Thinking of your next short break as autumn arrives? From its quirky cuisine to awe-inspiring architecture, Palma is somewhere that will delight all year round.
I’ve been wanting to return to Palma since my first visit 16 years ago, and a short break with my sister offered the perfect opportunity. We chose the Iberostar Selection Llaut Palma in Palma de Mallorca. This is around ten minutes’ drive from the great city, which is also easily accessible via a public transport system that is infinitely more efficient than what’s on offer back home!
The Llaut is one of those hotels that I’d stare at in my 20s and fantasise about staying in. It offered the quietly luxurious backdrop we both wanted for our break and from the moment we arrived we felt well looked after, receiving a wonderfully warm welcome from the reception team. We were offered a choice of fruit juice or cava as we sank into the lobby’s sumptuous sofas and waited for our paperwork to be processed.
The hotel has huge curb appeal yet it’s small enough to feel intimate. The restaurants, rooms and pool area have a fresh, clean Scandi feel but have all the simple design touches you need to elevate your stay. The poolside restaurant is also worth a mention for its wonderfully fresh superfood salads!
We couldn’t stay away from Palma city for long and approaching in a taxi on night two I was thrilled to see that it hadn’t changed a bit. I was soon enveloped in the old magic, helped along by a visit to the extremely funky NOLA, with its secret garden and cocktails to die for. It’s places like this that exemplify what Palma is all about: character, authenticity and local flair.
Next came one of the highlights of our culinary experience: Vagabundos. The reputation of this place precedes it as it’s rightfully top of the list as Google’s “best restaurant in Palma”. It actually feels more like a club; even the staff look like rock stars (but they’re still super-friendly and knowledgeable)!
If you enjoy new tastes, this is your place. Think Thai Green Curry Empanadillas in a gentle creamy sauce, halloumi oozing from a salty crust and a fierce orange hummus adorned with berries. While the service and food were mind-blowingly tasty, the bill was mind-blowingly reasonable, particularly for five tapas courses and a decent bottle of Sauvignon.
Next was a walk to the cathedral along the cobbled streets, passing cavernous bars and restaurants and stunning architecture. Lit up against the night sky, this gothic marvel is truly breath-taking. Proudly overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, it’s 121 metres long and 40 metres wide and includes tunnels and ancient staircases that gave me strong Princess Fiona vibes (I know – Shrek 2 isn’t the most sophisticated of references but I’m nothing if not honest!). It’s amazing that all of this is accessible late at night, and the street musicians make the experience even more magical.
Exploring made us thirsty, so off we went to Mar de Nudos, a super-sophisticated harbour-side haunt frequented by the type of people who carry their dog in a bag (no, I’m not joking). If you want to feel part of the ‘it’ crowd and gaze directly into the chartered yachts bobbing alongside the marina, this is your place.
On the last night we ended our holiday in style by visiting Katagi Blau, a stunning bar and eatery on the top floor of the Llaut. This place exemplifies the understated luxury of the hotel but with the added spectacle of an uninterrupted sea view, complete with planes ascending and landing to and from Palma airport and twinkling lights along the coastline. We even caught the sunset as we sipped our prosecco.
Diners can choose between teppanyaki or al a carte. My sister chose the chicken with a truffle mash foam, and I opted for the tuna sushi roll. Both were exquisite.
At the heart of each generous and lovingly prepared piece of sushi was a tiny tempura prawn, and the whole thing was taken to the next level by the addition of a lightly drizzled creamy sauce.
This place felt incredibly special, yet the bill was once again startlingly reasonable.
Our visit to Palma may have been short but it was packed full of mouth-watering food, relaxation and culture. I hope that sharing our highlights might help you plan yours.
I’m so excited to return!
Editorial feature and images by Claire Kenny – @my40pluslife.me
Feature image courtesy of unsplash.com
