Mallorca has been a playground for the rich and famous for decades, with the island’s stunning scenery, Mediterranean climate and sumptuous cuisine winning over visitors from around the world. The island has become busy tourism spot, but there are still plenty of quiet retreats available to those who know where to look.
We recently caught up with Marc Pritchard of Taylor Wimpey España, which has been developing second homes across the Spanish mainland and islands for the past 60 years. Marc moved to Mallorca from his native Germany 30 years ago and one of his favourite spots on the island is Cala Vinyes.
He told LLM why: “Cala Vinyes is a wonderfully peaceful little resort that has a real family vibe. It’s ideal for those looking for a retreat from the pace of modern life. If casting a fishing line into the sea from a sun-kissed rocky outcrop is your idea of heaven, then Cala Vinyes is the place to go.”
While quiet enough for family-focused holidays, Cala Vinyes is just a few kilometres from two of Mallorca’s busiest resorts: Palma Nova and Magaluf. It means that the bright lights and entertainment options of those resorts are easily accessible, while visitors can easily retreat to the more sedate pace of Cala Vinyes.
Some of Mallorca’s most exclusive marinas, such as Puerto Portals and Port Adriano, are only a few minutes’ drive from Cala Vinyes, as are a wide variety of elegant bars and restaurants. There are plenty of designer stores in the area for those who like to shop in the sunshine.
On the south west coast of the island, Cala Vinyes is also just 15 minutes from the capital, Palma, meaning that those staying there have swift access to all they could need, from the island’s best restaurants, stores and nightlife to a thriving arts scene and lively café culture.
The beach at Cala Vinyes is just what visitors to Mallorca are seeking: golden sands, palm trees and calm waters that are ideal for swimming. Just a few minutes’ walk away, Cala Falco is also well worth a visit. The picturesque, natural and quiet sandy beach has crystal-clean water and is surrounded by rocky outlets and pine forests. The small beach club and restaurant that resides there offers stylish seats, loungers and sun beds for visitors to relax on while overlooking the glistening waters of the Bay of Cap Falco.
Marc tells us: “Mallorca offers a whole host of entertainment, from water sports to golf. For me, though, the island’s beaches are the real jewel in the crown. Their soft sands and stunning aquamarine waters can’t help but delight. The summer months are ideal for extended days of rest and play on the beach, whether you’re into snorkelling, sand sculpting or simply enjoying the sunshine with a good book.”
For those looking to explore the area, the nearby town of Calvia is well worth a visit. The historic town is packed with ancient architecture, including the remnants of a Roman villa. The quiet streets with their shops and cafés seem to invite leisurely strolling or cycling, with plenty of stops for a cooling drink along the way.
Cala Vinyes is also a superb base for nature lovers, providing easy access to the nearby Tramuntana mountains. These are criss-crossed with hiking and mountain biking trails for those looking to enjoy Mallorca’s stunning scenery on foot or on two wheels. Nearby golf clubs, meanwhile, include Golf Santa Ponsa, Golf de Bendinat, Golf de Poniente and Son Vida Golf – some of the island’s most popular clubs.
Naturally, Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc also has plenty of insights into Mallorca’s holiday home market. Cala Vinyes is the spot that his company has chosen for a particularly prestigious development, Cala Vinyes Hills II. Priced from €657,000 plus VAT, the three-bedroom/two-bathroom townhouses boast spacious private terraces and gardens, along with underground parking spaces and storage rooms.
An exclusive development of just 16 properties, Cala Vinyes Hills II is also home to Taylor Wimpey España’s priciest homes. Each townhouse provides 80m2 of terraces and an 85m2 private garden within the gated complex.
The townhouse features an open plan kitchen/living/dining space, which opens out onto a terrace for the ideal blend of indoor/outdoor living. The flow of natural light through the property is a cornerstone of the design. From a practical perspective, the townhouse includes thermal insulation, automatic indoor air regeneration and solar panels.
Cala Vinyes Hills II has a delightful communal area for all owners to enjoy. It includes a swimming pool surrounded by a solarium area, along with landscaped communal gardens featuring local flowers, shrubs and trees. The entire site is due for completion by February 2021.
Marc concludes: “Cala Vinyes is one of my favourite locations on Mallorca, so I’m delighted that we are able to share it with those looking for a second home in this serene and attractive spot.”