Luxury Travel to
the Balearic Islands
The deep green of the palm and pine trees frame the beautiful white sands, leading to sparkling, clear turquoise water, which slowly darkens as the sea becomes deeper and deeper. Off in the distance, a few small islands break up the horizon. A cloud or
two float by, almost as if their purpose is how very blue the sky is.
You made it. You are in paradise.
5 things you don’t know
about the Balearic Islands
Just the words “Balearic Islands”, evoke wonderful images of palm trees, sandy beaches, gorgeous sunsets, sipping cocktails in a lounge chair watching the gentle waves, and all-night clubbing on Ibiza with the world’s best DJs.
The Balearic Islands are all this, and so much more. They have a long, rich history. Menorca alone has over a thousand megalithic sites.
A few things you might not know:
There is actually a total of 151 islands forming the archipelago. Only five, though, are inhabited: Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Cabrera
The Balearic Islands are where tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moyá grew up. Nadal was born in Manacor, and Moya, in Palma de Majorque.
When the sun rises on Spain, it rises first on Menorca. The island is the point the farthest east in Spain.
It’s a favorite destination for celebrities. Brad Pitt, Richard Branson, and Michael Douglas all have homes in Majorca. James Blunt visits frequently.
Formentera is the setting for Off on a Comet, a science fiction novel by Jules Verne. Interestingly, he never went to the island.
The Balearic Islands
travel guide
Where to stay in the Balearic Islands?
The Balearic Islands are so paradisical, it’s hard to imagine a hotel worthy of them. And yet—AAV has found just the right places.
Located in a fortified citadel overlooking the Bay of Palma, Majorca, the Cap Rocat is an exquisitely private and secluded resort. Perfect for nature lovers—it’s in the middle of a natural reserve with 2 km of protected coast. The rooms and suites are all beautifully decorated, and the Sentinel rooms are especially unique. Dug out of the rock in the ancient fortifications, you’ll find marble floors, stone walls, wooden ceilings—and terraces and private swimming pools where the trenches used to be. Absolutely gorgeous!
The Can Faustingo on the island of Menorca is luxury at its best. Four exquisite palaces located in the historic center of Ciutadella have all been renovated and decorated to showcase the grandeur of the site’s heritage while offering you immense comfort. The feel of the rooms, suites, and villa is light, airy, natural—and deceptively simple since every detail has been carefully chosen to create a sanctuary for you throughout your stay. The Faustino restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine based on seasonal produce from the hotel’s own farm.
Modern, minimalistic yet highly luxurious, the OKU Ibiza is a great home base for exploring the glorious beaches and bay of Cala Gracio. The tone here is decidedly laid-back. OKU Ibiza offers morning yoga classes, trendy locally-sourced international fusion cuisine. The rooms and suites have a contemporary décor with natural materials and earthy tones. Every room has a balcony and large glass doors, while the rooftop rooms have panoramic views. And the private villa, with its own pool, four bedrooms and living room– sumptuous!
The Belmond La Residencia in Majorca is comprised of twin manor houses overlooking the Tramuntana Mountains with lush gardens with olive and citrus groves. La Residencia is situated close to the artists village of Deià, which explains it’s close association with art. The restaurante Miró, for example, has original paintings from the artist. The indulgent rooms, suites, and villas, exquisitely decorated in the traditional Mallorquin style, offer stunning views of the village, the mountains, or the private garden.
The Can Bordoy in Mallorca is a very special boutique hotel in Mallorca, combining decadent romanticism with quiet elegance. The twenty-four unique rooms and suites have a theatrical, decadent atmosphere: vaulted ceilings, historic woodwork, antique and contemporary furniture side by side, plush velvets… The exquisite Botànic is one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world, and Mallorca’s first “plant forward” restaurant. The food here is as lovely to see as to taste.
Aguas de Ibiza is an extraordinary space, built to showcase the Mediterranean and beautiful countryside which surrounds it. The look is modern, sleek, yet natural, with lots of woodwork, rattan, natural fabrics. The rooms and suites are full of light—and full of all those little details which make a nice room superb. The hotel has a spa for relaxing, and a kids’ club with games and activities inspired by the island atmosphere. Foodies will want to dine at Maymanta, whose Peruvian chef brings his native influences to Mediterranean cuisine.
Tailor my tripBest luxury experiences in the Balearic Islands
Cala jumping
Calas, gorgeous little bays or fjord-like inlets, abound in the Balearic Islands. A private yacht with your own skipper will take you from point to point, showing you the most beautiful ones and dropping anchor whenever you can swim or explore on foot. A gourmet picnic lunch will be provided.
Trekking
The spectacular Camí de Cavalls trail makes a ring around Menorca, following the coastline. You’ll see wetlands, farming areas, rocky zones, charming coves, beautiful beaches, grand lighthouses… It is an amazing way to discover this truly beautiful island, declared Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Hike all or part of the 185 km trail.
Learn local recipes
Cooking is a great way to learn about a culture. A professional chef will teach you to create one of the traditional dishes from the Balearic Islands—Sopes Mallorquines, Caldereta de Langosta, Tombet, Coca de trampó, or perhaps Berenjenas rellenas—which you will then feast upon, complete with starters (Pa ambo li, Sobrasada de Mallorca) and local wines.
Island villages
Your AAV local guide and chauffeur will take you to see the charming, picturesque villages of Valldemossa, where Fredric Chopin and Georges Sands lived in 1838; Deiá, an artists’ colony; Sóller, famous for its orange and lemon trees; Alcúdia, dating back to the Romans and Moors, among others.
When is the best time to visit the Balearic Islands?
This Mediterranean paradise has such a gentle climate and so much sunshine that it’s a great destination year-round. Is one season better than another?
the Balearic Islands in winter:
The islands are wonderful all year long, but winter is perhaps the most surprising season. Ibiza and Formentera, for example, are covered in almond blossoms, while Menorca turns green. It’s a great time for hiking and cycling, as well as exploring the islands’ many museums, like the Modern Art Museum Palma, the Pilar and Joan Miro Foundation in Majorca, and the Carthusian Monastery on Valldemossa.
the Balearic Islands in spring:
Spring is high season for athletes. Mallorca hosts its Classic Car Rally in March. Sailing enthusiasts will enjoy the Ruta de la Sal Regatta, the yacht racing between Ibiza and Majorca in April. Cyclists will prefer the Ibiza International Mountain Bike Races in April, and wind surfers will love the Princess Sofia Regatta, to name but a few sporting events where you can participate… or just enjoy the show.
the Balearic Islands in summer:
Summer means beach weather and the Balearic Islands have the best beaches in the Mediterranean, along with long, sunny days for exploring. Sandy beaches, intimate coves, crystal-clear waters—it’s all here. You can dance all night in Ibiza, or enjoy one of the many cultural festivals, like the Nit de Foc or Night of Fire, in Palma, or the Correfoc, Fire Run.
the Balearic Islands in autumn:
There are fewer tourists, the heat of summer is over—and yet the water is still warm, so you’ll enjoy swimming, snorkeling, wine surfing, stand up paddle … You’ve also got all that beautiful countryside, ideal for hiking and cycling, or taking a drive along the islands’ many scenic routes, where you’ll go from one spectacular panorama to another.
Travel tips about
the Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands are a little corner of paradise full of contrasts: breathtaking landscapes– and seascapes; archeological sites and the trendiest nightlife around; natural reserves for birdwatching and rooftop bars for people-watching; Michelin-starred chefs and traditional cuisine; historic monuments, the latest fashions, sailing, cycling, hiking, snorkeling… So much to see and do. AAV will tailor your itinerary to include all your favorite activities and interests, with the most luxurious accommodations in the most spectacular setting.
As you prepare for dream vacation, here are a few suggestions from our local guides:
Best beach ever
The Playa de Ses Illetes on Formentera is spectacular. A long, thin, rocky spine reaches out from the island, creating two sandy beaches on either side. Crystal-clear turquoise waters. Islands off in the distance. Need we say more?
Wine tasting
Take a tour of Bodegues Ribas, the oldest wine estate on the islands, inaugurated 1711. Located at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains, the domaine cultivates predominately native varieties of grapes, giving their wines a distinctive flavor.
Take the train
A fun excursion on Majorca—the Ferrocarril de Sóller, a little wooden train from 1912, which has preserved the same historic appearance. The train takes you from Palma to Sóller, among some of the most breathtaking landscapes you can imagine.
Avarcas
The traditional sandals of Balearic fishermen, avarcas can now be found in all kinds of colors and prints, from very smart to casual. Be sure to stop at at least one shop where authentic avarcas are made and, perhaps, chat with the craftsman and discover his craft.
Star gazing
Observe the moon, Jupiter, Saturn or other planets using professional-grade telescopes, enjoy the planetarium’s (6000 stars on a dome 12 meters wide), or simply enjoy the outdoor observatory, without the light pollution from city lights. A rare moment!
Plan
your trip
If you wish to schedule a time to speak about the trip you have in mind, please click on the “Tailor my trip” button and fill in our form. We will get back to you very shortly after reception of your request.