We were in the market for an easy, short-haul late summer getaway for a week of sun and sand. So, we set our sights on Mallorca's peaceful and picturesque Cala D'Or, located amidst pine forests and emerald coves in the south of the island.
Getting to Mallorca from the UK is easy. Flights take just over two hours from Bristol where several carriers offer inexpensive, direct routes to Palma Airport. Cala D'Or is one hour drive south of the capital over easily travelled carriageways that meander through the Santanyi region of the island.
The resort town itself is purpose built with plenty of shops and restaurants. Most of the hotels and villas are centered around the various coves, or calas. The southern coast is rugged and dotted with these glorious swimming holes with chrystal clear water and white sand beaches. You can easily walk from one cove to the next (or rent a boat to experience the place from the water).
Cala D'Or is split down the middle by the marina of Porto Petro which serves the boating set and boasts some more upscale restaurants.
The best time to go is during the summer months of June through August where sunshine is pretty much guaranteed. We chose to go mid-September when it is less crowded and a bit cooler but unfortunately experienced the start of the Balearics Island's rainy season.
So! We ate more and drank more and still managed to enjoy three and a half days of basking in the golden sun.
Where to Stay
Inturotel Cala Esmeralda - Adults Only
Carrer Cala Esmeralda, 8, Urbanizacion Cala Esmeralda, 07660, Cala d'Or |
tel: +34 971 837 474 | www.inturotel.com
Newly refurbished for the 2017 summer season, the Inturotel Cala Esmeralda lies within a wider resort complex of the Inturotel hotel group. The hotel is adjacent to the extraordinary but petite Cala Esmeralda beach and features a choice of three pools. The main pool overlooks the bay with private access to the sea (down a ladder or if you are feeling brave, a jump from the rocks). The other two brand new pools can be found on the hotel's main complex, the larger in the centre and the other on the sun-filled rooftop terrace accessed through an outdoor fitness area and fragrant herb garden.
The new rooms are clean, modern and comfortable. We chose a classic room but were upgraded to a sea front room upon arrival. Each room is equipped with a queen bed and bathroom with a good rain shower. The balcony is spacious and ours offered a glimpse of the sea. Extras include a safe, tea and coffee making facilities, wine glasses (refreshed each day), bottle opener and a mini-fridge. Rooms were cleaned each day to a high specification.
The breakfasts and dinners are plentiful, varied and of a reasonably high quality for a buffet situation. The staff at the hotel are exceptional and are able to organise excurisons and spa services. The poolside café is a perfect spot for lunch and served great mojitos and offers a 2 for 1 happy hour each day from 5-6PM.
You can stay here for a week for about £700 per person inclusive of flights, hotel, breakfast & dinner via Expedia.
Where to Eat
Although on half board (breakfast and dinner included), we chose to dine out for most of our evening meals for the simple pleasure of trying new food and having a change of scenery. Cala D'Or provides plently of choice with an international selection whether you are looking for a cheap and easy solution or a decadent experience at one of the finer restaurants at Porto Petro.
Picco
Calle Conillera , 07660 Cala Dor | Tel: 34 971 65 78 95
Picco is a newly opened restaurant in the Prinsotel which advertises an odd combination of pizza, pasta and sushi. Expectations in check, we ventured to satiate our sushi cravings.
Was it Nobu? No. But the salmon and tuna were deliciously fresh and the flavor combinations in the rolls were just what the doctor ordered. Yum.
We stopped here for lunch. Two huge rolls (we had trouble finishing them), edamame and drinks for about 50 Euros.
To-Do
Carrer Marques se Comillas, 07660 | Tel: +34 971 41 98 29
This relaxed unassuming bar/cafe was recommended to us by a member of staff at our hotel. It is located on a side street just before Cala Gran and offers a menu of tapas, varied mains and burgers. In the mood for some comfort food after a rainy day, we went for the burgers. I chose the 'mystery' option and left the chef to concoct his own creation.
I happily devoured a luxuriously calorific black angus beef burger loaded with melted manchego cheese, grilled padron peppers, carmalised onions, blueberry sauce, arugula, serrano ham, crushed tortilla chips and piece de resistance - a lovely fried egg. Oh yeah.
Two burgers and some good local wine for about 30 Euros.
Port Petit
Av. de Cala Llonga, s/n, 07660 Cala D'or | Tel: +34 971 64 30 39
I chose this French-inspired restaurant in Porto Petro as a treat for my husband's birthday. The menu is varied and includes a la carte options as well as a tasting menu. We chose to go for the petit menu gourmet for £37.50 each inclusive of one starter, one main and one dessert from the gourmet menu.
Highlights were the tuna tartar, rack of lamb with mushroom risotto and the sea bass fillet with asparagus. Overall, the result was a good plate of food in a nice spot by the harbor. However, it must be mentioned that we felt very rushed by our server and she even managed to spill a glass of water across the table without apology. In my opinion the desserts are not worth the calories but there is an excellent wine selection.
Three courses and a bottle of wine for just over 110 Euros.
Around Town
Felanitx
If you happen to be on the island on a Sunday, visit the inland town of Felanitx during their Sunday morning market. Felanitx is an easy 20 minute drive from Cala D'Or and here you will find some interesting shops and galleries.
The Sunday market features leather goods, clothing and some amazing food including local olive oils, cheeses, cured meats and sausages. Plenty of locals roam the streets and sip coffee at the outdoor cafes.
