MarinaSa MAJORCA
BEST FOR… An upscale girls’ getaway with easy beach access
So how big are we talking?
X-Factor-judges’-houses-inthe-good-years big. Six bedrooms, six bathrooms, two private balconies, an outdoor barbecue and a pool that can house an entire family of inflatables, all set behind private gates in stunning countryside. Be prepared to spend a large chunk of your first day in residence just running around yelling stuff like,“Oh my God, it has HOW many fridges?’ to no one in particular.
House highlight?
The long, wooden outside table. Pile it high with local fruit, yoghurt, pastries and eggs in the morning, load it with Aperol and cava come cocktail hour (circa 2pm, but really who’s checking?) and lay it with candles, grilled fresh fish and – likely – more cava come nightfall. It’s the perfect place to sit and put the world to rights with those you love most. Alternatively, crank up the volume on your wireless Bluetooth speaker and dance around the pool like no one’s watching (because they aren’t, we checked the bushes).
And if you want to explore?
First up: car hire is pretty essential for this villa. Second: Vintage Travel, who look after this rustic farmhouse, will leave you a folder-cum-bible that you really need to take to the pool with a coffee and peruse at leisure. It divulges all the secret walks, coves, markets (oh, the markets) and restaurants that can be accessed on foot or within a short drive. Just up the road is the charming village square in S’Horta. It’s tiny – just a few eateries around a low-lit square – but it’s perfect for a spot of tapas, a glass of local wine and some people-watching. A little further afield, don’t miss the Sunday market at Felanitx (a great place to do your weekly shop if you arrive on a Saturday). Also, try the town of Santanyí for artisanal local pottery, shoes, kaftans and more woven fedoras then a Patricia Highsmith novel.
If you do ONE thing while you’re there, make sure you…
Have sundowners at Cala Sa Nau, the picturesque sandy cove just 10 minutes’ stroll downhill from the villa. It’s got the lot – turquoise water, pristine sand and a beach bar selling tapas, ice creams and pale, crisp rosé. Do as the locals do, however, and BYOBB – bring your own beach booze. Pack a few beers in your tote bag, grab something to sit on and head down to the beach for 5pm-ish. You’ll almost certainly find at least ONE of the following: people posing on rocks trying to get the perfect #sunset shot, someone who’s had too much sun asleep on the sand, and a local Lothario playing bongo drums.
GET ME THERE
From £1,148 per week – which is just £191 each in low season between six (prices rise in summer); Vintagetravel.co.uk. Flights to and from Palma run all year round. Car hire from Centauro in Palma Airport, from €13; Centauro.net/en