FINC-ING OF A HOLIDAY TO MALLORCA?
by Sarah Scaddan
With Christmas and New Year well behind us and no end in sight to those dull and dreary winter days, we start dreaming of our next escape – in search of some sun.
Over the next few months, with the help of Sarah Scaddan, Travel Planner at www.inspiremytravel.com, we’ll offer you some great suggestions for your next get-away.
OUR PICK OF FINCAS AND BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN MALLORCA
Mallorca (or Majorca) is the largest of the Balearics. Although well known for its concentrated centres of mass tourism, it is also a diverse island with a vast choice of exceptional accommodation available – fantastic individual hotels set in the middle of farm land, where you can totally shut yourself off to the outside world.
If the latter sounds like your idea of heaven, here are a handful of delightful Finca’s that have caught our eye:
FINCA SON JORBO
Near ‘the most Mallorcan town in Mallorca’ – sleepy Porreres – is this lovely old farmhouse. At the end of a small lane, the Finca sits surrounded by ten peaceful acres of olive trees and a secluded pool. All the apartment suites have their own kitchen and terrace so if you really want to be antisocial, this is the place! Each suite is designed in a different style, blending the rustic charms of a traditional Mallorcan country house with the comforts of contemporary living.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Its central location enables you to get to almost anywhere in Mallorca within 1 hour.
COST: From 120€ a night.
WEBSITE: Click here.
CA’S XORC HOTEL
Located between Deia and Soller on Mallorca’s rugged northwest coast, this former olive mill has become a chic small hotel. The look is shabby-chic, blending Mallorquin with a hint of Moroccan. Ca’s Xorc is all about the culinary experience, with three meals a day served on the panoramic terrace with a view of the sea and mountains. Try the six-course degustation menu.
WHY WE LIKE IT: The ambitious gourmet menu and the idyllic swimming pool.
COST: From 170€ a night.
WEBSITE: Click here.
SON BRULL HOTEL & SPA
This is a pricier getaway, but you do get a lot for your Euro. This was once a Jesuit monastery and its olive mill and press still remain, as does the beautiful late-Baroque inner courtyard. Son Brull offers guests impeccable service, slickly designed teched up rooms and a beautiful pool overlooking a valley. It is situated close to Pollenca – so the beach, golf course and nightlife are not far away.
WHY WE LIKE IT: The attention to detail (e.g. it has pillow menus), and the excellent spa facilities.
COST: From 350€ a night.
WEBSITE: Click here.
FINCA SON GENER
Just an hour away from Palma on the eastern side of the island, this elegant 18th-century Finca with 15 suites on the brow of a hill, is not far from the ancient town of Arta. This Finca has been restored with such style – the interior of the hotel is exceptional, as are the bedrooms with their antique furniture, private terraces and huge bathrooms. This is a remote hotel, guests go to relax by the pool, read in the olive groves, eat organic food and be peaceful. Oh, and play golf if you’d like to (there is a course close by).
WHY WE LIKE IT: Breakfast is served until midday. That’s what I call relaxation!
COST: From 300€ a night.
WEBSITE: Click here.
FINCA SON MAS
Son Mas is a 17th-century Finca turned boutique hotel just inland from Mallorca’s east coast, about four kilometres from Porto Cristo. There’s little to do here but drift along in the infinity pool, float out of the spa floral-scented and devour home-cooked Mallorcan cuisine. In cooler months, there is an indoor pool so the weather does not hinder your quest to relax.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Yoga and Pilates classes are available as well as jogging and walking tracks – for those who need to move occasionally.
COST: From 245€ a night.
WEBSITE: Click here.
FINCA SA ROTA D’EN PALERM
Sa Rota d’en Palerm is a colourful, family-run Finca in rural Sineu, right at the heart of the island. There’s a laid-back feel, rustic rooms, and simple, unfussy, family-sized apartments to spread out and relax in. There is no formal restaurant, but a delicious four course dinner using local produce can be delivered to your apartment if desired. For children, there are toys and games available.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Children are welcome and it is fuss free, family friendly and affordable.
COST: From 165€ a night.
WEBSITE: Click here.
WHEN AND HOW TO GO
Easyjet and Swiss have direct flights to Mallorca. There are three flights a day in peak season.
The climate of Mallorca is Mediterranean with mild winters and hot and sunny summers. The average temperature ranges from 9.5 °C in January and February, to 24.5 °C in August. Here are the average temperatures in Palma, the main city.
Palma | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Min (°C) | 4 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 5 |
Max (°C) | 15 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 31 | 31 | 28 | 23 | 19 | 16 |
Min (°F) | 39 | 39 | 41 | 45 | 52 | 59 | 63 | 64 | 61 | 54 | 46 | 41 |
Max (°F) | 59 | 61 | 63 | 66 | 73 | 81 | 88 | 88 | 82 | 73 | 66 | 61 |
Sarah Scaddan is a Travel Planner at www.inspiremytravel.com.