I HADN’T realised the waiter would take my words so literally when I told him: “No meat, but I do love fish.”
By my eighth course of spectacular seafood, it’s clear I’ve stumbled upon one of Majorca’s best-kept foodie secrets.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma dominates the city’s aerial view[/caption]
The Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma hotel is super luxurious[/caption]
Guethary restaurant sits alongside the Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma hotel on the island’s western coast.
Plates of local smoked octopus, meaty anchovies and lemon fish crudo served in tomato water were followed by two cuts of grouper (the chest and the loin).
If that doesn’t finish you off, bowls of baked figs and milk ice cream, as well as one of the best molten chocolate cakes I’ve ever eaten, sure will.
It’s no wonder that TV chef Marcus Wareing made a beeline for it when filming his show Marcus In The Med.
I’d booked the clean and cool 5* Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma resort as part of a British Airways Holidays package.
And if it’s fly-and-flop you’re after, this place has nailed it, with a small spa, outdoor pool and sandy stretch of beach just a minute’s walk away.
Stylish bedrooms offer views of the ocean and palm trees, with balconies that spend much of the afternoon in the sun.
The highlight, however, is the excellent location.
The hotel is in a prime spot to explore Majorca’s food scene, including Palma and its cobbled old town, which can be reached in 20 minutes by bus (just €2).
This is the place to try the island’s famous pa amb oli, which translates as bread with oil.
It’s similar to an open sandwich, only miles better, served with heaps of Spanish-style toppings.
You can pick one up for around €6 from Bar Cabera, topped with anchovies and hard cheese or prawns with aioli.
The city has worked hard over the past decade to transform buildings in the Old Town into chic boutique hotels.
Hiding behind an unassuming wooden door on a cobbled street you’ll discover Can Cera, a former 17th-century mansion, now an intimate, 14-room hotel.
It’s definitely worth stopping by for a drink or meal in its dramatic inner courtyard.
If you prefer a quieter, more rustic setting, head in the opposite direction of Palma to Mhares Sea Club, a 15-minute drive from the hotel.
From the rocky beach club, you will feel like you are standing on the edge of the world as you take in the fantastic sunsets.
‘GOLDEN SHORE’
While there, try the lobster paella which comes with a whole lobster on spicy rice, charred at the edges.
For a modern sushi restaurant — and great views — visit the swish Katagi Blau.
It sits on the top floor of the sister hotel to mine, Iberostar Selection Llaut Palma — and here, Sundays are all about brunch.
Come hungry as the well-priced menu is a five-course affair of fruit-topped yoghurt, eggs to your liking, ham-laden toast and a variety of sushi, followed by chocolate desserts (if you’ve got enough room).
All of this will set you back around €48, including a glass of fizz.
With my tummy satisfied, I spent the remainder of the afternoon lazing on the rooftop and soaking up views of a golden shore, while a singer strummed away on a guitar.
If all that food hadn’t lulled me into a sleepy state, the dulcet tones of a Spanish musician sure did.
Time for another siesta? Don’t mind if I do.
The city has worked hard over the past decade to transform buildings in the Old Town into chic boutique hotels[/caption]
Take in the stunning sea view from your hotel[/caption]
GO: PALMA
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ B&B at the 5H*Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma is from £539pp plus €7pp tourism tax, including flights from London Gatwick on selected dates in January.
The price includes one checked bag per person.
Book by October 31. See britishairways.com/holidays.
