THE SUMMER GUIDE
Friday, July 23rd, 2010THE SUMMER GUIDE
The summer months are made for enjoying the very best that our lovely island has to offer. Here’s our own ‘abc’ of Mallorca’s highlights for this season.
A – Adventure
There’s nothing like a bit of adventure to get your pulse racing and make you feel truly alive.
Drifting peacefully above Mallorca is undoubtedly the best way of seeing the island, with its 550 km of coastline. Iles Balears Ballooning (www.ibballooning.net) runs flights year-round – and the option of dinner and champagne on board.
Rock climbing, zip-lining from tree to tree, hiking through dramatic natural landscape and cooling off under sparkling waterfalls are some of the adventure activities on offer at La Reserva (www.lareservaaventur.com) at Puigpunyent.
For a cool experience, try diving. Mallorca’s famous for its caves and many have hidden delights only accessible to divers. Mallorca Activa (www.mallorcaactiva.com) arranges diving experiences.
B – Beaches
Here’s our pick of some of Mallorca’s best beaches and coves.
Portals Vells (south-west)
The three small coves of Portals Vells offer a paradise of calm, clear sea. With a backdrop of shady pinewoods, these beaches are perfect for a day of relaxation. There are also caves to explore on either side.
Cala Blava (south)
Facing the Bay of Palma stand the cliffs of Cala Blava. There are several (often steep) access routes down to the many coves and rocks, which are never too crowded, meaning you can sunbathe in relative privacy. The waters are part of the protected natural marine reserve. Take your snorkel and flippers for a fish’s eye view of the typically Mediterranean underwater habitat.
Cala Varques (east)
Cala Varques, south of Porto Cristo, is one of Mallorca’s most captivating virgin coves. There’s no signpost: it’s an insider secret. Access is via a rough track, where you park, before walking over private land down to the white sandy beach. This is nature in the raw, so expect a few nudists and the occasional cow (from the adjoining farmland) . . . and take your own sustenance.
Es Trenc (south)
Probably Mallorca’s most famous beach, boasting three kilometres of white sands and dunes. The tranquil shallow waters seduce even the most dedicated of sunbathers away from their spot on the sand. It can be crowded, but is always relaxing.
Cala Mondragó (south-east)
In the heart of Cala Mondragó Natural Park you can enjoy nature in its purest state by strolling along the park’s footpaths – or head straight for the glorious sands. Cala Mondragó itself has shop, toilet and restaurant facilities, but follow the excellent path around the headland and you’ll find Cala s’Amarador – larger, less crowded and with a wooded backdrop. A beach hut sells drinks and snacks.
Formentor Beach (north-east)
Travel by boat from Port de Pollença to Formentor, home of the famous hotel where Churchill, Agatha Christie, and many other notables have stayed. Or follow the road signs, passing spectacular scenery. The long narrow sandy beach is sheltered, fringed with trees and offers sumptuous bay views. There’s a beach bar near the boat dock.
C – Clubs
If you like good facilities on hand when you’re by the sea, head for a beach club.
Nassau Beach Club (Palma) was voted Best Beach Club by participants in our survey last year. It’s a popular nightspot as well as great place to spend a day. www.nassaubeachclub.com
Beach Club (Gran Folies) is in the beautiful south-west Cala Llamp bay, with direct sea access. It has comfortable sunbeds, terraces and a restaurant serving excellent paella.
Dalt de Sa Rapita. An exclusive and family-oriented Beach Club, with half-sized Olympic pool, paddle and tennis courts, playgrounds, green zones, restaurant with snack bar. Sports events regularly organised. Not on the beach, but has an excellent club atmosphere and is perfect for those who don’t like sand! www.sa-rapita.com
D – Day in Deià
A haunt of artists, writers and celebrities, this small coastal village is best visited early or late in the day, to avoid the daytrippers.
Try a coffee or a cocktail at La Residencia Hotel, for spectacular views. Stroll up to the peaceful village cemetery, to see the simple gravestone of writer and long-term Deià resident Robert Graves. His former home Can Alluny is now a museum. Notable restaurants include Sebastián, and El Olivo at La Residencia. On Deià’s small pebbly beach there are two simple waterside fish restaurants where other diners could include Sir Bob Geldorf, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber or one of the other well-known part-time Deià residents. Enjoy at least one concert of this year’s Deià International Music Festival.
For suggested routes for other days out around Mallorca, and events to enjoy during your visit, see our website www.abc-mallorca.com.
E – Entertainment
Pirates
For 25 years, this action-packed supper show, set in a purpose-built theatre in Magaluf, has thrilled audiences of all ages with its world-class gymnastic feats and fearless pirates. A Mallorca institution, everyone should visit at least once!
www.piratesadventure.com
‘Come Fly With Me’
Broadway comes to Mallorca’s Gran Casino theatre, with sensational stage sets, singing and dancing. And could that really be Ol’ Blue Eyes himself up on stage? You might think so . . .
www.comeflywithme.com
F – Fine Dining
Gourmets will find plenty of fine cuisine on offer on this island.
Es Fum at the St Regis Mardavall was voted Best Restaurant by abcMallorca readers in the Best of Mallorca 2009 survey – thanks to Thomas Kahl’s creative cuisine. Other top vote-winners were Puerto Portals’ Michelin-starred Tristán, the domain of award-winning chef Gerhard Schwaiger and his team; Simply Fosh in Hotel Convent de la Missió, and Safrà 21 in Cuidad Jardin, serving ‘Bistronomic’ cuisine at great value prices. Read more about these reader favourites on www.abc-mallorca.com.
Es Vi at the Hotel Castillo Son Vida offers new Mallorcan cuisine, created by Caty Pieras – featured in this issue. At Puerto de Alcúdia, Restaurante Jardin is a culinary hotspot for gourmet diners and the venue for our abcBusiness Club lunch on October 8, 2010. Go on-line to read about the restaurant and chef Macarena Castro in our October/November 2009 issue.
For an out-of-the-way lunch or dinner, head to Es Verger’s Restaurant Sa Tafona at La Posada del Marqués, featured in The Eco Issue (February/March 2010).
G – Golf
In terms of number of golf courses relative to the region’s size, Mallorca is Europe’s number one. Whatever your handicap, a beautiful course awaits you somewhere on the island.
With a course rating of 75,7, Son Gual (www.son-gual.com) is one of the most demanding – and the longest – of the island’s courses. Tended by 30 green-keepers, it looks immaculate.
Put some zing in your swing with some professional lessons: Swiss instructor Michel Monnard teaches at Capdepera and Son Gual; Marc Samaniego is the PGA Pro at Son Antem, and teaches children as well as adults.
The Golf Academy at the Sheraton Mallorca Arabella Golf Hotel (the new name for the Arabella Golf Hotel) has PGA-qualified instructors speaking several languages.
For an independent review of the island’s courses, check out www.mallorcagolf.info.
H- Hotels
Mallorca offers hotels for every budget and taste, from five-star glamour to rural rusticity. Even in the current economic climate, new hotels have opened here this year . . .
Son Galcerán (www.songalceran.com) is an ‘agroturismo’ property with 12 guest rooms. A typical Mallorcan finca dating back to the 18th century, it’s traditional in style and set in a beautiful valley on the outskirts of Esporles, surrounded by mountains.
Petit Hotel Alaró (www.petithotelalaro.es) is a seven-room hotel set in an historic townhouse in Alaró, with a small garden and swimming pool.
Sa Franquesa Nova (www.safranquesa.com) is a superb 17th century Mallorcan manor house converted into a well-equipped 24-room hotel, with swimming pool, spa area, terraces, gardens and restaurant. The Sa Franquesa estate is at Villafranca de Bonany.
Cap Rocat (www.caprocat.com) at Cala Blava is a former 19th century fortress overlooking the Bay of Palma, transformed into a luxury boutique hotel with 24 rooms and suites and two restaurants.
Hotel Pegasus Playa (www.pegasusplaya.com) on the Playa de Palma has reopened after refurbishment as a 2-star hotel serving the gay and lesbian community and offering 30 double rooms, restaurant and 24-hour bar.
Magaluf’s Mallorca Rocks Hotel (www.mallorcarockshotel.com) is the sister-establishment to the Ibiza Rocks Hotel. Aimed at the youth market, it provides good-value quality accommodation (328 rooms) and entertainment. The hotel was launched in June with a concert by British band The Kooks.
I – Inca
Renowned for its leather goods, Inca is also well-known for its cellar restaurants, set in former wine cellars and serving traditional Mallorcan cuisine. The best of these is Celler Can Amer (www.celler-canamer.com) which has been serving quality dishes since 1970, in an atmospheric cellar dating from 1700. Having a summer party? Check out their catering service Vida Catering.
The largely pedestrianised shopping area offers many top fashion brands such as Tous, Benetton and Amichi, as well as individual contemporary designer shops. If you’re planning a new look for your home, check out interiors store Das Depot (www.dasdepot.com) and carpentry shop Createam Design (www.createam-design.com).
J – Jewellery
Whether it’s the perfect string of pearls or a glittering ring, you’ll find it on Mallorca.
Majorica and Orquídea are the top names in high-quality imitation pearls and their factory stores in Manacor and Montuiri offer a huge choice of designs. The Diamond Factory on Palma’s Paseo Marítimo is a girl’s best friend, and you’ll find plenty of choice in Avinguda Jaume III. For special pieces, check out Cartier and any of Relojería Alemana’s three stores on the island.
K – Kite-surfing and kite-flying
Mallorca’s welcome breezes provide power for some enjoyable sporting activities.
Kite-surfing gives you wings! Well, almost. Read our article about Son Serra de Marina, where you could catch the kite-surfing bug. If you like to keep your feet firmly planted on terra firma, how about kite-flying? It’s something all the family can enjoy in one of the island’s open spaces.
L – Leather
Shoes, bags and garments are all the more luxurious when locally crafted.
How to choose from the superb selection of leather goods at Munper’s tempting two stores on the island? (www.munper.com). If you can’t find what you want, they’ll tailor-make it for you. In Inca a wide selection of outlets includes the brands Camper, Barratts, Lotusse and Farrutx.
M – Museums
For absorbing exhibits and some respite from the summer heat, check out one of the island’s many museums. Here are just a few:
CCA Andratx is probably the best private gallery on the island offer world-class international exhibitions. In addition you can also enjoy one of their many events i.e. concerts, wine tasting evenings etc., (sign-up for their newsletter to find out more). You can also spend the day by their pool, have lunch as their restaurant and enjoy a truly relax atmosphere surrounded by beautiful art works.
Ca’n Prunera Museum of Modernism. An iconic building in the heart of Sóller housing a permanent exhibition of Modernist art, including works by Picasso, Matisse, Magritte and Miró.
Marti Vicenç Museum in Pollença. Open only in summer and exhibiting examples of the traditional Mallorcan ‘cloth of tongues’ fabric.
Museu de la Jugeta in Sa Pobla. Housed in the refurbished mansion Can Planes, this museum opened in 1998 and is home to more than 3,000 toys. Anyone for some nostalgia?
Fray Junípero Serra Museum and Birthplace. Discover the link between the small town of Petra and places like San Francisco and San Diego, at this enchanting and well-kept private museum in a pretty back street in Petra.
N – Nightlife
Balmy temperatures make for some perfect long nights out and Mallorca’s nightlife is legendary.
Puerto Portals is the glamorous choice, with restaurants and bars close to the port’s gleaming boats. For a younger, uninhibited scene, check out the action in Magaluf and Arenal. Palma’s Paseo Marítimo offers numerous renowned clubs (including Tito’s), restaurants, and bars. Elsewhere in the capital, Calle Apuntadores in La Lonja buzzes with activity; try Rivello for autentic Italian food or Neo-Cultural for amazing fusion food, followed by cocktails at their busy bar and if you still have some energy you can visit Jazz Voyeur for live music. The numerous eateries, bars and music venues of Santa Catalina’s narrow streets are also extremely popular.
O – Oranges
The beautiful Sóller valley produces the island’s best oranges – which can be enjoyed in a number of guises.
The vintage wooden train (www.trendesoller.com) first rattled from Sóller in 1912, delivering oranges to Palma. Today, Sóller’s golden orbs are still highly prized and widely used. Look out for the Fet a Sóller (www.fetasoller.com) traditional and artisanal products, and Angel d’Or, the liqueur made with the local oranges. If you’re a visitor, living in Germany, Austria, the Benelux or France, you can have Sóller oranges delivered to your home! (www.orangesoller.com). See our food article for a selection of great places to eat in the valley on your visit.
P – Palma de Mallorca
The Balearic capital is a destination in itself, whether for a day out or a long weekend.
Whatever you want from a city, Palma has it. Its glorious waterfront makes it a must-see destination for the many cruise passengers who disembark here. Presided over by the Gothic cathedral known as La Seu, other highlights include the Parc de Mar, Old Town with its tiny shaded streets, Castell de Bellver and Pueblo Espanol. It’s easy to spot historic Jewish and Arab influences. Palma is a shopper’s paradise, with two branches of department store El Corte Inglés, and a warren of streets and lanes offering everything from brands like Marc Cain, Cartier, Loewe, Massimo Dutti, and Mont Blanc to individual stores such as the wonderful lifestyle store – Rialto Living, top designer boutique Kidama, and for the latest in beachwear – Exclusive.
Q – Queen and King´s official residence
Although the Spanish Royal family spends their holidays at their palace in Marivent, their official Mallorca residence is the Almudaina Royal Palace, facing the Cathedral. Built after the Catalan conquest in the 13th century, it became the residence of the Kings of Mallorca. It’s now a museum, but still hosts official events attended by Spanish Royalty during their summer vacations.
R – Relaxation
Mallorca is a haven for those seeking relaxation and wellbeing, with a wide variety of spas and wellness centres.
Bodhana – meaning awakening – is a long-established centre for wellness, beauty, personal growth workshops, yoga & meditation. Western and Oriental techniques are combined to enhance the unity of body, mind and soul.
Arabella Spa at the St Regis Mardavall is Europe’s largest and was voted Best Spa in our survey last year. The Balearics’ first Thalasso Spa and Wellness Centre also offers the exclusive Anne Sémonin tailor-made products and therapies.
S – Serra de Tramuntana
The magnificent Serra de Tramuntana mountain range offers numerous opportunities for walking, birdwatching, dramatic views, and picnics. Find out more about Spain’s nomination of the Tramuntana as a UNESCO Heritage site: www.serradetramuntana.net
T – Trempó
Cool off with Mallorca’s typical summer salad.
It’s basically a mix of chopped tomatoes, green peppers and white onions, dressed with olive oil and salt. Add the gourmet touch with virgin olive oil from Oli Solivellas (www.olisolivellas.com) and one of the excellent flavoured local salts from Llum de Sal. (www.llumdesal.es)
U – Una isla de contrastes
Mallorca’s unique selling point must surely be its diversity. From luxury hotels to mountain refuges, local markets to upmarket fashion stores, and from tourist resorts to peaceful mountain footpaths, it truly is an island of contrasts.
V – Vineyards
A large part of Mallorca’s terrain is covered with vineyards, providing grapes for the 60 or so bodegas on the island.
Santa María-based bodega Macià Batle, one of Mallorca’s younger bodegas has a 150-year family heritage. They annually produce up to 650,000 litres of high-quality modern wines, have a thriving export market, and regularly win international awards.
Biniagual (DO Binissalem) – part of Grupo Tristán - is not just a bodega, but also the name of a delightful hamlet, with a long wine-making tradition. They employ international wine experts.
ÀN (Ànima Negra) is the producer of the acclaimed Son Negre and Jaume Mesquida of Porreres was the island’s first to introduce biodynamic viticulture.
See The Guide for details of more excellent bodegas.
Vi a Vi: Ruta del Vino / Wine Route: taste different Spanish wines by the glass, along with tapas, at various Palma restaurants. Organised by La Vinoteca, there are two routes: Santa Catalina (every second Thursday of the month) and La Llonja (every last Thursday of the month).
Over the course of 2010, around 200 wines from all the Spanish wine-producing regions will be offered.
For wines from other locations, Isla Catavinos in Palma (www.islacatavinos.com) offers more than 1,200 national and international wine references.
W – Waterfront Locations
There’s something about dining with a view over water that makes the experience even more special – and these are some favourites.
Bar and Restaurant Agapanto, Port Sóller: surround yourself with the scent of flowers and herbs, combined with the salty air of the sea, and enjoy romantic views over the horseshoe-shaped bay.
Bens d’Avall, between Deià and Sóller, offers stunning views over Deià’s sparkling bay. Chef Benet Vicens offers a unique gourmet take on Mallorcan cuisine. http://www.benetvicens.com/es/cms.php
Senzone at the Maricel Hotel, Cas Català. Offering cuisine with an exclusive Mediterranean character – and a breakfast once voted the best in the world. Dining here you’ll enjoy a view similar to that the Spanish Royal family see from their Marivent palace.
http://www.hospes.com/
X- Ca’s Xorc
In our Best of Mallorca survey last year, Ca’s Xorc, between Deià and Sóller, was voted Best Finca Hotel. Originally two typical 18th century country houses, it’s a blend of Mallorcan architecture with decorative elements from Morocco.
Y – Yachting
Cool breezes at sea keep the summer heat at bay. Take to the water and see Mallorca from a new perspective.
Learn to sail where the Royal children had their instruction: the Escuela de Vela Calanova at Cala Nova, Cas Català’s small harbour. In the north, the sailing schools of Port de Pollenca have an excellent reputation.
Be captain for day and charter a boat. On Palma’s Paseo Marítimo there’s a large selection of charter, broker and day tour specialists, such as Yates Alemanes and Palma Maritime. Cruising the magnificent island coastline is the ultimate in luxury. Travelling under sail is peaceful and truly relaxing. Voyage Charters Spain and Turner Marine Enterprises are two companies who’ll help you set sail this summer.
Z – zzzzzzzzzz
Enjoy a siesta, a cool drink and a leisurely read through abcMallorca.
Happy summer!
