Magical Majorca!
Villa holiday unlocks sunny isle’s secluded side
HOW ABOUT spending chill-out time by the pool of a Majorcan villa — surrounded by beautiful gardens, mountains and clear, turquoise seas, arched over by a bright-blue sky?
The scent of salty air and bougainvillea enhances the atmosphere of romance on this Spanish holiday isle where Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier honeymooned and the sizzling Love Island 2018 series was set.
A villa holiday opens the door to sun-soaked Majorca’s more secluded, seductive side, with much to enjoy both at your luxurious base — and beyond its doors.
Away from their private pool, those in the know take off on enchanting boat trips, such as the ferry ride from Puerto Pollensa to the stunning beach at Formentor, where the sand is soft, the sea a clear blue and pines provide welcome shade.
Or they board the vintage electric train to Soller for the balmy charms of an old Mediterranean village tucked inside a valley of lemon and orange groves at the foot of the Tramuntana Mountains’ limestone pinnacles.
The train has been running since 1912, and takes you from the designer shops, museums and stunning gothic cathedral of Palma, to Soller and onwards by tram to its pretty port, where bleached wooden jetties reach out into sapphire waters.
Able to linger? Dine on wild sea bass and Spanish bellota ham on a candlelit terrace, while your senses are stirred by the harbour lights reflected in the sea. You may even witness the fabled green flash phenomenon, as the sun sets on another day in paradise.
Even in August, there are ample pockets of Majorcan peace to be found. Explore hilltop monasteries where only goat bells break the silence, pedal through olive groves and gold-stone hamlets or sit under an evening sky and engrave the lyrical landscapes onto memory.
MARKETS AND TAPAS
MAJORCA is often voted Europe’s best holiday isle for its sunny personality, but one reason ranks above all others — the extremely good-looking coastline. Think tiny inlets, sweeping bays and sandy coves, all lapped by turquoise waters. The 262 beaches, which are regarded as among the finest in the world, include 32 with a coveted Blue Flag award.
Add year-round warm weather, friendly locals, stunning scenery and so much to see and do — and it’s clear why the quality of life on the largest of the Balearic Islands is second to none.
Many of the best villas are sited within a short drive of larger resorts, such as Start with a swim: In your villa’s private pool Alcudia, Pollensa and Puerto Pollensa, which are brimming with shops and seafood or paella restaurants. This makes these villas a great choice for families, beach lovers and foodies, but also for those who like traditional markets and authentic tapas restaurants on their doorstep.
Golf courses abound. And water-based fun includes scuba diving, sailing, jetskiing and pedaloes — while, in marinas at Cala D’Or and Alcudia, glassbottom boat and catamarans skim visitors over glittering seas.
Majorca’s many other great attractions include the Caves of Drach, or Dragon Caves. Ride by boat through three chambers, to the sound of musicians playing classical music, and see amazing rock formations.
Hear the choir of 12th-century Lluch Monastery, singing daily in the mountains. Or explore the Jardins de Alfabia, where lily ponds, bamboo groves and citrus trees reflect 15th-century Arab landscaping. And there’s so much more to enjoy on this lovely island, where the sun smiles down more than 300 days a year.