Welcome to T’s new monthly travel series, Flocking To, where we’ll be highlighting the destinations that are on everyone’s wish list. Each month, we’ll share tips and recommendations from frequent visitors and locals alike. Make sure to sign up here to receive our newsletter directly in your inbox, along with our weekly T List newsletter. If you have any questions or want to share your own travel experiences, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].
Majorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, has been a popular summer destination for Europeans and Brits for decades. But before the rise of big resorts and fancy villas, the island’s hilltop villages were a haven for artists, musicians, and writers seeking year-round sun and solitude. Notable visitors included the Polish composer Frédéric Chopin and the French novelist George Sand, who spent the winter of 1838 in the picturesque town of Valldemossa. In 1929, the nearby village of Deià became an artists’ colony, attracting the likes of the British writer Robert Graves and the American poet Laura Riding. The Barcelona-born artist Joan Miró also made Majorca his home in 1956.
Majorca’s rich artistic tradition, combined with its natural beauty, is now attracting a new wave of creative individuals. In recent years, many artists and designers have left larger European cities and settled in Majorca. They are renovating old houses and farms in towns like Sóller and Deià or choosing to reside in Palma’s Old Town, where there is a growing number of contemporary art galleries and unique shops supporting local artisans. Throughout the island, you’ll find new or recently revived hotels, all competing to offer the most breathtaking views.
For our first installment of Flocking To, we asked four locals and frequent visitors to Majorca to share their favorite places on the island. However, we must note that Majorca is quite large, sprawling across approximately 1,400 square miles (similar in size to Long Island), so renting a car is recommended if you plan on exploring.
Now, let’s hear from our insiders:
1. Stefania Borras, the designer and founder of the fashion line Datura and a native Majorcan, opened the Datura Studio Isla boutique in Deià in 2022.
2. Dalad Kambhu, chef and co-owner of the Michelin-starred Thai restaurant Kindee in Berlin, spends several months each year in Majorca with her husband, architectural designer Geoffrey Grunfeld.
3. Adriana Meunié, a textile artist and native Majorcan, returned to the island in 2014 after working in Barcelona and Berlin.
4. Matthew Williamson, the fashion designer turned interior designer, moved from London to Majorca in 2016. His first home décor book, “Living Bright,” will be released in October.
Matthew Williamson recommends two places he recently discovered: the Grand Hotel Son Net, located about eight miles west of Palma, and Palma Riad, a cute little place in Palma with a Moroccan-inspired ambiance. He describes the Grand Hotel Son Net as a special, fresh, and contemporary place surrounded by beautiful jasmine. Palma Riad offers a new experience for visitors to Palma, showcasing the island’s Islamic influence. Both are great options for pre-dinner drinks.
Adriana Meunié admires Antoni Esteva, co-owner and architect of Es Racó d’Artà in the island’s northeast, describing him as a poet who deeply understands space, light, materials, and simplicity. His projects, including Sa Pleta Freda gallery in Son Servera and the Son Gener hotel, skillfully connect the past with the future.
Stefania Borras is excited about the newly opened Hotel Corazón in the northwest. She recommends visiting this unique hotel created by her artist friends Kate Bellm and Edgar Lopez. Additionally, she praises chef Grace Berrow, who prepares exceptional cuisine at Hotel Corazón.
Now, let’s talk about the best places to eat and drink on the island, according to our insiders:
– Maria Solivellas, chef and owner of Ca na Toneta in the rural village of Caimari, is known for her traditional Majorcan food with a personal twist. Be sure to visit her shop for locally made ceramics.
– Sa Foradada offers breathtaking views of the sea and cliffs. Accessible by boat or a one-hour hike, this restaurant is famous for its paella. Advanced booking is essential due to limited tables.
– Casa Manolo in the southern village of Ses Salines is a traditional and beloved place known for its excellent fish dishes. It is a favorite spot of our insiders since childhood, thanks to their father’s love for good food. The restaurant is located near stunning beaches.
– Bar La Sang in Palma is a popular natural wine bar where you can enjoy delicious bites. The island’s natural wine scene is becoming increasingly interesting, making this bar a trendy spot for drinks in the evening. Different visiting chefs often cook here.
– Cati Ribot, a female winemaker based in Santa Margalida, produces beautiful natural wines using indigenous grapes. She offers tastings on Saturdays, by appointment only. Ses Coves is a rustic restaurant specializing in Spanish meat and fish cooked over fire. Their grilled sweetbreads are particularly delicious. Afterward, you can explore the nearby caves with awe-inspiring stalagmite and stalactite formations.
Our insiders also recommend some unique local shops:
– Inside Villa Rullan in Deià, you’ll find a charming bistro and boutique named Joy. The shop features locally and sustainably made crafts, including handwoven baskets, bags made with palm leaves or grass, and hand-painted ceramic mugs.
– La Pecera in Palma is an excellent design store founded by Marlene Albaladejo, a sustainable design pioneer on the island. Look for chairs made with woven local bulrush grass and woven palm leaf pendant lamps.
– Rosa Esteva, the fashion designer behind the Cortana brand, recently opened a stunning shop in Palma. Her clothes are elegant, practical, and made from natural materials, reflecting the colors of the island. Earth Core, a gallery and boutique in Sóller, is a love letter to Majorca, paying tribute to local artisans, produce, and plants. They offer fruit juices and use local plant dyes for their T-shirts, wraps, and fabric bags.
Explore Majorca’s hidden gems:
– Cala Figuera is a picturesque fishing village on the southeastern coast of Majorca and is a must-visit destination for its natural beauty.
We hope you find these recommendations helpful when planning your trip to Majorca. Stay tuned for more exciting travel guides in our Flocking To series.
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