Majorca, or Mallorca as it is spelled locally (Catalan spelling), is the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands, set south-east of mainland Spain, in the Mediterranean sea.
Best known for it's warm climate and sandy beaches, Majorca is such a beautiful island, with so much to offer. From dramatic cliffs and pictureque coves, countryside walks, golf courses, waterparks, markets, caves, white sandy beaches, lush gardens and clear seas, to the fun and entertainment found in most of the islands resorts, it really is a fantastic holiday destination.
Majora as a holiday destination has been growing and developing since global tourism became popular during the 1960s. Many resorts, such as Puerto de Pollensa have sprung up around old port towns and bays, while others have been custom-built for tourism, such as Calas de Mallorca.
Majorca is now well-established as one of the most popular holiday destinations in the med - attracting all age groups with it's blend of beautiful and rugged scenery, fabulous bays and beaches ideal for watersports, fabulous restaurants and cocktail bars and enduring charm!
There is something for everyone in Majorca, young and old. Magaluf and Palma Nova are the obvious choice for younger holiday makers, packed as they are with lively bars and nightclubs. Magaluf is a mecca for hen and stag parties and is packed with 18-30s during peak season.
Meanwhile, elsewhere on the island you can find some relaxed and even tranquil resorts to escape to, ideal for family holidays and couples getting away from it all. Go further than the south west corner that is home to Magaluf and Palma Nova, and you'll find a wealth of laid-back resorts with stunning scenery and breath-taking views, perfect for a relaxing holiday in the sun.
More than anything else, what Majorca excels at is clean, sandy beaches and a warm friendly welcome. And they are the reasons why so many people return to Majorca time and time again.
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
Puerto Pollensa tourist information link
Here's a link to a nice website I found - dedicated to Puerto Pollensa with in-depth tourist information about every topic. A really good resort guide, thought I'd share it with you in case you're considering a holiday in Puerto Pollensa:
http://www.puertopollensa.com/
View Larger Map
http://www.puertopollensa.com/
View Larger Map
Magaluf resort guide
Magaluf is truly the party destination in Majorca.
Ever popular with 18-30s and now stags and hen parties, it's a buzzing resort with one mission: to get you partying!
The main strip in Magaluf is lined with bars, each vying for your custom with buy-one-get-one-free offers on all kinds of drinks to night-long happy hours!
Jelly shots and rudely-named cocktails abound in Majorca's party capital!
If you're looking for a good time that involves drink, drink and more drink (and maybe some dancing), Magaluf is definitely the place for you.
There's no escaping Magaluf's party atmosphere in the evenings, so if you prefer a quiet holiday, perhaps look at the more laid-back resorts on the east coast of Majorca.
Having said that, the resort is still very popular with families and there is plenty on offer for all ages!
The beach at Magaluf is fantastic - over 1.5km of soft white sand and clear shallow water. It gets quite busy in peak season but there's still plenty of room for everyone.
Beware: pickpockets do frequent the beach at night-time when it can be pitch black in places - always keep your possessions safe. I learned this the hard way.
All in all there is plenty to do in Magaluf - and it's the ideal party resort for groups of friends and families. Give it a try if you're up for a lively holiday - it will certainly be memorable!
Ever popular with 18-30s and now stags and hen parties, it's a buzzing resort with one mission: to get you partying!
The main strip in Magaluf is lined with bars, each vying for your custom with buy-one-get-one-free offers on all kinds of drinks to night-long happy hours!
Jelly shots and rudely-named cocktails abound in Majorca's party capital!
If you're looking for a good time that involves drink, drink and more drink (and maybe some dancing), Magaluf is definitely the place for you.
There's no escaping Magaluf's party atmosphere in the evenings, so if you prefer a quiet holiday, perhaps look at the more laid-back resorts on the east coast of Majorca.
Having said that, the resort is still very popular with families and there is plenty on offer for all ages!
The beach at Magaluf is fantastic - over 1.5km of soft white sand and clear shallow water. It gets quite busy in peak season but there's still plenty of room for everyone.
Beware: pickpockets do frequent the beach at night-time when it can be pitch black in places - always keep your possessions safe. I learned this the hard way.
All in all there is plenty to do in Magaluf - and it's the ideal party resort for groups of friends and families. Give it a try if you're up for a lively holiday - it will certainly be memorable!
Monday, 21 July 2008
Majorca attracts celebrities on vacation
A look at Majorca and how it attracts the rich and famous...
Majorca - A Favourite Island For Celebrity Vacations by Alcudia Pollensa
When it comes to celebrity tourists, the Spanish holiday island of Majorca has more than her fair share.About the Author
Majorca - A Favourite Island For Celebrity Vacations by Alcudia Pollensa
When it comes to celebrity tourists, the Spanish holiday island of Majorca has more than her fair share.
And if celebrities weren't enough, Majorca is frequented by royals too.
The Spanish have long been aware of King Juan Carlos love for the area. He even maintains a retreat and moors a yacht there for his regular Majorca holidays. In fact, the isle is popular with the entire royal family, including King Juan Carlos' son, Prince Felipe, who also holidays there frequently.
Other famous visitors to this Spanish paradise include Queen Elizabeth, actress Patsy Palmer, actor Michael Douglas, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, musician Mike Oldfield and more.
Celebrities from all over the world have purchased holiday properties and second (or third or fourth) homes on the island. Majorca is so popular with the rich and famous that it isn't unusual for residents to spot a celebrity on any given day. And though it is the largest of Spain's many islands, at only 3700 square kilometers, it isn't the easiest place in the world to hide. Still, with its private beaches and secluded mountain retreats, it offers enough solace to continue enticing celebrities as it has for almost 50 years.
Majorca's year round population stands at less than one million, smaller than many major cities. Yet tourist numbers may double that number during the peak holidays season.
The biggest piece of the tourism pie comes from other European countries and the UK. However, Majorca has become increasingly popular with visitors from North America in the last two decades. In fact, thanks in large part to Majorca's draw of visitors, Spain has become the second most visited country in the world. It is second only to France for the most foreign tourists.
Majorca has invested billions of dollars in the tourism sector since the 1960s. That investment has certainly paid off - Majorca draws over 6 million tourists annually. An astounding 95 percent of Majorca's economy is directly or indirectly sparked by tourism.
Both short-term and long-term holiday-makers are drawn to the area mainly for its sunshine, beaches and breathtaking natural beauty. Hotels do a brisk business in every region of the Spanish isle. Tourists who like to stay longer and visit more frequently (especially the rich and famous) have helped to keep the real estate business booming on Majorca. The politically stable climate of Spain has made its many tourist destinations, including Majorca, popular places to invest in property.
These are just a few of the reasons that the British newspaper The Telegraph recently touted Majorca on its 'best of' list.
It noted that the island's 'lovely' geography and natural features make it a particularly worthwhile destination for holidaymakers.
La Residencia hotel is often quoted in the European press as one of the best hotels on the continent, and is good enough to draw the rich and famous, and is one of the best Majorca hotels
Majorca remains extremely popular with outdoor lovers. Both celebrities and the average vacationer alike appreciate the quality of outdoor life that can be found on the island. As long as Spain remains politically stable, Majorca will surely continue to draw visitors from around the world in the years to come.
Palma Airport Majorca and cheap flight to Majorca deals plus a range of holidays in Majorca with photograph galleries are among the details offered at yourmajorca.net
Hotel America - Calas De Mallorca
In June 2008 we took a holiday to Calas De Mallorca, a small resort on the east coast of Majorca. We booked through Thomas Cook and stayed all-inclusive at the Hotel America.
It was our first all-inclusive holiday but we had done our research and found only good reviews of Hotel America, although some reviews of the resort of Calas de Mallorca itself were a little negative.
We were looking for a quiet holiday anyway, so we were not put off by any of the negative comments about the resort being too quiet or the fact that the resort is purpose-built.
We arrived at Hotel America in the early hours and the reception was friendly. We were immediately fitted with wristbands that were our all-inclusive pass to use the facilities and shown to our room by a security guard.
We were staying in the annexe of the hotel, about 30 seconds walk away from the facilities. The annexe is positioned overlooking the sea above rocky coastline - the view from our room was spectacular!
In fact Hotel America is cleverly designed so all of the rooms have a sea view, taking full advantage of it's position at the edge of the Mediterranean. Watch our short video showing the view from our room
The room was spacious, clean and comfortable, with a double bed and a single bed, and bathroom. The rooms were spotlessly clean, and were maintained daily with fresh towels and bedding etc.
Each room had a large mirror, a safe inside the room, balcony with sea-view, and there were plenty of plug sockets - also plenty storage space with a wardrobe, dressing table and two bedside cabinets and plenty of space to store suitcases.
The room had air-conditioning (not the best) which is linked to the balcony door so be sure to close the doors if you want to stay cool.
Food at the Hotel America
There are plenty of options for all-inclusive guests at Hotel America. The main restaurant opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is buffet-style. The food was very good, with a good choice each night, and plenty of variation over the week, with international tastes catered for - their steak and kidney pie was fantastic! There is always something for everyone, including several main meal selections with vegetarian dishes, pasta dishes, meat dishes, a carvery, salad bar, soup, cold meats, bread, cheese and biscuits, dessert trolley & more.
In addition to the main restaurant, Hotel America also has several other options for dining: there's a pizza restaurant that opens as soon as breakfast is over and stays open until midnight, serving pizza, pasta and salad plus drinks. Wine, soft drinks, ice-cream, water, tea and coffee are available self-service in both the pizza bar and main restaurant.
There is also a snack bar located in the pool bar - here you can get burgers, chips and hot dogs, plus there's a fridge with salad, cold meat, cheese and bread if you fancy a sandwich. The pool bar serves drinks all day long and into the night (until midnight) as the entertainment is based outdoors near to the pool area.
As if that wasn't enough - there is also a barbecue when weather permits, situated in the gardens just down from the pool area.
Hotel America also has a cafe bar with a smoking lounge (with TV) and an outdoor patio to the front of the hotel, where the sun shines into the evening.
Another bar opens at midnight - the disco bar. This is not part of the all-inclusive package.
There are vending machines in the foyer downstairs near the entrance to the pool bar.
There are two swimming pools at Hotel America - one of which was fairly quiet when we stayed there in June so was good for swimming lengths, particularly in the late afternoon when the sun has gone from that area. There is also a childrens pool situated away from the other pools, behind the entertainment area.
Entertainment for the children is good, and is followed by a variety of acts, which in our case included the Russian Beatles. Bingo is also played. It's difficult to get a seat for the entertainment - all the tables are taken before the children's acts finish, so it's a case of fighting it out for the spare seats at the back!*
(*but closer to the bar!)
The hotel is situated above the beach, which is accessible via a series of sloping paths and/or steps, which can be tricky to navigate, but it is very close and takes just a couple of minutes to get to the beach from the hotel.
We had a great holiday at Hotel America and could certainly stay there again if we return to Calas de Mallorca. The food and service and very good standard, and the staff are very hard-working, efficient and friendly.
Highly recommended.
See also: video showing the sea view from Hotel America in Calas de Mallorca
It was our first all-inclusive holiday but we had done our research and found only good reviews of Hotel America, although some reviews of the resort of Calas de Mallorca itself were a little negative.
We were looking for a quiet holiday anyway, so we were not put off by any of the negative comments about the resort being too quiet or the fact that the resort is purpose-built.
We arrived at Hotel America in the early hours and the reception was friendly. We were immediately fitted with wristbands that were our all-inclusive pass to use the facilities and shown to our room by a security guard.
We were staying in the annexe of the hotel, about 30 seconds walk away from the facilities. The annexe is positioned overlooking the sea above rocky coastline - the view from our room was spectacular!
In fact Hotel America is cleverly designed so all of the rooms have a sea view, taking full advantage of it's position at the edge of the Mediterranean. Watch our short video showing the view from our room
The room was spacious, clean and comfortable, with a double bed and a single bed, and bathroom. The rooms were spotlessly clean, and were maintained daily with fresh towels and bedding etc.
Each room had a large mirror, a safe inside the room, balcony with sea-view, and there were plenty of plug sockets - also plenty storage space with a wardrobe, dressing table and two bedside cabinets and plenty of space to store suitcases.
The room had air-conditioning (not the best) which is linked to the balcony door so be sure to close the doors if you want to stay cool.
Food at the Hotel America
There are plenty of options for all-inclusive guests at Hotel America. The main restaurant opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is buffet-style. The food was very good, with a good choice each night, and plenty of variation over the week, with international tastes catered for - their steak and kidney pie was fantastic! There is always something for everyone, including several main meal selections with vegetarian dishes, pasta dishes, meat dishes, a carvery, salad bar, soup, cold meats, bread, cheese and biscuits, dessert trolley & more.
In addition to the main restaurant, Hotel America also has several other options for dining: there's a pizza restaurant that opens as soon as breakfast is over and stays open until midnight, serving pizza, pasta and salad plus drinks. Wine, soft drinks, ice-cream, water, tea and coffee are available self-service in both the pizza bar and main restaurant.
There is also a snack bar located in the pool bar - here you can get burgers, chips and hot dogs, plus there's a fridge with salad, cold meat, cheese and bread if you fancy a sandwich. The pool bar serves drinks all day long and into the night (until midnight) as the entertainment is based outdoors near to the pool area.
As if that wasn't enough - there is also a barbecue when weather permits, situated in the gardens just down from the pool area.
Hotel America also has a cafe bar with a smoking lounge (with TV) and an outdoor patio to the front of the hotel, where the sun shines into the evening.
Another bar opens at midnight - the disco bar. This is not part of the all-inclusive package.
There are vending machines in the foyer downstairs near the entrance to the pool bar.
There are two swimming pools at Hotel America - one of which was fairly quiet when we stayed there in June so was good for swimming lengths, particularly in the late afternoon when the sun has gone from that area. There is also a childrens pool situated away from the other pools, behind the entertainment area.
Entertainment for the children is good, and is followed by a variety of acts, which in our case included the Russian Beatles. Bingo is also played. It's difficult to get a seat for the entertainment - all the tables are taken before the children's acts finish, so it's a case of fighting it out for the spare seats at the back!*
(*but closer to the bar!)
The hotel is situated above the beach, which is accessible via a series of sloping paths and/or steps, which can be tricky to navigate, but it is very close and takes just a couple of minutes to get to the beach from the hotel.
We had a great holiday at Hotel America and could certainly stay there again if we return to Calas de Mallorca. The food and service and very good standard, and the staff are very hard-working, efficient and friendly.
Highly recommended.
See also: video showing the sea view from Hotel America in Calas de Mallorca
A Secret Side of Majorca
Here's a great article I stumbled upon today - writer James Scott explored some of the lesser travelled parts of Majorca - including Puerto Pollensa and Soller. Read this descriptive holiday review and you'll feel like you were there!
FindArticles - HOLIDAYS: A secret side of Majorca
Sunday Mirror, Jun 1, 2008, by JAMES SCOTT
FindArticles - HOLIDAYS: A secret side of Majorca
Sunday Mirror, Jun 1, 2008, by JAMES SCOTT
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