Palmas

Description

It is not hard to see how this villa got its name: mighty palms dominate this well-defined estate covered in colourful bougainvilleas, providing shade and privacy from prying eyes. You may not be entirely alone in this residential area - and the road is within earshot - ¡but you can still feel quite secure in your own domain beyond the arched gateway, standing out like a green oasis against the stone facade of the hotel next door. Sitting on the covered terrace or in the garden with a glass of rum and coconut, all that is missing is the ocean to complete the Caribbean atmosphere - although perhaps your powers of imagination can transform the little pool into a deep blue sea. The lawn offers plenty of space to set up your sun lounger in a spot to your liking, whether you prefer to have the sun shining on your face or the palm fronds fanning you with cool air. There's no need to worry about smoke, either: the BBQ is built in a convenient station at the side of the house. You could even start biting into your steak or corn on the cob right there and then, if your mouth is already watering too much to make a big effort over laying the table.

Stepping into the house, it is colourful, light-filled and a little bit Greek - no, you haven't come to the wrong country, Villa "Palmas" is definitely in Mallorca. On the ground floor, strawberry-red cantilever chairs by the fireplace and comfy leather couches around the TV provide a strong accent colour against white voile curtains; pillars act as subtle room dividers and a stone mosaic wall sets the backdrop for the inviting dining area. This blend of styles radiates Mediterranean fire, while achieving a modern look. The kitchen is also superbly well-equipped and modern: the perfect place for your morning coffee, or sitting for a chat with the cook while he/she stirs the pots. An inner staircase (or, for night owls, the outer staircase) leads to the three bedrooms on the first floor, some with access to the balcony terrace. There is a fourth bedroom on the ground floor. You will be pleased to note that all bedrooms have en-suite bathroom; an additional guest WC ensures the greatest possible privacy. Two of the bedrooms also have an additional bed, suitable for children. And now, having seen Villa "Palmas" in its best light, you are ready to explore the darker side of the island.

The region around Cales de Mallorca is rich in caves, the most on the island, offering numerous opportunities to follow in the footsteps of smugglers and pirates; the Cova des Pirata, the Cova des Pont, and the illuminated caves of Coves dels Hams will let your children's imaginations run wild. The famous rocky bays and swimming coves of the east coast are also waiting to be conquered; be prepared - access is not always easy! And if all this is too much for you, the charming little harbour town of Portocolom with its narrow streets, cafes, fish restaurants and a wide avenue of plane trees invites you to drift away and take life easy. Taking a slower pace can be an adventure too!