Tucked off Spain’s Mediterranean coast, Mallorca and Formentera offer a dreamscape of golden beaches, hidden coves, timeless villages, and artistic spirit. It’s a place where mornings stretch lazily into afternoons, art and nature exist in harmony, and luxury reveals itself not through flash but through feeling.
Here, we share our ultimate Balearic guide, an insider’s edit of where to stay, what to savor, and how to slip into the rhythm of these extraordinary destinations.
Mallorca
The Artistic Soul of the Mediterranean
Where to Stay
La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel
Live the Mediterranean dream at La Residencia. Perched beside the magnificent village of Deià, there is no shortness of beauty here. Embrace your artistic side by stepping inside the studio of Alan Hydes, the artist in residence, and hone your skills in painting and drawing in one of his studio classes. If you are less of an artist and more of a connoisseur, book an afternoon tea while taking in 33 originals by Joan Miró at Café Miró. For foodies, an award-winning restaurant on property and many more options at your doorstep will satisfy all of your savory wishes.
Cap Rocat Hotel
Step into a storybook escape at Cap Rocat, a 19th-century fortress reborn as a luxurious haven above the Bay of Palma. Here, you can wake up to sweeping sea views framed by ancient stone archways, explore secret passageways that whisper of history, and visit the on-site museum to uncover the fortress’s remarkable past. Whether you’re enjoying sunset cocktails on a private terrace or stargazing from a clifftop lookout, every moment at Cap Rocat feels like a timeless adventure.
Finca Serena Mallorca
If the dream is to live like a true islander, Finca Serena is your invitation. Set among sprawling olive groves and vineyards in the heart of Mallorca, this country estate celebrates rustic luxury at its finest. Mornings begin with yoga overlooking the countryside, afternoons are spent wandering orchard-lined paths, and evenings culminate in unforgettable farm-to-table dinners by Michelin-starred chef Óscar Velasco at Jacaranda Restaurant. Here, every bite, every breath, is rooted in the rhythm of the land.
What To Do
Explore Palma
Let your footsteps lead you through Palma’s charming streets, where medieval alleys open onto grand boulevards lined with boutiques and cafés. Stand in awe beneath the soaring spires of La Seu Cathedral, its golden stone glowing in the sun. Then slip into the creative world of the Joan Miró Foundation, where you can step inside the artist’s private studio—preserved just as he left it, brushes and canvases poised mid-creation.
Boat Day Adventures
The secret to Mallorca’s magic lies beyond the shore. Charter a boat with José Ramon through Click & Boat and spend the day chasing hidden coves and secret beaches. Swim in impossibly blue waters, snorkel among rocky grottos, and toast the sun with a glass of chilled rosé aboard your private vessel. With each cove more beautiful than the last, it’s a day you’ll never want to end.
Where To Eat
Ca’s Patro March
Find your way down a rugged coastal path to Ca’s Patro March, where the tables are perched right above the lapping sea. Feast on the freshest local fish, grilled simply and served with olive oil and sea salt, and let the hypnotic sound of the waves soundtrack your meal.
El Olivo
Golden hour glows especially bright at El Olivo, where you can dine under ancient olive trees overlooking Deià’s dreamy hillsides. Under the expert hands of Chef Guillermo Méndez, traditional Mallorcan dishes are reimagined with a modern touch. Book a table along the edge of the terrace, sip a glass of Spanish wine, and watch as the mountains turn pink and the stars begin to appear.
Beach Club Gran Folies
During your boat day adventures, make a sun-drenched stop at Beach Club Gran Folies. Tucked into a rocky cove near Port d’Andratx, this laid-back yet refined beach club offers a menu of fresh seafood, Mediterranean tapas, and refreshing cocktails. Sink into a lounger between swims, watch the boats drift by, and let the day stretch out luxuriously before you.
Formentera
The Barefoot Luxury Escape
Where To Stay
Teranka
Awaken your senses at Teranka, where sleek, earth-toned interiors open onto endless skies and turquoise seas. Set against the dunes of Migjorn beach, this boutique retreat invites you to slow down, savor the salty air, and reconnect with nature. Begin your day with sunrise yoga by the sea, and end it with dinner under a canopy of stars. Here, simplicity becomes the ultimate luxury.
Hotel Casbah Formentera
Tucked away among whispering pines, Hotel Casbah feels like a secret garden made for dreamers. Days here flow with an easy rhythm—long mornings by the pool, afternoons on hidden beaches, and evenings spent over candlelit dinners where fresh seafood steals the spotlight.
Hannah Formentera
Playa Migjorn stretches out before you at Hannah Formentera, a minimalist haven where whitewashed walls, linen-draped beds, and sea breeze-filled balconies set the tone for laid-back island living. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or sipping wine on your terrace, every moment feels effortlessly serene.
Dunas de Formentera
At Dunas de Formentera, barefoot sophistication reigns supreme. Nestled between the dunes and the sea, this stylish five-star retreat blends nature and refinement in perfect harmony. After mornings spent swimming in crystalline waters, retreat to your terrace, where the only sounds are the rustling grasses and the distant hum of waves.
What To Do
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Bike Across the Island
Formentera’s greatest treasures reveal themselves slowly. Rent a bike and pedal through rustic villages, wildflower-strewn fields, and along the dazzling coastline. With each turn, a new hidden cove or untouched beach awaits, perfect for a spontaneous swim in impossibly clear waters.
Visit the Markets
Lose yourself in the artisan markets of Sant Francesc and La Mola, where handwoven baskets, colorful ceramics, and flowing linen dresses capture the island’s bohemian soul. Stop for a glass of local wine and let the lively energy of Formentera’s creative spirit wash over you.
Explore Ses Salines Natural Park
Step into another world at Ses Salines Natural Park, a protected landscape of salt flats, wetlands, and pristine beaches. Wander through shimmering pink pools where flamingos graze, then end your day at Playa de Illetes, where the water glows a dozen shades of blue.
Wine Tasting
Among the sunbaked fields and ancient stone walls of Formentera, you’ll find small vineyards producing some of the Mediterranean’s most surprising wines. Take your time with a tasting, savoring crisp whites and floral rosés while the sea breeze dances through the vines.
Where To Eat
Chezz Gerdi
Colorful chairs, sandy toes, and sparkling glasses of sangria — Chezz Gerdi is pure Formentera spirit. Feast on Mediterranean classics, from grilled octopus to creamy burrata salads, as the sun sinks low over the turquoise sea.
Flipper
There’s a certain magic to a meal at Flipper. With the sound of the waves as your soundtrack and the day’s catch delivered straight from the boats, dining here feels less like a restaurant visit and more like an invitation to linger in paradise.
Beso Beach
At Beso Beach, lunch has a way of turning into sunset. Sip chilled rosé with your feet in the sand, feast on fresh lobster and paella, and join the spontaneous beachside celebrations that carry on long after the plates are cleared.
People Formentera
Sophisticated yet laid-back, People Formentera offers an elegant escape just steps from the sea. Order a plate of handmade pasta or local seafood carpaccio, savor it slowly, and toast to the effortless beauty of island life.
