So I totally crashed a boys holiday last week. My brother had booked a long weekend getaway with my dad to our place in Mallorca and after finding out the flight details, I was on the next plane.
We’ve been coming to Mallorca since we were children and it never gets old. The Spanish tapas, the warm evenings, fresh air and amazing wine. It’s become my second home (or I guess third now between Dubai and the UK).
It’s been a crazy week since being back in the UK, hence the Pimientos de Padrón and Rosé-filled lunches have’t come to you sooner but here are my few days in Mallorca in pictures.
We often stay around Port Portals for the evening but I had a dress to buy for Royal Ascot (successfully) and a tapas craving to fulfil, so we hit Palma for a bit of everything.
It’s quite the early evening stroll!
They complain about girls shopping for hours but I was in and out, dress in hand in 5 minutes – unlike this one!
Currently have a rather odd obsession for doors…
My favourite tapas of all – Datiles con Bacon. Stuffed with a small blacked almond on the inside, these are my go-to canapés for Christmas lunches, dinner parties and anything else.
My Grilled Figs and Goats Cheese recipe is my take on the slightly more english version!
Abaco is a great evening bar in Palma that has become quite the tourist spot.
With an even more exceptional door to show…
I don’t believe the fruit baskets all over the restaurant floor serve for anything more than decoration but they sure do offer something unique!
During the sunny days, we tend to go to a spot called Virtual beach club just 5 minutes walk from the apartment. It’s just on the other side of the main beach, situated on the rocks which is great if you want something a little quieter and not as sandy!
There was an awful fire on the main beach one day where a bus was burning up. Thankfully nobody was injured but the smoke soared up for what seemed like forever.
Luckily we had some exceptionally light Rosé to help.
Not an intentional cringe photo snap – they are simply two peas in a pod!
Whilst I … am very happy with this view.
And one more glass. It is the holidays after all!
The food is fabulous – I especially recommend picking at the starters if you’re not overly hungry. The Mozzarella and Tomato and Beef Carpaccio are both world class.
Like father, like son.
I couldn’t write a Mallorca post without including a little about one of my favourite restaurants in Puerto Portals – Flanigans. Don’t expect to get a table unless you book in advance in peak season – it’s incredibly idyllic overlooking the yachts we wish we could spend every day on; the food is wonderful and it’s matched by the great atmosphere.
You can tell we like to get down early…
Twenty minutes later and it’s in full swing!
As my father always says … when you find something you love, why change.
Our tapas choices follow the same motto.
This restaurant is known for it’s Steak Tartare, it’s the best around the world that I have tasted, and I’ve tried a fair few! Unfortunately conversation took over so it was finished before I could steal a picture. I’ll let you enjoy the surprise.
Lunch à la Hotel Bendinat to celebrate the last day. It has the most sensational view and offers a real Spanish vibe. I’ve never actually stayed in the hotel but heard it’s just as lovely.
Either way, it’s worth the lunch visit.
A beautifully simple goats cheese salad and tapas to follow!
I feel I must say right now that these croquettes were not (all) for me.
Every time I visit this stunning area, I feel incredibly grateful I get the chance to taste such amazing food and see wonderfully stunning places.
If anyone is visiting Mallorca or want to share your thoughts on the blog, please feel free to comment below! I’ve been there enough times to be able to call myself somewhat of an expert so advice is something I can certainly give!
LLG x
Hello and welcome! I'm Carly, originally from London but currently enjoying a little adventure in Dubai. A travel and wellness blogger exploring the world one step at a time. Think fabulous food at undiscovered gems, unique destinations, skin care obsessions and so much more. This is my life, I hope you enjoy the ride!
Rianna
August 16, 2018Hi Carly!
I’ve also been going out to Mallorca since I was a pup. My family live in Ileatas and strangely I also saw that bus on fire that day!! It’s a beautiful place. I’ve never been to Hotel Bendinat so can’t wait to do so in September. Try Forn St Joan (opposite Abaco) in Palma for food next time you are visiting, you won’t be disappointed. Great read, thanks!
Lean Living Girl
August 17, 2018Hi Rianna,
Thanks for your comment lovely, what a small world! I had a panic that day thinking I had left the stove on or something as we are so close to that beach haha. Always looking for good finds in Palma so will definitely check out Forn St Joan thank you :) xxx
Karina
September 18, 2016Hi, nice places in Mallorca! Thanks for sharing.
The weid and fascinating part is that I saw the fruit baskets on the floor of Abaco in my dream a few months ago (without ever seeing or hearing about this) and wondered if this place actually exists upon waking up :)
I also have an obsession with beautiful doors 🌞👌
P.S. is you brother single? He is a looker haha 😇
Lean Living Girl
September 18, 2016Hi Karina,
How funny! It’s such a unique place too so maybe you’ve seen it subconcioulsy somewhere else!? Really cute little bar outside though so if you’re ever in Mallorca do try it out!
Unfortunately my brother is a taken man! He did indeed inherit a lot of the good looks though, and here’s me thinking it was meant to be shared equally! Thanks so much for the comment and hope you’re enjoying the posts :)
Carly xx
stephanie
September 3, 2016Hi, I’d love to know which boutiques you’d recommend in Palma? Last time I visited I spent a small fortune in the Bluebird boutique but struggled to find much else apart from chain stores and designers own brand shops, all of which I can buy in London.
Lean Living Girl
September 20, 2016Hi Stephanie,
So so sorry for the late reply, completely missed this!
Honestly there are none that come to the top of my head for boutiques, a lot of the shops are like you said which you can get in London like Maje and Sandro (two of my absolute favourites). When I’m back next year I’ll keep my eyes peeled for you and try come up with a list :)
Carly xx
Sofie Fysioterapeut
July 18, 2016Brilliant article!
I love Mallorca and your article brought back some great memories:-)
Thanks for sharing.
Lean Living Girl
July 18, 2016Thanks Sofie, already counting down the days till my next visit! x
Sofie Fysioterapeut
July 19, 2016Yeah… I should plan a trip to Mallorca as well:-) Soon rather than later!