El Txoko de Martin, Palma

Located in a trendy part of Palma, this excellent restaurant is a great spot to book out of season. An informal restaurant, where guests can experience top chef Martín Berasategui’s cooking, the menu comprises a selection of tapas and more elaborate dishes. Our recommendation? The scallop and prawn roll.

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Vandal, Palma

Vandal offers guests the opportunity to travel the world via intense flavours, aromas and textures. From former Nobu chef Bernabé Caravotta, this industrial spot serves some of the best small plates on the island. Inventive dishes include the likes of ceviche cornet with coconut foam; smoked whisky sour oysters; Patagonian squid with beets and squid-ink sand; and burrata with courgette flower tempura and Sicilian tomato pesto.

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Forn, Palma

Located off a narrow, cobbled road in Palma’s old city, Forn is an elaborate maze of brightly painted rooms, rickety wooden chairs and statement art, with a menu that keeps foodies coming back for more. This is traditional tapas on steroids – think cold, shaved foie gras with beef; cannelloni with parmesan truffle sauce; cornets filled with ceviche of sea bass; and langoustines with coconut foam. Our top tip? Head to neighbouring bar Abaco for after-dinner drinks; the high-octane fruit displays, candlelit chandeliers, rose-petalled floors and colourful canaries in cages make the expensive cocktails worth it.

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El Camino, Palma

Eddie Hart, one of the founders of Barrafina, is the man behind this restaurant in Palma. Like Barrafina, El Camino serves Spanish tapas at a no-reservations countertop, with the chefs and waiters working opposite the diners. Also, like Barrafina, be prepared to get there early and join the queue. Here, the chefs source the very best fresh produce, cured meats and cheeses from local markets and suppliers to create a menu of sharing dishes and daily specials. There is also a focus on Mallorquin wine. If you’ve got a group, keep an eye out for the semi-private dining room, which is available to book.

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Zaranda, Palma

The island’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant is heaven for those who love good food but aren’t always enticed by OTT cooking. Recently relocated in Palma’s Hotel Es Princep, the bow-tied waiters serve up the perfect balance of professionalism and charm, delivering eclectic, modern interpretations of traditional Spanish dishes with aplomb – the oysters with pickled pearls, horseradish and caviar were a favourite on our last visit.

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Cor Barra, Palma

You’ll find Cor Barra in a less touristy part of town, right next to one of the most famous markets in the Balearics, Mercat de L’Olivar. Of the a la carte menu, don’t miss its modern twist on a paella, or the eye-catching mille-feuille style patatas bravas. Its sister restaurant at El Llorenc is also well worth a visit.

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Spot, Palma

It’s taken a long time for a cool foody scene to emerge in Palma, but Santa Catalina, a small collection of streets to the west of the city, has solidified its status as the trendy restaurant district. Cavernous, Cali-style Spot is our favourite: oversized palm trees, hot pink sofas and concrete architecture characterise the space. A vast menu can often be a warning sign, but truffle pizza, beef tacos and rigatoni gratin sit happily alongside Asian-influenced dishes – think tuna sashimi tortillas, crunchy soft-shell crab and chilli fried edamame.

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Mar de Nudos, Palma

On the Moll Vell marina in the port of Palma, you’ll find this chic waterside restaurant. It’s not cheap, but its relaxed atmosphere makes it a great spot for families and groups. The best bit? The restaurant has two kitchens, one focused on Japanese food, and the other on Italian. Both the sushi and truffle pasta are excellent.

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Ca’as Patro March, Deià

One for fans of The Night Manager: the eerie dinner setting that sees Dickie Roper’s son kidnapped by the bad guys is, in fact, a hidden gem restaurant on the Deià coast, featuring wooden fixtures, no-frills furniture and turquoise water views. The restaurant serves traditional Spanish fare (we love paella, padrón peppers and gazpacho), along with buckets of rosé. Our top tip? Make a reservation – queues spill out onto the beach from about 1pm – and don’t forget change for parking.

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Ca’an Pedro, Génova

Just a ten-minute drive from the centre of Palma sits Génova, a tiny, finca-filled town featuring an endless stream of traditional Spanish food. Set high in the hills, Ca’an Pedro is the most iconic of the bunch; don’t go expecting glamour – the locals show up in trainers and jeans – but do expect a serious buzz. Sit inside for an authentic experience (plan to visit on a Friday night when the mariachi band is in full swing) or head to the roof terrace for simple cooking at its best.

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Bens D’Avall, Soller

Trust us when we say Bens D’Avall has views that are in a league of their own. Located in Soller, just next to Deià, the menu features contemporary, seasonal twists on classics Mallorquin dishes – that means veal ravioli with a la pedra chocolate; tender sheep cheese duquesas with olive oil and honey; and lamb loin meatballs with barberry and yoghurt. The sweeping sea views from the terrace are spectacular, but the quality of the food makes this a must-visit all year round – huge armchairs and roaring fires make indoors a seductive winter option, too.

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Purobeach, Various Locations

Whether it’s a relaxed pool day or a more rustic beachside setting you’re after, Spanish beach club group Puro offer both on the island. Head to the Can Pastilla outpost for a huge terrace and swimming pool built into the sea edge – book a day bed to be plied with ice cold drinks and fresh fruit all day or look to the newer Illetas setting for a leisurely lunch setting with loungers peppered around the surrounding rocks. Snack on tiradito, Asian prawn salad and courgette carpaccio with burrata, or book a sunset massage for an evening of indulgence.

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Periplo Portixol, Palma

If you’re looking for a romantic evening, get a booking in at Periplo Portixo. This is one of the best places on the island to see the sunset, so make sure you go for an early dinner. Sister restaurant La Bodeguilla – also in Palma – is lower key, but also serves a delicious, smart take on tapas.

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Fera, Palma

Fine-dining hotspot Fera is down a quaint alley in the centre of Palma. Its Mediterranean-Asian menu is inspired by head chef Simon Petutschnig’s love of Japanese flavours, paired with seasonal ingredients found in Spain. A tasting menu focuses on texture and flavour, but an a la carte offering is available for those after a speedier supper before heading out for drinks.

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Sadrassana, Palma

This restaurant and cocktail bar belongs to the Horrach Moyà Gallery, and has long been a place where film directors, actors, musicians, writers, artists and designers dine out. It’s also been used as a backdrop for The Night Manager. This is a great spot for a casual dinner – just ignore the slightly naff interiors and grab a seat on the pretty square in Palma’s old quarter.

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Fundació Pilar I Joan Miró

The Fundació has obvious appeal for art fans, with over 6,000 paintings, sculptures and other works of art created by famed Spanish artist Joan Miró. Even non-aesthetes will be seduced by the mesmeric space – from sculpture gardens to libraries, light-bathed water bodies to quirky architecture, the museum itself is as captivating as its subject. Ideal for a quiet morning’s culture fix or mid-afternoon coffee.

Visit MiroMallorca.com

The Caves of Drach

At 1,200m wide and 25m deep, the Caves of Drach are the hidden underbelly of the island’s east coast. Featuring one of the largest underground lakes in the world, the tour is one of a kind, with classical music echoing off stalactites as you make the journey through the caves by boat. It’s as Phantom of the Opera-like as it sounds, but the striking beauty and drama of the space shouldn’t be missed.

Visit CuevasDelDrach.com

Cartuja De Valldemossa

Take a detour en route to Deià to Valdemossa – home to glass-blowing factories, authentic tapas bars and, most significantly, the Real Cartuja. Once a monastery belonging to the Spanish royal family, the venue then became the winter respite for classical composer Chopin, before transforming into a modern art gallery featuring works by Picasso, Miro and Juli Ramis. It’s an unusual space that will interest history, art and music fans alike.

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The Beaches

Mallorca isn’t known for its glittering blue seas and white sandy beaches, but a growing number of spots on the island are changing that. Miles from the busy, touristy Palma hub is Cala Esmerelda on the south-east coast – pitch up for the day on the Caribbean-style beach or put on your hiking boots for a scenic walk through neighbouring Mondrago National Park to Cala Mondrago. The prettier beaches tend to be found on the east coast – some of our favourites include Cala des Moro and Cala LLombards.

Palma Riad, Palma

Launched last summer, this Marrakech-inspired hotel is a five-star, adults-only retreat, with only 11 suites. Each has been individually designed and features plush furnishings and beautiful bathrooms. Designed for travellers looking for something a bit different, the riad is located right in the centre of Palma, and has its own restaurant, bar and a solarium with sun-loungers.

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Bikini Island & Mountain Hotel, Port de Sóller

For a fun guys' week away, this hotel is a great choice. Set among the orange groves of Port de Sóller, a beautiful and traditional village, guests can take in views of the sea and the Tramuntana mountains. Every room comes with its own terrace or balcony, while the stylish pool area has plenty of sun loungers and day beds. Neni serves up delicious food at long tables, while the neighbouring bar (created by Joerg Meyer of Le Lion Bar fame) offers incredible cocktails and homemade lemonades – ideal for a mid-afternoon refreshment.

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Cap Rocat, Cala Blava

This refurbished fortress was built in the 19th century and now houses an impressive hotel with some of the most stylish décor on this list. Rooms are located within the towering walls, with panoramic sea views around every corner, while the rest of the property offers two pools, two restaurants, and a top-rated spa. There’s also a private beach, and the nearby quaint seaside town of Portixol offers everything from tapas and seafood to ice-cream stalls. For a treat, book the Suite El Cabo which has a private pool, an elegant, canopied bed and a separate living area where you’ll feel totally secluded.

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El Llorenc Parc De La Mar, Palma

El Llorenc Parc De La Mar has the longest infinity pool in Palma, as well as another indoor pool in the spa. Since opening, the Dins Santi Taura restaurant has garnered several Spanish food awards, while the interiors (the work of Swedish designer, Magnus Ehrland) fuse classic design with modern accents. For a romantic getaway, choose a suite, which also come with two balconies overlooking the inner patios and the shaded streets of the La Calatrava district. After a day exploring, head to the rooftop to relax on the Balinese-style sun loungers and sample one of the hotel’s signature cocktails from the bar.

Visit ElLlorenc.com 

Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden, Palma

An eco-hotspot, Can Bordoy sits inside a 16th-century building in Palma’s largest private garden in the old quarter of La Lonja. Dishes served at Botanic all use organic produce, while the pool is treated with salt rather than chemicals to keep things as clean and sustainable as possible. With only 24 suites, the house maintains the atmosphere of a private residence to ensure guests always feel at home – ideal for a romantic retreat. Spend an afternoon at the spa, then head to the private garden to sunbathe.

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Fontsanta Hotel, Campos

Venture down to the south of the island, where you’ll find Fontsanta Hotel. As the only source of thermal water in the Balearic Islands, guests can make the most of the hot springs all year round, or lounge on oversized day beds by the pool. For those craving some beach time, head to nearby Es Trenc for blue waters or join one of the hotel’s yoga classes for a spot of restorative relaxation. 

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Pleta De Mar, Capdepera

Surrounded by acres of woodland and gardens, with direct access to the beach, Pleta de Mar is one of the most stylish adult-only hotels on the island. Located in the Capdepera district, there are 30 suites to choose from, each with its own private terrace and outdoor shower. For a romantic holiday, book one of the Privilege Suites and dine at the restaurant at sunset with a glass (or two) of sangria. After sunbathing on the loungers by the pool, book an outdoor spa treatment, and ask the hotel to organise a private boat trip to explore the beautiful coastline and coves. 

Visit FishAndPips.co.uk 

Can Simoneta, Canyamel

Perched on a clifftop looking towards Menorca, adults-only Can Simoneta is an intimate retreat, offering just 26 suites. Choose from many of the activities on offer, which include golf, tennis, cycling, water skiing, mountain biking and hiking. After an activity-packed day, there’s little need to go in search of food. The dishes served at the hotel’s restaurant focus on modern Mallorcan delicacies, using mainly local and seasonal produce. Make sure you get a table outside overlooking the Med.

Visit FishAndPips.co.uk

La Finca, Llubí

With some of the most beautiful interiors on this list, La Finca is a stunning villa in Llubí. This secluded retreat is surrounded by scenic Mallorcan landscape, with beautiful views of the Tramuntana mountains. Ideal for a large group trip or family holiday, the property sleeps up to ten with three double bedrooms in the main house and one in the adjoining guest wing, all of which have en-suites. Surrounded by olive trees and roses, guests can relax in the pool, dine al fresco on the terrace, or retreat indoors to the spacious living room.

Visit WelcomeBeyond.com