Crystal blue waters and warm white sands to slither through your toes only two hours away? Forget Bora Bora, paradise is far closer than that. Presenting Mallorca, with some of the most beautiful beaches, designer shopping and delightful dining too this compact island holds all manner of luxuries, treasures and hidden gems. If you haven’t been you really are missing out and if you have, you’ll understand what we’re talking about.
And who better to recommend the best of the best places to dine, shop, stay and drink while on this island than the highly organised and passionate, Hayley Newbury, founder of DEIA VIP. Her job is none other than to help you enjoy the most luxurious holiday filled with memorable moments – immersed in the culture, let Hayley do the hard for you so you can waste no time at all and make the Mallorcan paradise a reality…
RESTAURANTS
Sebastians, Deia
Situated in a 250 year old former stable, Restaurant Sebastian is run by chef-owner, Sebastian and his wife Patricia. With fresh, seasonal produce at the heart of the operation, the flavours of these products speak for themselves, while a candle-lit atmosphere is very relaxed, drawing a stylish crowd. Specialities include Rack of Mallorcan Lamb and Lobster Ravioli, which are my two favourite dishes! Patricia makes everybody feel so welcome with every diner receiving personal attention and a wonderful experience. This is one of the restaurants I always send my clients to for when they want to experience first class dining. Early bookings are recommended.
Restaurant Bruno, Port Adriano
If you are looking for great fish and shell fish then this is the restaurant for you! Frontline restaurant and bar in Port Adriano sources food and wine from small local farms and opens out onto the marina, where it is lovely to sit and watch the yachts. A smart interior with relaxing couches, they also cater for children, however my two sons choose shell fish every time!
Sa Foradada
A restaurant that is only accessible by boat or a high intensity hike but showcases the most amazing sunsets on the island– sound interesting? If that doesn’t fully catch your attention, how about the fact that there is no electricity so all food is cooked on open fires – it’s wonderfully rustic – the same family have lived, fished and cooked here for over 40 years and serve up a speciality of paella. A true hidden gem – Deia VIP offers a water taxi service to get to this restaurant or build it in with a yacht charter to be able to go to this fabulous hideaway – it’s not to be missed!
Agapanto, Port Soller
A waterside restaurant with wonderful views, a romantic setting and a great menu. The relaxed atmosphere and pretty décor make it a lovely place to visit day or night, while the enchanting view will have you gazing out to sea. I always ask for an outside table to be able to look out across the water and I always sent my clients here for lunch, it’s the ideal setting.
Restaurante Es Vergeret, Cala Tuent
Hidden in the cliffs with spectacular views, the stunning restaurant was built 45 years ago and is located in an antique farm. The best way to visit this lovely place, which is something we do for a lot of clients, is to come in by yacht and make the short walk up the cliff from the cove. Specialities are paellas, fresh fish and extensive Mallorcan cuisine.
HOTELS
Bon Sol, Illetas
I resided here while filming with ITV and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay. Set in the cliff tops amongst pine trees, the Hotel Bon Sol Resort & Spa boasts no two rooms or suites that are the same, each one having its own décor and personality. It feels as though you are staying in a medieval castle and the main part of the hotel is filled with antiques and paintings. It’s a family run hotel where the owners pride themselves on giving every guest their personal attention, and we received exactly that during our stay.
Es Moli, Deia
I stayed here with my husband for a romantic weekend and we loved every minute of our stay at this pretty hotel. Set in the hillside in Deia, this boutique hotel gives guests exclusive access to Cala Muleta which is a cove set beneath the hotel boasting crystal clear waters. The hotel will even provide you with snorkel equipment. Breakfast was fantastic, served on the terrace with the most stunning views. With a heated swimming pool and wellness and yoga, our experience staying here was wonderful. I took my first yoga class at the Es Moli and it was a beautiful experience, overlooking the sea.
Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa
This is a truly stunning hotel where you can enjoy unforgettable sunsets while relaxing in the infinity pool. Tucked away from the general tourist crowd, this hotel offers a wide range of luxury facilities and spectacular views. If you book a junior suite, you receive a number of services such as complimentary breakfast, access to the thermal area at Talise Spa, a bottle of Cava and more.
NIGHTLIFE
Nama Bar
Nama Bar is an exclusive cocktail bar on the main street in Deia that was designed by British designer Matthew Williamson. Filled with intense colours and a high attention to detail, the décor is nothing but fabulous, it is like stepping into a whole new world when you go inside. Have your drink prepared by a highly skilled cocktail master and enjoy the luscious setting. They have a fabulous cocktail menu and if you are not sure what to choose, the staff are more than happy to make a suggestion for you.
Crew Bar, Port Adriano
Friday nights at The Crew Bar are filled with a great, relaxed atmosphere, amazing sunsets and a friendly crowd.
Abaco, Palma
One of my favourite places in the world. This sumptuous cocktail bar makes you feel as though you’re stepping into a wonderful world just as if out of a story book.
SHOPPING
Ceramics by Joanna, Deia
Joanna has a beautiful shop in Deia offering exquisite ceramic creations to include bespoke designs and wedding gifts. She is always about with a friendly smile so be sure to pop in and see some of her stunning work.
Corner, Puerto Portals
For shoes and bags, this is place to go, I love Corner in Portals Marina.
Rendezvous, Port Adriano
A gorgeous offering of fashion, accessories and decorative items, catering for women, men and children. Among the brands are Diane von Fürstenberg, Barrie, James Perse, Olympia Le-Tan, Thierry Lasry, Hanna Wallmark, Melissa Odabash, Marie France Van Damme and more.
Palma
For a good selection of designer boutiques, head to the capital of Palma. The most well known street for shopping is Passeig des Born where there are some great designer shops including Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton and Mulberry. Plaça Cort holds high quality boutiques and furniture shops.
ATTRACTIONS
Pirates Adventure
For a high quality dinner show, Pirates Adventure is a must see. It is fun, high energy and suitable for all the family. The skill of the performers is outstanding and all of the cast and staff are extremely professional. I have personally been to Pirates Adventure four times over the years and every experience is just as magical as the first.
Soller Train & Tram
There is a gorgeous Vintage Train that leaves from the Plaza de Espana Station in Palma and travels through the stunning countryside to Soller. The train moves at a great pace which allows you to enjoy the scenery – the lemon trees are so close, you can almost reach out of the window and touch them.
Once the train arrives in Soller, we always take a walk around and have coffee in the square and then take the tram to Puerto Soller.
Son Amar Dinner Show
A stunning 4,000 capacity auditorium located just outside of Palma, Son Amar presents spectacular shows with state of the art lighting and sound. It is such a wonderful experience and they now offer family friendly shows as well as adults only. They have fresh new shows to experience and offer a range of packages to include VIP providing your own personal waiter, a back stage tour and the best seats in the house.
So there you have it, some top tips from someone in the know. For more information visit www.deiavip.com and start dreaming about that trip today.
Deia VIP is the official concierge for the two leading real estate agents in the area, Deia Properties and Charles Marlow
