I waved my husband goodbye as the sun rose over Rome airport. Leaving him to wait for his flight back to the US, I took the early Iberia flight to Barcelona, en route to my final destination: Palma on the Balearic island of Mallorca. I was all set to meet five strangers and spend the next five days exploring Mallorca alongside them.
As a mom who usually travels with her husband, traveling solo often feels strange. I experience a heady and conflicting range of feelings, including guilt, overwhelm, excitement, and serenity. These emotions may be influenced by my transition into the empty nest phase as I explore my identity beyond being a parent.
There’s no doubt that solo travel has a unique beauty all its own. It lets you discover how well you can navigate a foreign country independently. I didn’t travel solo to Mallorca; I went with four fellow journalists. It felt like a solo trip since my husband and kids were not with me. After all, it was just me in my room, giving myself time to unplug and reflect.
I went on this trip with an open mind and didn’t have much time to research, so little did I know the friends I would make and the lessons I would learn. This trip to Mallorca was a marvelous way to unplug and reconnect with myself.
It was all about self-care: enjoying the food of Mallorca while exploring the local culture. Let’s take a closer look at how I was able to unplug, reconnect, and refresh during my 5 day trip to Mallorca.
Urban Luxury at Hotel Saratoga
Where you stay can absolutely make or break a trip, and fortunately, Hotel Saratoga delivered on all fronts. This 4-star superior hotel is located on Paseo Mallorca in the heart of Palma, and I think it offers the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and delicious dining.
This hotel has been a cherished landmark in the city since its founding in 1962, and continues its legacy of hospitality under the management of the third generation of the founding family.
Hotel Saratoga makes the perfect base for travelers eager to discover Palma’s cultural treasures, historical sites, and vibrant commercial districts. As I found, guests can easily access notable attractions from this central location, including the modern Art Museum Es Baluard, the picturesque seafront Paseo Marítimo walkway, and the city’s magnificent Cathedral.
As I entered the room, a modern aesthetic greeted me, along with a spacious bed, a cozy robe, and local Mallorquín almonds. What immediately sprang to mind was how special it was to be spending some time with myself. I was grateful for the moment of silence: while my home isn’t noisy, as such, it can make a din in my head. Stepping out of your usual environment can give you a chance to worry less and to think more clearly.
As I approach the empty nest phase of my life, I’ve found myself reevaluating my identity. Who am I when I am not a mom? Who am I when I am not a wife? Being in my 40s feels like a transitional stage, and with maturity comes an appreciation for the simple moments and a deeper gratitude for the time I have.
Any time I spend alone in my room is sacred and can serve as a period of reflection, often while wrapped up in a cozy robe. During these solitary moments I can truly connect with myself, which is especially important for me as a mother and wife.
Everyone needs time to simply exist, sometimes without the pressure to think about anything. In these quiet moments, I reflect, dream, and express gratitude. I often think about future travel plans: for example, I would love to take my kids and husband to Mallorca someday.
There’s an ironic aspect to traveling without my family: I often hesitate to fully enjoy myself because I think about them constantly. This time to recharge and clear my mind is thus becoming increasingly important to me.
As a Latina, I often find myself grappling with cultural norms. In my culture, it is typically frowned upon for a wife to travel without her husband. While traveling without my husband does have some impact on me, what weighs more heavily is the feeling of “mom guilt.”
I have to constantly remind myself how important it is to have time for me, so I can be a better mom and wife back home. I also believe that when my kids see me chasing my dreams, it inspires them to follow theirs. I may feel super guilty at times, but as I know they are happy for me and cheer me on, I am learning to let this go.
I booked a soothing massage and made sure to take advantage of the heated pool and sauna. This wasn’t a vacation to eat, pray, and be romantic; rather, it was an opportunity to pamper myself. And what could be more relaxing than a massage?
Mallorca’s Culinary Gems and Cultural Treasures
Food is undoubtedly a language of love, don’t you think? No trip is complete without delicious things to eat; in Spain, it’s all about savoring every bite. With fresh, locally sourced ingredients and some of the world’s best seafood, each meal can become a fulfilling sensory experience rather than merely a refuelling exercise.
Spaniards have truly mastered the art of slow dining, with no rush to turn over tables. Instead, you sip your wine slowly while enjoying good conversation and taking your time. Then, just when you think the meal is finally over, there’s always room for a little Herbas, a traditional herbal liqueur. It’s the perfect way to end any meal in Spain.
I’ve visited several cities in Spain, but I love the food in Mallorca the most. During my time there, I also had the chance to taste some of the freshest and most delicious white wine—a significant experience for someone like me who typically prefers red wine.
Eating well without rushing is good for both body and soul. During my trip, I kept thinking about how important it is for us as a family to spend more time together at the table. Regrettably, this seems to be a vanishing tradition. Family time is in serious danger of being replaced by iPads, smartphones, and people eating separately.
Here are some highlights and tales from my foodie experiences in Mallorca.
A Sweet Surprise at Panaderia Pons
No trip to Mallorca could possibly be complete without trying the island’s iconic pastry, the ensaïmada. Fortunately, we visited the family-owned Panaderia Pons, located in the coastal town of Colònia de Sant Jordi, to do just that.
We had the opportunity to observe the owner’s son Sebastià as he added the saim (pork lard), which is key to giving the pastry its extra flaky texture. It truly is a work of art. If you saw the actions in slow motion, it would be like thin dough sinuously flowing through the air.
Traditionally, the ensaïmada are dusted with powdered sugar. While the classic version is delicious on its own, you can also find it filled with rich cream, chocolate, sobrasada (a local cured sausage), or even angel hair pumpkin jam for a truly unique twist. Cosme Pons, owner and father showed us the angel hair pumpkin jam filling, and gave us a chance to taste it, too. We also got to take a mini traditional ensaïmada away with us.
The fact that this family is preserving their local dialect and continuing ensaïmadabaking traditions really impressed me. Cosme answered his questions in Mallorquín, a language less often spoken nowadays, but to my surprise, I understood a lot of the words. That is because I am a native Portuguese speaker, and like Portuguese, Mallorquín is a Catalan dialect.
Additionally, Mallorquín features soft consonants and open vowels, making it sound closer to Portuguese than to Spanish. This is particularly noticeable with nasal sounds and the absence of those strong “s” and “z” sounds, which are commonly heard with Castilian Spanish.
The development of Catalan was influenced by Occitan, a language spoken in southern France. In turn, Occitan is related to Galician-Portuguese, which is the medieval form of Portuguese. Because of this shared linguistic history, some words and phrases in Catalan may feel more familiar to Portuguese speakers than their Spanish equivalents.
There was, for me, both a sense of familiarity and appreciation for language. It reminded me that before going to college I had considered studying linguistics, and I have always been fascinated by the history of Portuguese and other languages. The nostalgia invoked by the pastry-making and the language used called to mind my own identity.
I was raised in the US but brought up bilingual, and as a teen I struggled with identity. When I traveled to Brazil, I felt ultra American, yet in the US, I felt so very Brazilian. It took me years to realize a third culture had been formed: I was, after all, Brazilian American. And my tribe had evolved our own made up lingo, phrases and opinions.
The sweet surprise wasn’t only in the dish itself but also in my admiration for how this family is preserving both dough and dialect. So if you do ever visit Mallorca, be sure to visit Pandaria Pons.
Asian Fusion at Nus Palma
I didn’t predict singing the praises of Asian food after visiting Mallorca, but Nus Palma deserves all the accolades. Chef Irene Martinez has skillfully created something really special by merging Mediterranean and Asian culinary traditions. With her travels to Asia and experience in Madrid, she sure is shaking things up in Palma. “Essentially, it’s Spanish food with Asian flavors,” said Chef Irene as she placed the dashi with soba and mushrooms in front of me.
The restaurant transcends fusion cuisine by offering bold seasonal dishes that respect both culinary traditions while creating something entirely new. We sampled the prix-fixe menu, which showcases a range of dishes prepared in an open kitchen so you can see the magic happening.
The menu tagline read, “No pienses, solo come” which translates as “don’t think, just eat.” This is exactly what we did. The restaurant has a simple and organic vibe to it, and on its website it states: “ WE BELIEVE IN A PLACE WHERE THE TABLE IS HOME, WE WANT DELICIOUS PLATES, STAINED NAPKINS AND RELAXED CHAIRS, A PLACE WHERE TIME STOPS AND IS ENJOYED.”
We all felt right at home and enjoyed every finger-licking moment and morsel.
This dining experience encapsulated the modern spirit of Mallorca – staying respectful of tradition while embracing new and innovative ideas. The combination of flavors proved both surprising and delightful, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts exploring the island. What I learned from this experience is don’t judge food by what you might think you don’t like. I am not usually big on Asian cuisine, but this menu completely blew me away.
Hot travel tip: be sure to book your table in advance!
A Cooking Class inside a Windmill
Making yummy food inside a windmill was a playful experience, and I felt like a kid again—well, perhaps apart from the fact that I was drinking wine. Enter the Moltak Kitchen Life experience in Palma.
You will see old windmills all over the island, but little did I expect us to be cooking in one. Moreover, this dining experience in Mallorca was more than just a cookery class—rather, it was a fully-fledged culinary showdown! In fact, I felt like I was taking part in one of the many food shows my husband and I watch.
We jokingly participated in a Battle of the Paellas, crafting this iconic Spanish dish with all the flair and competitive spirit we could muster. We laughed so much! It was so lovely just to cook and have some fun at the same time.
As Eric from the Global Trip filmed for his YouTube channel he kept asking us questions acting like a food show tv host and we loved every second of it. Check out the Paella showdown video.
In addition to paella, we prepared Crema Catalana and stuffed Padrón peppers, Spanish Tortilla and also enjoyed sobrasada on toast, a famous Mallorquin cured sausage that is as rich as it is lip-smacking delicious. Of course, the wine was as free-flowing as our creativity!
What made the experience even more special was the setting – a stunning open-concept kitchen inside a historic windmill, complete with large glass windows that allowed passersby to watch us in action. The day provided the perfect blend of food, fun, and friendly competition, ensuring a totally unforgettable experience. I definitely left with a new appreciation for cooking – as well as full of food and wine and high on life.
If traveling solo, I strongly recommend signing up for a cooking class. It’s such a fabulous way to immerse yourself in local culture. You get a chance to cook alongside like-minded travelers, too, which adds an element of lighthearted fun. You’ll spend time in a new space, meet new people, and sample many new flavors. Cooking at Moltak was an enriching experience and one I definitely want to repeat in the future.
Two of the Finest Fincas
While Mallorca is known for its coastal beauty and cultural sites, the countryside is perfect for low key travel. Visiting agriturismo hotels and small villages like Valldemossa, Deià, Pollença and Sóller was truly special. So if you are looking for a less touristy vacation in Mallorca, make a beeline for the countryside.
In Mallorca, a finca is a traditional rural estate or country house, often located in the countryside or the mountains. The word finca in Spanish generally refers to any piece of land, but in Mallorca, it specifically refers to rustic homes, farmhouses, or luxury rural retreats that offer a peaceful escape from the island’s busier coastal areas.
Son Brull – Michelin Key Hotel
Son Brull Hotel & Spa is a luxurious five-star retreat near Pollença in northern Mallorca. Housed in a meticulously restored 18th-century Jesuit monastery, this boutique hotel seamlessly blends historic charm with cutting-edge contemporary design.
If you are looking for a luxury escape in Mallorca, this is the place to go for. Nestled at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains, Son Brull is set among 32 hectares of vineyards, orchards, and centuries-old olive trees. Sitting out on the terrace while taking in all that natural beauty is a real treat. I felt grateful as I sipped on my Cava and enjoyed listening to nature.
The farm includes vineyards, olive groves, citrus orchards, vegetable gardens, beehives, and free-range hens. They produce their own wine, olive oil, gin, honey, and fresh eggs, all used in their on-site restaurants. This commitment to farm-to-table dining ensures guests enjoy high-quality, locally sourced meals.
Son Brull is dedicated to sustainability through a seed-sharing program that helps conserve local tree species like lemon, fig, almond, and orange. Their organic farming practices, free from GMOs and pesticides, have earned certification from the Consell Balear of Agrarian Producció Ecològica. I also love that they use their own ingredients in their spa products.
We also took a look around the villas on site, which are perfect for families. Each has a living room, a dining area, vast bathrooms, and spacious bedrooms, plus a private pool and outdoor lounge area. It’s the perfect setting for a peaceful escape for families and couples. Check this video for room details.
Trust me, the hospitality is next level, and if you are looking to unplug, Son Brull Hotel & Spa gets my vote on that score, too.
Treurer Agriturismo
We visited Treurer Agriturismo, aka Treurer Olive Oil Estate (Algaida), for a tour of their oil production facility. The estate cultivates approximately 3,000 olive trees, contributing to its esteemed olive oil offerings. It is also provides Panaromic views of the Randa Valley. This mountain cradles the historic Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Cura, an ancient monastery that has drawn pilgrims and travelers for hundreds of years.
We met Miguel Miralles, who is second generation owner and the current CEO of Treurer who did a production tour with us. We also met his wife, who took us on a lovely stroll to see the nine boutique-style hotel rooms. While the hotel is mostly aimed at adults, children aged 14 plus are also welcome to stay. The clean and organic design reflects the scenic outdoor setting beautifully as it’s situated among lemon, pomegranate, and olive trees. I love the spacious rooms in particular, as well as how each guest is given a hat and bag for the pool!
Chef José shared details of their no-waste policy: lunch and breakfast are made based on how many guests are present. He also tends the garden daily to grow fresh vegetables, and purchases the freshest local ingredients. We sampled their delicious olives, including an olive oil caviar, beef cheeks braised in red wine, coca with carob, and a popular bread in Mallorca. I loved the mahi-mahi and the croquetas with butifarra ( typical Catalan pork sausage) and mushrooms. For dessert, we enjoyed an almond flour cake with figs and berries. The whole meal was exquisite and tasted so fresh.
This tranquil haven offered an ideal escape, allowing one to unplug from daily demands and rediscover their connection with both the natural world and their inner self. And a bonus century old Olive Tree to admire.
Salt, Sun, and Serenity at Salt Flats En Trenc
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting Salt Flats d’Es Trenc headquarters. Firstly, we went to the beach to learn more, about both the early stages of the process and the connection with nature. As someone who was born on an island and avid beach goer, the sound of the waves always refreshes my soul.
The motto of Flor de Sal d’Es Trenc is: “Together in the spirit of good taste.” And as we walked around the beach together, we saw that good taste can begin with ancient traditions and being respectful. While sunbathers enjoyed a sunny October day, we saw the Posidonia Oceanica seagrass balls up close.
These balls, known as Neptune Balls or Egagropila, are naturally formed on Mallorca’s beaches. Over thousands of years the seagrass sheds leaves, and ocean currents roll the remaining fibers into dense, round shapes. These balls help protect the coastline by reducing sand erosion and absorbing wave energy. It’s a masterclass in what nature can do.
It reminded me of a beach in my home country of Brazil, and how sand erosion has ruined it. I wish we had these Egagropila there. As I picked one up, it struck me how it could be transformed into a cool pair of earrings. When I mentioned this to our Laura, our host from Sal d’Es Trenc, she said, “No, what belongs to the beach must stay there.” And she was right. A quick-fire statement, but a life lesson with deeper meaning.
Sustainability is at the heart of Sal De’Es Trenc’s philosophy, and the team’s passion for harvesting salt reminded me of a wine harvest. As with wine, salt can tell us a lot about a place. They practice traditional harvesting, using artisanal methods to harvest salt from the flats, a practice that helps to conserve local ecosystems.
By maintaining traditional salt pans, Flor de Sal d’Es Trenc contributes to preserving those landscapes vital for biodiversity. Particularly for various bird species, including the famous flamingos. I had the chance to mine some salt, too, just for fun as the harvest season had passed. This is a great activity for both adults and kids while in Mallorca.
Mallorca Unplugged – My Verdict
In summary, taking this Mallorca trip alongside strangers gave me plenty of time to reflect, disconnect, and to be present in the moment. As well as learning lots from people I’d never met before, it also gave me time to strengthen my relationship with myself – all while experiencing culinary and cultural traditions from Spain and beyond. Above all, reconnecting with the sights, sounds, and tastes of nature really helped me to feel fully recharged.
