Fused Magazine

MAJORCA

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:15:04 +0100

The island of Majorca is a modern day tale of two halves, effortlessly catering for a variety of audiences. But it’s these differences that gives the island an unparalleled diversity making Majorca such an appealing destination. The size of the island means by morning you can hike the Serra Du Tramuntana mountains and by night, sample the delights of Palma.

Flying into Palma, the airport has a Spanish feel to it but is typically modern. Yet a mere 45 minutes away amidst a sea of almond trees and orange groves, you are in the winding hills of the North West region, filled with the rustic charm of a time long ago.

Staying for three nights at the Hotel Mar-I-Vent in Banyalbufar the views of the journey pale in comparison to that of the terrace of the Mar-I-Vent. Perched on a hillside, the hotel enjoys panoramic views of the hills, sea and homes of Banyalbufar. Spending a morning watching the sunrise or an evening watching it descend into the sea, you cannot help but be in awe of this stunning country.

Each of the rooms enjoys the spectacular view with rates including a continental breakfast, while evening meals consist of a set menu of local delicacies and at 25 euros for four courses, is excellent value.

However, you would be remiss not to make your way up the quaint high street and sample the tapas delights of the Cas Batle Negro, whilst enjoying the array of local and international gins that perch on the bar.

Banyalbufar has long enjoyed a reputation as a premier walking venue, drawing in people of all nationalities with a history of popularity with American tourists, including some famous faces such as Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones.

If you haven’t quite got your fill of tapas, a route to the East towards es Port des Canonge is a great option as it winds through the hills and into a cove, ending in the little village Canonge that has a wonderful tapas bar called Can Toni Moreno.
After three nights at the Mar-I-Vent enjoying the stunning walks and food, we travelled with our host Francesc to Valldermossa, a town besieged with hundreds of cyclists.

A must visit in the town is the old monastery called Real Cartuja, which delivers a fascinating insight into the lives of the monks that inhabited this place for centuries and now stands as a homage to their memory. There is also a grand house attached to the monastery where its extravagant European décor juxtapsoses the basic existence of the monk’s.

At the top of the Real Cartuja there is something very special to enjoy - an art gallery with stunning works celebrating renowned artists who have some connection to Majorca. This includes work from Mira who spent much of his adult life in Palma.

After an afternoon exploring Valldermossa it’s on to the Bon Sol just west of the capital Palma, one of the best-known hotels on the island to rest and enjoy a bit of pampering!

Decorated to resemble a 16th century gothic castle; including suits of armour and crossed axes, the Bon Sol oozes charm and whilst over manufactured in places - it works adding to your experience.

The theme sadly does not translate to the rooms (mores is a pity as I was looking forward to sleeping in a four-post bed). Whilst not able to match the views and charm of the Mar-I-Vent, the rooms are elegant and modern making for a comfortable resting place.

Where the Bon Sol comes into its own is its excellent range of facilities including three pools, a beautiful private cove and the pièce de résistance the Nirvana spa.

After all the walking in Banyalbufar, the spa was a welcome retreat to recuperate with the facilities including a Jacuzzi, multiple saunas and steam rooms along with private deck area that bathes in the sun. I would certainly suggest a full body massage also to complete the recuperation.

Evening dining in the Bon Sol is a must with smart casual attire required. Whilst in the day there is a separate buffet restaurant, by night you have an expansive menu to choose from that includes a mixture of local delicacies and international cuisine.

At dinner Martin, the proprieter, works the room speaking with each of the guests to ensure there stay is a perfect as can be, something that is rare nowadays but appreciated by the diners.

The Bon Sol is well known for its variety of evening entertainment but if that does not appeal, the bright lights of Palma are only a short taxi ride away.

A city worlds apart from the tranquility of Banyalbufar, the varied nightlife consists of quaint wine bars to

discotheques and everything in-between - one night is simply not enough time to explore everything on offer.

After five days, (which was much too short) Majorca has left an indelible mark and is somewhere I plan to visit again, spending more time getting better acquainted with its culture, people and landscape - a truly breathtaking place.

The Facts
Monarch – www.monarch.co.uk
Monarch operates year round flights to Majorca from London Gatwick and Manchester and from Birmingham and Luton in the summer. Fares include taxes and start from £36.99 one way (£59.50 return).

Mar-I-Vent - www.hotelmarivent.com
Rooms start at 79 Euros per night including a continental breakfast. Dine in the hotel for its authentic Majorcan food but be adventurous and go to the tapas bars in and around the town.

Valldemossa – Real Cartuja
The monastery visit at 7 Euros is great value. The area is great for cyclists with a number of reasonably priced hotels if you want to turn your day visit into a nights stay.

Bon Sol – www.hotelbonsol.es
With rooms starting at 112 Euros per night the Bon Sol prices are relative to the city positioning. There are a number of options regarding half board and breakfast and room rates include use of the facilities (excluding the Spa treatments).

Words by Lee Hall

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