Craving a lavish, sun-drenched escape this summer? Who isn’t? And just a short flight from the UK, the beautiful Balearic Island of Mallorca is the perfect place for a short-haul break that has it all. A popular haunt amongst the rich and famous, this buzzy island is home to an endless array of golden-sand beaches lapped by warm, turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming – but its allure goes far beyond them alone. From trendy hillside hideaways to quaint clifftop villages, and with breath-taking natural beauty at every turn, it’s easy to see why it has become one of the busiest holiday destinations in Europe.
Nevertheless, luxury lovers will be glad to know that a visit here doesn’t have to mean slumming it with the crowds, and there are plenty of exclusive hot spots to check out that are reserved for an affluent set with money to burn. In order to get the inside scoop, we asked the experts at excursion company Click-Mallorca to share their must-visit luxury hotels, restaurants and day trip spots on this Mediterranean gem to add to your itinerary now.
Hotels and accommodation
Mallorca certainly isn’t short of luxury accommodation options, and from lavish five-star hotels to bohemian retreats, it’s one island that really does have it all. Here are some of our top picks for basing yourself during your Balearic getaway.
Cap Rocat
Set in an imposing 19th-century fortress atop the cliff tops of the Bay of Palma, this opulent hideaway expertly encapsulates all of the charm and romance Mallorca has become known for. You’ll feel like royalty here from the moment you check in, with lodgings featuring former surveillance points in the new Sentinels, a medieval courtyard set at the hotel’s heart, and a dramatic drawbridge to get in and out. Prices start from £337 a night.
Predi Son Jaumell
A haven of tranquillity, this serene 16th-century estate is nestled amongst rolling green hills, flanked with lush green vegetation and still only a stone’s throw from the ocean. It also happens to be home to a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, which means you won’t have to travel far to enjoy a remarkable dining experience, and the sprawling gardens of Predi Son Jaumell make for a romantic place to get lost for a few days and get away from it all.
Nakar Hotel
Set in the cultural heartland and buzzing capital of Mallorca, the Nakar Hotel enjoys one of the city’s most exclusive addresses. Located on the prestigious Avenida Jaume III, it’s the perfect pick for those looking for somewhere modern and high-tech to stay. Everything is futuristic and incredibly user friendly, but you’ll still get to enjoy some more traditional luxury essentials, too – like a rooftop infinity pool, thermal spa and destination restaurant.
Food and drink
Foodies will find themselves utterly spoilt in Mallorca, with an impressive array of quality restaurants scattered across the island and serving up intensely flavourful Mediterranean cuisine. Similar in many ways to Catalan cooking, fresh fish and seafood feature heavily alongside locally-grown vegetables and legumes – with most dishes perfect for those long, hot days in the sunshine. Here are some of the restaurants you’ll want to check out during your visit for quality takes on some of the best and tastiest local dishes.
Sa Foradada
Every self-respecting foodie knows that the best restaurants are usually found off the beaten track, and Sa Foradada is certainly that. Located in Deià and accessible only by boat unless you fancy a lengthy off-road hike, paella is the order of the day and here, you’ll find some of the very best on the island. It’s all cooked up over an open fire, with awe-inspiring ocean views to enjoy while you wait. It really doesn’t get much better than that.
Bona Taula
This charming hideaway in the quaint village of Calonge features charming décor and serves up exceptional dishes that have won it a legion of loyal fans and repeat customers over its 20-year history. Today, it’s still going strong, and its special meat dishes, which are grilled over an open fire, are a highlight not to be missed.
Zaranda
A more central choice, Zaranda is a must for fine diners in Mallorca’s capital city of Palma. The restaurant was awarded its second Michelin Star in 2017 when it was located in Castell de Son Claret Hotel. Due to the pandemic it closed, and last summer reopened at Es Principep Boutique Hotel immediately obtaining the first Michelin Star. Here, you can expect an unrivalled dining experience comprising outstanding gastronomy and flawless presentation, with impeccable service guaranteed.
Luxury sightseeing
Mallorca is a relatively large island, which means planning your itinerary before you arrive can be helpful to ensure you’re able to fit in all that you want to see and do. But the good news is, there is plenty here to suit all tastes and travel styles, and from soft, sandy beaches lapped by turquoise waters to mountain hikes and historic sights, there’s little chance of ever getting bored. Here are some of the sights to consider checking out while you’re on the island.
Be adventurous
If you want to be a little more adventurous on your Mallorcan trip then there are plenty of ways in which you can do just this, while taking in the beautiful scenery at the same time. Why not hop in a helicopter (Palma offer a number of places to do this) and explore the stunning coastlines and verdant landscape across the isle from the air?
Alternatively, the small island offers you the perfect opportunity to head out on the surrounding waters by boat and take in the natural beauty and wildlife that call Mallorca home. Whale watching is a popular activity and can be taken from Peguera, Alcudia, Palma, Torrenova or Cala d’Or.
Puerto Portals
A playground for the rich and famous, Puerto Portals is Mallorca’s glamour capital and features a show-stopping marina surrounded by upscale fish and seafood restaurants and numerous luxury yachts lining the dock. If you’re keen to rub shoulders with the stars, then this is the place to do it, with the likes of Jim Carrey and Bill Gates both said to have been spotted here in the past. One look at the endlessly chic restaurants, bars and boutiques and it’s easy to see why.
Deia
This charming bohemian hideaway can be found just a short drive from Palma, and the stone village, surrounded by verdant countryside, is a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the busy beach resorts.
Es Torrent de Pareis
Nature lovers will adore immersing themselves in the natural beauty of this impressive natural gorge. The perfect spot for the adventurous traveller, its limestone cliffs offer plenty of opportunities for rock climbing and abseiling, and the hiking paths will take you on a scenic journey of this picturesque hidden gem.
