Do you really know Majorca? The sun-kissed cradle of the package holiday market is also home to luxury spa and golf properties, a fantastic city break destination in Palma, and diverse landscapes including beaches and mountain ranges that draw keen cyclists and hikers.
Majorca’s mega-popularity shows no real signs of waning. It’s the biggest summer seller for First Choice, Thomson, Cosmos and Classic Collection, among others. Brits are attracted by short flight times, reliable good weather, great beaches (41 are blue flag), a huge range of product from budget to luxury, and plenty to do in terms of activities and nightlife.
Majorca has worked hard to distance itself from some of the more negative images of package tourism, with huge investment being made in the upkeep of resorts and facilities.
Five million euros have been invested in the past five years in Cala D’Or alone, creating a pedestrianised town centre and a new sports facility, while strict building regulations limit new structures to three storeys.
What’s new
Mallorca Rocks, the sister hotel to Ibiza Rocks, celebrated its opening earlier this month with a gig from The Kooks.
Future acts include the likes of Calvin Harris and Dizzee Rascal, and guests can book a stage-view room to watch from their own balcony. The 328-room adults-only hotel has three bars and is spitting distance from the town centre.
Send more mature clients with impeccable taste to Cap Rocat, a converted 19th-century fortress which opened last week. The boutique property sits on its own private headland overlooking the sea. Each of the 24 rooms and suites has a private terrace, and there are two restaurants, an infinity pool and yoga classes – all 20 minutes from Palma airport.
For rural peace and quiet, try the new Sa Franquesa Nova, a 24-room former 17th-century manor house near inland Manacor. Surrounded by fig, olive and almond trees, there are gardens surrounding the pool, plus a gym and restaurant.
Reaching the island is easier than ever; Avro is adding two flights a week from Gatwick to Palma during high season, Thomson flies from 23 UK airports in summer, and Thomas Cook has 67 flights a week from 11 airports.
Cosmos is introducing more flexible durations this summer, with mini-breaks from one to six nights, mid-length breaks from seven to 14 nights and long stays of more than 15 nights.
Attraction World has added 11 new tours this summer, including a full-day island tour, visits to the Caves of Drach and Hams, and dinner shows.
Accommodation
Despite sterling strengthening against the euro, many Brits are taking advantage of the island’s all-inclusive properties to secure good value – it’s the most popular type of holiday for Thomas Cook, and makes up 60% of Cosmos’s bookings.
Free, unlimited use of the Alcudia waterpark at the neighbouring Club Mac Marte and Saturno (Thomas Cook Aquamania and First Choice Splash hotels respectively) is a huge draw.
However, operators also report that local businesses have worked hard to bring down costs in resort and restaurant prices have fallen considerably in the last year. Daily costs are still far lower than in the UK, so self-catering remains popular at both ends of the market.
Russell Fraser, general manager at W&O Travel Villa Select, says Majorca continues to be one of its most popular villa holiday destinations.
“Villa holidays offer economy – many clients ‘cook in’ using the barbeque and fitted kitchens in every property, and visiting local markets is an enjoyable experience.”
Golf, spa and luxury
With 23 courses across the island – many designed by international stars – golfers are spoilt for choice.
The Starwood Group has three golf-friendly five-star properties with extensive spas in the south of the island – the St Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort, Arabella Sheraton Golf Hotel Son Vida, and Castillo Hotel Son Vida. The Marriott Son Antem Golf Resort & Spa has two 18-hole courses.
Luxury clients are well catered for on the island – reflected in robust performances from operators such as Prestige Holidays and Classic Collection. Guests can choose from large deluxe properties, smaller boutiques and rural historical hotels, or bag a deluxe villa.
Prestige Holidays marketing manager Nicky Shafe recommends Reads Hotel. “It has an amazing spa, and the food in its Michelin-starred restaurant is delicious.”
Activities
Beyond golf, Majorca has plenty of other options for the active traveller. Operators such as Headwater, Explore and Utracks offer walking and cycling in the beautiful Tramuntana Mountains in the north.
Villa Parade reports that more of its clients are requesting extras such as bikes and horse-riding excursions. Classic Collection has also noted a rise in activity-based holidays, with yoga courses at the Hotel Bon Sol in Illetas building up a real following.
