Mallorca greeted us with its Mediterranean charm, historic pull, and vibrant atmosphere. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this trip would be as much about relaxation as discovery. Right in the heart of Palma and within walking distance of many attractions, Concepció by Nobis became our perfect starting point—a seamless blend of history and modern comfort.
My favourite thing about this property is the pool. We sat by the pool, dunking in occasionally to cool off; even though it was April, it was already hot under the mid-day sun. We ordered lunch and drinks directly to our lounge chair. If I hadn’t already planned activities, I could have spent a whole day relaxing here with a book.
It was just the two of us for this trip, and we only had a few days in Palma so we crammed in more than if we had the kids with us.
We spent our afternoon strolling through Palma, the streets lined with sycamore trees, flower stalls, and the grandeur of the Santa María Cathedral glowing in the twilight. Start with a self-guided tour through Palma’s charming streets, whether you want to window shop, actually shop, or just take in the architecture.
Visit the Bellver Castle, a rare circular Gothic castle perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding sea.
Dinner was at L’Atic, Chef John Pinel’s new concept, whom a few in our group dubbed the “Gabriel of Spain.” The restaurant is located on the top floor of the Saratoga Hotel, where the views and the food compete for attention.
The next day was absolutely packed. We started with a tour of Flor de Sal Saltworks. This is a 2,800-hectare nature reserve, rich in biodiversity, and they offer guided tours. Walk among vibrant flamingos and learn about the salt production process while soaking up the beauty of the surrounding wetlands. This is a great hands-on activity for the whole family. Be sure to check out the gift shop before you leave.
Next, we ventured to the vibrant Santanyí Market on the charming streets surrounding the church. The market’s colours were intoxicating—fresh fruits, handcrafted goods, and vivid textiles that looked like paintings come to life. We picked up some handcrafted goodies, and when at a market in Spain, you must try the olives.
After a busy morning, it was nice to stop off at Dalt Turo Winery and Farm for lunch. I like bringing wines from the places we visit, and on this visit, we decided to bring a bottle of the Acopinyat home with us. It’s an excellent way of extending the tastes and flavours of the trip when we get back home.
By mid-afternoon, we made our way to Cala Figuera, a traditional fishing village in the district of Santanyí. There is a trail here that we wanted to take, but we didn’t have enough time. We couldn’t resist talking about a potential return trip—next time, dedicating an entire day to hiking the rugged coastline trails around Cala Figuera.
Dinner was at the Hospes Maricel, one of Mallorca’s most romantic luxury hotels. The setting was absolutely magnificent: sea views stretched endlessly, and the sound of the water lapping against the rocks – even now, I take a sigh as I remember standing on the patio overlooking the water. The cuisine was exquisite, each dish made with local ingredients, and you can ask to have each course matched with wine. The restaurant is open to the public, and tourists and locals seem to use it to celebrate special occasions.
The following morning, we were ready for an adventure unlike any other we had before: snorkelling and free diving in the Mediterranean Sea.
The experience was both exhilarating and humbling. The waters were colder than expected, but thanks to Isurus Palma Scubanautic’s expert team, we were outfitted with 5mm wetsuits complete with a hood that allowed us to enjoy every moment. The lack of coral in the Mediterranean was striking, instead the underwater world revealed its charm—schools of shimmering fish and different shades of seagrass. The seabed looked extremely white and clear when the seagrass opened up, and the schools of fish seemed to be dancing on the sun’s rays. You can see a little video of our experience on Instagram.
As it was our last day in Mallorca, we walked to Palma Beach to savour the city’s energy. Lunch at a bustling boardwalk restaurant was the perfect way to wind down. If I close my eyes, I can still hear the laughter of locals and the rhythmic crash of waves, and I remember the feel of the warm Mediterranean sun.
My biggest regret is saying I would return for a pair of shoes, not knowing the store was closed on Sunday. If you see something you want, get it then. Sigh. Take me back to Spain.
Drop Of Golden Sun 