I don’t know about you but these dreary January days have got me dreaming about sunnier climes. Namely the beautiful Balearics but more specifically to Santa Ponsa
I repeatedly find myself scouring the pages of the internet planning my next sunshine break; It somehow lifts the soul and makes my cold bones feel just a little bit warmer.
You may have read my previous posts about the beautiful island of Majorca? If you have you’ll know it is a firm favourite for me. I have returned to the beautiful island year after year but I must admit, I have been returning to the same spot, a creature of habit I guess.
Calvia on the south coast of the island is conveniently situated just a 30 minute taxi journey from the airport. It boasts beautiful beaches, a fantastic transport infrastructure to get you in and out of the capital, Las Palma, as well as a wealth of shops, restaurants and bars, activities and day trips to entertain your every whim. It is wonderful for families, couples and groups alike.
However this year I am setting my sights just a little further South West. Still within my favourite district, Calvia, the beautiful area of Santa Ponsa (Santa Ponça) is firmly on my wanderlust list.
Santa Ponsa is the perfect destination for your Balearic adventure this year. It’s a beautiful destination with a wealth of activities and entertainment for everyone. Not just a resort with stunning beaches, although that’s never a bad thing, Santa Ponsa boasts golf courses, marinas, shopping, bars and restaurants, as well as natural and historic sites of great interest.
Santa Ponsa has 2 wonderful beaches, one known as the ‘Big Beach’, a beautiful 560meter sandy stretch with turquoise water. The beach has expanses of space to either relax and absorb the Mediterranean sunshine, or you can enjoy the water sports and activities dotted along the coastline. There is also another equally beautiful sandy cove at Calo d’en Pallisar. I’ve sailed to this beautiful cove on my previous visits to the island, and have spent the afternoon swimming and sunning myself on the rocks like a lizard. Attraction cruises run day trips from Clavia beach close by. I highly recommend this if you find yourself on the island between June and September when the catamaran runs daily.
You’ll be treated to a 4 hour gentle cruise along the beautiful Calvia coastline and have the opportunity to practice your diving skills from the stern of the boat when you drop anchor in the beautiful Calo D’en Pallisar cove. Once you’ve swam and baked in the glorious sunshine, you’ll be treated to freshly prepared paella, fresh bread and freshly cut watermelon. All washed down with as much sangria as your heart desires. Put it on your ‘to do list’.
When I am in Calvia I tend to venture east towards the capital but this year I would like to spend time enjoying the trappings of Santa Ponsa in the South West. There is afterall a lot on offer; just a few minutes by car you can enjoy the boutiques and eateries at Mallorca’s only superyacht marina; Port Adriano. Sip your ice cold rose whilst you do some serious cosmic ordering, those super yachts are truly something to behold. And if like me people watching is something of a hobby for you, there’s no better place than the nearby Puerto Portals. Somewhat a mecca for the super-rich, it’s a feast for the eyes!
So I’m busy making a list of everything I want to see and do on my trip to Santa Ponsa this year. It will of course include copious amounts of sunbathing, swimming and delighting in the beautiful Balearic surroundings. But I’d also like to visit the local market in Santa Ponsa, which happily there are 2 of. The smaller local market runs on a Saturday morning at the Avda Riu Sill, opposite the post office, and on a Monday there is a traditional Majorcan market along Calle Major. Leather and lace are worth a look but also enjoy the many natural aloe vera products produced on the island.
However, If you are a little more active than me you might try a few rounds of golf. Santa Ponsa has two 18 hole golf courses and a further 9 hole course. The courses are well manicured and picturesque, they also allow the opportunity to view the beautiful and reportedly magical mountain Galatzó, a delightful way to spend the day. There is also the Country Club Santa Ponça, where you can enjoy not just a few rounds of golf, but a well-deserved spa day. Go on, you deserve it!
If you have any energy left to spend, you could take yourself on a hike through the dramatically beautiful Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. The undulating landscape, a UNESCO world heritage site, will fill you with wonder and enthusiasm to forge ahead and discover more on foot.
Santa Ponsa also boasts historical sites of interest such as the landing site of King Jaum 1, who took the island back from Moorish control in the 13th Century. A beautiful stone cross marks the site of the landing. It will be on my list of places ‘to see’ when I visit this summer.
There are as you would expect plenty of eateries in Santa Ponsa, take your pick from traditional taverns, beachfront cafes or high end establishments. You can have your fill of crisp white table clothes and baccarat crystal at the elegant Las Edelfas restaurant or 7feugos. Haut cuisine in the beautiful Santa Ponsa, overlooking the marina, what’s not to like.
Calvia offers an array of places to stay from traditional fincas to 5 star hotels. We have previously enjoyed staying at the ME Mallorca and the Melia Calvia Beach both Melia hotels, very well located and both an absolute delight. However If you’d like to stay closer to Santa Ponsa, some of the other hotel options I have been looking at for this summers adventures include:
Majorca is of course a favourite holiday destination for us Brits and Europeans alike, and to that end there are so so many accommodation options available. There really is something for everyone.
If you do make it to the island this year, have a super time and let me know how you get on.
Enjoy the sunshine x
Amellia Mae
