Samantha with the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Tramuntana Mountains on the other.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Why I went to Mallorca
\n<\/strong>Mallorca (or Majorca) is my childhood home, and I was desperate to introduce it to my young daughter now that she is old enough to love the beaches, the food, and the traditional way of life as much as I did as a child. For me, the early months of the year are the nicest times to visit, as the bright blue skies and sparkling sunshine make for the perfect exploring conditions, while the intense heat of summer has yet to lay a sweaty blanket over the island.<\/p>\n

My highlight of the trip
\n<\/strong>While Mallorca is famed for its beaches, I\u2019m always drawn to the mountains, and this trip was no exception. The Tramuntana Mountains flank the western coast, dropping dramatically into navy blue seas from pine-forested slopes. Driving the winding mountain road reveals jaw-dropping (and stomach-lurching) sea views, picturesque villages and the reservoirs of Cuber and Gorg Blau \u2013 where we saw endangered black vultures soaring above. From Valldemossa \u2013 once home to Chopin \u2013 to Soller, where the air is filled with the scent of orange blossom, it\u2019s a part of the island which has remained unchanged for centuries and for that reason alone, I love it.<\/p>\n

What else I love about Mallorca
\n<\/strong>There are some fabulous beaches, whether it\u2019s the golden sand of Es Trenc, where it was easy to imagine I was in the Caribbean, or the tiny coves which pocket the coastline. But most of all, I love the central plains, where pretty villages hold their traditions and festivals dear. Plus, there are countless rolling vineyards \u2013 we enjoyed a guided tour at the 300-year-old, family-owned Bodega Ribas (admittedly, this was rather less interesting for the toddler!)<\/p>\n

To me Palma is the perfect city, with its alfresco caf\u00e9s, excellent restaurants and a charming seafront promenade lined with yachts, boutique shopping, trendy bars. And all within easy walking distance of each other. Palma is just so pretty too, with its grand cathedral, palace fountains along the central Calle Born, and labyrinth of lanes.<\/p>\n