Date of publication 07/01/2018
Turismo de lujo Mallorca en ocho caprichos
Disfruta de la isla como jamás lo habías pensado
The largest of the Balearic Islands is, without a doubt, an appealing destination at any time of year, radiating exclusivity, elegance, and refined taste in nearly every aspect. Mallorca, whether explored by land, sea, or air, is a natural paradise and a cultural and gastronomic benchmark, offering a wide range of unforgettable luxury experiences. To match everything the island has to offer, Iberostar hotels in Mallorca are set in its most privileged locations, from the Bay of Palma to the island’s most secluded southern coves, with options ranging from the best family hotels in Mallorca to exclusive adults-only retreats by the Mediterranean.
A STROLL THROUGH PUERTO PORTALS
Puerto Portals is, without question, one of the most exclusive marinas in the Mediterranean. With more than 600 berths, it accommodates yachts of up to 197 feet, attracting a discerning international clientele. Its lively leisure and shopping area is filled with renowned restaurants, bars, fashion and jewelry boutiques, perfumeries, and wellness destinations. From mid-November to mid-February, its waters host the four regattas of the Puerto Portals Dragon Winter Series. After a walk around the marina, it is well worth ending the day with dinner at the iconic Flanigan, a favorite among the island’s social elite, known especially for its fish dishes, particularly sea bass baked in salt.
SURCAR LOS MARES EN UN VELERO ANTIGUO
Navegar las azules aguas mallorquinas en un velero con solera es una de las actividades sólo alcanzables para unos pocos. La empresa Old Salt Sailing alquila dos modelos de yates clásicos. Por un lado, el 'So Fong', una goleta de 1937 que fue guardacostas de la Armada de los EE.UU. durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial, y el "Kilena of Corsica", un ketch de roble de 1934, ambos perfectos para disfrutar de un chárter de un día o de varios. Como plus, ofrecen un servicio de catering basado en la cocina tradicional, donde no faltan productos locales como la sobrasada o los embutidos, siempre acompañados de un rico llonguet, pan típico de la zona, y unas gotas de un buen y sabroso aceite de oliva local. Una experiencia que encaja a la perfección con la filosofía de quienes eligen un hotel en la playa de Mallorca como punto de partida: el Iberostar Waves Bahía de Palma, con acceso directo a la costa, o el hotel con piscina y vistas al mar Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma, de cinco estrellas frente al Mediterráneo, son bases ideales desde las que zarpar en estas singulares embarcaciones.
A MORNING AMONG SALT FIELDS
In one of the island’s most unspoiled yet well-known areas, Es Trenc Beach, a protected natural space, lies Mallorca’s historic salt flats. This is where the renowned Flor de Sal is produced, a delicate salt that forms on the surface of the salt pans thanks to the interplay of sun, low humidity, and sea breeze. Valued for its culinary and sensory qualities, it is considered one of the finest gourmet salts.
Harvesting dates back centuries, even to Roman times, and private guided tours are available to discover the process firsthand. The visit ends with a tasting that reveals a variety of flavors beyond the natural version, including blends with Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano; black Kalamata olives; hibiscus petals; Sri Lankan spices like coriander, turmeric, and cardamom; and even rose petals.
Enjoy the experience at Iberostar Selection Es Trenc, a five-star beachfront hotel in Colonia de Sant Jordi, just steps from the beach that gives it its name. With rooms featuring balconies and direct Mediterranean views, a pool with sun terrace, an exclusive rooftop with a water feature, and the Salivent restaurant, where locally sourced Mediterranean cuisine meets vegan options and sustainably caught seafood, it is the perfect choice for couples or anyone seeking complete relaxation by the sea.
AN OLIVE OIL OR GIN TASTING?
Mallorca’s rich culinary heritage makes specialized tastings of local products one of its true pleasures. One standout experience is sampling extra virgin olive oil at the Son Moragues estate, set across 247 acres of olive groves with more than 10,000 centuries-old trees near the beautiful village of Valldemossa. The estate also produces a range of other products, including olives and distinctive preserves such as red onion, tomato and basil, or bitter orange jam, all available to purchase on site.
Alongside its notable wine production, the island is also home to a tradition of gin-making. Locals often mix it with lemonade in a drink known as “pomada.” It is well worth trying at Suau, a century-old distillery located in Pont d’Inca, about 20 minutes from Palma, specializing in liqueurs, brandies, and spirits. Its cellars are housed in a protected 19th-century building, home to spacious and atmospheric aging rooms.
To round off the day, the adults-only Iberostar Selection Llaut Palma, a five-star hotel for guests aged 16 and over in Playa de Palma, offers a 13,993 sq ft spa, an Asian fusion restaurant with teppanyaki, and a rooftop with a pool and open bar, where sunsets over the Mediterranean are simply hard to match.
MALLORCA FROM ABOVE
Another exclusive way to experience the island is from the air in a hot air balloon. Mallorca Balloons organizes private flights that reveal the island’s varied landscapes from above, offering exceptional views. Two standout options include the Deluxe flight, which takes place early in the morning with soft music and a refined breakfast, and the Moonlight flight, focused on enjoying the sunset with music and a glass of champagne.
DRIVING THROUGH THE TRAMUNTANA IN A CLASSIC CAR
The Serra de Tramuntana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches for more than 56 miles, crossing through charming and picturesque villages such as Sóller, Deià, known for its artistic heritage, and Valldemossa, all recognized for their cultural landscape value. There are two perfect ways to explore it while immersing yourself in the lifestyle and visual appeal of these remarkable settings. Set out from your Mallorca beach hotel in a vintage car, channeling iconic film characters such as James Bond in For Your Eyes Only with the classic Citroën 2CV, the retro camper van from Little Miss Sunshine, or a quintessentially British MGB convertible. What truly defines this mountain range, however, are its sweeping views over the Mediterranean and its collection of hidden coves and beaches, among the most beautiful and peaceful on the island, including Sa Calobra, Cala Estellencs, and Banyalbufar.
For families seeking a comfortable base in the north of the island, Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro Village stands out as one of the best family hotels in Mallorca, combining proximity to the mountains with one of Spain’s most highly regarded beaches. Its pools, water park with slides, Star Camp program for children, and extensive dining options make this all-inclusive hotel in Mallorca a destination in its own right.
For a more relaxed atmosphere without giving up amenities, Iberostar Waves Playa de Muro, located just 328 feet from the Albufera Natural Park and right on the beachfront, is one of the island’s most popular family hotels with water slides, offering all-inclusive options and a kids’ club from May through October.
A TENNIS MASTER CLASS
Mallorca is home to the renowned high-performance Rafa Nadal Academy, founded by Rafa Nadal in the inland area of Manacor, his hometown. Widely regarded as Spain’s greatest tennis player and a long-standing top player worldwide, Nadal has transformed his training base into an exclusive academy designed to share his method with younger players. Built on his extensive ATP experience, the program places strong emphasis on values, a cornerstone of his success.
For adults, the Academy offers specialized classes within its Premium Tennis Program, focused on personalized, one-on-one training plans tailored to each player’s level and goals. The program includes unlimited access to the fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and the Wellness Spa, along with two 45-minute relaxing massages. As an added highlight, before leaving the complex, visitors can explore the Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience, particularly its interactive exhibition space, where they can test their skills using simulators for tennis, rowing, mountain biking, and even Formula 1.
In the east of the island, the beachfront hotel Iberostar Waves Cala Millor is a perfect choice for those combining time at the Academy with exploring the coves of eastern Mallorca, offering direct access to the sea and all-inclusive options.
PERSONALIZED SHOPPING
Shopping is another of Mallorca’s great attractions, offering a wide range of styles, from the sophistication of leading international fashion houses to the distinctive hippie-chic aesthetic that defines the Balearic Islands. The city of Palma features several exclusive districts where iconic luxury brands sit alongside national prêt-à-porter labels. To make the most of your time and focus on what interests you most, you can rely on a specialized personal shopper such as those at Vanity Welcome, who will design a tailored route through the city’s top shopping spots while you stay at Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma, a five-star beachfront hotel with an infinity pool, spa, and both family rooms and an exclusive adults-only Star Prestige area.
Yet if there is one shopping tradition in Mallorca, it is exploring the many local markets scattered across the island, as each town hosts its own once or twice a week. Here, you will find handcrafted fashion, accessories, and home décor, along with antiques and high-quality local food products. Among the best are the Sunday market in the old town of Pollença and the Santanyí market in the southeast of the island, held every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the year.
ESTEFANÍA RUILOPE
Images Cordon Press
