Spotlight on the Balearic Islands

Ask yourself only one question regarding your summer holiday: which island are you going to choose to photosynthesise? Majorca, the artists' island? Or Minorca the wild? Maybe Formentera for a down-to-earth feeling, or Ibiza and its endless parties? Here are a few tips to help you choose.

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Majorca, the artist

Majorca conveys images of fine sandy beaches, small coves and turquoise waters, but it would be a shame not to go beyond. For Joan Miró for instance, Majorca embodies “poetry and light”. Stroll around Palma to discover artists' works along the alleyways and stop at the Es Baluard Museum of Modern Art to gaze at Picasso's masterpieces. Downtown holds many small art galleries that are also well worth a look... Majorca may eventually be way more arty than you ever imagined!

Best go-to places

Puro Hotel Palma: a designer hotel in the heart of the old town.
Carrer de Montenegro, 12
07012 Palma
www.purohotel.com/hotel-palma/en/
Rooms: from 176 EUR

Hostal Cuba: offers a lovely view onto the city and the cathedral.
Carrer de Sant Magí, 1
07013 Palma
www.hotelhostalcuba.com/en/
Rooms: from 193 EUR

Taste club: the essential spot to taste Iberian specialities and smoke good cigars.
Carrer de Sant Jaume, 6
07012 Palma
http://tast.com/en/tast-en/
Menu: around 20 EUR

Canela: for the modern bistro-style cuisine.
Carrer Sant Jaume, 13
07012 Palma
www.canelabistro.es
Menu: around 25 EUR

Sumaq: for the ceviche.
Carrer de Cotoner, 44
07013 Palma
www.restaurantesumaq.com
Menu: around 30 EUR

Koh: for the Thai specialities.
Carrer de Servet, 15
07013 Palma
www.facebook.com/kohmallorca/
Menu: around 25 EUR

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Minorca, the wild one

It takes between 90 minutes to 2.5 hours of ferry crossing from Majorca to reach the island. Minorca is almost the antithesis of Ibiza. No festivities to be expected here, but rather small villages, fortified citadels, beaches and still preserved coves. Rent a small boat if you can, as some of those beaches are only accessible by sea. Thus you'll be able to sunbathe in peace and quiet. The island has been kept unspoilt and remains genuinely authentic – it was furthermore listed in 1993 as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Nature lovers, do not hesitate to carry some walking gear with you.

Best go-to places

Can Faustino Hotel: the hotel is a Relais & Châteaux member located in a 16^th century palace that overlooks the Ciutadella harbour.
Carrer de sa Muradeta, 22
07760 Menorca
www.canfaustino.com
Rooms: from 165 EUR

Torralbenc: this 22-room establishment feels just like a family home.
Ctra. Mao - Cala Porter, km 10
07730 Menorca
https://www.torralbenc.com/en/
Rooms: from 160 EUR

Smoix: in the centre of the Ciutadella, this restaurant is a must-go-to for anyone wishing to taste delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Avenida Jaume el Conqueridor, 38
07760 Menorca
www.smoix.com
Menu: around 30 EUR

Cova d'en Xoroi: rather trendy and unusual bar located in former troglodyte houses.
Urbanización Cala en Porter
Carrer de sa Cova, 2
07730 Menorca
www.covadenxoroi.com/index.php?lng=uk
Menu: around 5 EUR

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Formentera, the down-to-earth mindset

Only a few minutes away from Ibiza by ferry, Formentera far more secretive. You will find few restaurants, hotels and clubs, and boat parties are discreetly organised offshore, nowhere near the island's blue water coves. You'll find space, peace and quiet, not to mention gorgeous sunsets. And if you love scuba diving, Formentera offers some of the best spots of the entire Mediterranean Sea. The promise of an ever-extraordinary sight.

Best go-to places

Juan y Andrea: you'll eat as close to the waterfront as possible, as tables are set on the beach itself. Try the lobster paella!
Playa Illetes, s/n
07871 Formentera
http://juanyandrea.com/web/en/
Menu: around 20 EUR

Villa Alfonsina: located only a few steps from the coast between Cala Saona and Porto Salè, Villa Alfonsina is a 7-room Eden amidst lush plants. To find the address, look for the small path that doesn't follow the coastline.
Rooms: upon request

Blue Bar: after a day spent at the beach, drop by the Blue Bar for a cocktail while gazing at the sunset. If you feel like it, know that the bar stays open till the early morning.
Platja Migjorn, Carretera San Ferran-La Mola
Sant Ferran de Ses Roques
07871 Formentera
www.bluebarformentera.com
Menu: around 5 EUR

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Ibiza, the party animal

Ibiza obviously enjoys worldwide fame for the trendy parties it holds all year long. However, it is also a green paradise that has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site for the quality of the landscapes, the culture of the island as well as the biodiversity at hand. This is probably the reason why it keeps on seducing travellers. It is possible to discover a culture, enjoy beaches and postcard-like scenery during the day, while the “party capital” comes alive at night. From Majorca, it takes two hours by ferry to reach Ibiza.

Best go-to places

Les Terrasses - Ibiza: a spot still kept secret, offering a dozen bedrooms as well as personalised and warm welcome.
Carretera Santa Eulalia
07840 Ibiza
www.lesterrasses.net/home.html
Rooms: upon request

Atzaró Hotel: a hacienda of Moroccan and Balinese overtones, surrounded with orange and olive groves, making for an unusual concept.
Carretera Santa Eulalia
07840 Ibiza
www.atzaro.com
Rooms: from 170 EUR

Es Caliu: this restaurant revisits local cuisine with fresh salads, fish of the day and grilled meats.
C/ Sant Joan
Santa Eulària des Riu
07840 Ibiza
http://escaliuibiza.com
Menu: around 25 EUR

Experimental Beach Ibiza: the Ibiza version of the Experimental Group, already established in Paris, London and New York.
Las Salinas
07817 Ibiza
www.eccbeach.com
Menu: around 10 EUR

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