Beyond the tourist trail
01-Jun-08
For the luxury traveller heading to the Spanish islands, two destinations steal the limelight: Mallorca in the Balearics and, lying off the coast of West Africa, Tenerife in the Canaries.
Mallorca's thriving top-end hotel scene and spectacular scenery continues to draw the celebrity crowd - Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber recently purchased a stone-built finca in Mallorca and Michael Douglas made the island his home.
It's true that significant parts of the island have been marred by the arrival of mass tourism, but the north and the central areas, especially, are mountainous and scenic. Importantly, these areas of the island rarely feature on the itinerary of the package coaches plying the southern resorts.
A total of 2.88million tourists arrived in Mallorca by air in 2007 - up 4.6% on the previous year (according to the Institute of Tourism Studies). The island boasts around 40 luxury hotels, a handful of which are five-star - but many, such as the acclaimed Stein hotels (Gran Hotel Son Net and Son Julia) are classified as 'rural' hotels.
On Mallorca's sister islands, Menorca and tiny Formentera, tourism is on a far smaller scale. On Menorca, there is little to entice the luxury traveller apart from its one five-star hotel. And although renowned as a clubbing and independent holidaymakers' destination, Ibiza scores highly on smaller individual hotels rather than five-star establishments.
Mallorca's good flight links have helped cement its popularity - Palma airport is now the third busiest in Spain, and the busiest in the country. Air Berlin, British Airways and easyJet all operate from here - and direct flights run to and from 28 UK and Ireland airports alone.
Thomsonfly operates some of the most frequent services from the UK to the Canary Islands, and the airline has 100 weekly departures to Palma in the peak of summer. Last year, Thomsonfly increased the volume of flights to Menorca from Manchester, Gatwick and the East Midlands.
Low-cost airline Monarch, meanwhile, will operate more than 60 scheduled flights a week this summer to Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza from London (Gatwick and Luton), Birmingham and Manchester.
Tenerife still dominates the luxury travel scene for the Canary Islands. Also scarred in some areas by the unsightly by-products of mass tourism, the island's efforts to up its game are paying off: there are 16 five-star hotels on the island, and since 2002, the number of people staying in that classification of hotel has almost doubled, to just under 400,000 in 2006. A website promoting Puerto de la Cruz, in North Tenerife, launched in June, as well as a new tourism department. the town will soon benefit from a planned EUR12m facelift.
Many of the top-end hotels have embraced the spa scene, and the island now has more than 9,000 places linked to spa tourism. La Quinta Park and the 8,000sqm Aqua Club in the south of Tenerife are two examples, and the Mare Nostrum Resort is known for its thalassotherapy spa. Hotel Villa Cortes opened on the island in September 2006 and boasts an 850sqm spa.
Tenerife aside, the smaller Canary Islands - La Palma, El Hierro - have yet to compete in the luxury hotel market, and the closest La Gomera comes to this bracket is Hotel Jardin Tecina and Parador de La Gomera, both four stars. There is slightly more for the five-star hotel seeker in Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, but Tenerife firmly holds that crown.
In the same way as Mallorca serves as the transport hub for the Balearics, Tenerife plays the same role for the Canaries: the island's two airports carry 65,000 international and domestic flights a year. A new shuttle service between the north and south of the island has also been launched.
WHAT'S NEW TO DO
Four of the Rui Palace hotels on the Canary Islands are offering a form of fusion and 'crossover cuisine' - world-class food combining traditions and ingredients from the islands. The menus will be available at the Riu Grand Palace Maspalomas Oasis (below), Riu Palace Maspalomas and Riu Palace Melonerasin Gran Canaria, and in Riu Palace Tres Islas in Fuerte-ventura. www.riu.com
Thrill-seekers and water-lovers may be lured by Europe's biggest water-filled theme park, opening this summer. Siam Park Tenerife will be set in lush surroundings on the south of the island. A dozen water rides are mingled with magnificent scenery and a so-called Wave Palace, where visitors can learn to surf and ride waves of up to three metres high. www.siamparktenerife.com
Prestige Holidays is offering seven nights staying at the five-star Jardines de Nivaria (below) in a standard room from £729 per person in September. www.prestigeholidays.co.uk
There's plenty going on in Tenerife's Puerto de la Cruz, a cosmopolitan old colonial town with a cafe-style culture. Nearby, Lake Martianez is an area of reclaimed land now home to tropical and subtropical fauna and flora. A short drive out of Puerto de la Cruz, visitors can climb the moon-like landscape (right) and enjoy various walks or jeep safaris. www.just-tenerife.com
Wine-lovers can indulge in their passion on a wine tour in Tenerife. Tours take place in Tacoronte and La Laguna, allowing connoisseurs to enjoy the produce of the Northen Tenerife vineyards. A variety of routes are available, which incorporate guided tasting sessions, market visits, walks and treks according to preferences. The tours can last half a day or longer and a la carte options are also available. www.just-tenerife.com
How about a boat ride for clients to soak up the Mallorcan coastline? Mallorca Farmhouses works with charter companies that can provide fully crewed and managed motor or sailing yachts for a day or longer. A variety of ships are on offer, from luxurious motorised catamaran, a Sealine 47, or a luxury sailing yacht. The company also arranges romantic dinners on a dining table on the rocks below Can Simoneta, one of the island's most chic hotels. A personal waiter serves diners individually. www.mfh.co.uk
The less visited island of Gran Canaria has some stunning scenery. Take a helicopter ride for a bird's eye view. A short trip around the south of the island is EUR50pp; a longer trip, taking in Roque Nublo, is EUR150. www.bluecanarias.com
HOTELS
- The big news in Mallorca is the opening of the first so-called European Spa Resort in Port Soller. The Jumeirah Hotel Group (www.jumeirah.com) is planning to open the 120-room resort, featuring two swimming pools, spa and health and fitness centre, in early 2010.
- Hotel Es Ratxo (www.esratxohotel.com) is another welcome addition to Mallorca's luxury hotel scene - this lovingly restored five-star property opened in March 2008. It is set in the heart of a valley, at the foot of the Puig de Galatzo mountains, near the village of Puigpunyent. An outdoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi and solarium is complemented by another indoor pool, ice fountain and Turkish baths. Clients should go for the sumptuous Royal Suite, complete with huge terrace and a four-poster bed, for a real treat.
- The long-awaited luxury five-star Hilton Sa Torre Mallorca (www.hilton.co.uk/mallorca) was poised to open as LT went to press. Almost £24m has been pumped into the construction of the hotel, which is located in the Llucmajor area, 15 minutes' drive from Palma. The spa includes three treatment rooms, a sauna, hot and cold showers, Turkish bath and ice bath, as well as two outdoor swimming pools and two restaurants. The rustic and modern rooms average 90sqm in size, and are priced EUR650-EUR1,000 (£522-£803) per night, including breakfast and taxes.
- Although there are boutique hotels and four-star properties aplenty, Ibiza lags far behind Mallorca in its five-star offering. The new Ibiza Gran Hotel (www.ibizagranhotel.com) is a step towards filling this gap - overlooking Ibiza harbour, with view of the old town, the hotel boasts a full spa and wellness centre, and two top-notch restaurants, Costa Mara and The Jackpot.
- Tenerife's new kid on the block, Melia Palacio de Isora (www.granmeliapalaciodeisora.com) opens in July this year. Located on the SW coast of the island, 35 minutes from Tenerife South airport, it will boast a number of swimming pools, a spa, four restaurants and six bars. Each guestroom features high-speed internet access and a 32-inch flat-screen TV.
- The spa at the much-lauded La Residencia in Mallorca (www.hotel-laresidencia.com) has been voted the best spa in Spain in a recent Conde Nast Travellers reader poll.
BEST ROOM IN THE HOUSE
PREISDENTIAL SUITE
Gran Hotel Son Net, Mallorca
Client fit: Those seeking exclusivity and privacy.
Why: This 150sqm suite boasts dual queen-sized beds and a marble bathroom. It is decorated with antique furnishings, medieval armoury and a carved wooden ceiling. Modern facilities include two phone lines, a DVD jukebox and internet access.
Price: EUR1,450 (£1,156) per night.
Contact: www.sonnet.es
THE NA XAMENA SUITE
Hotel Hacienda Na Xamena, San Miguel, Ibiza
Client fit: Spa-lovers.
Why: This 70sq m room includes two bedrooms, panoramic Jacuzzi, hamman shower, two bathrooms, a separate living room plus a terrace with mini hydromassage pool.
Price: From EUR1,262 (£1,006) in low season to EUR1,736 (£1,384) in high season.
Contact:www.hotelhacienda-ibiza.com
IMPERIAL SUITE
Gran Hotel Son Julia, Mallorca
Client fit: Clients requiring all mod cons twinned with character and luxury.
Why: A 400sqm suite overlooking the estate's courtyard and gardens. There is a superior king-sized bed, separate living and dining areas, a Jacuzzi, mini gym, three giant plasma screens, a mini bar, two telephone lines and internet access.
Price: EUR1,450 (£1,163) for the room per night.
Contact:www.sonjulia.com
SULTAN SUITE
Reads Hotel, Mallorca
Client fit: Clients seeking all mod cons twinned with character and luxury.
Why: This 100sqm room features furnishings and accessories from Morocco, including bright tiles, mosaics and beautiful furniture.
Price: From EUR570 (£457) a night.
Contact: www.readshotel.com
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
BACCHUS RESTAURANT
Reads Hotel, Mallorca
Setting: Set inside Reads hotel, this restaurant boasts a Michelin Star and is led by Marc Fosh.
Best dish: Fish of the day from the a la carte menu, such as wild turbot served with Mediterranean quinoa.
Best table: Anywhere on the terrace, overlooking the mountains.
Contact: www.readshotel.com; 0034 971 120 762
YACHT CLUB
Cala D'or, Mallorca
Setting: On a picturesque harbour. The kitchen is staffed by an Alain Ducasse-trained team of chefs.
Best dish: Sea bass served with baby vegetables.
Best table: Next to the tall windows, with sea views.
Contact: www.yccalar.com; 0034 971 648 203
RESTAURANTE SUKOTHAY
Tenerife
Setting: Contemporary cool in a traditional building in the heart of Tenerife's capital, Santa Cruz. Top Asian cooking with a slant towards Thai and Japanese cuisine. The cellar holds more than 100 wines.
Best dish: The executive menu, served at lunchtime, or the evening tasting menu.
Best table: A window seat.
Contact: www.sukothay.com; 00 922 53 25 01
EL JABLE
Granadilla de Abona, Tenerife
Setting: Rustic natural stone. The walls are decorated with indigenous-style frescoes.
Best dish: Traditional Canarian cuisine: baked smoked goat's cheese on a bed of coriander mojo sauce.
Best table: A seat closest to the extensive wine cellar.
Contact: 0034 922 39 06 98
CAN DEN PARRA
Dalt Vila, Ibiza
Setting: Traditional Spanish restaurant in an historic and romantic setting, with a secluded vine-covered terrace.
Best dish: Try a steak for the first course and apple crepes to finish.
Best table: Anywhere on the terrace.
Contact: 0034 971 391 114
SPANISH ISLANDS FACTS
Red tape: Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the length of stay.
Currency: Euro. Banking hours are 0830 to 1330.
Flight time: The Balearics are two-and-half hours from London; Tenerife is four hours away.
Best time to visit: The Balearics are best in the spring and autumn, when temperatures are in the 20s. The Canary Islands boast year-round sunbathing weather, with April and October particularly pleasant months. Summer can be searingly hot.
Dialling code: 0034.
Official language: Spanish
Religion: Most of the population is Roman Catholic.
INSIDER'S GUIDE: Soveig McNeil, marketing director, Mallorca Farmhouses
Everybody knows about the north of Mallorca and the famous areas of Pollenca and Deia. But the unspoilt corners of the south still remain a mystery to many. To avoid the crowds and discover another tranquil side to Mallorca, the villages of Cas Concos, Santanyi and s'Horta will not leave you disappointed.
For beach lovers, this part of the island leaves you spoilt for choice; sunbathe on the celebrities' favourite beach, Es Trenc, a protected area of outstanding natural beauty with not a hotel or apartment in sight.
The chic fishing harbour of Porto Colom is another must on the south-east coast; visit trendy bar Fidel for fantastic cocktails before tempting your taste buds in one of the superlative seafront restaurants Colon, HPC, and Florian, or the King of Spain's personal favourite, Sa Llotja, accessed by a glass lift with uninterrupted views over the harbour.
If none of those take the client's fancy why not suggest a visit to a local bodega, such as Ca'n Vidalet, to taste the local red, rose and white wines - producers of one of the top 100 wines in Spain for its Cabernet Sauvignon.
www.mfh.co.uk
INSIDER'S GUIDE: Andrea Wren, manager, Luxury Worldwide Tours
In light of their reputation as incredibly busy and mainstream tourist destinations, the Spanish islands can be neglected by the luxury traveller. However, it is only particular resorts that should be avoided for their inclination to attract the masses - the islands themselves have much to offer, and shouldn't be overlooked.
Across most of the Balearics (Ibiza, Menorca, Mallorca, Formentera) and the Canaries (Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera), there are fantastic luxury experiences to be had.
The Spanish islands, wherever you are, have wonderful food, immense natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and fantastic weather - rarely will you find rain on the Canaries. The landscapes of the Canaries are volcanic, whereas there is more lush green on the Balearics, but islands such as Lanzarote have real appeal because they are volcanic. Have clients ever seen what a house made inside an underground lava bubble looks like? If not, suggest a tour of the late Ceser Manrique's home, the island's architect, built into five bubbles underground. Very Space Age.
For a luxury hotel spa experience in one of The Leading Hotels of the World, the Botanico Hotel (pictured left) in Tenerife's Puerto de la Cruz is recommended, and the five-star Lopesan Villa del Conde in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, has a great reputation among golf enthusiasts.
www.luxuryworldwidetours.co.uk.
