El Vicenç de la Mar

Worth getting out of bed for

Trace a line up the backbone of Mallorca – the Serra de Tramuntana range, with its twisty turny roads and wave-crashed headlands – at the northern tip, you’ll find Cala Sant Vicenç, a dot-on-the-map coastal village privy to some of the island’s most imagination-sparking scenery. Say, the rugged unicorn-horn spit Cap de Formentor, whose serpentine trail leads to a lighthouse, all of which is mightily magical when lit up after dark. Perhaps the monastery-topped Puig de Maria, made-you-look viewpoint of Mirador Es Colomer, or Pollença Bay’s golden-sand lining Cala Molins, where fiercely green-blue waters gently roll in and out. Or the wetlands of S'Albufera Natural Park, a haven for birds with swagger to their swoop, such as black vultures and falcons. This area of Mallorca is a step off point for bikers and hikers who’ve tackled the spectacular – if stamina-testing – trails along the Serra de Tramuntana (here’s where professionals practice in their downtime), and if you want to tackle the hilly terrain yourself, the hotel can arrange cycle hire; it’s testament to just how popular the sport is that they also have a secure bike garage, a range of repair tools and water and fruit to take with you. If putting pedal to the metal sounds a bit too challenging, then head out on a kayak or paddleboard or hire a yacht for the day; or, to see less fortunate vessels dating back to ancient times, book a scuba dive. This is an excellent spot for beginners to strap on their tanks, as dives are as shallow as 12 metres here. The monks of old Mallorca truly got their steps in back in the day – both the Santuari de Lluc and El Calvari chapel are set well above sea level. And there are caves and hypogeums (eerie subterranean vaults) to venture into too. Peek into Mallorca’s past in Roman town Pollença, which has a Blue Flag beach and a handful of galleries alongside charming cobbled streets and antique buildings (and some ruins); while Alcúdia has a weekly market (on Tuesdays), glass-bottom boat rides, more beaches to chill out on and a waterpark with slides and wave pools. Pollença Golf Club follows the landscape’s contours over its nine holes and has sweeping sea views. Back at the hotel, yoga lessons can be arranged, the spa will leave you steamed, scrubbed and rubbed in the best possible way, and the roof terrace is a wonderful spot for sundowners.

Local restaurants

There’s little in the near vicinity, so make the most of chef Santi Taura’s elegant Mediterranean cooking. He also has two fine-dining restaurants in Palma – Dins and Cor – should you drive to the capital. In Puerto Pollença, Amazo is a modern eatery artfully serving traditional ingredients with contemporary takes: black-pork bao buns with hoisin glaze; tuna tataki okonomiyaki with orange ponzu, and Ibérico secreto with hummus, vanilla oil and dates. Also in Pollença is Terrae who espouse a very Earth-kind philosophy, ensuring all meals are sustainably made, hyper-local or foraged produce is used, and there’s a no-waste policy in the kitchen; most dishes (tacos, croquettes, grills) are vegetarian too. And, in the old fish market is La Llonja, which has a terrace looking out over the water and fine fishy dining, with a weekly changing set menu. Try the coconut and coriander mussels, salmon red curry or lobster paella.

Local bars

A mainstay of aperitivo hour, a glass of bittersweet vermouth is a must when in Mallorca. Oh Vermut, near Pollença’s main square is convivial and cosy with a good selection of the spirit, as well as sangria and cervezas if you’re not a fan of its mildly medicinal taste. In Alcúdia, the Wine Side has plenty of bottle and a stomach-lining street-food menu; the Japanese-style hotdog with kimchi mayo, black garlic, fermented tuna and red pepper is delightfully different, while the luxe kebab feels more familiar and comforting.