Spain - Mallorca

There is little that makes me happier than beach, bikini and sun – mixed with people you love – you really don’t need much more in life. And it doesn’t hurt that Mallorca is the home of Rafael Nadal so a possible sighting is always around the corner! We stayed in the small northern village of Pollenca, I could live here, I really could and we had locals take us around which was so nice. We has an amazing dinner in a stunning local apartment with all the local goodness – tortilla de patatas, ostrich eggs, lovely aubergine salad, lemon verbena iced tea which I loved and can’t wait to grow and make – and of course finished off with some local cava. One of my fav nights, nothing better than the local take – Spanish food is simple and delicious!

Lovely Pollenca

We went to the beach every day, some of the local ones closer to town, some rocky ones with cliff diving,  some Miami-esque ones with beach clubs, and then some further ones where you wander through the beautiful mountains first, like Formentor which has one of the oldest luxury hotels in the world, where Grace Kelly arrived by private boat back in the day. The Obamas are coming for vaca here soon – lovely off the grid locations and rugged/wild beaches – love it.  So hot and sunny all the time – try the orange juice!

Formentor Beach

Sunshine and Friends

Restaurants:

• Definitely go to Ponderosa Beach for some paella and delicious rose on the beach one day – its on Playa de Muro and such a great day to spend the day and evening! Fresh fruit and beer during the day will get you through to the seafood paella cooked over firepits right on the beach. 

• S’illot bar – I believe there is more than one but the one we drove to was way up in the hills and very isolated at the end of a dirt road, hanging off a cliff. Stunning sunset views, live music and tapas – very local – could have stayed there all night. The waitors all kissed us goodnight, lovely people and place!

View from S'illot Bar

• Go to any of the bars at the base of the 365 stairs (1 for each day, worth a hike to the top) for great local rose or local gin. And a quick tapas snack. These are better than the ones in the main square which are nice for breakfast but a bit crowded in general.

Hiking up to the top

Shopping:

• Palma supposed has great shopping but very touristy so we stayed away. Pollenca has so many cute stores, local made espadrilles that are so soft for 8 Euros! Lovely homemade jams and local fleur de sel and homegoods. Tiny shops by the stairs are worth the exploration!

Stunning Doors

• Stop at any local grocery store to stock up on Spanish goodies – there is a grocery store at the bottom of the stairs that is good, but our favorite was Ensenyat for wine, the deli, the cheese and the chorizo/salt/olive oil/Iberico ham and other things you may want to sneak back with you!

Stock Up on all this!

Lots of lovely inns but we did Air Bnb right in town and was perfect. I will go back sooner than later – loved it so much. Notice all the lovely doors here – it was one of my favorite parts. And will visit next door smaller island Minorca as well!!

Getting Ready for Festivale

Little Friends are the best friends...xo

Planning my return visit...