The five-star, eco-friendly Zafiro Palace Andratx on the island echoes the warmth and magic of the Mediterranean Sea
The main swimming pool at Zafiro Palace Andratx
Stepping on to my suite’s private patio, cobweb-clearing coffee in hand, I notice a cluster of buildings etched into the nearby Tramuntana Mountains resembling a love heart. This morning in Andratx — an ancient coastal town in the southwest of Mallorca — everything glistens thanks to the sunshine illuminating the remnants of overnight rain. But it’s this collection of heart-shaped, white-washed properties, perched above a golf course, that demands my attention — as if it’s an accidental nod to visitors’ enduring adoration for the Balearic Islands.
It’s spring, so the tourist season has yet to begin in earnest — the only sounds are the gentle hum of scooters navigating the narrow, winding roads and the melodic calls of Moustached Warblers hidden in the bushes. The fragrances of oranges and lemons, synonymous with the Balearic Islands, perfume the air, aided by the gentle breeze from the Mediterranean Sea. Over the centuries, Mallorca has braved a barrage of conquerors, invaders and settlers – not to mention around 14 million annual holidaymakers. Today, I can barely imagine anywhere more peaceful and serene.