Let’s start to sneak peek in the southernmost tip of the island of Mallorca:  Ses Salines

The ocean views from its cape are breathtaking.  The soothing sound of the sea made me wonder what could be the story behind all those cairns.

Not far from the lighthouse, just a 15-min ride (11.5 km) took us to Casa Manolo (Bodega Barahona), our stop in downtown Ses Salines.  I had to try this corner, so well known in Mallorca for their tapas, fresh fish, and seafood specialties, prepared in their own way.  As an example, Arroz de Notari, one of their traditional, signature dishes, includes eleven different types of fish!  We only tried the tapas, and we found them so good that we were there twice for lunch.

Tips:

• Visit the Cap de Ses Salines Lighthouse.
• Hike the coastal path Cape Salines to Es Carbó Beach to find pristine beaches, coves, and caves.
• Call to get a table at Casa Manolo (Bodega Barahona). This place is very busy, especially after 19:00!  I have heard that the service staff in the evenings seemed to be overwhelmed.  A pitty ; I hope they will do something to fix this.

 

Luckily, our hotel Son Bernadinet is in Campos only 20 min (17 km) away.  Oh, oh, oh, Son Bernadinet:  A true jewel for that special escape!  Staying in this amazing finca (30 min from Palma) was like finding an oasis after each day trip exploring bustling Mallorca.  The owners Francisca and her daughter Alicia were personally looking after the guests every day.

Gorgeous setting, peaceful surroundings, relaxing comfort.  Again, the images tell better stories.

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They have a restaurant with an excellent kitchen, that uses produce from their own organic garden.

For me the fantastic, homemade breakfasts were a daily highlight.  I would dare to say that breakfasts at Son Bernadinet are the best of its kind.

Besides the variety of natural fruit and juices — yes, not only oranges … – one could also order eggs from their farm, which were freshly prepared upon request.

We usually had dinner at the hotel, and we were always delighted with the flavors, freshness, and special touch to present each plate.

If you ever look for a dream place in Mallorca, book at Son Bernadinet.

Tips:

• Visit the Salinas d’Es Trenc, it is just 17 min (15 km) from the hotel. Nice way to learn about the Mallorcan fleur de sel.

• Avoid visiting Mallorca during the high tourist season (Apr–Sep) to find less people and better prices … nicer island.  But consider that some places may only be open in summer (Jun-Sep).

One evening we decided to try Sa Punta, in Son Servera on the east coast of the island.  The restaurant belongs to the Nadal family, and, I, being Rafa’s unconditional fan, wanted to pop by.  It is nicely located in a cove (Cala Bona).  We got a table in the beautiful terrace with palm trees.

The food and the cold verdejo were delicious.

The staff was cordial and efficient.

Then something unexpected happened.  Rafa’s grandfather sat at the restaurant’s piano and played with two other musicians.  What a privilege! I will never forget this evening.  Sadly, El Maestro passed away last year.

Who is photobombing there?

A stroll in Palma, visiting some markets and learning about the local products and produce.  Some worldwide known as the jamón ibérico (Iberico ham), other less familiar like the sobrasada de Mallorca (Mallorcan cured sausage).

I will finish this sneak peek in Port de Sóller on the northwest coast of Mallorca.  We had a very nice lunch directly on the promenade at Es Passeig.

Original and delicious ‘One Meter Tapas’

On the way back, the wonderful ride through the stunning Tramuntana mountains (UNESCO World Heritage).

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