Mallorca archetypes and their places

If characterizing the island in one word, “versatile” would probably be the the most fitting. Mallorca offers something for everyone, no matter what you expect from the island or what your preferences are.

Which Mallorca type are you?

We have looked at the specific “archetypes”, that is, which areas and places best suit which type of Mallorca-fan, and have chosen a few examples with explanations of why they were selected. Now you just have to decide to which type you belong. We begin our small series with the type from the category “the quiet connoisseurs”.

The quiet connoisseur

What distinguishes him?

This Mallorca-aficionado expects a beautiful, natural environment and a sophisticated lifestyle. He loves the traditional, quiet Mallorca but without compromising on comfort. He works hard and has responsibility in his daily work, is very successful, possibly in a leading position. Consequently he wants to spend his vacation or short breaks at his holiday home in peace and enjoy his free time in luxury and beauty.

Possibly he is already retired and wants to rest on his well-deserved ”Mallorcan laurels” in a wonderful country house or detached villa. He enjoyed a high social status in everyday life and does not need to “see and be seen”. He would rather enjoy his house and garden, plan further improvements to his Majorcan oasis, enjoy his family, occupy himself with art and culture, relax on the golf course or go for walks. Crowded beaches and loud parties are a horror for him. He prefers his swimming pool, the gentle tinkling of sheep bells and the chirping of birds.

In the morning he likes to sit with a café con leche in the village square, at night he tests restaurant recommendations. He is, after all, a gourmet and makes, as in all areas of his life, high demands on the local gastronomy. Naturally he also appreciates the good local wines.

In which area on the island can he feel comfortable and amongst his peers?

The north-east, with the municipalities of Artà and Capdepera, would definitely be on his short list with places like Artà, San Lorenzo, Son Servera, Costa de los Pinos, Canyamel, Colonia de Sant Pere, Betlem, and also Capdepera and Font de Sa Cala. Why? Particularly the north-east is a region of intact beauty, thanks to the huge Llevante Natural Park , an authentic, pure, green but still relatively wild piece of Mallorca. There are still small hidden bays to discover, and the villages in the middle of the typical hilly landscape are simply lovely.

 

Artà is known for its sophisticated but discrete residents, and its island secrets are well-kept; who lives in which finca? Space but also seclusion are readily available here.

The enjoyment factor is also very high. Near Capdepera young Mallorcan chef Andreu Genestra has his Michelin star-winning restaurant in the country hotel Predi Son Jaumell. Even the Spanish royal couple dined here incognito, accompanied only by a bodyguard. Not far away the well-known Spanish artist Gustavo lives and works, internationally known for his grotesque, colourful figures, and those interested in buying his work can visit his private studio.

Still qualifying as “insider” tips are several addresses in Canyamel: Anyone who has dined on the terrace of the (adults only) Hotel Can Simoneta will not quickly forget the unique view and its thoroughly dreamlike ambience.

Just as unforgettable, for example, the lobster with fried egg and French fries (a Menorcan tradition), enjoyed on the terrace by the sea in Vintage 34 in the small, historically listed Cap Vermell Beach Hotel at the other end of the bay of Canyamel.

And the Italian Locanda Paraiso da Massimo, located in a quiet part of Cala Ratjada, competes with his Italian countryman Pascuale in La Piazzetta in Costa de los Pinos for the best reputation for first class Italian cuisine.

Golfers will find four wonderful golf courses in the immediate area – Pula Golf, Golf Son Servera, Capdepera Golf and Golf Canyamel (for years the former mayor of Berlin played on the latter as he enjoyed its tranquillity and remained unrecognized).

Then the loneliness at Cap de Ferrutx – the “bay at the end of the world” – near the Hermitage of Betlem and the fishing village of Colonia de Sant Pere.

There are, however, still more places for the connoisseur to discover where the authentic Mallorcan way of life takes place amidst spectacular scenery. For those who love the mountains and are not afraid of the winding mountain roads the west coast with its UNESCO-heritage the Tramuntana mountain range is an illustrious area. Fantastic properties in prime locations can be found from Esporles to Valldemossa, in Orient, Sóller and Port de Sóller up to the picturesque artists’ village of Deia. On the way, between Deia and Soller is one of the finest treasures of Mallorca. The Ca’s Xorc, is a country hotel with exquisite cuisine and fine wines such as as the wines produced in the mountains of the Tramuntana. A visit to the Bodega Vinyes Mortitx between the monastery Lluc and Pollença is a very special experience for the discerning wine lover, but no less than the ecological wine-growing estate of Xaloc in Pollença.

Pollença really belongs to the north coast, but is likewise among the finest and most exclusive villages the island has to offer. Once again we find here an artist well-know on the Spanish mainland – Joan Bennassar, whose impressive studio with its big, voluptuous clay women can be visited on request by interested art collectors.

Stylish southern villages

Also in the SOUTH in the flat countryside around Santanyi, Ses Salines, S´Alqueria Blanca, Cas Concos or in the romantic fishing bay of Cala Figuera real Mallorcan authenticity combined with a high lifestyle can be found. The gourmet is lured to this area by its freshly-caught seafood. The fish baked in salt, for example, which is personally served and celebrated by the legendary Manolo at the Casa Manolo in Ses Salines – a revelation! And art lovers will marvel at the art treasures and ancient, high-quality kilims in the Galeria Sailer in Santanyí.

Our individualist and demanding Bonvivant can discover even more at the aforementioned locations. Our examples are merely to symbolize the features of these villages – the best of the best, without unnecessary glamour, often simple, unadulterated and original – as often is with things of high quality which are offered with dedication.