More to Mallorca than Magaluf

In October, Karen was fortunate to escape the UK weather and jet off to explore the beautiful island of Mallorca – she really enjoyed her time on the island and here recounts her experiences:

I spent the first 2 nights in the beautiful adult only Hospes Maricel & Spa, located on the seafront in Cala Mayor, just 10 minutes drive from Palma city. The hotel is well established with a grand feel and just 50 rooms, half of which are in the beautiful original building that was once a wealthy merchant home. The other half are located in the new Natura building with each enjoying its own zena pool and a contemporary minimalist style.

The spa is beautiful with open treatment areas overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean and the infinity pool.

One afternoon, we had a local guide who gave us a private tour of Palma city. With its beautiful cathedral, narrow back streets and local tapas bars it really is a fantastic destination, even for just a short break. We had a peek at some of the smaller boutique hotels too that are right in the heart of things. The Hotel Sant Francesc, an original manor house with its beautiful fade is located in the atmospheric centre of the city and dates from 1880. The highlight of this Small Luxury Hotel is the contemporary roof terrace with a sushi bar, pool and views across all the rooftops an oasis of calm looking over the bustle of everyday life. I also liked the Es Princep, another Small Luxury Hotel with the most amazing roof top pool, restaurant and views across the bay and right in the heart of the city.

The following day we said good bye to the lovely staff at the Hospes Maricel and headed up to Deia on the west coast of the island. Here we were invited to lunch at the beautiful Belmond La Residencia in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana. Deia is a very pretty artists village just a mile from the coast and surrounded by olive groves. Belmond La Residencia is formed from two historic manor houses the result being a wonderful haven of simple, understated elegance. The hotel has 67 bedrooms with spectacular views of the village and mountains beyond as well as 2 outdoor pools, an indoor pool, spa and 2 tennis courts. Whilst the surrounding countryside can be explored by foot or bicycle, you may also join one of the guided art tours in the village or take a stroll along Poets Walk through the olive groves where you can rest on wooded benches dedicated to poets such as Robert Graves.  Lunch was memorable as you would imagine!

Then it was onto the east coast and the small resort of beautiful Canyamel.

Opened just 3 years ago, nestling into the hillside the 5* Park Hyatt overlooks the tranquil Canyamel Valley with views towards the town of Arta and the sea. This luxurious hotel complex features spacious guest accommodation and terraces with sumptuous furniture, a serene spa for indulgent treatments and a fabulous pool landscape set over multiple levels. Canyamel beach is a five minute drive away and guests have use of the adjacent country club where I enjoyed my first ever yoga class!

This place is perfect for families and couples who love to relax in 5* luxury as well as those who are looking for extensive sports facilities.

We spent 2 glorious nights here and certainly enjoyed every minute of it.

Mallorca definitely did not disappoint. Away from the clubs and bars of the touristy areas you will discover quiet, sophisticated resorts and hotels with lush, green mountain landscapes and a welcome as warm as the weather. I was sorry to have to pack my bag and leave. Even in early October I could feel the warmth of the sun on my face as I climbed the aircraft steps and waved Bon Voyage I will be back.

For more information on Mallorca or any of the hotels that Karen visited during her stay do pop in and see her or give her a ring on 01372 462226.