MALLORCA MUSTS Mallorca, one of the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain, is a Mediterranean paradise for explorers, foodies and, perhaps above all, cyclists. In fact, Mallorca now hosts more than 35,000 cyclists annually and is a well-known spring training ground for professional riders. Of course, there s much more to the island than riding. The charming capital city, Palma, has grown steadily since the 1950 s, when Mallorca became a popular tourism destination. Yet in spite of an influx of travellers and such glitzy residents as Rafael Nadal, island locals speaking either Catalan or Spanish, the island s official languages treasure their traditional culture and coastal lifestyle. Much of the excellent food and wine on the island is locally produced think delicious Marcona almonds and olives. Cathedral in Palma Turquoise waters of the Mediterranean PALMA Hotel Hotel Can Cera Right in the heart of the Old town, this 14- room hotel brings together period décor and contemporary artwork. Within a 5-10 minute walk are the sister hotels Calatrava (overlooking the water) and brand new Can Alomar (overlooking Passeig del Born). http://cancerahotel.com
Simply Fosh Mediterranean cuisine by British Chef Marc Fosh (This restaurant is based on Hotel Convent de la Missió) Forn Des Sant Joan Tapas, Meat, Fish and Pasta Gelato Stop Iceberg Giovanni L Sights in downtown Palma La Seu Cathedral with Gaudí interiors Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum Museu Fundacion Juan March (Picasso, Miró and Dalí) Shopping along Passeig del Born and the Old Town. Nearby Hotels to see: To the Southeast of Palma (20-minute drive) Cap Rocat Built in a 19th century Spanish fort, with 24 exquisite rooms. (I would suggest booking an inspection in advance or enjoy lunch at their Mediterranean restaurant, Sea Club, overlooking the water.) https://www.caprocat.com Stop by Puro Hotel (between Palma and Cap Rocat) for some cocktails and lounge music at the beach club en route back to Deia. http://www.purohotel.com/hotel-palma/en/ To the West of Palma (30-minute drive) Castell Son Claret A member of Leading Hotels of the World, this new hotel was created within a castle dating back to the 1400s and is set on over 300 acres of land. http://castellsonclaret.com Son Net This pink-coloured estate dates back to 1672 and has 31 rooms all traditionally decorated. www.sonnet.es/entrance.html
The pool at Castell Son Claret The towering town of Valldemossa DEIA Hotel La Residencia This boutique luxury hotel is located on the north-west coast of the island, and set among the olive and citrus groves of the Tramuntana Mountains. Each room is uniquely decorated with Mallorcan antiques and local art. http://www.belmond.com/la-residencia-mallorca/ El Olivo Fine Dining at La Residencia HOTEL Sebastian Mallorquin Cuisine The Village Café For lunch or just a drink! Must See Walk down to Cala Deia for a swim and a cocktail Wander the small streets and visit the local artisans and galleries Live music at one of the local bars Hike down to the slightly harder-to-find calas in Llucalcari
PORT OF SOLLER Es Faro Delicious fresh fish overlooking the Port and Lighthouse Agapanto Mediterranean-Mallorquin Cuisine Sa Barca Mediterranean Cuisine Nunu Modern restaurant serving Mediterranean with a creative flare Kingfisher Good lunch option serving a range of food with an international influence Gelato io Gelats Artesans Fet A Soller Other Musts Kayaking around Sa Illeta Island, stopping at one of the calas for a snorkel and peek into a cave (Approx. 2 hours round trip) Stand-up Paddleboard in the Port of Soller SOLLER Ca n BoQueta Mallorquin Cuisine Ca n Pintxo or Casa Alvaro Tapas Gelato Fet A Soller Other Musts Take the tram from Soller to the port Wander through the Saturday Market and stop for a coffee in the main square
Sunset kayak in the Port of Soller Cycling the flats outside of Palma POLLENSA Hotel Son Brull Boutique Hotel & Spa Set in an 18th century monastery, this Relais & Châteaux property was converted into a 23-room contemporary boutique hotel in 2003. http://www.sonbrull.com/en Trencadora Italian (great pizza and pasta!) Clivia Meat and Seafood Must See Drive out to the Formentor Penninsula for gorgeous views of the Med! Stop off at Cala Pi de la Posada (also know as Cala Formentor) for a swim. Stop for a coffee at Stay Restaurant in the Port of Pollensa, overlooking the harbour. OTHER MUSTS Hiking There are oodles of great hikes in and around Deia
A nice option is to hike to the Port of Soller OR, for a shorter trek, head to Boutique Hotel Cas X orc for a coffee and cake or lunch with stunning views Sailing Sail to Cala Tuent for lunch at Es Vergeret, Sa Calobra OR stay closer to Deia and sail along the coast, stopping at Sa Foradada for a fish or paella lunch Valdemossa Hike or drive to Valdemossa. Lunch at Hotel Valdemossa or Café Cappuccino Fornalutx Hike from the Port of Soller/Soller or drive to Fornalutx. One of the prettiest towns on the Island. Wander the residential streets and stop to have a coffee, orange juice, or lunch at Can Nantuna (known for its meat). Cycling to Alaro Hiking in the Tramuntana Mountains