About Mallorca

Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic islands and has enjoyed something of a renaissance over the past decade or so. Budget apartment blocks have been replaced by ubersmart luxury villas and boutique hotels, and the bucket and spade brigade replaced by A-list celebs and paparazzi in hot pursuit; Mallorca is once again one of the chicest hot spots in Europe. But a world away from the razzmatazz and fickle wind of fashion there has always been the rustic sophistication of a hidden Mallorca; a traditional Spanish island with a rich history and culture, enchanting local people, atmospheric old towns and a dramatic coastline.

Mallorca is a relatively small island, but still offers some of the most varied and magnificent scenery in the Mediterranean. Spectacular images of the palm-fringed cliffs that define the northern coast and the turquoise sea at Formentor grace every Spanish tourist brochure but are nonetheless awe-inspiring when witnessed at first hand. At every point of the compass, mountains plunge headlong into the translucent sea and punctuate shimmering expanses of golden sand.

We have chosen to base our team of staff, including private nannies, chefs and beauty therapists, and our collection of luxury villas with pool, around Pollença in the north east of Mallorca. The old Roman town of Pollença lies ten minutes inland from the port; a wonderful jumble of narrow, cobbled streets and pretty, tree-lined squares. The legendary Sunday market is a kaleidoscope of local produce and offers anything from local fruit and wine, fresh fish from the morning’s catch, to handmade leather goods and jewellery. This is where our chefs get their fresh, local and seasonal produce from to create their mouth watering dishes. Puerto Pollença is a working fishing port with wide sandy beaches and a beguiling assortment of pavement cafés. The warm shallow waters of the bay make it especially popular for families with small children.

Mallorca has a huge range of different sports and activities to choose from: diving, sailing, biking, wind surfing, kite surfing, sea kayaking, horse riding and fabulous walks throughout the island. Our staff on the island are happy to give you details of the various activities available.  You can choose whatever activity suits you whether an action packed multi activity week, or if you prefer to rest at the villa and book one of many spa and beauty treatments available.

It is possible to drive from one end of Mallorca to the other in little over an hour and so the whole island beckons to be explored. Palma is a vibrant capital city dominated by a magnificent Gothic cathedral. Here you will also find a classy mix of upmarket shops, restaurants and bars, plus plenty to stimulate the mind from the Arabic baths of Moorish origin, to the Joan Miró foundation and an impressive collection of work from the many local artists drawn to the island.

Cala San Vicente is a short drive across the mountains from Pollença and is one of the smartest resorts on the island, with three enchanting sandy beaches and a fabulous choice of places to dine. Fishermen still work from the beaches and dinner comes fresh from the sea.

The medieval garrison of Alcúdia is a step back in time, its perfectly restored city walls enclosing a maze of narrow streets that burst with life from every corner; an enchanting collection of market stalls, eclectic boutiques and vibrant restaurants. There is a constant buzz down at the cosmopolitan marina and time seems to stand still from the cool shade of a pavement café, as sailors busy themselves to the soundtrack of mast lines chiming gently in the wind.

Further a-field there are many delightful towns to explore such as old Sóller with its main square dappled in shade, and the impossibly picturesque villages of Deía and Valdemossa. Since the Catalan kings in the early fourteenth century, these villages have long been home to a plethora of writers, artists and musicians, drawn by the peace and tranquillity, natural beauty and long sunny days. Enjoy the sun with a villa in Mallorca

See The Independent article on the Complete Guide to Mallorca Island of Dreams May 2008.