Just over a two-hour flight from the UK and you'll find yourself in the beauty of the Balearics, with its largest island, Majorca, having ample to offer any holiday goer. From unspoilt beaches and sheltered coves, to its World Heritage Site limestone mountain range, ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, there's something for everyone…
Belmond La Residencia
A nature and art lovers oasis
Set between the Tramuntana mountains and a stones throw from the Mediterranean Sea in the quaint and oh-so-pretty village of Deià is where the impressive, and somewhat world-renowned, Belmond La Residencia resides. It was here that Princess Diana famously took respite after splitting from Prince Charles, and celebrities including Kate Moss and Gwyneth Paltrow have also holidayed here on the island. It’s not surprising that it’s amassed such an A-list clientele as the former 16th and 17th Century manor houses that make up the hotel offer total privacy and unparalleled views that instantly calm frazzled nerves.
The newly renovated suites at the top of the hotel are ideal for romantic getaways or honeymooners, what with their private plunge pool, expansive bathroom and seriously comfy king-size beds. While luxuriating in the comfort of your room until checkout will be more than tempting, guests will soon realize that the rest of the hotel, and its grounds, are equally as satisfying to the senses. From the cobbled courtyards, to the jaw-dropping vistas, and the scent of the lemon groves that greet you at the entrance, each nook and cranny is as pretty as the next.
Art lovers can lend their hand at painting at a class with Belmond La Residencia's resident artist, or simply marvel at the 750 works from local artists. Be it in the Sa Tafona art gallery, around the hotel, or in the carefully curated expansive sculpture garden. Benches and lounging spots are dotted amongst the ancient olive trees – perfect for taking in the works of art and those views. Ideally accompanied by a crisp glass of rose, or homemade lemonade.
Prizing yourself away from Belmond La Residencia will prove to be no mean feat, but a stroll down to Cala Deia is worth it for the rugged and rocky beaches. Be sure to book lunch at the fresh seafood restaurant, Ca's Son March, which you'll instantly recognise if you watched Tom Hiddleston in The Night Manager. Dine on whitebait croquettes and freshly caught Grouper all served up with Mallorcan white wine and a side of crashing waves.
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Prices start from 365 Euros for a double room based on two people sharing including breakfast. Visit belmond.com
Castell Son Claret
The gastronomic foodie retreat
Arriving at Castell Son Claret is a sensory overload, of the best possible kind. The palm-lined boulevard leading up to the jaw-dropping 19th century castle is interspersed with seriously pretty hot pink bougainvillea. While the Arabian gardens that surround the castle deliver a fragrance of bergamot, rose and jasmine. Comprised of seven listed buildings in total, with 38 rooms and suites set in 326 acres of unspoilt nature. A setting which allows you to completely switch off, unwind from city life, and breathe in that pure mountain air.
Take advantage of the beauty of the Mallorcan countryside with the hotels jogging trails, outdoor-yoga, tennis courts and bikes to rent. Not forgetting its picturesque outdoor pool, perfect for a few leisurely laps. It’s safe to say Son Claret is the ideal spot for those seeking wellness and relaxation.
The food alone is worth the trip to Castell Son Claret – for those heading to the island with accommodation already in place, be sure to add this one to your dining list. The hotel is home to Zaranda; the island’s only two Michelin starred restaurant, as well as the Mediterranean inspired Olivera for a more casual (but equally delicious) meal.
Before you so much as look at the menu order an aperitif, or more specifically the ‘Taste of Tramuntana’ cocktail. Made with entirely local produce from the spirits down to the herbs and edible flowers, all collected from the hotels gardens. Even the nibbles are perfection – from crispy wafers with homemade baba ganoush, freshly baked breads with garlicky aoili infused with saffron, honeyed paprika almonds and broken green olives muddled with herbs.
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At Zaranda chef Fernando P. Arellano uses market fresh local ingredients, as well as spices and herbs to prepare extraordinary culinary creations. Highlights include the ‘black egg’ with cuttlefish caviar, the famous red prawns from Andratx and perfectly cooked pigeon. Even breakfast here, served on the sun-dappled terrace of Olivera, is a total treat. From continental cured meats and cheeses to a la carte baked eggs, you’ll want to set your alarm early to make the most of it.
Room prices from 295 euros per room per night with breakfast.
Cap Rocat
The tranquil spa getaway
A former military fortress located in the most secluded area of Palma de Mallorca's bay, Cap Rocat is an oasis of comfort and calm. Perched on it’s own private peninsula, this tucked away gem has housed VIP’s including Michelle Obama and boasts privacy as a key factor for all its guests. Add to that the newly opened spa, brilliantly carved from the fortress' limestone depths, and you'll discover the true hideaway you've been searching for.
The spa's traditional Hammam is the ideal choice for those looking to purify, detox and boost circulation. The heated marble restores weary limbs, while the natural soaps, including rose, jasmine and black olive are massaged into the body with an exfoliating Kessa glove, before a clay body mask is applied to work its magic. Buckets of water are poured over you while you lie on the hot marble, leaving you feeling scrupulously clean and recharged.
Gently float back from your treatment in the comfort of the relaxation pod, while sipping on a concoction of lemon and ginger water, to hydrate and help eliminate toxins. If you’re looking to completely unwind, look no further.
Stays at Cap Rocat from £400 per night based on two sharing on a B&B basis.
easyJet flies from Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London Gatwick, London Luton, London Southend, London Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle to Majorca Palma, up to seven days per week, with prices starting from £22.49 per person.
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