An Insider’s Guide to Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca, Spain is having a moment—and for good reason. Located off the eastern coast of Spain, Mallorca is part of the country’s Balearic Islands, known for its secluded coves, turquoise water, beautiful beaches, ancient villages, five-star hotels, and fabulous cuisine. The artistic and rustic island oasis is also home to limestone mountains, wineries, and organic farms. “This little paradise in the middle of the Balearic Sea will always be special for me, as I lived on the island for three years,” says Maison Benjamin co-founder, Ben Vaschetti, who says the best time to visit is May or late September and early October. With a new direct route to Mallorca from New York, members can book with us for Business or First-Class Tickets. Convinced? Read on for where to go, what to do, and what to see while you’re on the island.
Bellini Club
Maison Benjamin is proud to announce our affiliation with the by- invitation-only Belmond Bellini Club. Through this affiliation, our members are able to receive VIP perks when booking through us, including room upgrades, welcome amenities, and more. The Bellini Club offers upgrades at participating Belmond Hotels, including Mallorca’s Belmond La Residencia.
STAY
Belmond La Residencia
Perched beside the picturesque village of Deià between the Tramuntana Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Belmond La Residencia is one of the island’s top hotels. The hotel features twin manor houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, an award-winning spa, lush gardens, olive and citrus groves, gourmet restaurants, and bars. Art abounds in every corner of the hotel, which hosts over 750 works from local painters, as well as Joan Miró masterpieces. Relax by the two outdoor pools or partake in an art class, as Deià is known for its artistic heritage, or explore the terrain through hiking. Guests can enjoy mountain treks in the company of the resident donkeys, relax by one of the two outdoor pools, or enjoy olive oil tastings.
Lacure Villa in Mallorca
Our partner Lacure has several incredible villa rental options in Mallorca, including the five-bedroom villa Sa Punta de S’Aguilla. Built in traditional Mallorcan style, including exposed beam ceilings and terracotta floors, this gorgeous villa has an outdoor pool, lush gardens, shaded pergolas, and plenty of space for family or friends to enjoy.
Son Bunyola
Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Limited Edition, spent his childhood traveling to Mallorca with his family. His brand-new hotel, Son Bunyola, which opens this June and is situated on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captures everything he loves about the island. Located in Deià, Son Bunyola has access to three miles of unspoiled coastline, rugged shores, olive groves, and miles of trails for biking or hiking. There are 26 rooms and suites, two restaurants, an outdoor pool, and three centuries-old villas.
Cap Rocat
Cap Rocat is located in a former fortress and overlooks the Bay of Palma, Mallorca’s capital city. The fortress was painstakingly restored before the hotel opened in 2010, as the fortress is considered a national monument. Now, guests can enjoy the ancient beauty, whether from the private rooftop terrace, the breezy open-air restaurants, or the pool. The hotel is like an oasis from a bygone era, with natural materials and a design that harmoniously exists with nature.
WHAT TO DO
Valldemossa
Considered one of the most interesting and historic villages on the island, Valldemossa is known for its 14th-century landmark: The Royal Charterhouse of Valldemossa. Once home to the former king, it also houses an ancient church, monastery, old pharmacy, library, and more.
Charter a Boat
Dramatic scenery, rocky coastlines, sparkling water, and charming ports are just a few highlights of chartering a boat. Spend the day, or two, chartering a luxe yacht while cruising around the west coast of the island. The island is popular among the yachting set, and many anchor around the island.
Scenic Drives
Famous hairpin bends, like Sa Calobra road, are common in Mallorca and, when driven carefully, are insanely beautiful and picturesque. Sa Calobra, which translates to “the snake” in Spanish, is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world and can’t be missed.
EAT + DRINK
Ca’s Patró March
The island’s famous waterside restaurant Ca’s Patró March overlooks a sparkling bay and serves up fresh seafood, Spanish wines, and Spanish dishes. It’s perched alongside the rocky Cala Deià within the Tramuntana mountains, and a perfect spot to enjoy a crisp Sangria or glass of wine in beautiful natural surroundings.
Mallorcan Wine and Delicacies
You can’t go wrong with Spanish wine. While here, Ben recommends trying Ànima Negra, one of his favorite Mallorcan wines. There are many wineries on the island that are perfect to visit for an afternoon. While here, be sure to try the local famous pastry ensaimada, a sweet, rolled pastry found throughout the island.
Indulge in Mallorcan Specialities
Olive oil production has a centuries-long tradition of craftsmanship in Mallorca, and the country’s numerous olive groves produce the country’s signature blend, which is considered more acidic, bitter, and slightly sweeter than Spain’s mainland olive oil. Indulge in many olive oil tastings or buy some to take home with you. With such close proximity to the sea, fresh seafood is another Mallorcan speciality to indulge in while visiting. Be sure to try cap roig (scorpion fish), gallo (John Dory), and moll (red mullet).