MALLORCA’S 300 DAYS OF SUN AND 350 MILES OF COASTLINE ARE JUST THE START OF A DREAM VACATION

Olivier Heuchenne, as the co-founder of Insider Villas, a company that offers luxury homes for rent throughout Europe, spends much of his time scouring the continent to find the best properties to add to the brand’s portfolio. However, he says that the Spanish island of Mallorca, where he lives with his wife and the company’s co-founder, Anna Heuchenne, is top on his list as a preferred holiday destination.

“It’s the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands and very scenic,” Heuchenne says. “The food is delicious, and there’s something to do for everyone, no matter their interest.”

The couple live in a seafront apartment in the town of Cas Català, located a 10-minute drive from Mallorca’s capital city of Palma and within a five-minute walk from multiple beach restaurants and bakeries.

MORE: ‘Everything Has to Come Together Just Right to Win a Major,’ Says Jason Day Ahead of the Masters

Heuchenne, 56, shares his tips for a memorable Mallorca escape.

Mallorca is worth visiting because…

Nature is one of the main factors that makes Mallorca attractive. You have white sand beaches, caves, and mountain ranges. There are close to 350 miles of coastline here, but it never takes more than 75 minutes to get anywhere.

Also, it sees 300 days of sun a year and is very international.

My favorite hotels on the island are…

Gran Hotel Son Net is a fantastic address with a world-class spa and noteworthy restaurants. There are only 29 rooms so it’s very intimate, and the service and gardens are more than impressive.

Hotel Can Simoneta, located in Mallorca’s northeast on the edge of the sea, has sprawling lawns and majestic ocean views. The service is exceptional.

Hotel Sant Francesc in Palma is very stylish and has a tower suite that offers vistas over the city’s rooftop terraces. It also has a swimming pool on the roof that’s a beautiful place to relax.

The top attractions on the island are…

Hiking, cycling, boating, exploring the various picturesque towns and cave diving.

The ideal itinerary entails…

Visiting Palma with a private guide to take you through the old town and hitting the cathedral’s rooftop. Spending the day at sea on a yacht, cycling in the Tramuntana and exploring villages such as Establiments, Esporles, Banyalbufar, and Galilea. And definitely a hike or two in the mountains that’s capped off with lunch at a small eatery.

You also can’t leave out wine tasting at one or more of the several wineries on the island and learning a local craft such as basket weaving or leather making.

MORE: ‘Too Many Hours Waiting for Gelato in Capri.’ America’s Affluent Travelers Head Home.

For the most gorgeous hikes, I suggest…

Sant Elm-La Trapa-Cala en Basset is a moderately difficult circular hike that starts and ends in Sant Elm. You climb up to ruins and then descend to the secluded cove of Cala en Basset to swim and relax. It takes about three hours.

Deià-Sóller is a hard five-hour trek that encompasses the Tramuntana Mountains, coastline, and charming villages.

Valldemossa-Es Caragolí is a circular hike that takes you to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Mallorca where you get panoramic vistas of the mountains and the sea.

The wineries to hit on your stay are…

Es Verger in Esporles. It mixes the two worlds of olive oil and winemaking and is owned by a family who makes the magic happen and love to welcome guests.

Biniagual is owned by a local and offers a selection of wines that are typical on the island.

Son Sureda Ric is a stunning estate with gardens and a winery. There’s also a chapel here.

Restaurants not to miss include…

Fera in Palma because it has the most creative fusion menu with an extensive wine list, original art, and sharp service. It’s tough to get a table, especially in the garden.

Ca Na Toneta is located in the village of Caimari. Owned by the Solivellas sisters, it shows off all the local produce we have here. The menu changes constantly. Dine under the pergola or in the dining room that’s just as appealing.

MORE: Bill Gates Finds a Buyer for Smaller Seattle House Asking Nearly $5 Million

Cas Patro March by the sea in Cala Deia is a must-see and experience, especially if one sits by the turquoise waters. The seafood is delicious.

Local stores to check out include…

Isabel Guarch for local jewelry. Carmina is world renowned for shoes. The lifestyle concept shop Rialto Living is an amazing place to get lost in. The bags, pillows, dishes—everything is great.

Gallery Red sells creations by artists from the island and from afar.

Pick up olive oil, honey, and other local food products at one of the markets in the villages that are each open on different days.

2024-04-12T21:09:23Z dg43tfdfdgfd