Mallorca is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, offers a stunning combination of coastal beauty, charming inland villages, and rich cultural heritage. With its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and excellent culinary scene, Majorca is an ideal destination for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.
The purpose of our visit to Mallorca was cycling, so we spent most of our time on the mountainous side of the island, which stretches along Mallorca’s northwestern coast. Mallorca is a paradise for cyclists, attracting enthusiasts from all over Europe and the world. This part of the island also offers many beautiful hiking trails.
We spent four nights at La Residencia, a Belmond Hotel, which overlooks the charming village of Deià and the Mediterranean Sea. Set in two historic manor houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, the hotel perfectly blends rustic Mallorcan charm with refined luxury.
The property is located on a hillside and may not be ideal for guests with mobility issues. Our Junior Suite was on the third floor of the main building, so after a full day of biking, we had an extra dose of exercise 😊. That said, I didn’t mind the location at all—our suite was beautiful, with a spacious bedroom and bathroom, and a private terrace offering stunning views of the village.
The hotel has three restaurants: El Olivo: Housed in the former olive oil mill, Café Miró: Casual terrace dining and cocktails and Son Fony / Tramuntana Grill Offers relaxed meals, buffet breakfasts, and poolside snacks. You can also walk to the village and have dinner in one of the restaurants located nearby.
La Residencia offers many amenities such as two outdoor pools (one adult‑only), an indoor spa pool, sauna, steam room, gym and full spa, tennis courts, children’s club, 750 local artworks are displayed throughout the property and bike valet.
You can also enjoy cooking classes, olive‑oil tastings, painting and sculpture workshops, Vespa tours, mountain hikes, and picnics delivered by donkey.
While in Mallorca we have visited Valldemossa medieval village where Chopin once resided, Sóller, a town famous for its orange groves and historic tram and Andratx known for its beautiful mountain landscapes, coves, and beaches. We also cycle to and from Sa Calobra which is considered to be one of the most iconic cycling routes in the world!
After our visit to Mallorca, we flew to Barcelona for two nights. It’s a short flight from Palma, The city was already quite busy with tourists—even in March.
We stayed one night at the Majestic Hotel and one night at the Edition Hotel.
The Majestic is centrally located on Passeig de Gràcia and has been a Barcelona landmark since 1918. It’s just steps from Gaudí’s iconic buildings (Casa Batlló and Casa Milà), luxury boutiques like Chanel, Gucci, and Hermès, and many excellent restaurants. The hotel is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.
We stayed in a Junior Suite with a Juliet balcony overlooking Passeig de Gràcia—it was a lovely room.
Their main restaurants is SOLC where breakfast is served, La Dolce Vitae is the rooftop bar/restaurant with pool and El Bar del Majestic is an elegant piano bar with cocktails and live music. I’ve booked the Majestic many times for clients, and it was great to experience it firsthand.
The Edition Hotel is located in the Gothic/El Born neighborhood, near the Picasso Museum and Santa Caterina Market. It has a modern, boutique style and tends to attract younger travelers who enjoy nightlife scene. The hotel features a rooftop pool with a DJ and speakeasy-style cocktail lounges. Our room was comfortable, with modern décor and a cozy window seat.
For clients who prefer a more classic atmosphere, spacious rooms, exceptional service, and a central location, the Majestic is truly unmatched. The Edition, on the other hand, has a trendy, contemporary vibe and is a great fit for a younger crowd. Both hotels are nice —but very different in style and overall experience.
We had a nice time in Barcelona, exploring neighborhoods like El Born, Eixample, and Gràcia. We enjoyed its historic charm, modernist art, and laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.