For more information and to book please visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or let us arrange your whole trip, by calling +44 (0)20 8987 4312 or from the USA dial 1 866 610 3867.
Palma is the island’s self-assured capital, where yachts and cocktails cohabit happily with ancient winding streets beneath the towering pink-hued Gothic cathedral. Drive for an hour, and you can escape the 21st century on the dramatic north coast or among the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. The hilltop village of Deià, with its literary credentials and an insouciant elegance, epitomizes Mallorquin glamour – the original boho chic.
You can't miss La Seu – Palma Cathedral – the Gothic behemoth that rises from the bay. Take a couple of hours to explore the astonishing interior, and keep an eye out for the 20th-century additions from Gaudì, including an unfinished crown of thorns made from cardboard and cork. Rural Mallorquin life is best observed at the Wednesday morning market on the main square in Sineu: you can watch as horses, goats and chickens are bought and sold – it's great street theatre. The market here began in the 14th century, and it's one of the few places where livestock trading still takes place.
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and romantic boutique hotels in Mallorca, Balearic Islands
The monks who once inhabited Son Brull, a converted 12th-century monastery near Pollença, would be amazed at the heights of relaxation achieved in their old home on the Med.
Hospes Maricel is a converted 16th-century mansion set right on the water’s edge, with a bar overlooking the Med, an enticing restaurant and a spa area in the caves by the waves.
This Scandinavian-styled pared-down 16th-century palace couldn’t be better positioned to enjoy the best of Palma. Off a cobbled alley in the old quarter, hit the terrace for sun-drenched views of that magnificent cathedral and across the rooftops to the port.
The hardest decision you'll have to make at this secluded Mallorca hotel is whether to have a massage under the pines or to clamber into Can Simoneta's clifftop Jacuzzi.
In the heart of bustling Palma, this boutique hotel in a 17-century monastery is a soothing oasis of cool white walls, floating blooms and flickering candles.
Puro Hotel is built around a calm and peaceful central courtyard of natural white stone, decorated with palms and fountains.
It's the outdoor spaces at this 18th-century finca near Sóller that really wow – follow the olive trees down to Ca's Xorc's infinity pool overlooking the valley.
Although set in the ancient town of Capdepera, surrounded by historic parkland, the contemporary boutique hotel Cases de Son Barbassa has plenty of 21st Century luxuries.
This boutique hotel in Mallorca is a breath of fresh Tramuntana mountain air. Inside, Balearic art-house meets Spanish mansion, with wrought-iron balustrades set against sculptural modern lighting and slick decor.
For the best Valldemossa views short of climbing in a helicopter, stay in the yellow-stone, palm-fringed Mirabó de Valldemossa, a scenic 16th-century olive farm.
Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.
16 January The festival of San Sebastián brings Palma onto the streets with barbecues and live bands. March–April During Santa Semana, aka Easter Week, ghostly, hooded penitents, representing the island’s 50 brotherhoods, parade through the streets of Palma. Late July–early August The Copa del Rey is arguably the most important and glamorous yachting regatta in the Med. 2 August Good-natured street battles in Pollença recreate historic wars between Moors and Christians. Late September Festa d’es Vermar is Binissalem’s foremost wine festival – go with the flow.
This museum café is a great spot for a salad at lunchtime, under the shade of a parasol, overlooking the marina.
Es Baluard, Plaça Porta de Santa Catalina, Palma de Mallorca
This patisserie and café has served fluffy pastries and hot chocolate since the 17th century. It's a Mallorquin institution.
10 Calle Can Sanç, Palma de Mallorca
A modern tapas bar on in Palma that goes against tradition, resulting in innovative creations.
Paseo Mallorca, Palma, Mallorca
This is Claudia Schiffer’s favourite drop-in diner, and is great for organic tapas.
4 Passatge Santa Catalina de Sena, Paseo Mallorca, Palma, Mallorca
This tapas bar is a Palma institution and is still a favourite with locals.
C/Passeig Sagrera 3, Palma, Mallorca
This elegant restaurant is great for seafood on the terrace.
Passeig Sagrera, Palma, Mallorca
Ask for a cliffside table at this fantastic restaurant, renowned for its rich Mediterranean cuisine, sea views and fabulous location.
Carretera Soller-Deià, Soller, Mallorca
This low-key restaurant turns out decent regional dishes and has amazing views over Port de Sóller.
Cap Gros de Moleta, Port de Soller, Mallorca
Located at La Residencia hotel in Deià, this restaurant offers fine dining in a romantic setting in a former olive press. Dress up – shorts are not allowed – this is one of the island's top restaurants.
La Residencia, Son Canals, Deià, Mallorca
A rustic bodega in Petra serving traditional game dishes and hearty Mallorquin cuisine.
46 Calle de la Hospital, Petra, Mallorca
For the best lobster stew on the island, head for this popular tapas bar in ses Salines. It's also a good chance to dress up, because you ain't getting in wearing those shorts.
Placa San Bartolomé 1-2, Ses Salines, Mallorca
This restaurant, set in a 400-year old finca turned boutique hotel in Capdepera, has delicious fresh food and amazing views across the mountains.
Cases de Son Barbassa, Camí de Son Barbassa - Ctra. Cala Mesquida
Agapanto’s romantic torchlit patio overlooking the bay of Sóller is a lovely place to sit on a balmy summer's eve. The menu features plenty of fresh seafood and fresh takes on traditional classics: try the anglerfish carpaccio or steak tartare rolls with sour cream and caviar. Set menus offer good value for money at around €45 for five courses, and there are live music nights and events – catch the paella-making fisherman at weekends, or join in one of the kitchen parties (www.agapanto.com).
2 Camino del Faro, Puerto de Sóller, Mallorca
Es Passeig has a German chef, a Spanish wine list and a creative Modern Mediterranean menu (don’t have the Bling Bling Burger, though, unless your sesame-bun cravings are near-desperate). Try to get a table in the main room (www.espasseig.com).
Passeig de la Platja, Puerto de Sóller, Mallorca
Set in a flower-filled courtyard off Carrer San Joan in La Lonja, Abaco is a romantic spot for a refreshing drink during the day. By night, it's an opulent and pricey cocktail bar, occupying a stylishly converted townhouse.
Calle Sant Joan 1, Palma de Mallorca
This club (formerly Pacha) has great views of the glitzy gin palaces in the marina. Top-name DJs play throughout the summer, but it also opens in winter, Thursday to Saturday.
42 Paseo Marítimo (Av de Gabriel Roca), Palma de Mallorca
A chilled-out, intimate NY-style club, popular with Palma’s see-and-be-seen set.
Ca’n Barbara, Paseo Maritímo (Av de Gabriel Roca), Palma de Mallorca
Party like you’re on the neighbouring White Island with a trip to El Divino. This Ibiza institution is the latest addition to Palma’s nightlife scene, providing a heady shot of glamour in the heart of the Paseo Marítimo. Make a beeline for the club’s second floor and soak up the dazzling views over Palma Bay and the Cathedral, or cool off with a dip in the outdoor terrace’s swimming pool.
33 Paseo Marítimo, Palma de Mallorca
©2009 Mr & Mrs Smith
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