We have our honeymoon in Oct., and are set on going to Spain. We'd like to try Mallorca - any advice would be appreciated - hotels, cities to stay in, restuarants, etc. We're looking for a relaxing vacation with opportunity to go to the beach, hike, walk around, shop, and eat! Thanks, Erin

For restaurants, try Ciro's Pizzeria in Magaluf. Very nice view of the sea, the best restaurant staff I have seen. And you will get the best deal for your money. Their calamari is especially nice. The name does not do justice to the place but it will be a nice place for a dinner for two.

Mallorca is fine but for a Honeymoon in the Balearic Islands, I'd consider Ibiza or maybe even Formentera. Take the boat from Barcelona or Valencia and enjoy the isolation of the smaller islands.

Hi Erin! I would recommend Marriott's Club Son Antem in Majorca. 232 beautiful villas surrounded by azure waters of the mediterranean and complete with all the amenities and comforts of a world-class resort. Or Marriott's Marbella Beach Resort, 288 lovely (just built) villas facing the mediterranean, also with 5 star amenities. Check out www.vacationclub.com for all the info. Congratulations! Have a spectacular honeymoon and a joyous life together.

For a romantic break, I would wholeheartedly recommend La Residencia in Deia. Deia itself is a beautiful village with some lovely restaurants (Sebastian's is incredible), walking around the area should be lovely in October (not too hot). The hotel is Relais et Chateaux and very personal. It is not on the beach, but they do have a shuttle service to the local 'beach' - not exactly white & sandy though. I would definitely avoid the package-tour resorts of Magaluf etc., but definietly include Palma itself in your itinerary. Enjoy!

Hello Erin, <BR> <BR>I second Anna`s recommendation regarding the Residencia in Deia. Very romantic. Stay away from Magaluf, Playa de Palma, Illetas and the like. If you want to be at the beach I would suggest Playa Canyamel. Second choices would be Cala Ratjada or Pollenca. <BR>Regarding restaurants: <BR> <BR>"Chopin" Palma, Carrer Puigorfila 2, Tel. 0034/971/723556 <BR>"Sazon" Palma, Apuntadors 4, <BR>0034/971/726044 <BR>"Ca`s Puers" Soller, Calle Isabell 4, <BR>0034/971/628004 <BR>"Tristan" Puerto Portals, Capitania, <BR>0034/971/675547 <BR>"Meson ca`n Pedro" Genova, Rector Vives 4, 0034/971/402479 <BR> <BR>The above mentioned restaurants are considered to be the best in Mallorca and I think on a honeymoon they would fit the bill for a nice, romantic meal. <BR>Other than that I strongly recommend to just look for the little places in Palma or the countryside, but avoid anything with pictures of the food in front of the restaurant..tourist trap. <BR> <BR>As for resorts, I can`t help much with that, because I always stay with friends or rent a Finca. If you play Golf I can recommend the very nice Son Vida Hotel near Palma, but it`s expensive. There are a lot of Finca-style hotels that look very nice. Just search the web for Finca and I`m sure you`ll get a lot of hits. <BR> <BR>Please ask if you need further help. <BR> <BR>Miriam

We spent a week there last year. We stayed in the capital Palma- a beautiful city, in the Hotel Melia Victoria - nicely situated,great hotel. <BR>We hired a car for the week and visited all over the island- Deia is definitely worth a visit. I also suggest you take the old train/tram trip between Palma and Soller for fantastic views. There is a monastry at San Salvador where you can see for miles. The only places to avoid are the beach resorts just outside Palma they are places such as Magaluf, Palma Nova etc these are just tacky resorts full of drunk tourists and over crowded beaches! Mallorca is a fantastic island you will have a great time.

There is an article in the new issue of National Geographic Traveler on Mallorca.

Erin, <BR>We were in Mallorca many years ago and had such a romantic time that we decided to call it our second honeymoon. We stayed in a private home, so I don't have any specific recommendations to make. But a memorable moment: one night in a restaurant we ordered the most elaborate-sounding dessert on the menu. <BR>They brought us an orange (still in the peel) on a plate! We are still laughting. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

Erin - I would second the recommendation for the Marriott in Llucmayor. Very reasonable, yet definite five star accomodations. Away from the beach and crowds, yet handy to all of them - rent a car - driving is very easy. We stayed there in June and were very impressed. P.S. - bring an adaptor for your curling iron.

Wow - thanks for all the great advice! Stupid question for Miriam - what's a Finca? <BR> <BR>Can anyone give me a reasonably rate per person to fly over from the east coast?

Hi Erin, <BR> <BR>that`s not a stupid question. <BR>A Finca is a remodelled old farmhouse. <BR>Most of them are built with just stones which makes it stay very cool inside. Mallorca used to be very algricutural oriented, but since the tourist industry has taken over much of Mallorca`s economy they transform those old farms into nice hotels or rent them out for families. I like the idea very much. Some of them have great restaurants and a pool. You can just stop by for Lunch or Dinner and use their pool... <BR> <BR>Miriam

Miriam - Can you tell me more about the Fincas? I Saw your reply from 1/24/00 about living in one for 10 months. Can you recommend some nice ones or a web-site? We'd like to stay near/on the beach - is that possible with a Finca? <BR> <BR>If anyone else out there has more hotel recomendations, I'd appreciate it! <BR> <BR>Is $800 too much to pay for a ticket out there from the U.S. East coast? I've got no idea on this one. <BR> <BR>Thanks!

Hi Erin, <BR> <BR>I`ve sent you an email. Hopefully it`s your real adress... <BR> <BR>Miriam

Miriam - I wrote you back - thanks for reaching out. <BR> <BR>I did a lot of research, I found a bunch of mansion/house/finca places to stay on Mallorcanow.com - I liked the ones in the Soller valley. Let me know if you know the reputation of any below: <BR> <BR>Ca'n Reus <BR>Finca C'an Penya <BR>Sa Pedrissa <BR>Ca's Sant <BR>Ca'n Verdera <BR>Ca's Curial <BR> <BR>They all seem pretty nice. I also founda web-site I've yet to completly explore - <BR> <BR>http://www.mallorcaweb.com/eng/ <BR> <BR>but seems to have a lot of info. I haven't found anything out there on La Resedencia, I'll keep looking. <BR> <BR>Anyone else? <BR>

Rose Ann - This is the message I'm talking about! Thanks, Erin

Very interesting! I took lots of notes!I will pursue some options and get back to you. <BR>A "Finca" sounds interesting to a viticulturist.

Too late for your honeymoon, hope you had a good time, but for anyone else looking for special small places to stay in Mallorca i have been researching it for years (also got married at la Residencia) and parents have lived there for 20 years. I know the place inside out, particularly Deia and Fornalutx regions. My all time favourite places to stay are reviewed in detail with lots of photos on www.i-escape.com You also find my favourite restaurants, hikes, shops etc.

You can find La Residencia on the web by going to virgin.com. They have an icon for limited edition, click on that that and you will see La Residencia. K

for La Residencia's web page, go to virgin.com, limited editions, and you will find it. K