Our trip to {MAJORCA}:

Palma, the island’s capital, is a city that effortlessly blends history and modernity. With its impressive Gothic cathedral, winding cobbled streets and vibrant cultural scene, Palma is a hub of activity. We strolled through lively alleyways, visited contemporary art galleries and indulged in delicious dining experiences, all set against the backdrop of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

Set in the heart of Palma’s historic old town, Sant Francesc Hotel Singular is a masterclass in combining traditional elegance with modern sophistication. Housed in a meticulously restored 19th-century mansion, the hotel retains its classic charm while boasting a cool, contemporary design. The interiors blend natural stone, clean lines and minimalis furniture, creating an inviting ambiance of understated luxury. The pièce de résistance is the rooftop pool, offering panoramic views of Palma’s rooftops and the majestic La Seu Cathedral.

De Tokio a Lima offers a unique blend of Japanese and Peruvian fusion cuisine, creating bold and creative dishes. The buzzy rooftop terrace was a highlight, overlooking the beautiful cityscape of Palma.

For a midday break, Born 8 provided a perfect spot for lunch with its terrace on the iconic Passeig del Born, tree-lined avenue often referred to as the “Champs-Élysées of Palma”.  We watched the world go by while savoring fresh, Mediterranean dishes in a stylish setting.

La Vieja de Jonay Hernández has a funky, colourful atmosphere and takes a fun, modern twist on tapas spot. There is a terrace with a view of a little square.

Restaurant Botànic, located within the Can Borday Hotel, serves beautifully plated, plant-forward dishes. The largest private garden in Palma creates an enchanting backdrop for dining.

Palma’s cobblestone streets and historic monuments make it a joy to explore. The iconic La Seu Cathedral is an unmissable landmark with its stunning Gothic architecture towering over the city’s waterfront. It also has lovely gardens with water features, a good place to cool off on a hot day. The compact city is perfect for leisurely strolls or, as we did on one trip, you can hop on a Segway for a fun way to see more in less time.

El Born, Palma’s version of the Champs-Élysées, has a host of designer boutiques and concept stores. Our favourite store is Rialto Living . We also like the nearby Plaça Frederic Chopin for its contemporary art galleries, including Gallery Red.

In the tranquil northeast of the island, Canyamel offers a peaceful retreat, where we stayed at the stunning cliffside Can Simoneta hotel.

Set atop the rugged cliffs of Mallorca’s northeast coast, Can Simoneta offers a truly breathtaking escape. This adults-only hotel perfectly blends historic charm with contemporary luxury, housed in 140-year-old stone buildings that have been carefully restored. Its minimalist, airy interiors feature natural materials like stone and wood. We soaked up panoramic views of the sea, whether relaxing by the infinity pool, wandering through the landscaped gardens or enjoying a quiet moment on the terraces.

We plumped for the privacy of a beach house, located just a short walk from the main building, with a private terrace overlooking the sea.

Cala Figuera beach, just a 15-minute drive from the hotel, offers a change of scene. We also did a sail boat trip arranged through the hotel, a fun and adventurous way to experience Majorca’s crystal-clear waters.

The hotel’s main restaurant has beautiful views of the ocean, serving dishes that fuse Mediterranean tradition with vibrant Mexican flavours.

Sa Pleta is a gourmet, upscale dining venue situated a short walk from Can Simoneta. Sa Pleta combines modern techniques with local produce using open-fire cooking. The terrace overlooking the garden was a lovely spot for pre-dinner drinks.

Tucked in the north of Majorca, Deià is a postcard-perfect village known for its natural beauty, bohemian vibe and artistic heritage. Wandering round the village is an activity in itself, enjoying its stone houses, artisan shops and quaint cafés.

The Belmond La Residencia is set in a historic building and has earnt a reputation for impeccable service, stunning setting and exclusivity. Though undeniably expensive, it did deliver a refined and luxurious escape.

Perched on the edge of a rugged, Ca’s Patro March offers a rustic and authentic dining experience with weathered tables overlooking the turquoise waters. It has earnt fame beyond its rustic origins thanks to its role in The Night Manager TV series. The fresh fish was simply served and perfectly fine, but much more expensive than you would typically pay in this sort of informal establishment. But you’re paying for a setting that is truly idyllic. Booking is a must, especially during peak season. And bring cash: no credit cards accepted!

Set within La Residencia, La Oliva offers Mediterranean fine dining on a charming, elegant terrace that overlooks Deià’s lush landscape. The menu features beautifully crafted dishes inspired by local flavours and seasonal ingredients. But be prepared for the high prices that come with the exclusive setting!

Patiki Beach was a great spot for a laid-back lunch we’d read about in Condé Nast Traveller. This upscale beach shack is located in Port de Soller, a short drive from Deia. It rustic wooden tables, a relaxed vibe and fresh Mediterranean fare. The focus is on locally sourced ingredients, and the menu changes with what’s in season.

The steep walk down to Cala de Deià leads to a rocky, secluded cove perfect for a dip. Be mindful of parking in the summer: it was nearly impossible when we were there!

In the heart of the island, Montuïri offered us a serene escape at the aptly named and luxurious Finca Serena. This authentic 13th century Majorcan finca is located in the heart of the island, set amid 40 hectares of pristine countryside. The hotel’s calming design emphasizes natural materials, with minimalist rooms that open onto private terraces overlooking the countryside. The infinity pool, surrounded by olive trees, offers panoramic views of the vineyards. There is also an on-site spa and small gym, both of which we made use of on our trip.

At Jacaranda Restaurant, located within Finca Serena, we enjoyed fresh Mediterranean cuisine made with ingredients sourced from the property’s own gardens. The lovely terrace has beautiful, sweeping views of the countryside.

For something more daring, we ventured to Brut, an intimate 16-person chef’s table where innovative dishes explore new flavors and techniques, from fermentation to kombucha and unpasteurized live beers. While the experience was thrilling, it’s not for the faint of heart: we witnessed a pig’s head being prepared on our visit!

To end our trip in unforgettable style, we headed back towards Palma and stayed at the spectacular Cap Rocat. This unique resort is a former military fortress carved into the rock, tastfully transformed into one of the island’s most exclusive luxury hotels. Just being driven round in a golf buggy by a hotel staff member and listening to the history of the place was an experience in itself.

One of the standout features of the hotel is its lookout posts, which have been reimagined as terraces for the suites. These elevated perches once served as the fort’s defence points but now offer panoramic vistas where we able to relax in total seclusion and enjoy one of the most memorable breakfasts we’ve ever had!

This nautical-themed, open-air restaurant has a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere and a casual dining menu, ideal for a light lunch. The informal vibe is enhanced by the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean.

This Michelin-starred restaurant is perched atop the fort’s original structure and offers more sophisticated cuisine, with each dish aiming to showcases the best of Mallorca’s ingredients. The elevated terrace that offers sweeping views of the surrounding cliffs and sea. The terrace was the perfect setting the romantic, candlelit dinner we had on the last night of our trip.

Cala D’Or is known for its beautiful beaches and lively marina. We stayed at Gran Vista, a gorgeous villa that’s part of The Hideaways Club of which we are members. With its beautifully landscaped garden leading down to the pool, Gran Vista offers privacy and luxury.

Lying by the pool looking back at the villa, it felt like we were staying in our own boutique hotel! An outdoor, bougainvillea-covered terrace was the perfect spot for outdoor dining, both at lunchtime and during long summer evenings.

We aways make a point of visiting the bustling market in nearby Santanyí, where local produce and artisan goods abound. The market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday. It is an incredibly popular attraction, so be sure to arrive early to have a chance of bagging a parking place. There are plenty of cafés with terraces for non-shopping fans to hang out and enjoy a coffee or cold beer!

A highlight of our trips to Cala d’Or is hiring a boat with a skipper to explore Majorca’s coastline. It’s a great way to see more of the island, stop in a cove for a swim and enjoy a tapas lunch. On both our trips we booked with Holls Boat Charter, with the skipper John and his crew creating a fun, lively and memorable day on the water.

We had a couple of relaxing beach days here, with affordable sunbeds and clear blue waters. There are a couple of good dining options for lunch that we talk about later on this page.

Located right on the marina in Cala d’Or, Port Petit offers a picturesque setting with views of yachts gently swaying in the harbour. Known for its fresh seafood, the menu showcases local catches, perfectly prepared with Mediterranean flavours. The friendly and attentive service adds to the relaxed yet upscale vibe.

For a truly indulgent fine dining experience, Ocre at Can Ferrerta in Santanyí has an intimate and elegant terrace setting surrounded by the beauty of the hotel’s buildings. The restaurant’s innovative cuisine elevates local ingredients with a modern twist. While it’s typically reserved for hotel guests, ask if you can enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail by the pretty pool.

Laudat is a cool, contemporary dining option in Santanyí, with its lively atmosphere and chic décor. The restaurant attracts a fashionable crowd, with the terrace the place to be for an al fresco dining experience. The Mediterranean menu combines classic flavours with a modern edge.

For a casual lunch, Kaikuana Beach at the nearby Platja de Cala Marçal offers a relaxed vibe with a terrace overlooking the sea It’s the ideal spot for a light bite while soaking in the view, with a menu featuring salads, tapas and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Cassai Beach House is located in the small seaside village of Sant Jordi, about 35” drive from Cala d’Or. This converted old wooden fisherman’s house has a boho chic beach vibe that we really like, having lunched there on both our trips. The large covered terrace looks out over the turquoise waters and the island of Cabrera.

From the vibrant streets of Palma to the serene retreats of Deià and Canyamel, Majorca offers a mix of luxury, history and natural beauty makes it a great destination for a refined yet relaxed getaway. We love the variety it offers, with much more than your average beach holiday destination. The levels of hospitality and cuisine are also top notch.