Emily States
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A Non-Hitchhiker’s Guide to Visiting Mallorca
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Mallorca with Apple Leisure Group, and it was an experience worth raving about!
General Things to Know Before Visiting Mallorca
Before visiting Mallorca, there are a few general things to know. Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, off the eastern coast of Spain. Its notable neighbor islands in the archipelago are Ibiza, known for its party atmosphere and nightlife, and Minorca, much quieter and great for nature lovers. Mallorca serves as the perfect middle ground geographically and in what it offers.
Speaking candidly, getting to Mallorca from Utah is not a picnic. If you fly out of Salt Lake, you’ll have at least two layovers no matter which airlines you fly. That being said, Mallorca was a wonderful destination, so if you are already in Spain or continental Europe in general, it’s worth a stop.
Mallorca is a popular vacation destination for Europeans, especially Germans. We heard German almost everywhere we went. In some ways, Mallorca is their Mexico equivalent, but you’re much more likely to find ensaïmada than empanadas. Make sure you try the traditional spiral pastry (which is fried in pork lard) when on the island.
Places to See
Mallorca is almost three times the size of Oahu, so there is plenty to see. We took in a blend of villages and larger cities, and if you are visiting Mallorca, I recommend doing the same.
Palma
Palma is the portside capital of Mallorca and is as high-energy as Mallorca gets. Here you’ll find the shopping, restaurants, and museums that are common to city life. Don’t forget your gelato as you take in the sites! The massive Mallorca Cathedral, a monument of the 13th century with its rose window and flying buttresses, is well worth the visit, as is the Royal Palace of La Almudaina right next door. If you take an Uber ride with Tonio, tell him I say hello!
Valldemossa
Valldemossa is a village nestled in the mountains of the island. In the 1830s, it served as a resort for composer Chopin who sought the climate of Mallorca for health reasons. We saw references to Chopin, including monuments and a museum in his honor, scattered throughout Valldemossa. On a more recent note, actor Michael Douglas also has a home in the area.
Our stop in Valldemossa really allowed us to experience the charms of village life on the island, and visiting Mallorca wouldn’t have been complete without it. There were flowers everywhere we looked on each tucked away street, and gazing down the mountainside, we overlooked olive trees that have lived for centuries. If you can help it, get yourself a rainy day when you visit. Speaking from personal experience, the moody mist really makes the experience complete.
A Glimpse of Hotel Life
Mallorca has over 650 hotels, more than 470 of which have 4-star ratings, so when visiting Mallorca there is no shortage of places to stay. We checked out three on our trip, all of which offered something a little different.
Secrets Mallorca Villamil
We stayed at Secrets Mallorca Villamil on our trip. About half an hour drive from Palma, the hotel is a castle-esque structure with quintessential Spanish gardens and terraces overlooking the water. On one side of the building is the Mediterranean Sea and on the other the quaint street-side markets of Peguera. While we felt wonderfully removed from the bustle of the capital, it was convenient to have shops right outside the front door.
Every morning, we would look out across a sea of colorful beach umbrellas overlooking the actual sea, and we enjoyed splashing around in the bay, which is waist-deep for several yards. Fortunately, the resort is just high enough so that when you are in the gardens or on the terrace of the piano bar, you can’t hear the sounds of beach play but you can still hear the surf.
The hotel staff is wonderfully friendly, and there is no shortage of food options. The buffet serves breakfast and dinner, and there are four other on-property restaurants to choose from. Be sure to make your reservations! We had live music regularly, not even just at night.
Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma
This Iberostar is located in the heart of Palma. The atmosphere of the hotel is typical of Iberostars around the world and had the fewest traditional Spanish elements of the properties we visited. The standout element was the rooftop sun terrace which sports an infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean. If you have breakfast there like us, note that you’re not likely to find maple syrup anywhere when visiting Mallorca!
Zoetry Mallorca
Zoetry Mallorca is something straight out of a Spanish fairytale. The buildings are authentically 14th century, preserved with elegantly designed interiors to incorporate modern amenities. The hotel takes up residence amidst vineyards and olive groves. It is perfect if you are looking for a peaceful retreat away from any hustle and bustle (while still being less than a half an hour from Palma and about 15 minutes from the airport) and being on the beach isn’t a priority.
The motto at Zoetry Mallorca is “slow luxury,” and they have crafted a Mallorcan paradise that certainly achieves that end. Amid the climbing ivy and blooming bougainvillea, there is a windmill and a chapel right on the grounds. Even if you don’t choose to stay at the resort while visiting Mallorca, plan to stop by for a meal or a day at the spa. We loved everything we ate there, and with a Michelin chef on-site, it’s no surprise!
My trip to Mallorca was a splash in the sun that I would happily repeat again. At its end, we caught a quick (and adventurous) flight to Portugal, but that’s another story!