Mallorca: A Peaceful Mediterranean Retreat

By Margot Black

Visualize waking up to the sound of gentle waves lapping against the harbor walls and opening your window to a panoramic view of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. This blissful tableau can become a reality on Mallorca, which boasts a rich cultural heritage, blending influences from its Roman, Byzantine and Moorish past.

The island, the largest of the Balearics, is dotted with ancient ruins, castles and quaint villages, each offering a glimpse into its diverse history.

Home to the stunning Gothic cathedral La Seu in Palma, which is also the region's capital, it also boasts magnificent natural landscapes that range from the dramatic cliffs of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, known as the backbone of the island, to the spotless beaches of Es Trenc. Its varied terrain makes it a haven for active tourists, offering hiking, cycling and water sports; however, we were looking for something a little less frantic.

My husband had come to visit a good friend, so along with our teenage son, we spent three nights on the island and factored in some serious rest and relaxation along with socializing.

Our hotel in the charming town of Peguera immediately became the centerpiece of our vacation, and its outdoor spaces truly captured the essence of Mallorca. We loved the children's pool area, which offered stunning views over the Mediterranean. Falling in love with the ambience and views, we took the unprecedented step of canceling a day trip to spend an entire day lounging by the pool and enjoying every corner of the hotel.

Mallorca's cuisine is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean flavors, featuring local ingredients that included olives, almonds and plenty of seafood. Traditional dishes include sobrasada, which is a cured sausage, and ensaimada, a sweet pastry. The island's vineyards also produce excellent wines, particularly the whites from the Binissalem region, and many are available here.

The nearby seaside town of Peguera offered a selection of charming restaurants. It was only a seven-minute taxi ride away, and we found it great for families, offering a low-key, relaxed vibe with a lovely boardwalk area that was perfect for evening strolls. We dined at Mar y Mar, a lovely beachfront restaurant that served fresh seafood and local delicacies while the sun set over the horizon.

Another standout was Las Poetas Andaluces, known for its traditional grilled meats and warm, inviting atmosphere. At La Campana, a traditional Spanish restaurant, also in Peguera, we devoured their spectacular seafood paella, and nearby Casa Enrique, with its exposed brick walls and wooden tables, was a lovely place to nibble on bread, olives and spicy padron peppers.

We also stumbled upon a unique spa in town where people get pedicures from nibbling fish, a quirky and memorable experience that added a fun twist to our trip.

But no visit to Mallorca would be complete without exploring its capital, Palma. The massive Santa Maria cathedral, a Gothic landmark, dates back to the 13th century and dominates the skyline, offering a fascinating glimpse into the island's past. Nearby, the Almudaina Palace, a Moorish-style 14th-century fortress converted to a royal residence, provides a beautiful contrast to the cathedral's grandeur.

For a complete change of pace, we joined my husband's friend on his small boat for an afternoon. As we cruised around the Mediterranean, we enjoyed swimming in the turquoise waters of a quiet cove in view of the yachts and mansions. There are no private beaches in Spain; all are open to everyone, and some of the spots are glorious.

When planning your trip, consider the value that Mallorca offers compared to other Mediterranean destinations. Despite its reputation as a playground for the rich, we found that the island offers great value, especially in terms of dining and accommodations. The rates at our hotel were surprisingly reasonable, especially when compared to similar five-star coastal hotels in the United States. Be sure to check out any discounted rates and packages.

For those looking to explore, renting a car or using the local train service (we used cabs and the train) makes getting around easy and convenient. For car rentals, it is always best to reserve in advance during busy seasons. We were lucky to have our own boat captain for the day, but there are plenty of excursions from which to choose, and most hotels are able to recommend or book on your behalf.

What we ultimately discovered was that Mallorca has something to suit every traveler. We'll never forget those warm, lazy days splashing around in the water, enjoying all that the Mediterranean has to offer.

WHEN YOU GO

The Hilton Mallorca Galatzo was an experience in itself. Perched on a hill, it offered an unparalleled blend of luxury, ease and family-friendly amenities as well as beautifully designed and spacious rooms. We enjoyed their breakfast buffet, which featured a pancake station where children could make their own. Our son took full advantage of their well-equipped gym, while I indulged in hours of blissful relaxation on a daybed, enjoying delicious snacks from the poolside restaurant. Dinner at the hotel was delightful, and Alma, the hotel's tapas bar and restaurant, served exquisite dishes that were both beautiful and delicious: www.hilton.com/en/hotels/pmicchi-hilton-mallorca-galatzo

Mar y Mar: www.marymar-mallorca.com/#gallery

Las Poetas Andaluces: www.poetasandaluces.es

Royal Palace of Madrid: es/visita/palacio-real-de-madrid

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Margot Black is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.