Our Balearic Collection
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Enchanting coves, stunning sunsets and lush natural landscapes – the islands of the Balearics have them all – in abundance. There are a myriad of ways to enjoy these islands – from well deserved peace and quiet to partying until dawn in the famous nightlife.
The largest island in the archipelago is Mallorca. The island has been a long time favourite for holidaymakers across Europe. The countryside here is rugged and beautiful with the sweet smell of pine forests and hidden hamlets amongst the jagged peaks. The tiny inlets, sweeping bays and sandy coves are all lapped by the azure waters of the Mediterranean. Family favourites include Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa and Cala Bona where beaches are supplemented by cafes and restaurants. C’an Picafort has no less than 13km of beach. Sa Coma is a good choice for couples thanks to a tree-lined promenade backed by romantic restaurants. The west coast contains the famous resorts of Magaluf and Palma Nova where neon-lit bars and clubs offer the famous nightlife. The capital Palma is full of trendy boutiques, tapas bars and some delightful cocktail venues which draws a cosmopolitan crowd.
Ibiza is known the world over as the white isle and is famous for the lively nightlife in Ibiza Town and San Antonio where major European nightclubs have summer outposts, Ibiza also offers quiet villages, yoga retreats and beautiful sandy beaches backed by pine-clad hills.
Ibiza is a heavenly destination – visitors can enjoy the laid-back hippy vibe of the fashion and street markets, chill out on bali-beds surrounding shimmering pools or on the golden sands, or watch alluring sunsets surrounded by beautiful scenery. The island combines some of the best nightlife in the world with a UNESCO World-Heritage town and biodiversity reserves.
Hotels here are bohemian chic and modern. Beachside or hilltop luxury combine with a relaxed vibe – something that has given a style of hotel its own name that is copied across other destinations – Ibiza chic!
Menorca is much more chilled – think beach picnics and harbourfront dinners with memories that linger well after the dishes have been cleared away. Tourist spots tend to be very much more low-rise with brightly lit marinas and restaurants that families have ran for many generations. Beaches on the island are fantastic – many of them holding prestigious blue flags – Ca’n Forcat, Cala’n Bosch and Santo Tomas offer lazy days on the sand. The longest stretch is at Son Bou on the south coast.
Inland, the rolling countryside offers walking tracks and tiny villages where the famous siesta is still very much part of each day. There are even some prehistoric ruins with the deserted village of Torre d’en Gaumes dating back to 1400BC.
The tale of two cities is a good way to describe Menorca. Mahon to the east and Cuidadella to the west. Both offer a wide selection of harbourside eateries, elegant cocktail spots and high-end boutiques.
Just 17km from livelier Ibiza, tiny Formentera is for those who really want to lose track of time. The smallest island in the Balearics is known as the last paradise – the blanket ban on beachside buildings make the long, white sandy beaches totally unspiled. Most are blue flag beaches including the 5 mile stretch of sand at Migjorn.
That 17km distance from Ibiza could be a million miles – the pace of life here is far slower than the island’s glamourous neighbour. Lanterns flicker at restaurants come evening time, the islands de-facto capital San Francisco even has notice boards offering yoga classes and relaxation sessions. Es Pujols on the north coast has a smattering of cocktail bars and al-fresco street cafes and restaurants which are open into the small hours but the overwhelming feeling on Formentera is that of relaxation.