Spain - Mallorca vs. Canary Islands

Old Jul 22nd, 2014, 08:38 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Spain - Mallorca vs. Canary Islands

I own a women's wellness and fitness retreat business that travels to various spots throughout the world to host week-long retreats. I will be visiting Spain in a few weeks to scout out two locations. I have definitely decided to do one of the retreats in Ibiza. With regard to the other retreat, I was wanting to get opinions on Mallorca vs. one of the islands in the Canary Islands.

The retreat will be held in July 2015 so weather is not a factor here - both spots will be warm. I am looking for a location that would have luxurious accommodations (whether that be a large villa of 8+ bedrooms or a boutique hotel), beautiful scenery including beaches, outdoor activities like hiking, and cultural activities like touring historic sites. The location of the retreat needs to appeal to women in their 30s and 40s as that is our target demographic.

Since I am hosting one retreat in the Balearic Islands already I thought maybe I should branch out to the Canary Islands, but when I read about Mallorca vs. Canary Islands, it sounds like Mallorca is the favorite. Is this generally true? Would Mallorca be favorable to the Canary Islands or vice versa?
Becca is offline  
Old Jul 22nd, 2014, 08:57 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I haven't been to the Canary Islands, so can't really compare–but Mallora is one of my favorite places, so I wanted to weigh in. The cycling is fantastic. Great hiking, as well. THIS boutique hotel is one of the best places we've ever stayed, anywhere:
www.sonbrull.com. The location, the staff (the owner greets you when you arrive), the architecture. Stunning. All of it. In Palma (a fantastic port city), this is a beautiful, small hotel:
www.cancerahotel.com
www.caprocat.com is not tiny (24 rooms), but it's off-the-charts luxurious.

Corsica might also be an interesting option–the mix of French and Italian influences is really nice, and it's a hiker's paradise. Beautiful beaches, too. The Calvi area in the northwest is really beautiful. It actually reminded us of Mallorca.
MeghanInNYC is offline  
Old Jul 22nd, 2014, 09:08 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 17,892
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Which Canary Island? They are all very different to each other and to the Balearics.
hetismij2 is offline  
Old Jul 22nd, 2014, 09:09 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,763
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Mallorca.

Not so much historical stuff on the Canary Islands as it's mainly resorts catering to the budget all-inclusive crowd from Germany, UK, and Russia. OK, there is some cool historic stuff but I doubt scrambling up a mountain to see a shrine measures up to the castles and cathedrals of Mallorca.
sparkchaser is offline  
Old Jul 22nd, 2014, 09:09 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,763
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
El Hierro is my favorite of the Canary Islands
sparkchaser is offline  
Old Jul 22nd, 2014, 09:11 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The Canary Islands, located in the Atlantic, off the coast of of Morocco, is always sunny, but it is not a major destination for foreigners. You'll find villas to rent, but nothing in the same class as you'll find on Ibiza or elsewhere on the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca.
Robert2533 is offline  
Old Jul 22nd, 2014, 09:13 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Not all Canary Islands are as described above. La Palma and La Gomera are 2 that come to mind.
Odin is offline  
Old Jul 22nd, 2014, 09:17 AM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you everyone! From my research this all matches up to the general feeling I had gotten about Mallorca vs. the Canary Islands. I guess I was hesitant about Mallorca because I'm already doing a retreat in Ibiza, but I obviously want to choose a place that is well suited to my retreat. I may look into Corsica too - thanks for the suggestion, Meghan!
Becca is offline  
Old Jul 22nd, 2014, 10:34 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 17,892
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
La palma would suit, certainly for hiking. There are a few big houses to rent there, but you would be better with perhaps a small group of bungalows together, somewhere on the west side of the island.
As far as history goes, Santa Cruz is old, there are delightful small villages, vineyards which provided wine to Henry the 8th, pre Spanish rock drawings, modern telescopes, and walking walking walking. A couple of nice black beaches too.

If you avoid Los Cancajos, and head through the tunnel to the west or better yet northwest you will be surprised. Certainly not full of tourist hotels and tourist tat.
Plenty of extremely spiritual people living on La Palma.
hetismij2 is offline  
Old Jul 22nd, 2014, 11:03 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
@Becca:

This place in Mallorca is also really beautiful:
www.sonpalou.com

One important, not completely health-related fact about Son Brull: they grow their own juniper berries, and make their own small-batch gin. The G&Ts are otherworldly. After yoga, I mean


Also, I sent a note to your company @info contact. Happy to provide additional detail
MeghanInNYC is offline  
Old Jul 22nd, 2014, 11:13 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 8,247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If your retreat is set to happen in JULY, you may want to consider location, location, location on Mallorca.
While the Canaries have a sort of "A/C weather" of 70-75F all year round (including summer), it gets smoking hot on Mallorca - at least in the island's interior where you often find those luxurious hideaway style big fincas that you may have in mind. And where the temps reach 100F easily in summer. If you go for Mallorca you should at least find something either on the sea or in the mountains. But I guess that most people's appetite to go hiking in July will be somewhat limited.
Cowboy1968 is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2014, 07:32 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Assuming you haven't already booked your accommodations in Ibiza, be aware that the majority of villa rentals during high season are two-week minimum, Saturday to Saturday. You'll find it's the same on Mallorca.

One alternative on Mallorca would be the 5-star Can Rocat (www.caprocat.com), a former military fortress located in the most secluded area of the bay of Palma de Mallorca, perfect as a luxury retreat.
Robert2533 is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2014, 08:23 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes, the should be Cap Rocat!
Robert2533 is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2014, 09:09 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
"majority of villa rentals during high season are two-week minimum"

At the last count I have done 22 rentals on Mallorca, could be more.

Never once been required to do two weeks minimum.

I also assumed this website was to assist individual travellers, not help businesses do research for what is in effect the only value they add to their business.
Dickie_Gr is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2014, 09:28 AM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm glad you're done at least 22 rentals on Mallorca. You must be considered a regular. How many would fit into the luxury category?

Note: the forum is for anyone seeking advise, even you.
Robert2533 is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2014, 10:54 AM
  #16  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you to the people who responded with helpful suggestions.

Dickie, I am not aware of any policy that Fodors has against an individual who runs a business doing travel research. I have contributed to the Fodors' forums for years - always as an individual traveler. This is my first time inquiring as a way to help me with travel related to my business - a business that is based around travel. I apologize if I have offended anyone; it was not my intention.

I've already zeroed in on the villa I plan to rent in Ibiza, but obviously will be looking it over first when I'm there next month. They only require a one-week minimum, thankfully, though it wouldn't surprise me that many require a two-week minimum during high season.
Becca is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2014, 10:55 AM
  #17  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
PS Cap Rocat is gorgeous! I'm going to contact them right now.
Becca is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2014, 11:18 AM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Sorry Beeca.

I am very old school, it may be that my view of the world is getting a little dated.
Dickie_Gr is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2014, 11:27 AM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
There is a very good source of information.

http://www.theothermallorca.com/

It is operated by a very effecient and knowledgeable couple, we have used them several times in the past. They have an incredible and detailed knowledge of the island with very close contacts with many of the boutique finca hotels which would be tailor made for your requirements. They also work on a commission introduction basis with the hotels, the price customers see is the rack rate. They may be good partners for your business.

Mallorca is an extremely good base for your proposal and seen by many upper middle market consumers as much more desirable option than the Canaries.

Distance is also an issue and the provision of flights. Palma is less than 2 and a half hours for most of the UK. The Canaries are twice the distance.

The main value of The Canaries to many is the better weather in winter but this isn't an issue for you.
Dickie_Gr is offline  
Old Jul 23rd, 2014, 11:34 AM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you want one name which will be recognised by your clients it is

http://www.belmond.com/la-residencia-mallorca/

It has wonderful service, location and has a value to many as Princess Diana stayed there during her marriage breakdown, to get away from it all. Due to their market position I am not sure whether they would work with you.

Many of the other Finca Hotels would almost definitely do so.
Dickie_Gr is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -