Your 10-Day Cruising Itinerary for a Perfect Trip on the Balearic Islands

Whether you’re seeking true extravagance or pure relaxation, we have chosen the perfect 10-day itinerary that has it all

A Spanish archipelago in the western Mediterranean, the Balearic Islands enjoy a blissfully sunny climate and their calm, clean waters attract elite seafarers from Monaco to Malibu. Peaceful and pastoral, or hedonistic and glitzy – you can shape your experience of the Balearics entirely to your own tastes, and this guide simply pins some flags in our favorite places.

The ten-day itinerary includes three of the four main islands – Ibiza, Formentera and Mallorca – beginning in Ibiza Town and ending in Palma, the region’s vibrant capital. Along the way you’ll encounter secluded beaches, sleepy villages, a vast mountain range and rolling groves of olives and citrus fruit. Gastronomic wonders will greet you at every turn, from the traditional lobster stew to Michelin-starred degustación, and oenophiles will delight in the fruity local wines.

Each island has its own unique character. Ibiza’s sandy shores and beach bars throng with headturning A-listers, and if you’re in the mood to party you’re in the land that invented the word. Formentera is an unsung slice of paradise with its turquoise seas and powdery white dunes, while Mallorca has it all – nature reserves, chic marinas, world-class golf, spas, fine dining and fiestas.

Together, the Balearic Islands offer superb cruising territory and chartering one of our handpicked yachts is an ideal way to discover them. By the time you reach Palma, you’ll understand why the King of Spain rarely holidays elsewhere.

➤ Arrive in Ibiza Town

Day 1: Ibiza Town – Espalmador – Ibiza Town

Day 2: Ibiza Town – Cala Salada – Cala Xarraca – Cala Blanca

Day 3: Cala Blanca – Isla de Cabrera

Day 4: Isla de Cabrera – Porto Cristo

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Day 5: Porto Cristo – Cala Ratjada

Day 6: Cala Ratjada – Port de Pollença

Day 7: Port de Pollença – Port de Sóller

Day 8: Port de Sóller – Port d’Andratx

Day 9: Port d’Andratx – Puerto Portals Day 10: Puerto Portals – Palma

Day of Arrival

Ibiza Town

Fly to Ibiza Airport and transfer to Ibiza Town where your yacht awaits.

Originally fortified by the Romans, Ibiza Town is the capital of Ibiza and the island’s most historically intriguing settlement.

Known to the locals as Vila d’Eivissa, the city is divided into two main parts: the old town, or Dalt Vila, and the modern part known simply as Eixample (which means ‘extension’). The labyrinthine Dalt Vila is by far the most charming quarter to explore. Built within sturdy city walls on a hill overlooking the port and crowned by a beautiful 14th century cathedral, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a glorious introduction to Ibiza. Seek out the stone-paved streets of Sa Penya and the fascinating Punic necropolis of Puig des Molins at the Archaeological Museum of Ibiza. Beyond the bijou cafes, galleries and boutiques of Dalt Vila, Ibiza Town promises star-studded marinas, some truly indulgent spas and, should you desire, some of the best nightlife on the planet.

WHERE TO BE PAMPERED

OPEN SPA , IBIZA GRAN HOTEL

Treatment & facilities: Ibiza’s most prestigious hotel is well known for its spa, which devotes over 4,000 square feet to health, beauty and wellness.

The Open Aqua area includes a hydrotherapy pool with underwater massages, jets, cascades and swan necks, a sports pool for swimming, a contrasting Kneipp path, an ice bath, hammam and sauna. For post treatment refreshment, the adjacent relaxation area offers heated water beds, herbal teas and fresh fruit. The ritual center includes a peaceful terrace for outdoor treatments and the extensive Technogym offers state-of-the-art work-out facilities. For your beauty needs, Open Spa boasts Marlies Möllier hairdressers and a select styling, manicure and pedicure team.

WHERE TO DINE

CAN DOMINGO

Cuisine: Mediterranean fusion

Style / Ambiance: A superbly restored old farmhouse set in serene countryside, Can Domingo is well worth the short drive from Ibiza Town and enjoys a loyal following among the Balearic jet set.

Start your evening with a kaleidoscopic cocktail in the lounge bar, before diving into the hearty Ibicenco-inspired cuisine on the pretty terrace. This French-run establishment comes with ladlefuls of old Ibiza charm and is widely lauded as the best restaurant in the south of the island.

WHERE TO SHOP

MAYURKA

Supplying Ibiza’s glitterati with cutting-edge fashion, Mayurka offers collections by Fendi, Valentino, Missoni, Kenzo, Etro, Versace and Marc Jacobs, as well as accessories by Valentino Garavani, Balenciaga, Sergio Rossi, True Religion, For All Man Kind, Paul Smith, Neil Barret and Maharishi. Products include a wide range of suits and evening wear, as well as sweaters, pashminas and shoes. For more casual clothes aimed at the younger generation, cross the road to Mayurka’s sister store.

REVOLVER

Elite fashionistas beat a path to Ibiza each summer and Revolver is one of their prime feeding grounds.

Opened three years ago in the center of Dalt Vila, Revolver quickly achieved cult status among those in the know and should be your first port of call for innovative luxury fashion. Brands include Bolongaro Trevor, Browns Focus, Heidi Klein, LNA, McQ by Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania and Jean-Paul Gaultier for Melissa, Paige Premium Denim, Sass & Bide, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Superfine and Twenty8Twelve by S. Miller, with accessories by Comme des Garçons and Lulu Guinness. Before you hit the beach, swing by and pick up a pair of sunglasses by Linda Farrow, ic-berlin! or Victoria Beckham.

WHAT TO DO DURING THE NIGHT

BLUE MARLIN

The self-styled ‘super sexy queen of Ibiza beach clubs’, Blue Marlin is the kind of place that has made this island world famous.

With an idyllic position on a sunset-facing beach, Blue Marlin is the land of the beautiful people and the private VIP enclosure is a favorite among sun-kissed A-listers. Low leather sofas, day beds and oversized armchairs dot the sprawling outdoor deck, creating the mood that so many chill-out albums try to distill. Tasty Mediterranean and oriental food is served on chunky rustic tables while the bar conjures up show-stopping cocktails. And then there’s the music – international DJs keep it nice and mellow for the evening crowd before heating it up later and fuelling parties that don’t stop until sunrise.

DAY 1

DAY 1: Ibiza Town – EsPalmador – Ibiza Town

30 nautical miles

Just to the south of Ibiza lies one of the lesser-known highlights of the Balearics.

Formentera is the smallest and most peaceful island of the archipelago and Espalmador is a tiny islet just clinging to Formentera by a shallow sandbar. Formentera makes a lovely day trip from Ibiza Town, with its pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters more reminiscent of the Caribbean than the Mediterranean. Until recently the island was only accessible by boat and it retains an unspoiled tranquility popular with naturists. If sunbathing all day sounds too sedate, the island is blessed with perfect windsurfing conditions and the secluded cove of Estany des Peix is ideal for waterskiing. If you’re not averse to a mask and snorkel, Formentera’s crystalline waters are also home to some extraordinary sea life.

WHERE TO DINE

JUANY ANDREA

Cuisine: Mallorcan seafood

Style / Ambiance: A favorite among the yachting crowd, this little gem sits on Formentera’s most idyllic beach and serves seafood plucked from the water within a mile of your table.

For easy access to Juan y Andrea, anchor off Platja de Illetes and the restaurant tender will whisk you to the doorstep. Take a seat on the terrace or on the awning-shaded beach and enjoy clams a la marinera, lobster stew or grilled gilt-head bream. Wash it down with an artfully chosen white wine or champagne and for desert, the juicy strawberry tart is a house specialty.

WHAT TO DO DURING THE NIGHT

PACHA

This behemoth of a nightclub is the very essence of the Ibiza party scene and over the last forty years the Pacha company has become the most dominant clubbing brand in the world.

With twenty offshoots of Pacha in cities across the globe, the Ibiza venue remains the empire’s capital where superstar DJs can make a track a worldwide hit just by playing it here during the summer season. House music is the staple diet at Pacha, but with five separate dance floors there are some tasty side dishes too, including Ibiza’s famous chill-out tunes. After several expansions and redesigns over the years, you’ll now find Pacha in its prime, with a palm-adorned VIP area offering cool respite from the gyrating crowds. Head here in the height of summer and expect to clink cocktails with the likes of Paris Hilton, Rafael Nadal and Jude Law. Even the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge came here on a recent trip.

LIO

After a day on Formentera, head back to Ibiza Town for some drinks and cabaret entertainment at the exciting new nightclub Lio.

The club was conceived by Ricardo Urgell, one of the world’s most successful nightlife impresarios and owner of mega nightclub franchise Pacha. Formerly superclub El Divino, Lio is the product of a complete redesign by architect Jaime Serra Verdaguer and its contemporary Ibicenco style certainly cuts a dash on the chic Marina Ibiza. The two stages host a flamboyant array of burlesque performers, solo singers and dancers hand-picked by actor, producer and director Juan Garcia. Should you dine here, specialist chefs from London and Tokyo prepare fine international and Japanese fusion fare based on the traditional robata style of cooking.

DAY 2

DAY 2: Ibiza Town – Cala Salada – Cala Xarraca – Cala Blanca

60 nautical miles

This picturesque route allows you to circumnavigate the best part of Ibiza in a day.

Setting off from Ibiza Town you’ll head south towards Formentera and then around the south-west coast past Es Vedrà island, an imposing tower of rock said to be the dwelling of Homer’s sirens. Further around the west coast you’ll find Cala Salada (Salada Cove), which consists of two beaches separated by rocks. The northern beach is the smaller and quieter of the two. Look out for the traditional fishermen’s boathouses built into the rocks – a unique Mediterranean sight. Cala Xarraca on the north coast was famously used to shoot the film South Pacific and is fantastic for snorkeling with its sheltered position and transparent waters. Your day will end in the pebble-lined Cala Blanca, one of Ibiza’s most beautiful beaches and perhaps the least accessible from the shore due to the vast enveloping cliffs that spring from the shingle.

WHERE TO DINE

AMANTE

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Style / Ambiance: Should you wish to leave the solitude of Cala Blanca, the nearby Amante should be your first choice for a scenic supper.

This exclusive beach club is nestled in a quiet cove offering stunning moonlit views of the bay with a cool white and cream interior enhanced by candlelight. Barcelona-born chef Carlos Fernandez-Valdes creates Italian-influenced dishes using local organic ingredients and the combination of great food, idyllic setting and chilled-out vibe has made Amante a popular choice for visiting stars. The jewel in the crown is the ‘Amante Table’, a private table for two set apart from the main restaurant on a secluded cliff top.

WHERE TO BE PAMPERED

THALASSO SPA FENICIA

Treatment & facilities: Just north of Cala Blanca in the wealthy coastal town of Santa Eulalia del Río, you’ll find the Insotel Fenicia Prestige and its exceptional hotel spa.

The Thalasso Spa has two swimming pools with a range of underwater jets and waterfalls as well as Jacuzzis and cross-current rivers. Advanced hydrotherapy facilities are complemented by Turkish baths, Swedish showers, saunas, a laconicum and an ice fountain. Treatments include jet and bubble baths, essential oil and seaweed wrapping, local mud treatments and a wide range of massages including a Vichy underwater massage and a four hand massage. Cocoon loungers and waterbeds can be found in the two relaxing rooms and the beauty center and gym facilities are first rate.

DAY 3 – 4

DAY 3: Cala Blanca – Isla de Cabrera

70 nautical miles

Day three will take you on the longest leg of your Balearic cruise, from Ibiza to Isla de Cabrera, a small island off the south coast of Mallorca.

Isla de Cabrera is part of a mini archipelago and is protected as a Spanish National Park under the administration of Palma. One of the best preserved nature reserves in the Mediterranean, Cabrera is known as the Mediterranean Galápagos for the many rare species thriving here – watch out for the Eleonora’s falcon – and qualified divers will love the region’s vibrant underwater world. The permit required to visit the island prevents crowds of tourists flocking here from Mallorca, so elite visitors can enjoy this intriguing sanctuary in peace. The boat will anchor in the large natural harbor and after lunch onboard head ashore to explore the island on foot. A footpath will take you to Cabrera’s highest point and the dramatic ruins of a 14th century castle where, during the Napoleonic Wars, some nine thousand French prisoners were held, their graffiti etched in the walls to this day. Cool down later with a dip in the sea – you may be lucky enough to share your swim with dolphins.

DAY 4: Isla de Cabrera – Porto Cristo

30 nautical miles

On day four you will set sail for Mallorca, the largest island in the Balearics and your holiday’s headline act.

Porto Cristo is the perfect introduction to Mallorca, its large natural harbor offering a base to explore caves and vineyards, and a Michelin-starred restaurant just up the road. The ancient port sits at the end of a long bay, where the El Rivet flows into the sea. During the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), Republican forces landed here and made a fruitless bid to win Mallorca from General Franco. The two major cave complexes in the region are a big crowd pleaser, with the almighty Cuevas del Drach stealing the show a little from the smaller but perfectly formed Cuevas dels Ham. Porto Cristo itself is still a thriving fishing village and the picturesque bay provides a well-sheltered mooring for fishing boats and yachts alike.

WHERE TO DINE

ES MOL Í D’EN BOU

Cuisine: Mallorcan

Style / Ambiance: Retaining his Michelin star since 2004, Tomeu Caldentey is one of the bright lights of Mallorca’s world-class restaurant scene.

Caldentey champions traditional Mallorcan dishes, which are brought alive with his own personal vision. Particular highlights include the calamari parmantier with peas and the cheek of beef with pumpkin. Having trained under maestro chef Juan Romero in Palma, Caldentey learned from the best and when he set up on his own in 2000, he quickly won favor with Mallorca’s discerning gourmands. The restaurant moved to new premises two years ago and the breezy modern interiors make wonderful use of the traditional Mallorcan building.

SA ROTANA

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Style / Ambiance: Set on a five-hundred acre farming estate or finca, Sa Rotana makes the very best of locally-sourced ingredients and combines time-honored Mediterranean recipes with some well-judged international flair.

For a real Mallorcan experience, take a private tour of the Reserva Rotana vineyard and sample some of the local produce before choosing the perfect wine for your meal. With an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, Mallorca enjoys an ideal climate for winemaking and the Reserva Rotana ascribes its own viticultural success to the natural fertilizer provided by its sheep. For a nice consumable souvenir, take advantage of the estate’s shipping service and send a crate of wine back home. When you take your seat to eat you’ll be facing a lush rolling valley and dining either to the patter of the fountain or to smooth live jazz.

WHAT TO DO DURING THE DAY

CUEVAS DEL DRACH

This extraordinary network of caves is one of Mallorca’s top tourist attractions, and a guided tour is a bewitching experience.

Extending almost 1.5 miles and with internal heights of 80 feet above the cave floor, the Cuevas del Drach (caves of the dragon) contain a multitude of stalagmites and stalactites as well as one of the biggest subterranean lakes in the world. The tour culminates at the lake with a live classical concert and a unique underground boat ride. Not to be missed.

GAME HUNTING

The Rotana estate in east Mallorca is perfect for small game hunting with an abundance of rabbits, hares, partridges, pheasants and wild pigeons, as well as migratory birds such as woodcocks and starlings.

The estate will organize everything you need from permits, weapons and clothing to personal guides and hunting dogs. For the more intrepid hunter, the estate leads excursions into the craggy Tramuntana Mountains to hunt the indigenous Mallorcan wild goat. Recognized as a homologated hunting trophy by the International Safari Club and the local Balearic Government, the Mallorcan wild goat is unique to the island and exists in large numbers throughout the north.

DAY 5

DAY 5: Porto Cristo – Cala Ratjada

15 nautical miles

Cala Ratjada is a large horseshoe-shaped bay in the far north-east corner of Mallorca, a short distance from the picturesque town Artà and the unspoiled beaches of the north-east coast.

The region is dotted with pretty orchards and pastureland, and in the traditional markets you’ll find fresh fruit, vegetables and honey, as well as local artisan treasures like leather goods and tablecloths. In Artà, climb up to the Santuari de Sant Salvador d’Artà – a former Moorish fortress on the town’s highest peak – then wander down past the 16th century church of the Transfiguració del Senyor. Once you’re back in town, explore the quaint shops and market stalls – great for picking up gourmet Mallorcan treats like aioli with paprika, olive pâté, preserves and local wine.

WHAT TO DO DURING THE DAY

CASTELL DE CAPDEPERA

The 14th century Castell de Capdepera hugs a tree-lined hill overlooking the pretty village of Capdepera and makes an easy trip from Cala Ratjada.

Your walk up the hill will be rewarded with a cool breeze and fine views of the village, bay and the island of Menorca beyond. The well-preserved castle was originally built by King Jaume II to protect the townsfolk from pirate raids and the best way to explore the site is to follow the walkway along the top of the perimeter walls. Once inside, seek out the pretty gothic church of Nostra Senyora de la Esperança and wander among medieval dwellings and watchtowers. As you descend back into Capdepera make for the sleepy Plaça de l’Orient and quench your thirst in a tree-shaded cafe.

WHERE TO DINE

SES ROTGES

Cuisine: French with Mallorcan influence

Style / Ambiance: Arguably the best dining spot in north-east Mallorca, this charming country restaurant and hotel is set in a 19th century mansion with an elegant beamed dining room and a terrace overlooking a subtropical garden.

Chef Gérard Tétard uses locally sourced ingredients to create classic French dishes with a Mallorcan twist and the results are superb, particularly the menú gastronomic. Meals are exquisitely presented and guests have the choice of eating in the dining room, on an enclosed terrace or outside on the large flower-filled patio. The small number of tables in the restaurant means the staff can give you friendly and attentive service, and if you ask nicely, the chef may let you into the kitchen to steal some recipes.

DAY 6

DAY 6: Cala Ratjada – Port de Pollença

30 nautical miles

The route around the north-east coast of Mallorca will take you past some beautiful rugged beaches as well as the family-friendly Bahia de Alcúdia (Alcúdia Bay).

Continue past the bay and into the neighboring Bahia de Formentor, where larger yachts are well catered for. Mooring in Port de Pollença, you are just three miles from Pollença itself, a pretty town dating back to the Roman occupation of Mallorca. Make sure you visit and climb the 365 stone steps to the chapel – you’ll work up a sweat, but the views from the top are well worth it. The tiny, fortified town of Alcúdia is another must-see in this region with its maze of winding alleys studded with Renaissance mansions and inviting restaurants. The former capital of Mallorca, Alcúdia passed from the Romans to the Vandals, the Moors and the Christians, and while the capital has now moved to Palma, Alcúdia remains the main hub of the north. Begin your visit at the Church of Sant Jaume then wander to the twin crenellated towers of the Porta de Xara.

WHERE TO DINE

RESTAURANT 3/65

Cuisine: Modern Mallorcan

Style / Ambiance: 3/65 chef Joan Marc Garcías is a master of Mallorcan gastronomy and works wonders with local organic produce.

Having won great acclaim for his two-Michelin star Sant Pau in Barcelona, Garcías returned to his native Mallorca in 2002 and has been wowing international sophisticates ever since. With black banquettes, white tablecloths and a gold-leaf ceiling, this chic fine dining establishment is formal without being stuffy and if you prefer to dine al fresco, the extensive gardens afford incredible mountain views.

JAR DÍN

Cuisine: Modern Mallorcan

Style / Ambiance: The covered porch area at Jardín overlooks mature subtropical gardens and offers a sublime setting to enjoy the cocina nueva (new cuisine) prepared to perfection by chef Macarena de Castro.

Highlights include the merluza (hake), salmon and prawn tartare in green mustard, duck in sherry and baked suckling pig with apple. The eight-course menú degustación is a great way to appreciate the range of delicious flavors on offer, and for the perfect wine, sommelier and maître d’ Sergio Marquez will happily recommend a bottle from the restaurant’s extensive cellar. Located on a quiet residential street, Jardín feels a million miles from the area’s more tourist-trodden eateries.

WHERE TO BE PAMPERED

SON BRULL SPA

Treatment & facilities: This Relais and Châteaux-approved hotel boasts one of the most esteemed spas in Mallorca, inspired by natural ingredients sourced on the island.

Treatments include a relaxing lavender body wrap followed by a hydro massage cream bath and lavender oil massage, and the liquid gold olive oil wrap followed by a cream bath and stone massage. The healing properties of the olive tree are embraced in the Oliveda well-being program, which offers a black olive crush facial and rejuvenating olive leaf wrap. Signature massages use the essence of local citrus fruit and natural oils and the Son Brull wellness program includes ancient vital balance techniques and hatha yoga to harmonize mind, body and soul. The spa also features a sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi, indoor pool and a large outdoor pool.

WHAT TO DO DURING THE DAY

LLUC MONASTERY

Mallorca has an important monastic tradition and the Monestir de Nostra Senyora de Lluc (Monastery of Our Lady of Lluc) is the most iconic monastery on the island.

Besides the austere 18th and 19th century buildings, the vast complex includes a botanical garden, an intriguing museum and breathtaking views across the Tramuntana mountains. Visit at dusk to avoid the crowds.

DAY 7

DAY 7: Port de Pollença – Port de Sóller

35 nautical miles

With the majestic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range and a scattering of very photogenic villages, the north coast of Mallorca is a pure delight to explore by boat.

From your mooring in Port de Sóller you are well placed to discover Sóller town itself as well as Deià, Valldemossa and, further inland, the leather capital Inca and the vineyards of Binissalem. Festooned with ancient citrus groves, the region was a busy trading center in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with oranges and lemons sent to Barcelona and France by the boat load. The citrus groves remain, as do the palatial homes built in Sóller by rich local merchants – both quintessential Mallorcan sights. Three miles west of Sóller you’ll find Deià, an idyllic village long favored by writers and artists, and recently voted by Forbes as one of the best places to live in Europe. Summer residents Bob Geldof and Andrew Lloyd Webber certainly seem to agree. A winding mountain road will take you to Valldemossa, the village that inspired Chopin to compose some of his best known preludes while he wintered here with writer George Sand. Daily performances of his work continue to this day, making a nice accompaniment to the history-rich vistas.

WHERE TO DINE

EL OLIVO

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Style / Ambiance: Based in the celebrated luxury hotel La Residencia, El Olivo serves exquisite dishes using local produce such as Sóller prawns and Tramuntana mountain lamb, as well as fruit and vegetables grown in the hotel’s own organic orchards and garden.

The tasting menu is superlative and the wine list has won a Wine Spectator award for eleven years running. Situated in an ancient olive press, this is one of Mallorca’s most romantic restaurants and has garnered a loyal following among Deià’s jet set.

ES RA CÓ D’ES TEIX

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Style / Ambiance: This Michelin-starred eatery has helped cement Deià’s reputation as an ideal bolt-hole for the world’s elite, with German chef Josef Sauerschell creating superb modern takes on classic Mediterranean cuisine.

Highlights include the parfait of foie gras with mango, sugar snaps and Fita del Ram jelly, the medallion of venison with cherry Armagnac sauce and the squash ravioli with strawberries and yoghurt-lemon cream. Besides the exceptional food, a major selling point is the view from the terrace – a stunning landscape of gnarled mountains dotted with cyprus trees.

WHERE TO BE PAMPERED

LA RESIDENCIA SPA

Treatment & facilities: Sitting in lush gardens and citrus groves on the edge of the artists’ village Deià, Hotel La Residencia is recommended by the Leading Hotels of the World group and the spa is one of its proudest assets.

Here you’ll find an indoor pool, two outdoor pools, a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, gym, hairdressing and shaving service and six treatment rooms, three of which have outdoor massage areas and mountain views. The carefully chosen spa treatments cater for both men and women, and include the Citrus Siesta, Olive Activator, Diamond Extreme and Carboxi Express. The seven resident beauty therapists offer unrivalled personal treatment plans.

WHERE TO DINE

BÉNS D’AVALL

Cuisine: Mallorcan

Style / Ambiance: Positioned on a cliff above a lovely bay just outside Sóller, Béns D’Avall offers an incredible sea view and gourmet food to match.

Chef and owner Benet Vicens developed his passion for gastronomy from a young age, and having taken over the restaurant from his parents he now excels at modern variations on classic Mallorcan cuisine. A champion of local farmers and fishermen, Vicens uses fresh Mallorcan produce and sources very few ingredients from beyond the island. Time your dinner reservation right and you’ll witness one of the best sunset views in Mallorca.

WHAT TO DO DURING THE DAY

JAR DINS D’ALFABIA

Four miles south of Sóller, these spectacular gardens are easily accessible either by road or on the Ferrocarril de Sóller, the charming turn of the century railway between Sóller and Palma.

You could take the train, alight at Bunyola and arrange a car to drive you the short distance to the gardens – it is well worth the trip. When the Moors occupied Mallorca in the 12th century, the viceroy developed a remarkable system of springs and irrigation at Alfàbia, resulting in a verdant oasis that remains to this day. The shady gardens offer welcome respite from the summer sun, with over forty varieties of trees, climbers and flowering shrubs competing for your attention. A cool stroll through the gardens will bring you to the 17th century manor house at the heart of the estate, its airy rooms replete with antiques and ornate ceilings.

DAY 8

DAY 8: Port de Sóller – Port d’Andratx

30 nautical miles

Cruising down the coast to the far west tip of Mallorca, you’ll pass the islet of Sa Dragonera — a nature reserve and birdwatcher’s heaven — before heading around the peninsula to the upmarket Port d’Andratx.

This popular destination sits in a small bay and with its working fishing fleet has retained much of its traditional charm. In recent years the pine-covered hills around Andratx have become coveted plots for plush new villas, with Claudia Schiffer, Boris Becker and Michael Schumacher among the property owners in these parts. As a result, Port d’Andratx is now peppered with swish designer boutiques, particularly on Carrer d’Isaac Peral and Calle de Cristófal Colón.

Approximately 2.5 miles from the port is Andratx itself, a somnolent town tucked among olive and almond groves with ochre-colored homes, the 18th century church of Santa María and a thriving Wednesday market. If you’re feeling energetic, the mountain hike up to the ruined monastery of La Trapa is a great way to survey the wild surrounding landscape. The circular route takes about three hours from the town of Sant Elm and back.

WHAT TO DO DURING THE DAY

CENTRO CULTURAL ANDRATX

Just outside Andratx on the road to Es Capdellà, the German-run Centro Cultural Andratx is the largest contemporary art gallery in Mallorca, exhibiting an exciting range of homegrown and international talent.

The exhibition space is large and flexible with simple white walls and sunlight filtering beautifully through a grand central colonnade. After a leisurely stroll through the gallery, enjoy a drink on the fountain-adorned patio, where on some evenings you will be entertained with a classical concert, jazz band or flamenco performance.

WHAT TO DO DURING THE NIGHT

CAMPINO BAR

Part of the clubhouse at an 18-hole championship golf course and only a short distance from Port d’Andratx, Campino Bar is a very welcome addition to this highly-prized region.

The combination of a cozy atmosphere and encyclopedic drinks list attracts the likes of Claudia Schiffer and Boris Becker on a regular basis. Expect barrelfuls of Italian hospitality from owner Luigi Capalbo and after an evening of drinks and chat, you can party long into the night as the well-loved Campino DJ cooks up a storm on the decks.

DAY 9

DAY 9: Andratx – Puerto Portals

20 nautical miles

Mallorca’s answer to Monte Carlo, Puerto Portals is the most luxurious marina in the Balearics and attracts glamorous seafarers from across the globe.

Sports cars purr along the seafront, passing chic boutiques, bars and restaurants on one side and premium super yachts on the other. From Puerto Portals, seek out the lovely inlet of Son Caliu with its large palm trees, powdery sand beach and calm waters. Another little gem is the nearby Cala Falco, a secluded beach with white sand, bright blue sea and the speckled shade of umbrella pines.

WHERE TO DINE

WELLIES

Cuisine: International

Style / Ambiance: A family-run treasure in the lavish Puerto Portals, Wellies has been charming locals and visitors for 24 years and today you’ll find it in better shape than ever.

The spacious upstairs dining room greets you with contemporary flower displays, dark wood and crisp cream linen, with glass walls on two sides letting in floods of light. Spanish chef Benarbé works wonders in the kitchen, delighting hungry families with tender meat dishes, fresh fish and excellent salads for the less carnivorous. Breakfast on the sun-drenched terrace is perfect for seeing and being seen, while the new cocktail bar and garden offer a sleek setting for a digestif or two.

WHERE TO DINE

TRISTÁN

Cuisine: Nouvelle cuisine

Style / Ambiance: The most celebrated fine dining establishment in Mallorca, Tristán is the only restaurant in the Balearics with two Michelin stars and with a prime location in Puerto Portals marina it attracts a bevy of prestigious guests.

The menu changes regularly according to seasonal market produce and chef Gerhard Schwaiger’s creations never fail to amaze. Schwaiger’s annual lectures in San Sebastian, one of the best known gourmet workshops in Europe, as well as his weekly articles in the national press have helped bolster his reputation as a leading figure on the European culinary scene. His tasting tapas menu is particularly good, a piquant reinvention of the classic Spanish dining style.

WHERE TO BE PAMPERED

ARABELLA SPA

Treatment & facilities: Part of the Starwood group, the St. Regis Mardavall is the most distinguished luxury resort in Mallorca and its world class spa shouldn’t be missed.

The highly qualified therapists specialize in thalasso therapy and physiotherapy, as well as traditional Chinese medicine, classic facials, special moisture treatments, manicures, pedicures and massages. Anne Sémonin and Ligne St. Barth provide the beauty center’s cosmetic products and therapies, which include exclusive facials and firming treatments. The 50,000 square foot spa includes 14 treatment rooms, a Jacuzzi, dry sauna, hydropool, jet shower, ice cave, a fitness center with a state-of-the-art Technogym and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Expert consultants are on hand to design your personal treatment program and the resident nutritionist will customize a health regime according to your individual needs.

WHAT TO DO DURING THE NIGHT

RITZI LOUN GE BAR

With a prime position in Mallorca’s most glamorous marina, Ritzi Lounge Bar is a regular stomping ground for the globetrotting elite.

The fabulous elliptical bar offers a wide range of cocktails, wine and champagne – perfect for a sunset aperitif or, if you’re in the mood, late night drinks that keep flowing until the sun reappears. Whatever time you call it a night, you’ll only be a short stroll from your yacht.

DAY 10

DAY 10: Puerto Portals – Palma

6 nautical miles

The grand finale of your trip is Palma, the capital of the Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands and in recent years a top choice for discerning city-breakers.

Palma only became the capital in 1983 and since then has grown from a provincial town into a sophisticated metropolis, complete with chic hotels, luxury shopping and a burgeoning contemporary art scene. At the heart of Palma is the old town with its magnificent Gothic cathedral, renovated mansions and pristine winding streets dotted with modernista architecture. Now a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, this one-time Moorish stronghold is one of the highlights of the Balearics and a perfect conclusion to your cruise.

WHERE TO DINE

ZARANDA

Cuisine: International

Style / Ambiance: Based in the distinguished Hotel Hilton Sa Torre, the Michelin-starred Zaranda is relatively new on Mallorca’s gourmet scene, but has quickly become one of its biggest names.

Madridborn chef Fernando Perez Arellano has honed his craft in some of the world’s most respected restaurants, including Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud in Dublin, Le Gavroche in London, Don Alfonso 1890 in Naples, Maison Pic in Valencia and Can Fabes in Barcelona. With such an international pedigree it is no surprise Arellano has been bombarded with critics’ awards over the years, not least for his latest venture in Mallorca. Expect such treats as pink roasted squab with glace endive and Yakisoba of oyster with fennel and seaweed.

WHERE TO SHOP

RELOJERIA ALEMANA

A German family business dating back to 1879, Relojeria Alemana is the finest luxury jeweler in the Balearics and counts King Juan Carlos of Spain among its regular customers.

The impressive six-floor store on Calle Colón is one of four branches in the Palma region, with jewelry and watches by Cartier, Rolex, Chopard, Bulgari, Patek-Philippe, Audemars Piguet, IWC, Hublot and Jaeger-LeCoultre, as well as a unique collection of handmade Spanish silverware. Indeed, Relojeria Alemana is the only place in Mallorca you will find most of these international brands. Look out, too, for the dazzling collections designed by Blanca and Paula, the young daughters of the current owner and heirs to the dynasty.

RIALTO LIVING

Relaxed elegance is the central ethos at Rialto Living, with highly sought after fashion collections by Acne, Allegri, Altea, Aspesi, Boglioli, Brogden, Coast Weber Ahaus, Daniel Cremieux, Della Ciana, Hartford, Incotex, Jil Sander, Mackintosh, Masons, Neil Barrett, P.A.R.O.S.H., PT01 and U-NI-TY.

For accessories, expect casual luxury with products by Campomaggi, Drakes, Emma Hope, Epice, Franco Ferrari, Grevi, Jil Sander, NDC, Numero 10, MO 851, Mulberry, Post & Co, Roda, Sunspel, Sissirossi, Skultuna, Sophie Digard and U it’s You. The 15th century building contains almost 3,000 square feet of progressive fashion, interior design, gifts and a cafe. Check out the store’s gallery for the fruits of Palma’s thriving artistic community.

WHAT TO DO DURING THE DAY

SON GUAL GOLF COURSE

Frequently lauded as the best Spanish golf course off the mainland, Son Gual is a must for the elite golf devotee.

A recent addition to Mallorca’s respected golf scene, Son Gual was brought to life by German doubleglazing magnate Adam Pamer at a reputed cost of $40 million. The course is laid out in two distinct halves, with the front nine running along the extremity of the estate and the second encompassed within its center. Starting on a high point with an elevated first tee, the course features 66 strategically placed bunkers, over a thousand olive trees and several water hazards, as well as Son Gual’s own perfectly tended vineyards. Combined with award-winning clubhouse dining, impeccable service and a helipad, it is little wonder Son Gual boasts a high profile membership list.

WHAT TO DO DURING THE NIGHT

PURO BEACH CLUB

Part of the fashionable design hotel group Puro, this stylish beach club has a prime spot on its own mini peninsula and enjoys 180 degree views of the expansive Bay of Palma.

A seamless mix of restaurant, lounge, spa, yoga studio and nightclub, this beautifully executed lifestyle concept attracts a distinguished, cosmopolitan crowd. The first guests appear at dawn for sunrise Tai Chi and yoga, followed by breakfast on the terrace. Others arrive to park themselves poolside and lap up the rays with an ice-cold smoothie, salad or fruit plate. Head here later and you’ll witness the daily sunset ceremony and the shaking of some dreamy cocktails. Arm yourself with a daiquiri, sink on to a sofa and let one of Puro’s expert reflexologists soothe your shopped-out feet. Once revived, you can let the cutting-edge DJs keep you entertained until the small hours.