Mallorca in July

I spent a wonderful week in Mallorca in July. Two girlfriends, good food, and wonderful hotels. Mallorca has really re-positioned it's image since the 70's and 80's when it was number one charter destination with a somewhat dubious reputation. Today the island is not only popular with famous people and the royals, but also golfers and couples who want's to spend a weekend in a romantic boutique hotel. And of course we like it, three happy Swedish women on vacation.

My own favorite area is around Deja where Hotel La Residencia is my first hand choice. There one can enjoy a fabulous view over the mountains and the nature and scenery is breath taking. A cooling breeze helps you keep cool even when it's hot, and it can easily get up to 35 degrees in the summer in Mallorca. It only takes ten minutes down to the sea where the water is crystal clear.

When I'm closer to Palma I like to stay at the Hospes Maricel, an old private chateaux newly refurbished as a five star boutique hotel. The main building is contemporary design in a historic environment. The suite I stayed in unfortunately didn't have a balcony and the windows were quite small. The hotel has also extended to the other side of the road (connected via a tunnel) with new buildings in very modern style. One of my friends had a deluxe room with a large terrace and small plunge pool, the sea view was nothing to get excited about, but the upper floor rooms didn't on the other hand have a terrace. Room 113 is therefore the room I recommend if the suite with balcony isn't available in the main building. The breakfast at the hotel is fantastic and you can have a 10-course tasting menu, but that is only recommended if you're really hungry in the morning.

The best food in Mallorca in my opinion is found at restaurants in Puerto Portales, even if it's a bit touristy resembling Puerto Banus on the mainland, with all the luxury yachts in the harbor. Tristan has a Michelin star, but I actually prefer Flanningan next doors because they find a solution to even the most demanding needs and funny orders a guest can have. I will return to the matter of demanding orders, we are world champions in that field.

In Palma Old Town there's a fantastic small tapas restaurant Forn de San Juan. It's always full, but try to get a table in the bar which is the coziest place to mingle with locals. After that you can have a drink nearby at the swedish owned hotel Puro. The clientele is great, a mixture of locals and tourists, from 35 and up. Unfortunately they don't have any great wines or champagne by glas, but someone told me the drinks are good, so Go for the drinks folks.

Mallorca is well worth a visit also during autumn. Good food, if you know where to go, and the flight is short from Scandinavia and the UK.


Hospes Maricel
La Recidencia