The Less Traveled Landscapes of Mallorca
Fall is a beautiful time to experience the quieter side of Mallorca. That’s when people get back to real life on this Mediterranean island, harvesting olives, making wine, and being arty more than beachy.
We think there’s no one better to introduce you to Mallorca than Paul Richardson—we’re thrilled that he’s leading the way here. Besides being an accomplished food writer, Paul is a person who magically combines experience with curiosity. And Mallorca is one corner of his “Secret Spain”—a favorite place he returns to for roaming off the path with good friends.
This trip explores the island’s varied landscapes, from city-on-the-sea to hidden hill towns to wide salt flats.
Paul will meet you in Palma. There you’ll explore its spectacular cathedral on the port. And its mix of medieval, Moorish, and modernist architecture, alive with cafés, galleries, and shops.
From there, you’ll head inland along the Serra de Tramuntana range and into the quieter, northern side of the island. You’ll walk and taste in ancient olive groves, visit an organic orange grower, and visit Valldemossa and Deià, the towns where Chopin and Robert Graves retreated.
This being an island trip, we wanted to include a chance to kick back. You’ll do that in Es Trenc, Paul’s pick for an unspoiled stretch of shore. This is where the Mallorca's own flor de sal is hand harvested. It is perfection on the local seafood.
Just about every hotel on Mallorca leans toward luxury. But we’ve tried to make this trip not too resort-y, with each one offering a sense of the local landscape and a particular kind of real Mallorcan style.
- 2 nights in a posh 5* hotel in the heart of the old city in Palma.
- 2 nights in a refined b&b townhouse in the village of Soller.
- 2 nights at a luxurious wellness-oriented hotel and spa in Es Trenc, including their private Refugi on the beach.
- Daily walks and tours in the company of Paul Richardson, who shares his favorite corners of Palma’s old town, inland villages, and the coast.
- Meals that show off on the island’s spectacular local food (and wine, too), at daily breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners.
- Entry at Palma’s top galleries and art collections, and the museums that offer a glimpse of the Mallorcan lives of Chopin and of Robert Graves.
- Learn about artisanal traditions, including the making of Mallorcan Ikat textiles, and of island pastries, and the harvest of oranges, sea salt.
- An in-depth olive oil experience at Son Moragues, with special access to the ancient groves, a tasting, and lunch at the mill.
- Private minibus transportation from Palma and back again, and for all your excursioning throughout.
- For a more detailed day-to-day itinerary, please email Teresa.