Mallorca - where to stay
 

hi! my husband and I am travelling to mallorca for five days in the beginning of september. we are having a hard time figuring out which area to stay in. Initially we thought of picking a place by the beach, but the villas/hotels in the mountains seem very cute. We are up for either or or both (unless you don't think its wise to stay in two diff places). We are looking to relax (I'm pregnant) and just enjoy the good food, sunshine and beautiful beaches. Any advice would help!

i forgot to mention that while we of course don't want to spend an enourmous amount of money, we are would like at least a four/five star place/area. We are both in our 30s.

Hi BC

We returned from another week in Mallorca last Friday. The 6th time in 4 years and around 25 times in 40 years.

Bascially, others may disagree but it the greatest small island in the world. You get high/low culture, ugly/ beautiful architecture etc etc on such a small island.

As the island is so diverse but just be very, very careful as poor planning will leave you in an area which will shock you. Good planning will give you a wonderful time.

The profile you gave about provides a really good idea of where to stay. I wouldn't really worry about the beach issue as most of the towsn are within half an hours drive of a beach.

September is a good time to go as the rain hasn't kicked in but the crowds have gone back to school. Perfect weather for a pregnancy!

We have fallen in love with the South east of the island. It is mainly a German area but the countryside is very unsploilt with a mix of Tuscan/English type countryside. Many of the farms still exist and have retained there boundaries with stone walls.

There has been a huge government led shift in the tourist focus. Since 1950 the island has printed money by packing northern Europeans in to cheap and cheerful resorts. Over the past 10 years the government has exploited the huge growth in cultural awareness following its increase in wealth.

Many farm owners have been funded to create Italian type high end Agritourismos. The following websites offers a good selection :

http://www.theothermallorca.com/

Generally, we love Soller, Pollensa, Arta and Santanyi.

Other coastal areas can be very mass market or very, very high end and flashy.

One other thought would be to rent a small farmhouse (Finca). Some of the rural hotels have realised that the high end market will pay huge amounts for the experience. You will get an equally good experince as most of the Finca are very well restored and have pools. The prices fall hugely once the childrens holidays finish.

Let me know if you would like any other information

Mark

Mark, you say you have fallen in love with the southeast of the island. The places you mention, though, are all in the northwest.

bigcheekies, Mallorca is touristy but the northeast is pretty unspoilt compared to the south/southwest. Alcúdia, Capdepera, ... It is here that you will find beautiful "Calas", secluded sandy beaches backed by dunes and mountains. Check out Cala Ratjada for accomodation. I don't have a recommendation since we used to stay at a friend's house.

Wow thank you both for the VERY quick response! We are debating between staying in a more villa type of place or staying in a resort. Are all of the resorts on the east side super touristy?

We will have a car so I don't think driving around will be a problem.

When you go to the beaches do they have spots to park your car.

Myriam

Pollensa - North; Arta North East; Soller West...
Santanyi - South East so all points covered really. I think the point of advice is pointing out what other people would enjoy not just us! We love Santanyi but not everyone would and I would point out that Alcudia is the most touristy place on the island.

BC

Yes the island is very car friendly, there is the start of a motorway network which has speeded up travel hugely and most beaches have parking although some of the best demand a 30 minute walk.

The beach at Cala Mondrago is in a natural park and about the best on the island, there is no development and very good car parks, the beaches do get busy but less so in September.

I think staying in a Finca hotel would be great for you, most include breakfast and have a pool.

Try to spend some time in Palma. It has beautiful architectue, good restaurants and great shopping.

I tend to disagree about Alcudia. But maybe you refer to Puerto d'Alcudia.

Anyway, bigcheeckies, places to avoid, unless you like loud nightlife, are El Arenal, Playa de Palma and C'an Pastilla (all are in the Bay of Palma).