It’s easy to see why Mallorca is named “la isla de la calma.” Off the coast of mainland Spain, the serene Mediterranean island charms you the moment you arrive, whether it’s with its dreamlike beaches, delicious food, or warm, laid-back atmosphere. And in these times, who amongst us couldn’t use a little bit of calm?
Mallorca, also called Majorca, has long been a well-liked holiday destination for Europeans, especially those from the U.K. and Germany, but it surely’s a growing hotspot for Americans, too. Travel from the U.S. got loads easier this 12 months because of United Airlines launching an inaugural direct route from Newark to Mallorca’s capital of Palma. It’s the primary and only nonstop flight from the states, making it a more feasible getaway for vacationers within the Recent York area, and for fliers across the country who can transfer at EWR. The flights operate 3 times every week—Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday—running through Sept. 22. So if you happen to’re seeking to squeeze in a summer trip anytime before the primary day of fall, this might be the one.
For the unfamiliar, Mallorca is considered one of the Balearic Islands, together with Ibiza (perhaps essentially the most famous of the group), Menorca, and Formentera. While known for its crystalline waters, there’s rather more to enjoy during your stay: wandering through the storybook-like streets of Valldemossa and Deià or trying out the island’s growing restaurant scene, which now holds 10 Michelin stars total. Nature lovers can hike, cycle, and adventure within the Serra de Tramuntana, an imposing mountain range and UNESCO World Heritage Site running along the northwestern a part of the island. History buffs can muse over landmarks just like the cathedral in Palma, considered one of the tallest Gothic buildings in Europe, or various Roman ruins outside the northern city of Alcúdia. And shoppers will love perusing local markets in towns like Santanyí and Soller (woven baskets and leather goods abound). Below are just a few recommendations of where to go in your Mallorca trip, though lounging on the beach all day is a great alternative to all.
The Coves
Eric Rubens/Courtesy of United Airlines
If you happen to’ve caught a glimpse of Mallorca on Instagram, it thoroughly may need been considered one of its coves, or calas, with their semi-secluded locations and unbelievably clear, turquoise waters. Most of those spots are on the southeastern side of the island, like the favored Calo des Moro (be careful for crowds within the high season); Cala d’Or, which has five beaches of its own; S’Amarador, which is situated on a nature reserve; or Cala s’Almunia. There’s also Cala Pi and the white and sandy Es Trenc within the south, in addition to Cala Mesquida within the northeast. Other beaches value trying out are Illetas to the west or Playa d’Alcúdia on the north side of the island. Why not try every considered one of them? All beaches in Spain are public.
Tip: It is advisable to bring comfortable shoes or sneakers if the trek to the water is steep and rocky. Among the more hidden gems require a little bit of a walk—but you possibly can at all times change into your chic sandals while you get there. Some beaches are pebbly as an alternative of sandy, so watch out where you step.
Museo Sa Bassa Blanca
Courtesy of Museo San Bassa Blanca
Run by artists and collectors (and couple!) Ben Jakober and Yannick Vu, this Alcúdia-based museum has a lot to supply. Its ever-changing collection features pieces from world wide and all throughout history, from classical portraits of European children to ancient African masks, Yoko Ono-approved gifts, and a ten,000-piece Swarovski crystal curtain. There’s also an installation by James Turrell (“Juke blue,” circa 1968) and a Siberian woolly rhinoceros fossil in the combination. On the expansive museum grounds, you’ll discover a sculpture park featuring lots of Jakober and Vu’s own works, a rose garden, an observatory, and the stunning major constructing, which was designed by Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy. On top of all that, the space is situated on an ecological reserve.
Salinas d’Es Trenc
Hartmut B. / 500pxGetty Images
Within the Es Trenc nature reserve in southeast Mallorca, the conditions are good for harvesting the right sea salt—and apparently, people have been doing that because the 4th century B.C. Today in that region, just off the coastline, you’ll find Flor de Sal, a renowned producer of natural sea salt that was first inbuilt the Fifties. While the brand may be present in shops across the island, its products are made organically here within the salt flats throughout the nature reserve. A tour of the location takes visitors through towering white mounds of salt and amongst the shallow pools from which the salt is extracted organically. Chances are you’ll even catch among the local birds—like flamingos—during your visit; there are over 160 species in the world. In your way out, you’ll want to grab a can of sustainably made salt to take home. Your cooking will likely never taste the identical.
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Es Fum
Courtesy of St Regis
Considered one of the island’s best restaurants, Es Fum has boasted a Michelin star since 2011. The newly renovated restaurant is situated in The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca, with a luxe but welcoming atmosphere and seating that spills onto the terrace with spectacular views of the ocean. But the actual focus is on the food, courtesy of executive chef Miguel Navarro. The filet of sea bass, black squid ravioli, creamy rice with smoked octopus, and marinated loin of tuna on the petit menu are too good to pass up. Even the assortment of toasted butter and breads are something to discuss. While on the pricier side, every bite is value it.
Ocre
Arturo+Lauren
This restaurant and bar may be present in Hotel Can Ferrereta, a boutique hotel transformed from what was once a seventeenth century home, tucked within the picturesque streets of Santanyí. Ocre’s menu focuses on “honest and uncomplicated” Mediterranean dishes from chef Alvar Albaladejo, all made with locally sourced ingredients. There’s even a market menu available on Saturdays from 1:00 to three:30 p.m., with exquisite local wine pairings to match each course. (Ask for the Estel rosé if it’s still available.) The impressive vino collection isn’t any surprise, considering Ocre’s space was once a former wine cellar. Very similar to the remaining of Can Ferrereta, which opened in 2021, the restaurant has preserved much of its original structure, reminiscent of its wood beams and stone arches, adding to its sophisticated yet rustic feel.
Vandal
Soni Martinez/Courtesy of Vandal
Present in Palma’s happening Santa Catalina neighborhood, the edgy eatery serves “food with attitude.” Globe-trotting fare from chef Bernabé Caravotta invokes flavors from Spain, across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The menu also suggests a drink to pair with each dish. Why not order the Pisco Bloody Mary Oyster with a glass of cava? Or a suckling pig curry with a Tiki Thai Mule? Even the desserts have beverage matches, reminiscent of the crystal cheese cake with a glass of kombucha, or the chocolate mousse partnered with a “coffee banoffee” cocktail. Attitude sounds pretty delicious, if you happen to ask me.
Bodegas Son Puig
Courtesy of Son Puig Winery
The Mallorcan wine scene has a variety of under-the-radar gems. Considered one of them is that this family-operated winery, which produces limited-edition wines in Puigpunyent, within the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. The corporate produces around 40,000 bottles of wine every year, all handpicked, bottled, and labeled by itself estate, which boasts nine hectares of manually-planted vines. The constructing itself is wealthy in history, believed to be constructed within the twelfth century and served as an ancient defensive tower for the Puigpunyent valley. Today, the bodega is managed by Isabel Alabern de Armenteras, whose grandfather bought the property in 1926 and passed it all the way down to his son, Raimundo Alabern, in 1967. Raimundo and his wife moved in two years later after they wed. The vineyard is his “dream come true and his retirement hobby,” in line with Isabel. It’s that type of care and fervour that help make Son Puig wines so special.
Nikki Beach Mallorca
Courtesy of Nikki Beach
The famous beach club has locations the world over, including Miami, Dubai, and even nearby Ibiza. In Mallorca, the beachfront complex, open from April to October, includes an award-winning restaurant, a VIP ultra-lounge on the second floor, and an expansive, breezy patio on the third floor. While having fun with a view overlooking Isla de sa Porrassa, guests can sip on a glass of bubbly, local Mallorcan wine, or a wide selection of cocktails. (The “world famous mojito” is a signature of Nikki Beach.) Bottle service is on the market if you would like to go all out.
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Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá
Courtesy of Gran Melía
If you happen to’re staying at a seaside city in Mallorca, you’ll probably need to wake as much as a transparent view of the Mediterranean. That’s no problem at Hotel de Mar, which has 137 rooms that face the water. Credit the architectural genius of José Antoni Coderch, who designed the fashionable structure in 1963. The rooms are lined up on a slant in order that the balconies (each residence has one) don’t overlook one another, allowing each guest to lounge in privacy. And it’s an adults-only resort, ages 15 and up, for an exclusive, mature feel. Calm down on the on-site Clarins spa, entertain yourself with movie nights on the grassy public spaces, take a nap on a day bed by the ocean, indulge at any of the hotel’s three restaurants—Arrels, Bardot, or Amaro, and be at liberty to take a dip in its private cove, open 24/7. Just a brief drive away from Palma, that is an ideal spot for individuals who want each access to what town offers and a quiet, beachside feel. Plus, you’ll feel comfortable with the welcoming staff.
LJs Ratxó Eco Luxury Retreat
Courtesy of LJs Ratxo
This eco-luxury resort is somewhat of an oasis: nestled between mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana, it welcomes visitors in a serene valley at the tip of an extended, winding road. Travelers looking for rest can be at peace here—either on the spa, complimentary rooftop yoga, the waterfall-accented pools with breathtaking mountain vistas, or the airy suites. The two.5 million-square-meter establishment is serious about being environmentally conscious, all the way down to its name. Ratxó is derived from the Arabic-inspired Spanish word, la ratcha, for irrigation. Sure enough, the hotel sources all its water from the mountains and repurposes it throughout the resort. It’s plastic-free and uses paper sparingly, the rubbish bags are compostable, the pool umbrellas are solar powered.
There’s also an organic garden on-site from where chef María Salinas sources many ingredients for the home restaurant’s seasonal menu. Leftover food is used as compost for the garden or to feed the animals in the character reserve, which incorporates a whole bunch of goats and dozens of peacocks. Staying true to the theme of well-being and empowerment, over 60 percent of Ratxó’s staff is comprised of ladies. It’s a marvel that it was only built last 12 months, refurbishing what was once an abandoned hotel. Because the business continues to grow, it’s continuing to incorporate more sustainable practices. Not only is it a getaway within the geographical sense, but additionally the mental sense. You won’t ever want to go away.
La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel
Nando Esteva
What makes La Residencia shine is its location. A part of the idyllic bay-side town of Deià, it was built along the mountainside of the Tramuntana, lending to breathtaking views of the town, the Mediterranean, and towering cliffs in the gap. La Residencia is connected to the artistic spirit of Deià, which is taken into account an inventive hub on the island. On the hotel grounds there’s a neighborhood art gallery, a everlasting collection of 800 artworks, a sculpture garden, and two artists in residence. There are even art shows and live shows which are open to the general public. Perhaps the crown jewel is the 33-piece assortment of original Joan Miró paintings, all situated within the aptly titled Cafe Miró at the middle of the hotel. You’ll be able to grab a meal, cocktail, or afternoon tea at this restaurant, or go for dinner on the romantic El Olivo just a number of steps away. Nature-loving guests can hike or cycle within the mountains above, while beachgoers can easily reach the bay with a shuttle service. There may be also a complimentary activity daily, like boat rides or a cava master classes. To essentially paint the proverbial picture for you: There are 1,500 olive trees, 17 pools (indoor and outdoor, for families and for adults only), and three donkeys. The residences feel equal parts cozy and elevated, and suites are warmly accented with wood beams and terra cotta tile floors. If you happen to look out at sunset, you’ll catch Deià and the mountainside swathed in a golden glow. All the pieces about this place appears like a fairytale, and after the two-plus years we’ve had, don’t all of us deserve it?
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