Text by Hedi Grager
I remember the first time I set foot on the Balearic island really well. I immediately felt at home there. Then when I saw the capital of Palma de Mallorca with its historical old town and port I knew that I would come back again. The view of the La Seu gothic cathedral that towers over everything and Castell de Bellver, a medieval fortress that rises in the background, is impressive time and time again.
On a walk through the old town of Palma and on a trip along the coast I got to know some wonderfully situated lifestyle hotels, great bars and original restaurants.
I park my car in one of the underground garages just before Palau de la Almudaina and the La Seu cathedral. After my first coffee in the stylish Mar de Nudos I start my stroll around town. From the small Placa de la Reina it‘s just a few steps to the Hotel Tres in the Calle Apuntadores in the beautiful part of borough Born. By the way, the Abaco bar, which is really worth seeing, is just around the corner.
Hotel Tres – Majorcan charm at its best
The lifestyle hotel Hotel Tres is situated right in the heart of the old town just a few steps away from the elegant Passeig des Born shopping street. The old historical city palace from the 16th century is skilfully linked to a 1950s building by a glass staircase. Its charm impresses any lover of design. With the Tres table, which is as wide as a bed and can be rolled anywhere, even dining ”in bed” is fun. You can relax on the two roof-top terraces with a wonderful view over the sea, mountains and famous cathedral.
Hotel Tres
On the Passeig des Born with its large sycamore trees, town houses, city palaces and luxury boutiques I turn into Carrer Sant Feliu, one of my favourite lanes with wonderful, elegant shops. I like going to the Rialto Living lifestyle store here with its nice café. Back on the Passeig des Born I search for the little Carrer Can Veri in the maze of lanes, which also has fantastic shops and the great Galerie K. Just after the little San Nicolas church, the Placa Mercat opens up with its two in bars Nicolas and Gibson.
After recharging my batteries I walk over the Placa Weyler, past the Grand Hotel and Palma‘s oldest Art Deco bakery Forn des Teatre, up the hill into the Hotel Convent de la Missió and its excellent ”Simply Fosh” restaurant in the rather inconspicuous Carrer de la Missió.
Living in a cloister
The Convent de la Missió hotel originates from the 17th century and was formerly a cloister. Whether you‘re in the salon, bar, restaurant or on the sun terrace or in the sauna, it is pleasantly peaceful everywhere. At every turn you can see the love of the owners, a long-established Majorcan family, for local and international art. The Simply Fosh restaurant with its first Michelin star is also an attraction.
A Finca “above” the sea
The 5-star Can Simoneta hotel is situated in the north east of Mallorca on a high plateau with breathtaking view over the sea. Vast gardens surround the finca hotel‘s buildings, including the Beach House right on Canyamel beach. Besides tranquillity and harmony, Can Simoneta also offers its guests lots of sporting opportunities, there are several golf courses in the near vicinity. The restaurant with exquisite cooking and even some home-grown products also has a magical view over the Bay of Canyamel.
Can Simoneta
Thermal Spa & Wellness
The Font Santa Hotel in the south of Mallorca has the only thermal spring in the Balearics. What is special is that this underground spring supplies the swimming pool, the Jacuzzis and the Vichy showers with water rich in minerals. A harmony of the traditional and modern influence the 36 rooms in the idyllic surroundings of the Es Trenc natural beach and the salt marshes of Campos.
I now quickly nip up a little lane with steps and I can already see the market halls of the Mercat de l‘Olivar on Placa Mercat. After a few treats and lovely glass of white wine I make my way back. I stroll through the Carrer de la Miguel pedestrian area, cross the Placa Mayor and follow the Jaume II as far as Placa Cort with an age-old huge olive tree. From here it’s just a few steps downhill back to the parking garage.
Now I have to decide. I can either go on a long walk along the beachfront promenade towards Portixol and eat at Can Punta, the restaurant owned by the famous actress Sonja Kirchberger. Or I can get in the car and drive to Porto Portals to Beach Alm.
Sonja Kirchberger’s hotspot Can Punta
Sonja Kirchberger took over the Can Punta in a little fishing port between Portixol and Molinar in 2014. The petite, attractive actress arrives for our meeting at her cosy restaurant with a suitcase as she has to fly off to Germany for rehearsals for Shakespeare performances with the director Dieter Wedel straight afterwards.
I can do every job in my restaurant, I can cook every dish and mix every cocktail.
proudly explains actress Sonja Kirchberger
She sewed the denim upholstery herself. Denim curtains and covers for the menus, where I even find a genuine Wienerschnitzel, are just being made, Sonja reveals to me before she is already on her way out with a final wave.
Cap Falco Beach
”Cap Falco Beach is a dream beach in a nature conservation area,” explains Nadine
Niklas.
Guests really enjoy simply sitting their feet in the sand, relaxing and eating what the chef bought fresh from the market in the morning.
Many of the regular guests don‘t even want the menu, they would much rather we surprise them. Chilled out in stylish seats, lounges and sun loungers with a stunning view of the sea.
Cap Falco Beach