Sunny Mallorca

Illetas

The town of Illetas has a great mixture of quaint and modern. It lacks that ‘built up’ quality that areas of the south of Spain, or even other areas of Mallorca may exhibit. Tastefully designed, Illetas has a few options for luxury or small hotels. Many visitors rent apartments and enjoy the views of the sea from private balconies. Beaches can be crowded during peak season, but not overcrowded. Spanish will be the language you’ll hear around you on the beach and during a swim in the refreshing water. A beach bar in the center of Illetas is a surprise with good food and ice-creams available on a hot day.

Portals Nous

If you want to see the yachts of the European rich and famous, then head to Portals Nous. A stroll along the waterfront to check out the various opulent yachts and matching cars is almost like visiting a museum or boat show it is so purely over the top. A great area for people watching, Portals Nous has many options for al fresco dining, and cafés are great spots for a few drinks before or after dinner. Expect pretty people, and in most places, such as Café Cappuccino, reasonable drinks prices for the location.

Mood

Mood reminded me of Miami, blowing white curtains and beds to lounge on with cocktails. The pool was lit up attractively and there was no rush to get to our table for dinner. When we did sit down, simply prepared, fresh food was a delight for such a trendy location. On the night I dined, there was an impressive salsa display inside as well. A restaurant where you can stay for drinks makes for a leisurely evening, all accompanied by the cool breezes of a Mallorcan evening.

Palma

On the taxi ride into Palma I was told that half of the population of Mallorca lives in the city, and yet many tourists never go in to see it. An old walled city, Palma has many opportunities for a stroll around its narrow streets. A soaring cathedral is the main tourist draw, but restaurants and bars keep them around into the evenings. While opportunities to dine or drink al fresco are available, some of the best restaurants are in the old buildings of Palma, providing a bit of history with your dinner.

Tahini

After your stroll through Portals Nous, take a seat in Tahini for stellar sushi and Japanese food. The helpful staff can assist you in deciphering the menu if sushi isn’t traditionally your thing, and Mallorcan wines are affordable and delicious complements to the fish. I arrived at Tahini with a group of 8 people, and instead of ordering, we received a sample of sushi and sashimi, followed by a hot course. It gave us the opportunity to try a large variety of the menu, and we all left with a new appreciation for the possibilities of outstanding sushi.

Virtual Club

The only club in Illetas is The Virtual Club, which is literally built into a cave. If you’re up for a big night out, have dinner or drinks on the terrace restaurant outside of the club. You’ll hear the washes crashing on rocks below, and sunset from the terrace is especially beautiful. Once the sun goes down, head into the club for late night drinks and dancing. Depending on the night, this club can stay open until 4 or later.