Palma is perfect as an incentive destination.
Recently voted the best place in the world to live, its easily accessible via a quick 2-3 hour hop from most UK airports. Great hotels, restaurants, sun, sandy beaches and culture, combine to make it a winning destination.
Fabulous boutique hotels in the city (Santa Clara , San Fransenc, with arguably the best roof top view in Palma with small pool and bar, Jaimie 111, Saragoga, Hotel Born (a stunning 16th century palace), Can Alomar are ideal for smaller incentives - or a weekend retreat. For larger numbers you can stay in one of hotels the Maritimo overlooking the expansive bay of Palma (Tryp, Gran Melia Vittoria or the recently beautifully refurbished and modern, Melia Marina, and further along, the large and impressive Valparaiso hotel. Golfers or luxury seekers will love the Castillo Son Vida.
The airport is a short 15-20 minute transfer (18-22 euros), so you can be ready to party straight away.
The old town has incredible architecture, flanked by the majestic Cathedral de Santa Maria, built originally in the 1229 and redesigned by Gaudi in early 1900’s. Other notable historical and beautiful buildings include,the Arab baths, the Royal Palace of Almundaina, Bellver Castle, and Placa Espanya – or simply stroll along the Calle Born with its famous high end shops and favourites, Mango, a huge Zara and Massimo Dutti, housed in beautiful buildings.
Drinks with a view? For a coffee and Ensaïmada (local pastry) try the restaurant at the top of the department store, Cortes Ingles on Jaime 111. An outside terrace overlooks the Cathedral and the bay. Visitors can also pick up a special card at the customer services desk, which gives money off another purchase within 3 days.
For cocktails with a view, the rooftop bars of the hotels Alumundaina, The Nakar, Can Alomar, Sant Francesc (opposite the quite cloisters and courtyard of the Franciscan Monastery - which has links back to St George) and tiny cocktail bar atop the Santa Clara Hotel are fabulous. Bar Cuba and the many bars and restaurants around Santa Catalina is a lively and atmospheric night time haunt. In the daytime do go to the Mercat in Santa Catalinia, which is an indoor market, with fresh produce and wonderful eating 'stalls'. Popular with the locals, it is open 7am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. A one off treat is a (pricey) drink in the Abaco bar – step through its large wooden doors into a courtyard filled with flowers, candles and classical music – plus an aviary with budgies in the back! Rose petals fall from the rafters at 11.30pm on Fridays to add to the atmosphere.
Restaurants are abundant to suit every palette and pocket – tasty tapas in Forn de Sant Joan, or its sister restaurants, Ombu or Koa – or try Tapas Negra. Other favourites are the Caballito del Mar -‘Seahorse’ (fabulous sea bass in rock salt opposite the beautiful Llotja building), C’an Eduardo overlooking the marina and views of the cathedral and Pesquero for lunch time treats. The restaurant in Can Cera in the old town is good and well-known Fosch (book well in advance) and Peix are highly recommended. Adrian 'Fresh Market cuisine' is on offer at Buenas Aries / Mallorcan chef Adrian Quetglas eaterie, which offers a fantastic tasting menu at lunch or dinner. For very traditional Mallorcian food, try C'an Manolo, situated near the Melia Victoria and Melia Marina Hotels, and which is popular locally.
Tapas are a must and the locals eat at one of the TAST restaurants. Pinchos and tapas with local and other wines make for a wonderful sharing experience at any time of the night or day. Try Restaurante Tast Unión, Tast Club or, Tast Aviendas. - The Tast Club (hidden in a courtyard along a little alleyway by the side of C&A , to the right from La Boudeguilla (another great haunt!), is exquisite!
For a special meal with a view, the Il Paradiso on the outskirts on Palma, is superb!
Hop on, hop off buses help you to get to know the history and culture - or Segway tours and horse drawn carriages are also possible. A highlight is a boat trip, with a restaurant stop and swimming and snorkeling, in the crystal-clear waters. Exclusive Beach clubs include the renowned Puro, and many others including Zhero, Anima or Nassau Beach.
Mallorca has well established vineyards with quality wines. A tour of the cellars and lunch is impressive in Binnessalem, (entre of Mallorca), home of Jose Ferrar, Macia Balte and other labels. There are many others too dotted around the island - the pale rose wines, fruity whites and deep reds are well worth trying.
The World heritage Tramuntana mountains run the length of the west coast of the island stretching from Andraixt to Pollens, which offer further opportunities including rock climbing and zip wires in La Reserva - also home to bears (yes really) and other wildlife on a 5km trail to its cold rock pools and BBQ area.
Sports galore, from challenging Golf courses, cycling (Mallorca is the training ground for many national cycling teams), sailing, paddle board, scuba are plentiful.
There are a host of opportunities for a few surprises - to make your incentive unforgettable and impressive – call us - we can help!
01625 539954 / Shaun
The San Fransenc Cloisters
