I’m Visiting Mallorca This Summer—Here’s What I’m Packing

Across the scintillating waters of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca offers respite amongst its limestone mountains, pine trees and secluded cove beaches. Under the beating Spanish sun, this blissful island and European summer hotspot serves as a balmy retreat brimming with historic castles, picturesque neighbourhoods and a wild coastline punctuated by a stunning undulating backdrop.

With a palette of verdant greens, blistered terracotta and rugged turquoise blue, it should come as no surprise that this island getaway has attracted discerning tastemakers for decades, from the literary renegades like Anaïs Nin, who took solace in the hilltops of Deià, to the graceful Old Hollywood icons, including Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, who fell victim to the splendours of Hotel Formentor, now a luxurious Four Seasons resort, on the northern cape.

Fast forward to the 21st Century, there is no shortage of fashion people making the pilgrimage south to this corner of the Mediterranean Sea. Dua Lipa, for instance, recently headed to Mallorca’s an artists village nestled within the Tramuntana mountains, staying at the pristine La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel. The five-star establishment is imbued with a bohemian spirit, drawing in an exclusive crowd over the twin manor houses made with honey-colored local stone that dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Amongst olive and citrus groves, two gigantic freeform outdoor pools unfurl themselves whilst panoramic restaurants, including the acclaimed Michelin-recommended El Olivo, offer a fine-dining take on European fare.

Speaking of the food scene, no trip to Mallorca is complete without a visit to the city centre. Here, in Palma, the Old Town reveals a rabbit warren of cocktail bars and dining institutions that rival the likes of San Sebastián. Abaco, located in the La Lonja region, is a must-visit, complete with antique furniture and surrealist fruit displays. As is the restaurant located on-site at the World Heritage Listed Grand Hotel Son Net. Only a 20-minute drive from the capital, the grounds are a culinary oasis slinging everything from bar snacks and all-day cocktails to Mallorcan haute cuisine.