Doing Mallorca in Style
After passing narrow coves of emerald green water that are carved into the rocky coast, going past endless sandy beaches and through lush green landscapes with bleating flocks of sheep and quaint fincas, we eventually arrive in Palma de Mallorca, the island's first city. The urbane port has been given a thorough once-over in recent years, and presents itself with a variety of trendy restaurants and culinary hotspots today. It has been quite reassuring to see the native Mallorquin cuisine re-interpreted here in Palma and everywhere on the island, with so many slow-food restaurants opening up. Let yourself be inspired, and rediscover Mallorca – well away from the raucous beach front revelry and the budget tourist resorts.
10 Favourite Tips for a Successful Weekend in Style:
Tip no. 1: Can Simoneta – Lovelier than Any Postcard
What you will find here is space rather than confinement, tranquillity instead of the tourist bustle, and quiet luxury rather than nightlife fun for millennials. The Can Simoneta on Mallorca's east coast is an adults-only hotel – a meditative retreat for jaded urbanites.
Tip no. 2: Cap Rocat – Like a Fairy Tale from the Arabian Nights
If it was not for the spectacular view of the bay of Palma, Mallorca's most impressive luxury resort might make you feel as if you were in Morocco. The Cap Rocat is a former military fortress directly on the waterfront, lately turned into an exclusive suite hotel. Star architect Antonio Obrador turned bullets into door handles and gun carriages into tables.
Tip no. 3: Sant Francesc – the Latest Addition to Palma's Boutique Hotel Scene
Open since spring 2015, the Sant Francesc Hotel Singular on the Plaça Sant Francesc features a patio, a lush garden, a striking staircase, eclectically decorated rooms and plenty of art. The cool and elegant roof terrace with its sprawling pool, lounge and bar extends over 200 sqm.
Tip no. 4: Castell Son Claret – the Finest Hotel Garden on Mallorca
This place will start amazing you before you even get there – with its palm tree avenue leading up to the castle, and a view of the lush Moorish garden with its almond, olive and orange trees opening up on either side of the driveway. The expansive estate (132 hectares) with its stands of old-growth forest and fragrant jasmine and rose bushes is a genuine treat for the senses. The garden's lush corners and retreats are actually more numerous than the rooms at the Castell Son Claret, and it won't be long before you find your favourite spot.
Tip no. 5: Zaranda – Grand Cuisine at the Manor
The Zaranda gourmet restaurant at the Castell Son Claret is the latest culinary hot spot on Mallorca. As of 2016, chef Fernando Pérez Arellano bears the accolade of two Michelin stars and has thus become the most highly decorated chef on the entire island. It is always a good idea to book your place at the chef's table far in advance. The long table is built right into the chef's counter. It grants you a sweeping view of the kitchen, and lets you watch Fernando Pérez Arellano and his team prepare their culinary oeuvres made of Mallorquin produce.
Tip no. 6: Bens d’Avall – a Box Seat with Magnificent View
The mixture of breath-taking scenery and excellent cuisine is quite extraordinary. Perched on the cliffs between Sóller and Deià high above the sea sits the Bens d'Avall. restaurant. It is well worth booking a table for the early evening hours in order to watch the spectacular sunset.
Tip no. 7: Santi Taura – Cheeky, Sexy and very Mallorquin
Restaurant Santi Taura, Lloseta
Cheeky Mallorquin food at a great value-for-money ratio. In the absence of a regular menu, your choice at the Santi Taura, is simply to go for the delicious 6-course dinner priced at a moderate 37.00 Euros.
Tip no. 8: The Pink Pepper Tree – a New Country Hotel of Boho Chic Ambience
If you prefer not to stray too far from the Santi Taura restaurant, there is the option to stay with Jacqueline and Glynn at their charming finca, The Pink Pepper Tree. Glynn, being an architect by trade, turned a rustic 16th-century country cottage into an elegant gem that offers eight rooms of bespoke design. The interior has been decorated with a sure hand, skilfully mixing vintage furniture with boho chic.
Tip no. 9: Ca Na Toneta – an Authentic Country Beauty
Mallorquin slow-food cuisine that puts the product centre stage. Vegetables, lettuces, herbs, and fruit come from their own organic garden. Using regional produce and showing immense respect for nature, Maria Solivellas creates local dishes from the island, adding a light feminine touch and plenty of zest. Meanwhile, Maria's sister Teresa will take excellent care of you in the lovely Ca Na Toneta restaurant with its nooks and crannies.
Tip no. 10: Emilio Innobar – Mallorca's Finest Ceviche
Ceviche made of langoustines, tataki from the gilt-head bream, tartare from yellow-fin tuna – the catch-of-the-day spectrum of shellfish and other seafood is as multicultural as the chef himself. Emilio, who is originally from Mexico, learned his trade from sushi masters in Japan. The quality of his fare is outstanding, the mood is boisterous, and the restaurant filled to capacity every day. It is definitely one of the trendy hotspots in Palma today.
Ready for more? If so, browse through 16 hotel and restaurant recommendations for Mallorca we posted on pillowandpepper.com – each one of them tested in person, on location.
We hope you have lots of fun planning your next trip and yet more pleasure on the road!