Courtney Pochin
Finds tranquillity in Majorca with a pool on her balcony
There are few things in life more luxurious than having a pool all to yourself if you love to swim. No kids screaming or splashing about, no one overtaking you as they do laps… there’s nothing but you, the water and that feeling of complete freedom.
This was something I experienced for the very first time at the new
TUI Blue Sensatori Biomar resort in Majorca, thanks to the private swim-up pool on my balcony.
It’s a luxury I never knew I needed and honestly something that I wish could be added as standard practice in all hotels.
As an introvert, it gave me immense pleasure to be able to sit on my balcony, Fanta Limon in hand, legs dangling in the water, and be able to see all the other guests in the main hotel pool, knowing I didn’t have to be part of the mix. After a stylish makeover, this five-star resort in Sa Coma reopened in April and is the latest to join the flagship collection.
Like all TUI Blue Sensatori hotels, the Biomar is designed to provide a holiday tailored to the individual, which means there are a whopping 14 room types including swim-ups and suites, some with private pools.
There are five main pools to choose from, including a kids’ pool, splash ground, and that holiday favourite for envy-inducing selfies – the swim-up bar.
Pick from seven a la carte restaurants. There’s a Spanish eaterie, an Italian trattoria, an Asian restaurant and a sophisticated bistro tucked away in the adultsonly zone, so you can mix it up or focus on your favourites. Six bars include a piano bar, pool bar, outdoor venue The Boardwalk, and The Show Lounge for nightly professional shows and live music.
Sport and wellbeing are a huge part of the experience – try Aqua Balance Boards and archery, candlelight yoga and beach boot camps, or join a volleyball game. Those with children can keep them occupied at the TUI Kids’ Club, with supervised sessions for three- to 12-year-olds, evening parties, movies and Stay and Play.
While they’re joining in the fun and games, you can creep off to the Blue Spa and enjoy a free hydrothermal circuit at the indoor pool with in-water massage loungers and water jets. There are also spa therapies, hot tubs, saunas and a steam room.
Children have their own list of treatments in the Biomar Petit Spa, offering facials and massages for four- to 16-year-olds.
The wi-fi is also free and if you download the Blue app, you can browse the restaurants and
activities and make bookings. From the resort, it’s a few minutes’ walk to the seaside resort of Sa Coma with its Blue Flag beach, bars, shops and restaurants. Head down the main road, or burn off your breakfast buffet with a hike through the forest, where you might spot a tortoise.
If you want to see architect
Antoni
Gaudí’s Catalan modernism, you don’t have to queue for hours at the
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. I joined an excursion to Majorca’s capital city of Palma, which took in the stunning Gothic Santa Maria Cathedral, which Gaudí helped renovate.
On a sunny day, the emblematic 14th-century cathedral, more commonly known as La Seu, is filled with rainbows created by the huge rose-shaped stained glass windows. It’s in a wonderful spot, above Parc de la Mar, with its serene saltwater lake created to mirror the sea.
Lively Palma is alive with markets and amazing places to eat and drink – it’s pretty too with old-town architecture. It’s also great for shopping, with designer brands and local independent boutiques.
After pounding the streets, I stopped for cocktails and tapas at Ombu, which serves outstanding sharing plates of Andalusian-style
squid, marinated
Iberian pork and tempura prawns, opposite the Plaza de la Reina fountain. If you fancy sampling some really delicious Spanish wine on the way back, drop into Bodega Ramanya in Santa María del Camí.
Behind the doors of an ordinary looking house is a hidden oasis created by the Ramis family, who have been growing native grapes while tracking down historic Majorcan items, from carriages to old farming tools for its museum.
Family matriarch Magdalena made the experience all the more memorable, piling guests’ plates with bread, cheese, meat and homemade olive oil. As we sampled the fruity young wines, Magdalena told hilarious stories about witches, even donning a conical hat before sending us off with a naughty cheers: “Salut I força al canut!” This means cheers, health, strength, power and wealth… but actually translates as “good strength to your balls!”
Another Majorcan must-do, and this one will have you feeling like a star, is a drive to Torrent de Pareis.
The serpentine cliff-side route is not for those of a nervous disposition. Coming down the mountain road with its hair-raising twists and turns is like something out of a Bond movie.
To see even more of the island’s beautiful coastline, hop on a catamaran cruise at Sa Calobra beach, taking in the views of cliffs and caves to Port de Sóller, a scenic harbour town. Ride the vintage tram, then jump aboard its historic train for a ride through UNESCO-listed Tramuntana mountain range, craggy limestone peaks along the northwest coast.
With its irresistible culture and epic coastline, Majorca will forever be a summer favourite. Selecting the right hotel made it all the more magical.
There’s nothing but you, the water and that feeling of freedom