Balearic Islands
(AS SEEN IN EPISODE 111, “Island Hopping”)
The Balearic Islands—Mallorca, Menorca, Cabrera, Formentera, and Ibiza—form an archipelago in the western Mediterranean Sea. Mallorca, the largest island, is known for its famous literary and musical citizens. It’s no wonder that the island attracts creative, artistic citizens as it’s difficult not to be inspired by the area’s physical beauty. Between the mesmerizing sunsets, the floral scent of orange trees and the just-about-perfect breezes off of the bluer-than-blue water, the Balearic Islands encourage lively energy and blissful thought. In Mallorca, grilling by the sea, Mario commented, “everything that grows here seems blessed.” In Menorca, on a lobster boat, Mario and Claudia spent the day with two fishermen whose infectious laughter and generous spirit perfectly illustrate the Balearic’s characteristic buoyant optimism.
RESTAURANTS
El Olivo at La Residencia
This restaurant, inside La Residencia hotel, has smart food—Mario says to try the lamb chops—and wonderful service. Gwyneth and Mario joined the chef to grill local shellfish by the sea.
Practical Information: Finca Son Canals, s/n, 07179 Deià, +1.800.237.1236, www.hotellaresidencia.com
Malvasiá
A really special restaurant in the center of Palma. The menu is based totally around the wine. The arroz is out of this world!
Practical Information: Calle Joan Bauzá, 43, 07007 Palma de Mallorca, +34.971240086
Can’Aguedet
The older lady with the blue rinse in her hair is not to be underestimated—she’s the matriarch of the restaurant and will take good care of you. All the seafood is great, as are the stuffed mushrooms.
Practical Information: Calle Lapanto, 22-30, Menorca, +34.971375391
Balàfia
A hot-spot. Literally—it’s best known for incredible steaks that are grilled outdoors.
Practical Information: Km 15.4, Carretera Ibiza, San Juan, Ibiza, +34.971325019
HOTELS
La Residencia
Gwyneth and Mario enjoyed their stay at this beautiful-beyond-beautiful hotel. It boasts a great restaurant and unbeatable views.
Practical Information: Finca Son Canals s/n, 07179 Deià, +1.800.237.1236, www.hotellaresidencia.com
Hotel Ca’s Sant
A country-like hotel in the port area of Sóller, where some of Spain’s best shrimp come from.
Practical Information: Finca Ca’s Sant Cami ses Fontanelles, 34, 07100 Sóller, +34.971630298, www.cas-sant.com
Hotel Port Mahón
A reliable, good hotel. Most importantly, it’s near where they make great Mahón cheese.
Practical Information: Avenida Port de Maó, s/n, 07701 Mahón, +34.902110111
Insotel Fenicia Prestige Thalasso Spa
A five-star resort with luxurious ammenaties.
Practical Information: C/ Narcisos s/n - Urbanización Siesta, 07840 Santa Eulalia del Rio Ibiza, +34.971807000, http://www.insotelhotelgroup.com/prestige/en/fenicia/index.asp
ATTRACTIONS
La Seu, the beautiful cathedral in Palma de Mallorca, where Mario and Claudia took a tour.
Practical Information: http://www.mallorcawebsite.com/htmls/laseu.htm
Can Joan de S’aigo, the pastry and ice cream shop where Mario and Claudia enjoyed a humongous breakfast. The ice creams are particularly great, especially the strawberry.
Practical Information: Calle Baró Santa Maria del Sepulcre, 07007 Palma de Mallorca, +34.971710759
Ca’n Miguel, the bakery where Mario and Claudia learned to make ensaimadas, the famed Mallorcan pastries with nearly unimaginable amounts of lard, with Miguel Pujol, the ensaimada zen master.
Practical Information: Pastisseria Ca'n Miquel, Pelleteria 8, 07001 Palma (Mallorca) - +34.971715711
Puerto Portals, Mallorca’s port that is basically Heaven if you’re a yacht-lover.
Practical Information: Torre Capitania, 07181, Portals Nous, Mallorca