Inside sun-soaked Palma – it’s packed with culture, history and stunning food

MALLORCA is one of my favorite vacation spots. And, unsurprisingly, it’s popular with many other Brits too.

This sun-drenched island is a classic year-round destination with resorts to suit just about every taste, no matter what you like to do.

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Certainly it is the busier resorts such as Magaluf and Santa Ponsa, known for their vibrant nightlife, that attract a younger crowd.

But there are also fantastic resorts for families, romantic spots for couples and stunning interiors for those looking to get away from it all.

But for me there is no better place than the capital Palma. I just love the vibrancy of this city.

There are fantastic places to stay, eat, explore and go out. This Balearic beauty has it all.

I had booked a stay at Innside by Melia Palma Bosque, an ideal location for my few days of culture, sun, sand and sangria (of course).

It’s just a short drive from the airport – ideal if you only have a few days and don’t want to spend most of your time on hotel transfers – and is on a quiet street away from the hustle and bustle.

It is modern and has a lovely outdoor dining area flanked by flowers and trees adding to the outdoor feel.

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And what better way to enjoy Mallorca’s famous sunshine than at the hotel’s pools?

There’s a huge long pool for adults, one for children and a lovely raised sunbathing area away from the water – even better, it’s next to the bar!

The hotel has a growing reputation for its food – and this foodie can vouch for it.

With dishes from around the world, your taste buds will be spoiled for choice at Syndeo Restaurant.

From America to Asia, from Europe to Scandinavia, browsing through the menu gave me a taste of the world.

I recovered from my overindulgence in my premium sea view room, looking out over the entire city and the cathedral in the distance.

Sitting on my balcony and enjoying the sights and sounds along with my morning coffee was a lovely way to start the day.

The room had everything I needed for my short stay.

A huge, comfortable bed to unwind from my adventures, a fancy walk-in shower that separated the main living area and bathroom, and a TV to catch the news or a midnight movie.

If you’re looking to work up a sweat outside of sunbathing and work off excess food and drink, the hotel’s gym is for you.

It has recently been modernized and has everything you need to stay in shape.

And if you want to pamper yourself even more, you can pamper yourself at the stunning spa – which is now much more my thing when holidaying abroad.

It has a solarium, a Finnish sauna and a steam bath, so you’ll find plenty to relax in.

As nice as the hotel was, I wanted to explore it a little. And within 15 minutes on foot you can reach the incredible grand cathedral that towers over the city.

However, take your time getting there as the cobbled streets of the old town are full of traditional bars and tapas restaurants where you can enjoy a fantastic lunch or a refreshing drink.

Another great way to spend an evening is to stroll along the harbor and watch the comings and goings of some incredible boats and yachts.

For a little change from the sun-drenched countryside, I headed to the stunning UM Beach House Portals in the upscale Puerto Portals area of ​​Mallorca, a few miles from Palma.

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The place exudes class. It didn’t take long to choose my spot for the day and sit back on my sun lounger with an ice cold frozen daiquiri, listening to the laid back beats over the sound system in a relaxed atmosphere.

The fantastic staff just seemed to know when the right time was for the next drink. It really doesn’t get much better.

Sunbathing works up an appetite and next on my agenda was a short walk to the neighboring sister town of UM Chambao.

You can sit outside by the water and enjoy as much Mediterranean food and drink as you like.

I drank a few glasses of red wine and enjoyed my fried calamari appetizer before the main event – a huge portion of Iberian pork with peppercorns and a side of potatoes.

That night I left the luxury of my hotel room and headed back to Palma Harbor to watch the sunset before turning back to food. Well I warned you, I’m a foodie!

My choice for dinner that evening was Vida by UM. I grabbed the best seat in the house, with the doors open and a view of the marina, and after drinking my obligatory glass of red wine, I treated myself to a huge Chateaubriand.

It’s meant to be shared, but well, I was on vacation.

Mallorca is quite easy to get around and Palma’s location in the southwest means you have easy access to all places.

You can hop on a rental car, bus or even bike to many other resorts or cities.

And if you fancy an even more original way of getting around, then a ride on the old wooden train from Palma to Soller is definitely worth a try.

In the north there are holiday resorts such as Alcudia and Pollenca, which are extremely popular with families and cyclists.

Mallorca really is the perfect holiday destination – I will definitely come back.

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