1. On a budget – Hotel Feliz
‘Mi casa es su casa’, say the Spanish, that is the philosophy behind Hotel Feliz, a new property that looks fresh and contemporary without being an out and out ‘designer’ hotel. The great thing about the Feliz is that it offers several packages, including golf, sailing, walking in the mountains and gourmet dining, so you can come for a long weekend and make the most of your time without the hassle of making separate arrangements.
www.hotelfeliz.com
2. Treat yourself – Hotel Tres
Hotel Tres is in a 16th-century building right in the centre of Palma. Rustic Mallorcan style and contemporary design combine to form a space built for comfort. The view from the rooftop terrace offers a portrait of the island few will ever forget !
3. For the best mojitos in Palma - Forn de Sant Joan Restaurant
This restaurant is a must see for a dinner out in Palma! The décor is simple but cool and the waiting staff are attentive, friendly and very professional. Dining at Forn is always an enjoyable experience and, although it is not cheap, it always feels like good value for money.
www.forndesantjoan.com/es/
4. Dine in style - Simply Fosh
Situated right in the heart of the city, in the refectory of the 17th-century Hotel Convent de la Missió.
Simply Fosh is one of the three most stylish restaurants in Palma, run by the renowned British chef Marc Fosh, a long-time resident of Mallorca.
The dinner prices are what you would expect from a Michelin-starred establishment, but the set-lunch menú del dia is more affordable at €28. Three courses might include a strawberry salmorejo (like gazpacho) starter with avocado, coriander and langoustine; a main of rump steak with white asparagus, chervil and pink pepper; and chocolate, mint and gooseberry for pudding.
5. Sip a cocktail at Mallorca’s most unusual bar - Bar Abaco
This flower-and-fruit-bedecked place is on almost every visitor’s agenda because of its architecture, décor, ambience and loud classical music. Set in the heart of the old town of Palma de Mallorca,
Abaco is famous the world over. You step back in time to an era of opulence and grandeur when you pass through the old wooden doors. Drink indoors or outside in the enclosed courtyard, and treat yourself to one of Abaco’s unique cocktails!
6. A place with a passionate twist! - El NEO Tapas & Cocktails
El Neo serve inspired dishes to awaken the senses; they put a twist on classics and offer the unexpected. The food reflects the venue’s concept of ‘A Sharing Menu’. They place a passionate twist on the classic cocktails with a whole host of choices. This experience will definitely put a smile on your face!
Share their entrecote medallions with sliced pumpkin and cream corn; the risotto with seasonal vegetables and parmesan; and, for dessert, the Mallorcan cake Gato Neo style.
7. For Luxury shopping
The most prestigious shopping streets in the city are Avenida Jaime III and Paseo del Borne, but explore the adjoining narrow streets and alleys and you will find tempting, independent boutiques.
You will gaze upon the exquisite Louis Vuitton, where you can choose from the covetable collection of bags, luggage and upmarket accessories. Find luxury goods, along with pieces from the limited edition ranges, from Cartier and Montblanc in their stores on Palma’s handsome Avenida Jaime III.
8. Craft markets, arty shopping and home-furnishing
The main interest of Placa Major is the outdoor craft market, which is held there throughout the year. The market is best known for its fresh fish, fruit & vegetables. The main square hosts the usual street entertainers and is home to fairly a selection of cafés and restaurants. It is a great place to sit and watch the world go by.
9. Indulge in a hot chocolate at the oldest ice cream parlour on the island
You will need local know-how (or great map-reading skills) to find Ca'n Joan de S'aigo – but given that it has been here for 315 years, you can be sure the effort is worthwhile. Tucked away in the Old Town's narrow, winding streets, at Carrer de Ca'n Sanç 10, this coffee and cake shop has been a Palma institution since it opened back in 1700. It is best known for its thick hot chocolate and sugar-dusted ensaimadas (spiral-shaped pastries) served with home-made almond ice cream. Come early or expect to queue at weekends.
10. The sexiest place on earth - Nikki Beach
It has been called ‘the sexiest place on Earth’ and is the epitome of everything that is chic and glamorous about a day and night at the beach. In short,
Nikki Beach is a way of life – and a good one at that.
Head Chef David Farber was brought in from St Barths to prepare the Nikki Beach favourites such as Akaushi beef chateaubriand, Alaskan king crab legs and those signature sushi boats. Such self-confidence is also reflected in the grandly titled ‘Nikki Beach World-Famous Mojito’.
Luxurious and exclusive yet remarkably understated. This is a playground, where people come to have fun!
