In the southwest of Mallorca, it’s easy to encounter stars and celebrities at every turn: whether they’re golfing, sailing, sunbathing, or partying. Get ready for the island’s most glamorous parade!
Enjoy the Hospitality of a Diva
Whether they’re actors, elite athletes, politicians, or tycoons, they all stay at the Mardavall Hotel and Spa near Port Portals. It’s no wonder, as this five-star hotel, inaugurated in the summer of 2002 by the German Schörghuber group, is already considered one of Europe’s most exclusive.
An investment of 85 million euros was made in this unparalleled luxury resort. It boasts 4,700 m² of wellness area, five gourmet restaurants, and the largest collection of contemporary Mallorcan art on the island (each room houses two originals). Guests can choose from 133 spacious rooms (80 of which are Junior Suites, four Executive and three Royal Suites, two President Suites with private jacuzzi and steam bath).
Room service is available 24 hours a day, and you can even request a personal butler. Of course, the room prices compete in the league of exclusivity: they range from 500 to 2500 euros. If your budget doesn’t allow for such luxury, treat yourself to a visit to Mardavall for a coffee, cocktail, or dinner (Asian and Mediterranean dishes at Es Fum, French cuisine at S`Aigua, Passeig Calvià s/n, Tel.: 971-62 96 29).
Playing golf with Claudia Schiffer
The Andratx golf course is very popular among celebrities. With a bit of luck, you might run into stars like Claudia Schiffer here. If the German supermodel doesn’t appear, you can head to hole 2, known as Casa Claudia, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the blonde beauty’s villa in Camp de Mar.
Additionally, you can book your tee times on the website of the Andratx Golf Course. If you wish, you can receive the confirmation via SMS. Other beautiful and exclusive golf courses in the southwest include the Real Club Bendinat, T-Golf Calvia, Son Vida, and Golf Santa Ponça I to III (Santa Ponça II and III: Members only).
Unfortunately, the Son Muntaner course is reserved exclusively for guests of the three luxury Schörghuber hotels: Mardavall, Castillo Son Vida, and Arabella Sheraton.
See and be seen
In the world of the rich and famous, the key is to be in the right place at the right time. Must-visit spots include Wellies (Edificio Migjorn 23, Tel.: 971-67 64 44, snacks and bistro cuisine) and Ritzi (Local 34/35; Tel.: 971-68 41 04, Italian cuisine) located right in the exclusive Port Portals harbor.
With a refreshing drink in hand, you can network or simply relax and enjoy the view of luxury yachts and the hustle and bustle of high society. In the evening, the scene gathers at the Havana Moon bar (Local Nº 46, Tel.: 971-67 75 22). Party and flirt until four in the morning with colorful Caribbean cocktails!
Star-Level Restaurants
High-level culinary culture! If you want to pamper your palate, the southwest offers many options. An institution is the two-star Tristán restaurant, led by chef Gerhard Schwaiger in Port Portals (Local 1, Ed. Capitania s/n, Tel.:971-67 55 47).
Now, the large wine cellar features two sommeliers. At the gourmet restaurant Es Romaní in the Lindner Golf & Wellness Resort in Portals Nous, Austrian Michael Schwaighofer creates Mediterranean feasts on designer tables – the herbs are freshly harvested from his own garden (C/. Arquitecto Francisco Casas 18, Tel.: 971-70 77 77).
Sailing on a luxury yacht
Seeing the exclusive yachts in Portals Nous, the enthusiasm for sailing is contagious. Straight to the sailing school! They offer courses for both beginners and experienced skippers (for example, Balmar Yachting S.L., 07138 Costa de Calma, Tel.: 971-692733, Email: balmar-yachting@bitel.es).
However, to experience the island from the water, you don’t necessarily have to sail yourself. The company Kaya Lodge offers day and multi-day excursions (Paderborn, Tel.: 05254-942525). One of the routes goes from Palma along the southwest coast to Port de Sóller, passing by Santa Ponça, Andratx, Sant Elm, and the natural island Sa Dragonera.
For about 1400 euros a day, you can even rent your own luxury yacht with a skipper included – with onboard staff.
Advice:
In a small group of six to eight people, the luxury of a yacht becomes affordable, even for those on a tight budget!
Discover places on the southwest coast
Seaside walkways alongside Mediterranean rural life: The municipality of Andratx brings together many contrasts.
Dive into the turquoise sea or enjoy Mallorcan delights in tapas bars and restaurants with Germans.
Port d'Andratx is a picturesque harbor in the southwest of Mallorca that has become an exclusive destination.
Sant Elm captivates with its idyllic location and paradisiacal beach. Additionally, its culinary offerings are sensational.
Santa Ponsa is a charming coastal destination in the southwest of Mallorca, known for its beautiful beach.
Visit movie-like beaches
Emerald green water, fine white sand, surrounded by pine forests and rugged cliffs: this setting is almost too beautiful to be real!
Some natural beaches in the southwest have been designated as nudist areas (for example, Cala s’Olla, Platja del Mago, and Cala Bella Dona). This is ideal for lovers of full-body tanning, though it’s not to everyone’s taste.
By the way, celebrity spotters also have their opportunities, for instance, in Cala Fornells in the west of Peguera or at the beach of Portals Nous. Find more information about the beaches of Mallorca in the Mallorca Beach Guide.
Spa & Wellness
In the southwest of Mallorca, well-being is a priority. If you’re planning a vacation filled with pure relaxation, it’s best to book one of the exclusive wellness hotels. The Mardavall in Port Portals boasts the largest spa in Europe, with 4,700 m².
The main attraction is the thalassotherapy temple. External guests can also enjoy the spa offerings (daily pass around 80 euros). The Arabella Sheraton Golf Hotel Son Vida also features its own Altira spa area. The AltiraSPA concept is based on seven pillars of well-being: Beauty (cosmetic treatments), Harmony (massages, acupuncture), Vitality (fitness, aerobics, swimming), Aqua (sauna, thalassotherapy, Rasul), Vital Balance (yoga, reiki, tai chi), Nature (integration of nature in design and activities), and Nutrition (light cuisine, special diets).
Other recommended spa hotels in the southwest include the Dorint in Camp de Mar (1400 m² wellness area), the Lindner Golf & Wellness Resort, and the Punta Negra in Portals Nous (featuring the Beauty Farm Stephanie, which offers, among other things, Tibetan bowl therapy, Tel.: 971-70 22 79).
Flora and fauna
The village of Sant Elm and the small island of Sa Dragonera are true natural paradises. Sant Elm, named in honor of the patron saint of sailors, features beautiful pebble and sandy coves. A scuba diving excursion here is worth it for the impressive underwater vegetation! (Scuba Activa, Mathias Günther, Plaça Monseñor Sebastian Grau 7, Tel.: 971-23 91 02).
The natural park of Sa Dragonera is a popular destination for bird lovers. Don’t forget your binoculars! You can spot, for example, the rare Eleonora’s falcon and a wide variety of seabirds. Botanists will be thrilled with the endemic Astragalus Balearicus. By the way, the island of Sa Dragonera (Dragon) lives up to its name.
It is full of Balearic lizards of the species Lacerta lilfordi gigliolii. Sa Dragonera can be reached from Sant Elm by ferry (every hour from 10:15 a.m., except on Mondays). Tip: Take an affordable boat tour along the island’s coast (around 11 euros, Crucero Margarita, Tel.: 696-423933). The natural and wild coves are a sight not to be missed!
Dive into the fun
In Calvià, there are many exciting activities to enjoy. At the Western Water Park, you can slide down thrilling water slides (C./ Cala Figuera, Sa Porassa 12-22, Magaluf). Marineland offers dolphin and parrot shows, an aquarium with exotic animals, and fun for the whole family (Costa d’en Blanes, Calvià, Tel.: 971-67 51 25).
Is today your lucky day? Then visit the casino and try your luck at American roulette, blackjack, or the slot machines. The adjacent Palladium shines with a glamorous night show (C./ Cala Figuera, reservations at the Palladium Tel.: 971-45 45 08, casino: 971-13 00 00).
Explore the diversity of Mallorca
The southwest is a perfect starting point for just about everything. For hiking and cycling, from Andratx you only need to drive a few kilometers to the Sierra de Tramuntana, along the wonderful west coast road C-710, which goes all the way to Pollenca (don’t miss the stops in Banyalbufar, Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, and the Monastery of Lluc!). Thanks to the highway connection, you only need fifteen minutes to go shopping in the capital, Palma.
