Postcard from Mallorca
We say that someone from the Local Foreigner team is always on the road, visiting destinations across the globe - but we really mean always. Our monthly Postcard takes you along for the ride, and this month, we're just back from Mallorca.
The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is hot, hot, hot for 2025 - maybe it has something to do with the fact that it's incredibly well connected by air to all of Europe (and there's even a seasonal non-stop from New York), the landscapes are full of drama, the hotels are incredibly romantic, the water looks like it was painted by Pantone, and everyone gets 60% more beautiful immediately upon arrival? Just a guess. But trust us on this: in two months, if you're not on your way to Spain, you're going to be looking back on this post with envious regret.
Mallorca's nearly perfect climate supplies a fertile environment for the almond trees, olive groves, and vineyards that grow inland, as well as refreshing mix of bohemians and Royals who have made it their summer home. The northwest coast is famous for its rocky coastline and quiet towns, including the quaint village of Pollença, which is an artist's haven. Palma, the island's capital, has a majestic Old Town defined by ancient cobblestone streets and a picturesque gothic cathedral. Note that the island's native language is Mallorquin, a dialect of Catalan specific to the Balearics, but Spanish is widely spoken as well.
Mallorca is a summer playground, but summer is an increasingly broad term, as most hotels on the island open between mid March and early April and keep the fairy lights twinkling in the garden into November. Peak summer months are buzziest and busiest, with restaurants and rooms booking well in advance; we love visiting in the fall to spend time hiking and enjoying a more laid-back Balearic atmosphere.
There are a few properties that do remain open more or less year-round, like Grand Hotel Son Net. With temperatures in the 50s, it's a quiet and cozy time for wine tasting, spa, and r&r.
La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, Mallorca
In such a sublime setting, between the rugged Tramuntana mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, amid towering cypresses and fragrant olive trees, nothing, could really be bad -- but the La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, Mallorca manages to be especially enchanting. The 72-room property, housed in converted 16th century stone villas, hugs the gentle hillside, where a labyrinth of pebbled walkways leads guests past quiet gardens, sun drenched patios, and impossibly perfect lookout points. Rooms have the honeyed patina of late afternoon sunlight. Stucco fireplaces and terracotta floors are brought to life with local watercolors, tawny ceiling beams, and ikat fabrics. And while rooms provide every temptation to curl up with an albarino and never leave, the storybook village of Deia is a five-minute stroll down the hill. | View the hotel
Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa
Set high above Port de Sóller on the unspoilt northwest coast of Mallorca, Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa is stylish and tranquil, with a stunning custom curated art collection. The 121 bright, spacious sea and mountain facing rooms and recently refurbished suites blend into the hillside, crowning the UNESCO-listed Tramuntana range, which is a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and bird watchers. The hotel hosts five restaurants, including signature dining at Es Fanals Restaurant, Cap Roig Brasserie, and Nikkei-inspired cuisine at Sunset Lounge, all of which offer jaw dropping views of the sea. The award-winning Talise Spa is a highlight for guests seeking rejuvenation. | View the hotel
Grand Hotel Son Net
Grand Hotel Son Net, a meticulously restored Mallorcan family estate, stands out in the island’s hotel scene. This classic finca, painted a postcard-worthy terra cotta and swathed in vines, boasts Mediterranean gardens, a terrace, and a pool overlooking Puigpunyent. Inside, it's an eclectic mix of heirlooms and antiques from around the world, creating a timeless ambiance. Originally dating back to 1672, the property underwent a recent renovation under Cortesin Hotels, featuring 31 drool-worthy, uniquely designed rooms. The Grand Suite Maria de Napoles, inspired by Moorish North Africa, epitomizes the hotel's blend of historical richness and contemporary comfort. (And a pairing with Marbella sister property Finca Cortesin is the stuff of dreams.) | View the hotel
Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor
The Hotel Formentor, which opened in 1929, was a bastion of 20th-century glamour, hosting everyone from Jane Birkin to a honeymooning Grace Kelly and Prince Ranier of Monaco. After breathless anticipation across the island and the travel industry, in August 2024, the property reopened as the Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor. The 110 rooms, decked out in travertine and linen, are surrounded by hundreds of acres of cliffs, vineyards, olive trees, and pines, all tucked away at the northernmost part of the island, where the light is the stuff of oil paintings. Direct access to the pristine Formentor beach, beautifully landscaped gardens, three serene outdoor swimming pools and a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant are already available, and the 2025 season will introduce two new food & beverage outlets, along with a luxe spa designed to offer a blissful retreat for soulful wellness. | View the hotel
Sea Club
Cap Rocat's Sea Club, an open-air restaurant overlooking the impossibly blue waters of Queen’s Cove, is a perfect spot for fresh salads, grilled meats, pasta, and seafood. Navy and white chairs, wooden tables, and crisp linens finish the idyllic Mediterranean setting.
Sa Foradada
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Sa Foradada is known for its stunning views and rustic charm. The kitchen specializes in fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Accessible by boat or a scenic hike, this is the sort of spot you base a day around.
La Rosa Vermuteria
A glass of small-batch vermouth and a tortilla pintxo is one of life's great pleasures, and there are few better places for the pairing than La Rosa Vermutería. Walk in to this buzzy spot in the Santa Catalina district of Palma for a midafternoon refresher.
El Olivo
La Residencia’s charming flagship restaurant, El Olivo, features rustic stone floors and terraces, flickering candlelight cast from romantic, dripping tapers, seasonal Mediterranean cuisine, and a deep, excellent wine cellar. Take in the views over the terraced hillsides as you enjoy local seafood or lamb, all enhanced by herbs from the on-property garden.
Nama Deia
Tucked into a townhouse in the heart of Deià, Nama draws on elements of Chinese, Singaporean, Malaysian, and Vietnamese cuisine. The ever-changing menu is based on fresh produce and catch. But it’s not just the food that appeals – a who’s who of fashion and design types have left their stamp on Nama over the years – make sure to stop into Nama Bar, Matthew Williamson’s contribution, for a pre or post dinner drink.
Mallorca Ruta de Pedra en Sec Hike
The trail from Deia to Soller is one of the most beautiful 3-hour hikes in the Balearics. The Ruta de Pedra en Sec spans the 90km length of the Tramuntana mountains, and got its name from the construction method used to line the route: stones precisely laid on top of each other. Start in the picturesque mountain village of Deia, and descend through olive groves on a cobbled path. You'll see lovely views of the village and mountains as you pass by. From here, continue towards Puerto Soller on a wide track through the Muleta valley, passing through the farmland and reaching the Muleta refuge and lighthouse and follow the windy lane down to the port for a well-deserved lunch.
Olive Oil Tasting & Valldemossa Visit
Start with a deep dive into the history and cultural significance of the 700-year-old Son Moragues olive oil estate in Tramuntana, highlighting its sustainable agriculture practices. Enjoy a tasting session of their organic extra virgin olive oil and preserves, before a scenic mountain walk through olive groves and forests, learning about the land stewardship program, culminating in a Majorcan picnic at the “Refugio del Archiduque." Spend the afternoon in the hilltop town of Valldemossa, feeling like you've stumbled into a Leo Gestel canvas.
Son Sureda Ric Wine Tasting
Off the beaten track and close to the city of Manacor in the Eastern part of the island, visit an authentic piece of Mallorca at the beautiful winery of Son Sureda Ric, which dates to the 15th century. Family owned for generations, strolling around the property, you will pass through the typical stages of production in the ecological winemaking process, and take a little detour to see the livestock they keep, as well as learning all about the love and care this hard-working family puts into their wines. Enter the small, old wine cellar, where you can travel back in time, admiring part of the beautifully-kept main house. The tour ends on the generous courtyard in front of the house with a well-deserved wine tasting of carefully selected ecological signature wines.
Classic Spain
Fly into Madrid for a few days of late nights in cafes and some of the world's best art; continue to Andalusia for sugar cube architecture and the Alhambra, and finish with time on the water in Mallorca. firmado, sellado, y entregado.
Keeping Coastal
The gallerinas of Mallorca and the glitter-yachties of Sardinia are connected in under 90 minutes, nonstop from Palma to Cagliari. Yes, mainland Spain and Italy are incredible, but we're on island time. thank you very much.
Highlands and Islands
Travelers attracted to Mallorca for its hiking and other active pursuits can pair the sunny island with time in the Scottish Highlands via a non-stop flight to or from Edinburgh. Keep score on the donkey vs. highland cow count.
