How long have you lived in Mallorca?

"I first came in 1991, working for the company Intasun which a few people might just about remember. Of course, I fell in love, not just with the island but with a boy, and I found myself living in Sineu with him as pretty much the only non-local in town. I’m very fond of this central part of the island – it’s still the ‘real’ Mallorca – but now that my kids have grown up, I live in Palma and I really love the buzz of the place."

What’s your favourite part of the island?

"It depends a lot on who I’m with. I love Palma as a city, it’s very different from the rest of the island. Lots to offer in terms of culture, architecture, restaurants & shops. If people want to see amazing scenery, we head west into the Tramuntana mountains. This side is really dramatic, with little shingle coves and artsy but traditional villages. You’ve got the famous ones like Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller, but Fornalutx, Banyalbulfar, Puigpunyent and Estellencs are also very beautiful. For beaches you can’t beat the Northeast. Playa de Muro, which runs around Alcúdia bay, is the best on the island to my mind: almost Caribbean with that turquoise water and pale sand, and it’s so long you can always find a quiet spot if you don’t mind walking a few hundred metres. Puerto Pollensa is the place I take my granddaughter if we’re out for the day because you’ve got all the facilities and shops there as well as a great sandy beach."

Mallorca is quite a foodie destination – any favourite dishes you can recommend?

"I used to crave something more sophisticated when I lived in Sineu, but now I’m in Palma I find I have to go back to the countryside to get my fix of proper Mallorquin food! My go-tos are tumbet (Mediterranean vegetables baked in the oven), baby lamb chops with garlic, sea bream backed in salt, John Dory fish cooked with onions and padrón peppers and for a real treat, red prawns from Sóller. And if you do want something fancier, fusion cuisine is a big trend, especially in Palma but also in a few places in Pollensa Old Town. Mallorcan wine is having a moment just now, and lots of the vineyards do visits and tastings. Can Axartell is handy for Pollensa and I like the Tianna Negre estate outside Binissalem because they also do music events. Celler Macià Batle in Santa Maria del Camí is another good one; usually you have to pay a small fee for the tastings, but it’s a really interesting experience."

Any tips for special Mallorca experiences? 

"The wine tastings are always good, and if you’d rather swallow than spit, you can actually get a private tasting at your villa. A private boat trip on a traditional llaüt (wooden fishing boat) out of Alcúdia port is a magical way to spend an evening for up to about 8 people. If you want to get really off the beaten track, Orient village is charming: less than 50 inhabitants, but a lovely authentic restaurant you can walk up to. My other tip is if you visit Sóller, leave your car in Bunyola and take the train as it’s much easier to park there. And once you’re in Sóller, you should check out the art museum and sculpture garden at Can Prunera. It’s located in a beautiful old Art Deco house, and there’s even an indoor creative play area too, good for the occasional grey day."

Want to see more Mallorca experiences and activities? View our pre-bookable selection for ideas on how to make the most of your holiday.

A selection of our favourites

THE VALLDEMOSSA ESTATE
Sleeps 8

Luxurious, historic Signature villa near Valldemossa; huge grounds and stunning views.

VILLA LLENYATER
Sleeps 4

Ideal for a couple or small family; landscaped gardens, walking distance to Pollensa.

CA’N SION
Sleeps 6

Private, peaceful and full of character, yet still conveniently close to Pollensa.

VILLA MOLINER
Sleeps 8

Idyllic family villa with two hot tubs, outdoor billiards and a large swimming pool.

CA’N MOIXET
Sleeps 6

Wonderful outdoor space and a popular location between Pollensa town and the beach.

VIEW ALL VILLAS IN MALLORCA