A Love Letter to Mallorca

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been to Mallorca, but I’ll admit: it wasn’t always a favourite.

The island is stunning, but some of its most special places can feel hidden behind a touristy façade. That changed recently when I met a local who completely transformed the way I experienced Mallorca. She introduced me to remarkable people and places and showed me a side of the island I hadn’t found on previous visits.

These are a few of the things that made me fall in love with it.

When to go

Mallorca is at its best in the shoulder seasons: April, May, late September and October.

The weather is usually warm enough for swimming and eating outside, but cool enough to explore comfortably. In spring, there are wildflowers and the scent of orange blossom. Autumn brings golden light, the harvest and a sea that’s still warm from summer.

Without the intensity of peak season, the island feels calmer and easier to enjoy.

Where to go

If you visit during the shoulder seasons, you can explore far more of the island without the summer crowds.

Palma, the capital, has some of Barcelona’s energy on a smaller scale, with excellent restaurants, independent shops and a lively art scene.

In the Tramuntana mountains, villages such as Deià are known for their stone houses, cobbled streets and extraordinary views. It’s also a beautiful part of the island to explore by bike. For a quieter coastal escape, head north for secluded beaches and clear water.

Where to stay

Sa Pedrissa is a historic estate overlooking the sea and the Tramuntana mountains.

With only nine rooms, it feels intimate and peaceful, balancing the character of the old building with understated luxury. You can wake to silence, have coffee overlooking the mountains and wander through the surrounding olive groves.

It’s a place that makes slowing down feel easy.

What to do

The moment I stepped into a small perfume atelier in Mallorca, I knew it had the makings of a Biznaga experience.

Together, we’ve created a wild-scent workshop that begins with a walk through the land, where you’ll forage for some of the plants used to make essential oils. You’ll then create a fragrance of your own—one shaped by the scents of Mallorca and personal to you.

It’s something you can take home and return to long after the holiday is over.

What to Eat

You should try both sobrassada and ensaimada while you’re in Mallorca.

Sobrassada is a soft, spreadable cured sausage made with pork, paprika and spices. It may sound unusual, but it’s delicious.

Ensaimada is a light, spiral-shaped pastry dusted with icing sugar and sometimes filled with cream or chocolate. People return from Mallorca carrying the distinctive boxes onto their flights—which tells you something about how seriously it’s loved.

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