Memories from Mallorca

Hello! Long time no post. 😅

When I tell you life has been busy, I mean like workout at the ass crack of dawn & run around the city all day (but always home by 9pm because #loveisland haha). Since March, I’ve been working and completing my MBA which I’m very grateful to have the opportunity, but it’s a tough balancing act which has left me feeling burnt out, so this past week in Mallorca has been the reset my body & soul needed. 🙏🏼

I was thrilled when my friend Lucy asked if I wanted to join their group of friends for a holiday at her parents house near Artà, which is in the Northeast corner of the island. Having a whole villa to ourselves was amazing, with quiet mornings to read and enjoy the pool to ourselves daily. I also enjoyed getting a little taste of local life in the villages rather than staying in the more touristy / party destinations spots like Palma, Magaluf, or Alcúdia. Don’t get me wrong, old town Alcúdia is nice & I will want to come back and see the more famous attractions, but this trip was all about quality time and doing jack squat but tan, eat, sleep, repeat. 😎

While I have visited in the past the mainland cities of Spain including Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid, the island of Mallorca feels like a mashup of Spanish & Moroccan influence, mixed with mountainous ranges dipping into turquoise waters and dusty terrain filled with cactuses. Think European Palm Springs vibes. I feel like riding an ATV would be a fun way to see the island.

Here are some surprising facts you may not know about Mallorca:

• Mallorca (Majorca, which translates from the latin word Insula maior meaning “larger island”) is one of three separate islands that make up the Balearic islands. The other two islands are Ibiza & Minorca.

• Mallorca is known for it’s beautiful coastline, secluded coves, limestone mountains, Spanish architecture, wineries, fresh produce farms, and stunning beaches.

• Though their national language is Spanish, the locals also speak Mallorquí, which has the same root as Catalán (regional language of Barcelona).

• The area of Artà and Colónia de Sant Pere is heavily German influenced. Even at the café we stopped, the menu is listed in German and Spanish. (See photo)

• Tennis player Rafael Nadal was born in the city of Manacor. 🎾

• There are 14 lighthouses on the Island.

• Mallorca’s stunning Serra de Tramuntana mountain range was awarded World Heritage Status by UNESCO for being an area of great Physical and Cultural significance.

• The island attracts many cyclist both professional and amateur due to the challenging terrain. 🚴🏼‍♀️

• Love Island is always filmed in a discrete location in the middle of the island (I may or may not have gone looking for the villa like the fangirl I am 😂)

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Here’s a roundup of memories from the trip:

Where we stayed is about a 45 minute drive from the airport to the northeast. Unless you were staying in Palma, you will definitely need a car to be able to get around the island. Luckily for me they drive on the right side of the road!

The gorgeous villa we stayed in, and the dining table which we spent playing card games most evenings.

This stuff is like crack- Spanish garlic dip

My love island water bottle #iyktyk also highly recommend both the Thursday Murder Club books!

In the village just 20 minutes down the road from the Villa, there is a restaurant right on the water called La Playa which was so delicious we decided to eat here three times during the week! It’s run by a family and they always gave us the best seat in the house overlooking the sunset each night. From garlic shrimp, salmon, fried baby squid, and fresh Dory fish, there was literally nothing on the menu I didn’t like. Also somehow I’m now an apperol spritz girl??

On Tuesdays, the town of Artà has a marketplace pop up in the Square with local vendors selling pottery, jewelry, souvenirs, and artwork. The local farmers also sell rotisserie chickens and produce. I feel like walking around the town during the marketplace gave me a much better perspective on the local flair and culture. I ended up buying some truffle olive oil to bring home!

I loved spending the quiet mornings listening to podcasts, journaling, or reflecting on goals

On our last full day, Lucy’s friend (who is half Majorcan) took us to one of the local beautiful beaches Cala Gat. While there was an area to go cliff jumping, we opted for the much more shallow jumping spot haha. The water was a crystal clear turquoise color and if it wasn’t as choppy it would’ve been perfect for snorkeling.

So there you have it, our perfect week of sun ☀️& the sea 🌊 (but actually mostly pool time & card games haha). It was the perfect trip with a great group of people. I’m already looking forward to coming back next year and exploring more of the island. ❤️

What’s your ideal summer vacay- Beaches & parties like Ibiza or relaxing in a secluded villa in Mallorca? Or a bit of both? 😏

Sincerely,

Sarah

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