Mallorca is an understated, sophisticated, luxe Island, says the uber-glamorous celebrity stylist and mindful meditation practitioner Rachel Gold, whom we join on a luxury trip to La Moraleja Mallorca – an adults only, ‘quiet hotel’ in Cala Sant Vicenç, Pollença, in the north of the island.
Hi Rachel, please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?
I am a fashion and celebrity stylist. I style people for magazine front covers, red carpets and ads. I also create luxury day retreats/workshops for mindfulness meditation, wellbeing and style for both men and women. My workshops aim to help people to take a breath, switch off from the noise and tune in with themselves.
What made you pick Mallorca for your holiday?
This is my fourth trip to Mallorca. Each time I have gone to a new part of the island. I love the climate. I usually go either at the beginning or end of the. The flight is generally two hours, which for me is fantastic. The food is absolutely delicious, plus I find the people very friendly. It is also a very stylish island.
What’s the weather like in Mallorca in October?
Having just come back, I was amazed – it was 27° and bright warm sunshine every day. Apparently, toward the end of October it can be changeable, with a few light showers.
Is October a good time to go to Mallorca?
October is at the end of the season, so be prepared that not all the restaurants are open in Cala Sant Vicenç. If you want fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere, it is fantastic.
I like to go to chill out and just relax, eat good food, go to the markets and the local shops. The restaurants and the streets are less crowded and there is a more laid-back vibe at this time of year.
What was the hotel like?
La Moraleja Mallorca is family run, so you get that feeling of care and also those special touches. The staff are really friendly and very accommodating; always smiling, kind and super helpful. They want you to relax. The rooms are huge with beautiful, original pieces of art, very clean and the views over the Tramuntana mountains and the sandy bay are spectacular. I particularly appreciated breakfast being served up until 11, as you then don’t have the feeling that you have to dash in the mornings.
Rooms start from €145 per night for two people for one night in October.
Why did you pick an adults only hotel?
Having a high stress and busy life with a large family and three clingy staffies, it’s fantastic to go somewhere where it is very calm and surrounded by other guests who also just want to be calm. I love children, but it’s nice to just be able to lie by the pool quietly and be still.
What does ‘quiet hotel’ mean and what was it like?
The hotel has an aura of the luxe, but not stuffy or pretentious. Everything they do is beautifully presented. It’s very romantic and although it’s mainly couples, there were also a few people on their own, just chilling out, reading a book or looking at their laptops. There are two pools surrounded by trees and plants, plus the sun loungers are super comfortable, so you really can drift off.
The food is delicious and the location is dreamy. It is seven minutes’ drive into old town of Pollença and 10 minutes to Puerto de Pollença.
What was there to do in Pollença?
The church is stunning and really worth a visit. The streets are very clean the dog owners even carry their own sprays to use, should their furry friend do a pee! The pavements are a shiny stone, lined with gorgeous pot plants, so leave your stilettoes in your bag. The Calvario Steps – the stone staircase of wide steps which reach all the way up the hill in the centre of the old town, up to the Calvario Chapel – are lined with cute shops and houses on each side. If you like a challenge, the view is the reward at the top. There are 365 steps (I was counting)!
Visit the art galleries which have local art and are very friendly.
There are plenty of lovely charming clothing boutiques, as well as small shops selling linen, jewellery, shoes, bags and items for the home.
The people watching on the Pollença old town square is fantastic, particularly on a Friday night when it’s buzzing with families. The children skate board, play football with a soft ball and run around whilst their parents chat and catch up on all the gossip, it was such fun to watch.
On Sunday the whole of the old town square area is covered with a vibrant and joyful market; everything from stunning artisan clothing to breads, cheeses, vegetables that look fit to be entered into a competition and a huge array of tropical plants and scented colourful flowers. It’s difficult to choose restaurants as they are all so delicious, the products are so fresh and the food, although uncomplicated, is deliciously seasoned. The fresh sea bass is to die for.
Cala Formentor is a beach just a short boat trip away from Puerto de Pollenca, with plenty to see including the lighthouse and beautiful vegetation.
Where would you recommend to eat in Pollença?
On the square (Place Mayor) there are many exceptional restaurants. At Brasserie Numero Ocho, the black spaghetti and fruit de mare is not to be missed.
Number Q11 is very refined and the menu is a delicious Mediterranean and Italian fine dining twist. They also serve vegan and vegetarian meals. The plates of food look like art; so beautifully presented. The attached wine shop makes a mean espresso martini too!
La Trencadora, the lovely courtyard Trattoria & Pizzeria, is so romantic by candle light. Many elegant locals eat there, the pizza is delicious, and the garlic bread is so addictive……you just want more!
Up on the hill overlooking the bay of Cala Sant Vicenç the Hotel Vicenc is pure style and sophistication, with wonderful cocktails and delicious, smaller plates of fine dining-style food. Go before sunset to catch the staggering mountain and bay views of Cala Sant Vicenç. It reminded me of the south of France and is so romantic.
What’s the shopping like in Pollença?
The shopping is absolutely wonderful, with beautiful Cashmere in wonderful colours, lovely linens and unique, original pieces of jewellery. It’s not extremely touristy, but also not cheap! The interior design shops are also lovely as they have one-off pieces to add to your collection of memories.
Would you recommend Mallorca for couples?
I would absolutely recommend Mallorca for couples. Palma is absolutely buzzing if you feel you want to step into a little bit more excitement and the cathedral there is beautiful. There are lots of museums and sights to see. If you like beaches, there are some stunning white sand, turquoise water ones, plus local golden sand rocky bays where you will see the locals and their families.
The mountain views are sublime. It’s a very romantic place. If you hire a car you can travel up to Celler to visit the Miro gallery, or take the old, traditional wooden train through the countryside and the orange groves.
There’s something for everyone – from luxe to a cool, arty Boho vibe.
It’s a must for anyone who loves to cycle as there are lots of cyclists and the cycle lanes and routes are extensive and clearly marked.
Do you have any travel tips for people travelling to Mallorca?
Pack lightly as you do not need lots of clothes there and the shopping is great, so you can pick up a few things if you wish. It is an understated, sophisticated, luxe Island. Take comfortable footwear, as you will want to walk around and explore. Do take some lovely evening wear, as there are some beautiful restaurants and you can get dressed up.
How did you get to Mallorca?
We travelled with EasyJet from Gatwick to Palma and then British Airways to return.
The Sun Lounger 
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