The Mallorca Pocket Guide
Because aren’t we all craving a European summer?
I’ve been lucky to escape the winter chill with some incredible getaways this season, and as I write this from the base of Vail Mountain, I can’t help but daydream about fast-tracking spring and diving headfirst into another Mediterranean summer.
Mallorca holds a special place in my heart—not just as a dreamy destination but as the very place where the idea for Out of Pocket took shape. More on that later…
Last summer, my sister and I booked a last-minute trip, scouring Europe for the perfect balance of sunshine, beaches, and budget-friendliness. We landed on Mallorca, and wow—what a find. It’s the kind of place that makes you question why you don’t spend every summer in the Mediterranean. Picture the coastal beauty of the Italian islands, the laid-back charm of Spain, and landscapes so cinematic they feel straight out of a postcard—all without completely decimating your bank account.
Mallorca is an island of contrasts: golden beaches, rolling vineyards, and ancient stone villages all packed into a place you can drive across in two hours. While it’s far from a hidden gem (August is peak European tourist madness), that didn’t stop me from booking a last-minute Labor Day trip—and I’m so glad I did. After a week of crystal-clear coves, rustic fincas, and effortless boho charm, I now fully understand why people return here year after year.
Hopefully, writing this journal entry will either manifest some Mediterranean warmth in NYC or at least help curb my cravings until I’m back in October 2025 for a deep dive into Palma.
But for now, let me introduce you to The Pocket Guide to Mallorca—an Out of Pocket take on one of my favorite European escapes.
GENERAL TIPS:
Renting a car is a must. Each charming town is around 20 to 40 minutes apart, and you’ll want the flexibility to explore.
Where I stayed: Four nights in Cala Fornells (west coast) and five nights in Artà (east coast)—and I wouldn’t change a thing. That said, you could easily pick just one and stay for a week without getting bored.
Your stay location matters—but not too much. If you’re coastal and slightly outside of Andratx, Palma, or Sóller, you’ll find a peaceful, scenic base without sacrificing access to the island’s best spots.
Mallorca is shockingly affordable for what it offers—great food, stunning accommodations, and dreamy beaches without the sticker shock of Italy or the South of France.
Most places take Apple Pay, but bring some cash for smaller spots that don’t.
A week is the perfect amount of time. You can split your time between the beach and countryside or stick to one and still feel like you got the full experience.
WESTERN MALLORCA: (West of Palma)
WHERE TO STAY:
Hotel Cala Fornells - A Simple but Perfect Seaside Escape
Finding the right Mallorca hotel can feel like a full-time job, especially when booking three weeks before peak season, when everything is either fully booked or wildly overpriced. I went into full research mode before landing on this place—and honestly, it was the perfect last-minute find.
Nestled right on Cala Fornells Beach, this hotel felt like a hidden gem. Mornings started with coffee and sea air, followed by a classic European breakfast spread—Spanish omelets, the freshest tomatoes, homemade granola, cheese, and mimosas. Mornings were for swimming in the cove, afternoons were for exploring.
Rooms: A little dated, but we upgraded to a sea-view balcony suite, and it was so worth it.
Service: They treated us like royalty.
Location: Tucked away on a private cove but close to all the best spots.
Driving distance: Conveniently located near Sóller, Deià, Andratx, Portals Nous, and Valldemossa.
Pro Tip: If staying here, stop by a pharmacy in Andratx (10 minutes away) for floaties and goggles—snorkeling here is unreal.
BEACHES & SECRET COVES:
Mallorca is a beach-hopping dream. Every cove is more beautiful than the last, and some of the best ones feel too good to be real. We spent our days swimming, drinking Hugo Spritz, snorkeling, and lounging at the best beach clubs.
BEACH CLUBS:
Tabgha Restaurant & Beach Club (Portals Nous) – Mallorca’s Best Kept Secret
Only six lounge chairs, a few beachfront tables, and crystal-clear water.
Kayaks and paddleboards included.
Shockingly affordable for how good it is.
WARNING: Bring sneakers. The hike down is stunning but steep.
Beach Club Gran Folies – The St. Tropez Moment
More scene-y, more expensive ($150 per chair/day), and definitely tourister.
Worth a visit if you want a classic European beach club vibe.
The cove here is public—bring a towel, grab a drink, and spend the day floating.
Public Beaches: The Real Moment
Mallorca is special in that every day does not need to be spent at a beach club, and I actually advise against it.
Some beach highlights: Portals Nous & Cala Fornells – Clean, low-key Mediterranean coves with the bluest water you’ll ever see.
Pro Tip: Find a rock or cliff, post up for the day, and stay for sunset when the crowds clear out.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK:
If you're eyeing Mallorca’s more famous, tourist-loved restaurants, you have to book in advance. Case in point: I really wanted to have brunch or dinner at Cap Rocat, but by the time I tried, it was impossible to get in. Learn from my mistake.
1. Cala Fornells Hotel
We didn’t plan to eat here every day, but the food (both breakfast and dinner) was so fresh, accommodating, and delicious that it just happened. After long days of exploring, nothing felt better than coming back to our home base, exhausted but excited for dinner.
Even if you’re not staying here, 1000% come for dinner and request an outdoor table. The patio overlooks the cove and is pure magic.
2. Tabhga Beach Club Portal Nous
Even if you’re not spending the day lounging here (though you really should be), don’t miss a meal at Portal Nous. The fresh seafood alone is worth the trip.
3. Belmond La Residencia
This hilltop resort in Deià looks like something out of Beauty and the Beast—a total dream of medieval Mediterranean luxury. We didn’t stay for dinner (next time, I’m booking ahead), but happy hour here was next level. We arrived at sunset, sipped Aperol Spritz, and the best olives I’ve ever had—grown locally in Deià, and wow, you can taste the difference. During happy hour, a pianist plays jazz while you sip your drink and snack on olives the size of your head.
4. Hotel Es Moli – Beach Club Scene
Either pair this with your day in Deià or make it your whole day. It’s a walk-in-only spot, so while it’s packed with tourists in peak summer, weekdays are more chill. Fresh seafood, ocean views, and as the day goes on, the vibe turns into a full-on beach party with a DJ and dancing.
** If you want a table or a seat, get there before 3:45/4:00 PM.
5. Chez Junior (Sóller) – Unexpectedly Perfect
After a long happy hour (see: Belmond La Residencia), we wandered around Sóller, scouting every possible restaurant, and ended up right in the main square. Normally, I’d take that as a red flag, but the food here was so fresh, with incredible Mediterranean flavors and organic wine. Highly recommend if you find yourself in Sóller.
EASTERN MALLORCA:
ES RACÓ D’ARTÀ: THE WELLNESS ESCAPE OF YOUR DREAMS
The other half of our trip was spent in the countryside. While I do not have enough good things to say about Es Racó d’Artà, this property deserves its own deep dive.
After beaching it out all week in Cala Fornells, it was time to hit the countryside.
If you’re a couple taking a summer trip, on your honeymoon, two sisters (in our case), or just about anyone who appreciates a Spanish wellness getaway on a regenerative farm in the Balearic Islands, you really cannot go wrong. I could talk about this place for literally ever. While a stay here does come at a pretty penny, I was honestly glad we spent it here as opposed to somewhere more known, like the Belmond. But honorably loved by the queen herself—Gwyneth—I actually came across Es Racó d’Artà in a Goop post. Es Racó d’Artà is the definition of a secluded sanctuary. Set in the rolling countryside, it blends sustainable luxury with rustic charm—think stone-clad suites, infinity pools overlooking the mountains, and an on-site organic farm. Every detail, from the natural materials to the locally sourced food, feels intentional. Mornings here start with yoga or a nature walk, followed by a farm-to-table breakfast. If you’re looking for a total reset, this is the place.
Es Racó d’Artà is the very place where Out of Pocket was conceived. I know it’s so cliché to say “I went on a wellness trip, and it changed my life,” but this place honestly did. I was in the psychedelic meditation class when the breathwork teacher told us to journal anything that we were experiencing at that moment. And in that moment, I realized I was having such a magical experience—and that’s what traveling is all about. It’s how I feel about fashion; it’s how I feel about my experiences. That feeling of being so affected by something that you want others to share in your awe.
I realized Es Racó d’Artà was exactly that. A place still off the beaten track that, by no means do I want to ruin or give away, but for people to share in the experiences and permanence of what I felt after leaving there—well, that would make me feel exactly that: the joy of sharing to have people share in my experiences.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY:
Location
After driving 1.5 hours from Cala Fornells and approximately an hour from Palma, you pass a magical castle before driving five minutes within the gates of Es Racó d’Artà’s self-regenerative wineries and vineyards. Running classes to your left, donkeys to your right—I literally felt like I f*cking succeeded.
The Philosophy
The hotel's entire ethos centers around reconnecting with nature, sustainability, and environmental mindfulness. The moment you step onto the property, you feel it. If you’re looking to party, stay away.
The Design
The design here is by the famous Spanish-born, sustainability-obsessed architect Toni Esteva, who I later became obsessed with. Known for his work in sustainable design, he transformed the estate into a holistic retreat, incorporating traditional materials and minimalism.
Sustainability
Es Racó d'Artà spans 185 hectares of rolling vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards, and vegetable gardens. Every single thing you eat is grown or produced on-site.
The Food
Breakfast was my favorite part of every day. Es Racó d’Artà is a fully regenerative, 100% sustainable property, meaning everything you eat is produced directly on-site—eggs, bread, fruits, vegetables, even the wine. You do not need to book reservations at the resturant here, they will ask you on each day what time you prefer to eat.
The pool menu is also not to be missed - be sure to order the paella and the homemade cocktails- truly life changing
Restaurant + Poolside Paella @ Es Racó d’Artà
HOW TO SPEND YOUR DAYS HERE:
I’d suggest starting your mornings with a workout class, spending time at the pool, and then exploring everything this magical property has to offer. I signed up for every class and a few spa treatments, and while I made it to about 90% of them, I still wish I had done more. That said, spending a few days simply lounging by the pool, surrounded by vineyards and complete silence, is just as good a use of time.
When you check in, they hand you a schedule of daily activities—but not in a forced, resort-style way. More in a we’ve perfected the art of relaxation way. I chose a few per day and spent the rest of my time by the pool + in the spa.
Some class offerings included:
Yoga under the stars
Guided breathing sessions
Art classes in a centuries-old stone room
Psychedelic meditation (yes, you read that right)
Hiking with donkeys
The Spa
A full-on wellness experience, offering a complete thermal circuit with cold plunges, saunas, and hot tubs designed to reset your body. The treatment menu includes everything from deep-tissue massages to lymphatic drainage and facials.
The relaxation extends beyond the treatments with a beautifully curated shop stocked with luxurious linens and high-end skincare. Think Barbara Sturm serums and Suzie Kondi loungewear galore.
Pro Tip: We did leave the property just once—to visit the famous castle in the town of Artà (a five-minute drive away). It was nice to see, but honestly? You don’t need to leave this place.
WHAT TO DO (other than beaching):
1. Santanyí Flea Market
If you’re in Mallorca over the weekend, find yourself in Santanyí, and do not skip this market. The charming cobblestone streets transform into endless rows of vendors selling Turkish bath rugs, breezy beach cover-ups, beaded bracelets, handmade ceramics, and so much more.
Pro Tip: Make sure to stop by the bakery in the center of the market. It’s impossible to miss, and these were the best baked goods I had all trip.
2. Spend a Day (or Two) in Deià
Deià is that postcard-perfect mountain town—rolling hills, castles, and scenery so stunning it looks like a green screen.
Day one: Explore the town, wander its charming streets, and soak in the views.
Day two: Return for sunset at the Belmond La Residencia, which is an experience in itself.
WHAT TO SKIP
Hotel El Corazón
This place is all over the internet, and I almost fell for staying here.
The aesthetics seemed amazing, but it’s a Montauk-esque hotel in the middle of nowhere with an oddly Americanized restaurant and bad service.
After experiencing the warmth and hospitality of everywhere else in Mallorca, the service here was a letdown.
Driving at Night
Pitch-black roads + windy mountain turns.
If you have to drive at night, be fully awake and alert.
Cala Pi
This beach looked like everything and more on Tiktok and Instagram and upon arrival we immediately turned around- save yourself the hike and trek. It was not as nice as any other beach and was more giving a lake swamp overrun with tourists.
Next Trip: Staying in Palma
Next trip—we’re staying downtown in Palma at Hotel Can Bordoy (which looks incredible), so I’ll be sure to update this post with my thoughts after that stay.
Bottom line: if you’re thinking about booking a trip here this summer - DO IT.
Xx,
Sophie
This is EPIC
I know you aren't going to Palma until October 2025, but do you have any recommendations you could share in the meantime? I am going in July and have only 2 days to explore Mallorca - we're staying in Palma so we're central, but would love suggestions on how to make the most of our two days!