina Mayurka. Work on the cathedral did not begin until begin until 1300 and the mosque was used in the interim as a church and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The cathedral was finally completed in 1601, and was original designed to have a renaissance gothic feel, but when an earthquake struck in 1851, it caused severe damage. The result of this was that the Cathedral then became a hybrid of the renaissance original, where less gothic and more stunning features were added like the main doorway.
Pollença is one of the most interesting Mallorcan towns and offers a different appeal to the coast. Historical names such as Winston Churchill , Agatha Christie and more, has at one point spent some time in Pollença. Quite similar to coastal Deià, Pollença used to be a magnet for artists and is now home to a large foreign population. If you are looking for something unique and interesting to do in Pollença, you can always take a trip to Calvari. This journey isn’t for the faint hearted, some pilgrims do it on their knees, but you can simply walk up the 365 cypress-lined steps from the town centre to the 18th-century hilltop chapel. There is always a silver lining and this time it would have to be the soul-stirring views to savour back over the town's mosaic of terracotta rooftops and beyond.
Palau March was one of several residences of the phenomenally wealthy March family. The entrance is through an outdoor terrace display of modern sculptural works by 20th-century greats, such as Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin, Barbara Hepworth. However, the centre attraction is Corberó's enormous Orgue del Mar (1973). Inside sits more than 20 paintings by Salvador Dalí and other paintings by artist like Barcelona's Josep Maria Sert and Xavier Corberó and a magnificent 18th-century Neapolitan baroque belén (nativity scene).
If you’re up for some adventure and extreme sports then enjoy a guided tour through the Tramuntana by Kai and Julia. This ranges from mountain bike excursions to Lluc monastery and Cap de Formentor to hikes up to the Talaia d’Alcudia and through the Torrent de Pareis gorge. It doesn’t stop there, this is also the best place to take some rock climbing courses if you’re daring enough and kitesurfing lessons.
Choosing where to dine may prove difficult since Mallorca is filled with so many great places to eat, but this is where we come in handy. Trespaís is a beautiful restaurant in Port d'Andratx and owned by michellin star chef Domenico Curcio. Along with his wife Jenny Teller the two provide memorable dishes that will make an imprint on your tatstebuds for a lifetime. Dine in a cordial and relaxed atmosphere with sleek monochrome interior and tree-rimmed patio aglow with candles. Enjoy delicious cuisine, excellent drinks and a variety of culinary specialties - from braised veal cheeks with mashed potatoes or hash browns monkfish with red tuna sashimi up to Pina Colada Crême Brulé.
Mallorca is the place where great living, natural beauty, amazing food and wine come to live in harmony with one another, making the whole experience unforgettable.
