It is a connection that feels particularly fitting for a designer whose work celebrates pattern, colour and craftsmanship. Here, she shares the places that keep drawing her back, from traditional weaving workshops and tucked-away seafood restaurants to the beach spots, mountain towns and spectacular views worth seeking out.
For someone who’s never been to Mallorca before: what’s the very first place you’d take them?
The Serra de Tramuntana in the north-west. Anywhere in that area is stunning, with incredible scenery, great restaurants and a much more traditional side of Mallorca!
If you only had one day in Mallorca and could only show someone three places, where would you take them – morning, afternoon and evening?
I’d start in Pollença old town for breakfast, a little shopping and the market, then head to Formentor beach for the afternoon. Although they have new rules, you can only get there by boat or bus these days. Then in the evening...supper at Cal Patro in Cala Sant Vicenç for seafood.
Complete this sentence: ‘If you only see one thing in Mallorca, make it…’
Dinner by the sea, watching the sunset.
What’s your favourite place in Mallorca that most visitors don’t know about – but absolutely should?
There’s a very small, traditional Mallorcan family run finca hotel in the north that my family have been going to for nearly 30 years. My grandparents first discovered it and now I take my children every year, so it has become our best kept secret. Selfishly we don’t tell anyone where it is!
Which three shops in Mallorca do you always find an excuse to visit?
Mallorca is well known for its pottery, and one of my favourite shops is Terra Ceràmica. They have several shops around the island, including Pollença old town, Port de Pollença, Santanyí and Palma. Remember to leave a little space in your suitcase for bowls and ceramics to take home!
Where do you go for a really good lunch and what do you order?
Sa Foradada for paella. You can only get there by boat or by a long walk. It's not fancy, just very good food and in the most beautiful setting.
You’re splashing out on a hotel: where do you go?
My husband and I love Hotel Bendinat, just to the west of Palma. It’s very old school and right on the sea. There are also two on my list that I haven’t been to yet: Son Net and Hotel Corazón. Both have amazing interiors.
And for a pampering/wellness fix?
Son Brull in the north of the island. It’s beautiful and feels incredibly peaceful.
What about for a great coffee/tea fix?
I don’t think you need to look too hard. Find a good village or old town square, preferably one where the locals go, order a coffee and sit and people watch. That’s one of my favourite things to do!
Who is your favourite local artist or maker – and where can people find their work?
Teixits Vicens in Pollença is a favourite of mine. It’s a family-run weaving workshop making traditional Mallorcan ikat fabrics, and the colours and patterns are beautiful. It’s also a lovely place to see a real piece of Mallorca’s craft heritage.
Where do you go when you’re celebrating?
Patiki Beach in Port de Sóller is one of my favourites. Patiki use locally sourced ingredients, so it feels special without being too formal. Also, it has a very good toddler area to keep the kids happy and right on the beach too.
And for a proper culture fix?
Obviously Palma is amazing for culture, architecture and history with the catherdral etc, but if you’re interested in interiors and craftsmanship, again I’d definitely visit Teixits Vicens in Pollença. It’s an old weaving factory that still creates traditional Mallorcan ikat fabrics, and it’s fascinating to see the craft and history behind them.
Where do you go when you need a big view?
Nautilus in Port de Sóller. They have a little private table that sits on it's own set into the cliffs, with incredible views over the sea. It’s particularly special for an anniversary, not one for the kids.
Finish this sentence: ‘If you really want to experience Mallorca properly, you should ___.’
Hire a boat for the day and see the island from the sea.
Who is your ultimate local hero and why?
Anyone who makes a really good ensaimada! We lived on them during our summers in Mallorca as children.
FAQs: Mallorca
What is the best area of Mallorca for first-time visitors?
Jessica recommends the Serra de Tramuntana in the north-west of the island for its dramatic scenery, traditional towns and villages and excellent restaurants. Pollença, Port de Sóller and the surrounding coastline are particularly good bases for exploring.
What are the best things to do in Mallorca?
Explore Pollença old town, spend an afternoon at Formentor beach, wander through Palma, seek out the island’s traditional ceramics and textiles and make time for a long lunch by the sea. Hiring a boat for the day is also one of the loveliest ways to experience Mallorca’s coastline.
Where are the best places to eat in Mallorca?
Jessica’s favourites include Sa Foradada for paella in a spectacular coastal setting, Cal Patró in Cala Sant Vicenç for seafood and Patiki Beach in Port de Sóller for a relaxed, locally sourced lunch or dinner beside the sea.
Where should I shop for traditional Mallorcan crafts?
Look out for the island’s distinctive pottery at Terra Ceràmica, which has shops in several locations including Pollença, Palma and Santanyí. Teixits Vicens in Pollença is also well worth visiting for its traditional Mallorcan ikat fabrics, still woven at the family-run workshop.
Which luxury hotels in Mallorca are worth knowing about?
Jessica loves the old-school, seaside charm of Hotel Bendinat, just west of Palma. Son Net and Hotel Corazón are also on her wish list, while Son Brull in the north of Mallorca is her pick for a peaceful spa and wellness escape.
What food should you try in Mallorca?
Don’t leave without trying an ensaimada, Mallorca’s famously light, spiral-shaped pastry dusted with icing sugar. For Jessica, it is also a taste of childhood summers spent on the island.
When is the best time to visit Mallorca?
Late spring and early autumn are particularly lovely, with warm weather and generally fewer crowds than during the height of summer. July and August offer reliably hot, sunny days, but popular beaches, restaurants and towns are at their busiest.
