Good communication, great service.
Thanks to Jim for all his help.
Jeremy Poole was extremely helpful and efficient as ever
Simply brilliant - you speak to a human being who is very efficient and competitive. The definition of service! You can't find this anywhere else…..
Immaculate service as always - nothing left to chance
Jeff has been so helpful and everything went as planned.
Always excellent service from Gavin and team
It’s lovely to actually talk to a real person about anything regarding the holiday booking
All fabulous. Your staff are amazing
Always very helpful friendly staff. I never have to wait long for someone to answer
Difficult to beat the professional and personal attention that a client receives from the dedicated staff.
As always excellent service from Elizabeth and Co
London City Airport is how an airport should be. Amazing
Tony suggested a family holiday that we had not considered but worked within our tight budget. It was a super week and we are so grateful for his work putting it all together so promptly. We’ll be back for more holiday ideas!
Just want to thank Orlando for booking us the Belmond hotel Mallorca - the hotel was absolutely amazing. Thanks for another great choice
Fantastic company to book with, will not use anyone else.
Sean Furnival was his usual outstanding self
Bruce was always available and dealt with any queries immediately. He also contacted us before travel to wish us a happy holiday
Everything went according to plan. Thank you so much Patrick
Everything was good
Professional service as always.
Ben is the best. Jeremy excellent in his absence
Arthur Francis is amazing
Our first trip abroad in 3 years. Absolutely enjoyed it!
Can’t thank you guys enough - been using you for over 20 years
Another great holiday!
As always excellent service. The hotel was very good, the staff were so nice. Only comment was the bus service from the hotel to Port Soller was very erratic and they need more restaurants other than two Spanish ones in the hotel
Friendly professional staff.
Reid is the best travel agent in the world - an absolute gem
Very good customer service
There is so much more to Mallorca than Magaluf. I had never been to the largest of the Balearic Islands before heading to picturesque Port de Soller and, admittedly, prior to my visit, the first (and only) thing I associated with Mallorca was the infamous resort town.
However, from the picturesque hill-top location of the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa, which is nestled among the Tramuntana mountain range, you'd be hard-pressed to believe you're on the same planet, never mind the same island.
Just a 30-minute drive north from Palma Airport, this five-star hotel houses 121 sea or mountain facing rooms spread across 11 buildings. All boast a private balcony or terrace, complete with a cushioned sunbed to take utmost advantage of the sea views.
The casual bistro specialises in seafood and regional tapas, including several varieties of paella, but it's the location - at the highest point of the resort - that is its most noteworthy feature.
Book in for supper to enjoy the sunset views over the Mediterranean. The resort's Cap Roig is a more formal affair known for its fresh local seafood and impressive tasting menu that changes seasonally.
While it may be tempting to lounge by one of the hotel's two infinity pools, a 10-minute walk down the hill leads you to the small harbourfront town of Port de Soller, home to the only beach of note along Mallorca's north west coast.
There's a promenade lined with cafes, touristy shops and plenty of water sport and climbing rental facilities.
The area's known for its cycling routes, one of the more famous being the Coll de Soller, which crosses the Tramuntana and connects Palma with the port of Soller. In fact, the resort of Alcudia in the north is a favourite of Britain's pro cycling team, Team Sky, during the winter months due to its challenging landscape.
While I'm the type of person who prefers an exercise bike to a brutal uphill climb, my travelling partner did - successfully, I might add - take on the 38-mile ride, which included 55 switchbacks and six miles of incline.
The area is also a great base for walks and hikes, such as the hour-long trail that takes you to the Cap Gros lighthouse, offering panoramic bay views. For those who prefer to go further afield, there are plenty of tour companies offering Tramuntana mountain treks, both in organised groups and privately guided walks.
On Saturdays, a gentler walk will lead you to Soller town centre where you can take advantage of the extensive pop-up marketplace. Don't want to walk? A tram runs along the promenade to town, about three miles away.
Until mid-afternoon, you'll find everything from jewellery to local artisan goods and fruit - the area is famed for its Navel and Canoneta oranges. In both Port de Soller and Soller, there are also plenty of al fresco dining options available too. And, conveniently, Jumeirah runs a regular shuttle service into town.
Another highlight of the sprawling Jumeirah Port Soller is the Talise Spa which boasts a hydrotherapy pool and ice cave. There are regionally-focused treatments too that give a nod to the citrus groves, almonds and olive oil native to the area.
One thing's for sure: a stay here will banish any preconceived notions you may have once had about the infamous Spanish island. And, for the record, I still have not been to Magaluf.
First published in the Mail Online - April 2016
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