An idyllic mountain village sprawled in the mountain range of the Serra de Tramuntana is precisely what you can expect when you visit Fornalutx. The spectacular views from the village are what dreams are made of. Continue reading The Most Beautiful Village In Spain – Fornalutx, Mallorca
Category: Palma de Mallorca
Incredible Mallorca, my second home
A Day Sail In Mallorca
The summer heat is Mallorca is intense. Can someone say, ‘air conditioning’?! Yes as much as I am not a fan of air conditioning, it became my best friend in Palma. It can be hard for one to leave the air con in the mid afternoon heat, because as soon as you do, you will be sweating buckets.
Sailing is one of my favorite past times, and being on the water is a sure way to refresh your sweaty soul and make you feel reborn. Sails up, a nice keel, the wind in your hair, incredible scenic views of the island, and a refreshing dip in the sea. Sounds pretty amazing doesn’t it? Well trust me – it was.
As the heat was getting a bit much to bare in the city, sailing was the only viable answer I could think of to cool off. There wasn’t a huge amount of wind that day, but just enough to do some nice leisurely cruising.
You do not need to go far to enjoy incredible seas and scenery when your in Mallorca.
The coastline is lined with caves and rocky cliff walls that leave for memorable view. From the minute we left the dock, the breeze was already rocking my world.
Although it got even better once I took a dip in the sea.
Better, but salty. Very very salty. Like literally wiping salt off my skin, and my hair was stiff with salt build up. After I dunked my head a few times, it almost felt like I had salt up my nose and on the brain. Who even knew that was a thing?! There is mud baths, and then there is salt baths. Beautiful blue salty as heck water. Well worth it for the swim adventures.
Looking out you can see the young kids getting there sailing lessons.
It’s actually really cute. All these mini sailing yachts, and some very small little tykes cruising along. I always think that would have been so cool growing up sailing like that from a young age.
Well this afternoon was so fantastic. If you haven’t yet sailed in life – you should get out and give it a go. If you are on an island and its incredibly hot, and sailing is an option. Then you should get out there and get refreshed! Moral of the story…… Sailing is awesome!
Blissful Seclusion On A Beautiful Beach In Mallorca
The beach is always the perfect place to unwind, relax, and get some good grounding done. Except when it’s the middle of summer in Mallorca and the beaches are jam packed. It becomes a bit more hectic and a little less relaxing. I am always on the hunt for a new and less touristy place to explore, and so I was pretty excited when I came across Son Real.
In the North Coast of Mallorca there is a place called Son Real. There you will find a public finca and a nature reserve. The area itself has a rich history, and has very interesting archaeological remains. From the finca you can walk on the marked trails for approximately 30 minutes and reach some very beautiful secluded beaches.
There are kilometers of near empty beaches, with turquoise blue water and incredible coastline views. It is pure relaxation for the soul. It felt so incredibly good to go for a swim in the water, just me and the sea(and probably a few fish). There were the odd couples or families, but really minimal.
The coast is lined with trails where you can walk to estate houses that include a museum and interpretation center. This is the perfect place to take some beautiful photos, the area is naturalistic and has quite a few birds.
It was luxury being able to enjoy the empty beaches, it took me away from the tourist packed areas on the rest of the island. It pays to get off the beaten track sometimes, and there are always special places tucked away that are not your typical tourist destination. That is what adventure is all about.
The excursion rocked my little world. If you visit Mallorca and would like a different experience then I would absolutely suggest checking out the public finca of Son Real and enjoying some of the nature reserves pristine and historical areas.
Sunsets & Scenery In The Village Of Bunyalbufar, Mallorca, Spain
The Village of Bunyalbufar is undoubtedly one of my favorite places I have discovered in Mallorca, Spain to date. Whether you are hiking the area, driving the area, or sailing the area, the awe inspiring mountain views, will be something you won’t soon forget. I was on the hunt for the most beautiful sunset in Mallorca, and it was that exact search that brought me to this incredible little village.
The drive to Buyalbufar from the main city of Palma is stunning. The roads snake through the mountains, with every corner bringing more splendor then the last. They are not as narrow as many of the other mountain roads typically are on the island, which in some ways is somewhat of a treat. While you weave in and out on the mountain roads, the views just continue to make your jaw drop.
Bunyalbufar is a small village of approximately 568 people, sprawled down the mountain slopes, boasting a very inviting energy. I was instantly head over heels for this area. I have no idea how I didn’t hear more of this stunning village prior to this.
It is on the walking path of the ‘Dry Stone Route’, which is a long distance path that connects the Southwest of the island in Port Andratx to the North East of the island in Pollensa. I have yet to do this walk, but I absolutely intend on it – when its not the middle of summer that is, and I won’t keel over from heat stroke or classily sweating myself to the point of total dehydration. The hiking paths are labeled and very visible throughout the area. There are plenty of places to stay, so you could easily spend a few days there and enjoy endless hiking excursions.
Torre del Verger is a tower dating back to the 16th century where it was built to be a defense tower.
Today thanks to its preservation and rehabilitation, it is still accessible and the view from the top is absolutely incredible. It gives the best view down both sides of the coastline, and straight into the sea.
This is where people come and wait to see the sunset. It is small and can get quite busy, so in the summer you may not get to enjoy it as much as you could in the winter when there are a lot less people. It is amazing, and truly worth the trip to see any time of year.
If waiting at the tower for the sunset is not a possibility for you, then the next best option would be to go and enjoy a beverage on one of the local restaurant terraces in the village.
Regardless of where in the area you view it from, it will be truly magnificent.
I loved this area, the sunset, and the high vibes of the whole experience, and I can not wait to go back and explore the area by foot. Buyalbufar, Mallorca, if you visit the island its a must see spot. Get it on your bucket list.
Givers Gain – Making Someone’s Day Made Mine
For myself, I am all about creating an awesome high vibe life, and feeling awesome and high vibe everyday. What makes me feel most incredible, is boosting those around me and helping to make them feel incredible.
Here I am cruising around the streets of Palma De Mallorca, Spain, just enjoying a leisurely afternoon stroll. I was in the one of the main districts of Palma called the ‘Paseo de Born’, a beautiful spot always bustling with tourists in the summer. As I took a few minutes to sit on a bench to do some people watching, my eyes instantly got fixed on one man sitting on the bench straight across from me.
He was an older gentleman, dressed in a tattered little clown outfit. He was dosing in and out of sleep. To me, he looked tired and worn out. At his age he should be retired and enjoying life. Instead he was trying to create an income by putting on his little clown outfit everyday and making balloon animals to try and sell. My heart cords were struck, something about him made me want to do something nice for him. It’s almost as though I could sense he needed a positive boost.
I contemplated going and buying him a large bottle of water and a bite to eat and taking it to him, but I only had 5 euros in my pocket at the time. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do for him, I just knew I was going to do something to make him feel good.
As the gentleman arose off the bench to get back to work, I watched as he continually got turned down, and people would keep giving his balloons back and say no. He was exuding discouragement.
As he began to leave the area, he crossed the road, and was walking away, still trying to make sales to no avail. I got up and knew I had to take action before it was to late. I intended on making this mans day, and nothing was going to stop me.
Finally I caught up to him, and it happened to be right after he was once again turned down. I approached him and offered him 5 euros to buy a balloon. 5 euros really isn’t very much, but it’s all I had, and considering he would probably only get a few cents, maybe sometimes a euro for a balloon, I knew it would make him so happy.
Well let me tell you, he was over-joyed, his face lit right up, and he was giving me huge thanks, he was just as appreciative as I imagined, and a little more. My mission was accomplished – I made his day. Seeing him so happy over something so small, made me feel amazing.
Yes I live an amazing life, full of adventure and incredible experiences, but, unless I am spreading awesome vibes to others everywhere I go, it would never be truly fulfilling. What you put out into the world is what you get back. Some of us have more and some of us have less, but what is having abundance if not to share it.
When I put a smile on someone else’s face, it puts a smile on mine. Giver’s gain my friends. Happy days!
Summer Lovin’ In Mallorca
Summer is heating things up here in Mallorca, it’s always magical to be back in Mallorca, Spain. My other home, the place where my soul feels full. The heat is pretty intense, although life in Mallorca is always pretty hot. With endless activities and adventures to be had, I have been enjoying some stunning sightseeing around the island and making my list of everything I want to do while I am here.
The marina’s are always endlessly lined with yachts, which really makes me crave some sailing adventures. It feels like forever since I have been on the water with sails up.
Cycling is a huge sport here and another one of my favorite activities, the coastline does not disappoint when you are cycling down the bike path.
It is therapy for the soul as well as a heart pumping workout. That is a massive win in my books. I make it a point to get out and enjoy some good cycles.
I am always so impressed with these avid cyclists climbing mountains on the narrow steep roads around the island. It amazes me the terrain I see some of them on. Needless to say, I am not quite at that level.
The array of beautiful food you can get at the markets is something to be massively appreciated. Everything your heart could desire and then some is beautifully and proudly on display.
While in the market it is a must to indulge in a couple Spanish tapa dishes, adding a side of bubbly is never a bad idea either.
There truly is beauty to be appreciated around every other corner in the main city Palma de Mallorca. Palma always has an endless high energy vibe to it.
Catch ups and coffee dates are a favorite past time for me here as well.
If your keen to cover a lot of surface area of the island in a day, then renting a car and cruising around is your best bet. The mind blowing beauty when you are driving through the mountains is always spectacular.
Sa Colobra is an incredible spot bursting with beauty, the perfect place to give your eyes a feast. The road to get there is known as one of the most scenic roads in the world. It was built in a way as to avoid making tunnels through the mountains. The road is built as though it is in the shape of a snake, weaving in and out, with more then 50 curves and sharp turns, and did I mention how extremely narrow they are. Definitely a road trip that you won’t soon forget.
Basking in the ambiance of Sa Colobra is well worth the drive.
I love the tunnels carved straight through the mountain, it is always a great way to cool down from the hot sun as the caves have a very chill temperature. The earthy smell inside is also pretty enjoyable.
My advice would be to open your heart to take in all of the abundant beauty on offer.
You will never be short of incredible views and fantastic restaurants. This place called Rancho Grande popped out of nowhere while cruising the North of the Island, it was too enticing to pass up, and the sunset was perfectly ambiant for the occasion.
At 10pm under the moonlight on the terrace you can enjoy a Spanish horse show, followed by a fine flamenco dance.
Sometimes the most spontaneous stops are the most memorable.
This road trip was finished off with a little pit stop and stroll in one of my most beloved places – the town of Deia.
This beautiful town is build on the hillsides above the sea, and is oozing with charm and class. Some of the most expensive homes in the world reside on these mountains. I always enjoy a visit to this elegant little town.
Ahh yes, summer luvin’ happens so easy when your playing in Mallorca. This Island is truly a spectacular place.
Tunes, drinks, and epic times at Agua Bar
Live tunes, cold drinks, amazing people and an epic atmosphere. Sounds pretty darn awesome doesn’t?! That’s because those things are awesome! Agua Bar in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, is exactly where it’s at if those are things that are up your alley. Agua Bar has it all.
That’s actually a fish tank in the window, and looks really cool when you are beside it. You know, makes sense as Agua translates in English to Water.
One of my absolute favorite water holes for years now – and for good reason.
Agua has been around for about 11 beautiful years. It makes Palma a better place. Even though Palma is generally ridiculously amazing, Agua is the cherry on top.
Throughout the week they offer lots of various excitement for you to enjoy. Monday’s are flip night, where you can try your luck at a coin toss to see if you can call the throw correctly to nail yourself a beverage on the house. Thursday’s are ladies night, where the ladies can indulge in free wine & cava, from 7 – 10:30. Wine & cava not your thing? Well in that case you can instead receive 50 percent off any other drink your little heart desires. Friday and Sunday are the famous ‘Open mic nights‘, and then there is Charity Saturdays, where the generous, thoughtful and awesome guy’s who run Agua, Rich & Lee, will donate 50 cents from every drink purchased throughout the night to a charity. So you can drink with a cause and not feel guilty about being a party animal.
Care for a shot?
When in Palma, I frequent Agua bar on Friday and Sunday nights to take in their open mic nights. There is always some incredible talent to enjoy, and loads of Agua bar locals. Music feeds the soul, and makes my little world go round.
Why not have a little listen for yourself.
The famous open mic nights are exactly that, so that means they are pretty popular and the place fills up. Everyone wants to either hear or be part of the epic jam sesh’s.
You could say Agua is almost like a small community, its a place where everyone knows your name, and everyone just happens to be awesome. I am sure you agree that it’s rare and rad to find a bar that’s pretty much rammed with cool peeps. That would be Agua’s magnetism. It attracts exactly what it is. If you are good to the bar, they are just as good to you.
One of the best things ever is the ‘went for a pee card‘. If for whatever reason you have to leave your drink, all you gotta do is grab a card and pop it on your glass. It works like a freaken charm. Being such a kick ass establishment, its totally legit, and no one tampers with your drink. Not many bars you can say that about now-a-days.
Trust me when I say, no matter what day you go to Agua bar you are always guaranteed to have a damn good time. I have had many endless great times there.
It has some pretty sweet decor, show casing all the amazing classics all over the walls. The place is warm, inviting, and air conditioned in the summer. Let’s not forget Palma is hot as hell in the summer, so why not go cool down in Agua. Good ol’ Agua, just consistently checking all the boxes. It’s definitely a bar not to be missed in Palma. It will reel you right in – just like it did me. The first time I visited it, magic happened, I felt right at home, and the rest is history.
Sooo, see yah there this weekend? What are you waiting for?! Whether your there to play or just to listen, it will rock your socks off. Yup, that’s my kinda Jam.
Eating typically traditional in Palma at La Cueva
One thing to remember when embarking on a dinner mission in Spain – ‘Most restaurants don’t open before 8’. Freaken heck though, most westerner’s don’t like to eat after 8. It can be a tad bit of an adjustment. Seeing as how I am programmed to have dinner quite early in the evening, I always tend to forget this late dinner fact.
My friends and I had dinner plans, and we decided to just wing it – meet up, be spontaneous and just find a place. It just so happened to be about 6 pm, and the streets were quite and most restaurants chained up, dark and lifeless. Yes it was way to darn early. ‘Dang’ we thought, where the heck are we gonna get some chow?!’
Long behold, we came across ‘La Cueva’. With 20 people standing outside(well maybe 10, but in dead streets it looked like 20) we figured there was a good chance it was open. We took a peak inside – and damn straight, it was OPEN! Score! We were in there like flint.
Not before having a photo shoot in front of the door.
From the entrance we had to go down a few stairs(I know from the previous photo you would assume up, BUT, it was down), and enter into the restaurant which is very much like a cool ass little cave. With ‘La Cueva’ translating to ‘The Cave’ in English, it only made sense really.
I am all about fresh and local ingredients, and they definitely had the fresh part going on. I didn’t have a chance to ask about the local part though.
My eyes were already liking what they were seeing. Although, once menu was in hand, and you are presented with what appears to be loads of delicious plates, it ain’t so darn easy anymore.
Oh geez, what the heck to choose?! How about just one of everything?
OK, ok, that’s excessive, it would be far too much…… So we each just chose 2 tapas each for the table.
It was still way too much in the end, but at least we got to try a bit of everything. They have their system down pat, and are ready to rock with the plates at any given moment. It was very good service. The only thing I did notice was the microwave.
We were a bit shocked at how incredibly fast it came, and not being someone whom uses microwaves myself, it was a small bit daunting, but being as hungry as we all were – we weren’t about to complain, and in reality, its not like they were hiding the fact they use a microwave for some things. Everything was made fresh, and I suppose it was necessary to keep up with the capacity of clients they receive. So really, it is what it is. No biggy what-so-ever.
We opted to choose a different Vino then the one on the table, and instead went for the Jose. L. Ferrer. One of my favorite vineyards in Mallorca . We tested out a bit of everything food wise. From olives and aioli,
onward to, potatoes with aioli, mushrooms, pepper padrons(one of my all time Mallorcan favorites), Mallorcan bread and cheese.
Not to mention, shrimps still sizzling.
Calamari, octopus, and shaved ham.
Don’t forget to share – sharing is caring.
The food was all ridiculously good to be honest, and super traditional. If there is one thing I enjoy most in life, it’s taking in as much of the local cultures and traditions where ever in the world I may be. Even when it happens to be in my own Country of Canada.
Just when we thought we were having the time and feed of our lives – in came the live music. My little world would not turn without music, and I am ALL about live music, in any and all forms. So this rocked my darn world.
In came the cavalry.
Pucker up princess. They were freaken awesome! And such good sports. Not to mention, I do love the accordion oh so much! I am into the most random things. I also happen to play a few tunes on the harmonica. Bet you didn’t expect that.
My time was running short in Mallorca. Even though I am never gone that long, I like to end my time here with the most Mallorcan experiences as possible. Considering we thought we were outta luck unless we waited for places to open – we were pleasantly surprised. A feast for a king – a hungry king at that. This little gem of a restaurant was absolutely great, and I would go back to ‘La Cueva‘ in a heart beat.
Hungry for some traditional tapa’s before 8 pm? Well meet me at La Cueva.
Palma pallete adventures at OMBU.
Treating your taste buds to culinary seduction is always a sensory event not to be missed. It was a ladies do dinner day, and we weren’t quite sure where to go. After gallivanting all around the city,
enjoying the epic ambiance, and of course being awesome – we needed to pick a place to wine and dine ourselves. We were after someplace new, chic and darn delicious.
Palma has an endless selection of fab establishments to choose from. Mallorca in general actually. You could eat your little heart out with new places to try. So that being said, competition can be stiff -and my love story with Mallorca never ends.
We came across OMBU on our adventures, and having heard so many rave reviews about it, it obviously was a must try.
OMBU is part of 2 other restaurants, Forn & Koa. Each offering different menu’s, and different ambiance’s. I have eaten at both of the other establishments in the past, and had great experiences. Soooo, how could we really go wrong with this choice?!
As any foodie knows, gastronomy is the in culinary craze. Gastronomy is the concept behind OMBU, and their menu specializes in Tapa’s & Cocktails. The décor is modern chic and inviting.
‘Come on in’, it says.
Well, I don’t mind if I do.
Always do;)
We began our OMBU experience sipping on some vino outside, indulging in some people watching.
I do so enjoy a good people watching sesh. Just about as much as I enjoy a good vino sesh. They do go really well together. Like two peas in a pod.
Wouldn’t you agree that it’s just darn fantastic how most restaurants in Palma have little fires by the tables to keep you all toasty warm in the winter. My Northern Canadian blood likes a little chill, but a warm chill. I also love the fact I still get to sit outside. Later on though, as the sun had gone down it did get a bit too chilly to dine outside, so we moved on to get the feel for the inside, and grab a cocktail.
We both went for the Psycotonic.
It was so delish too! Made with ginger and grapefruit juice. Those just so happen to be a couple of my favorite things.
The menu had a nice little selection of Tapa’s to choose from, and in true tapas fashion, you order a few different things for the table to share.
We ended up having Spanish bread, cheeses, lamb and a couple other meat dishes.
The lamb in the martini glass was one of my faves! But seriously, everything was so good. Very well flavored and prepared. We were both very impressed with the food and service.
Our awesome server made sure to bring us an aperitif. Most places in Spain do always offer you a shot after your meal. It’s too good to pass up. So down the hatch it went.
We also were graced with the presence of our friend Paola for a quick catch up.
I would definetly say that if you wake up and find yourself in Palma, do give OMBU a try. It’s super good, and checked all my boxes.
Cheers to another successful dining experience.
Living Dreams in Santa Maria
There is nothing like a Mallorcan adventure. More so, just a nice afternoon excursion out of Palma. It’s always good to get out of the city when you can, there is just way too many things to experience on this wondrous island. The winter weather has been so incredibly awesome, it just asking to be basked in.
Santa Maria was the destination on the dice. A beauty of a little town on the interior of the island. No massive plans really, just take a nice walk around, find a beauty of a spot to enjoy some lunch, and sip on some fine wine.
Previously I have been to Santa Maria, but only by car. This time around, we were taking the train. You would be amazed at the awesome little metro system here on the island. I sure the heck was. I had been planning on taking the metro for years here on the island – just for something different, but always ended up driving everywhere. Knowing we had the intention of indulging in some vino, driving was not the mode of transport for us classy ladies.
The trains actually come much more frequent than expected.
We grabbed our tickets, and it was GO time!
Aaaalll aboard. Next stop, Santa Maria.
Ok, not the classiest looking train stop.
The rest is damn classy though. You just hang tight…..
It’s such a nice and quaint little town – epic little place to enjoy a stroll.
This little gas station was too cute not to photograph.
Let’s not forget that it was also during the hours of siesta. So it was extra quiet in the streets. There is no messing around when it comes to siesta time in these necks of the worldwide woods.
Suddenly along our path, we came across an establishment called ‘Livingdreams‘.
With a name like that, I was intrigued and drawn right in. It has such a crisp modern chic and naturally minimal appeal to it.
So we grabbed a table in the front and preceded to get on the vino and olive wagon. The service was given with all smiles, and super welcoming personalities. I was diggin it -that’s for darn sure.
A little while into the day dreaming, nature was calling. That vino was going right through me. So I had to search out the ladies room. I didn’t expected to be astonished. Little did I know, I was absolutely about to be living a dream. A kick ass one that you are happy to not wake up from for as long as you possibly can.
I was pleasantly surprised just walking through the lux establishment, absolutely thinking, ‘well hello, this is enchanting now isn’t it?!’
Very appealing on the eyes.
However, upon entering the courtyard to which I was directed in order to find the ladies room, my eyes widened with sheer delight.
Hiding in the back was a classy courtyard ambiance. The next big thing in my head was, ‘We are moving! right freaken now!’
Wait though on second thought, it’s best I visit the ladies room….. Gotta stick the with program.
After that business was taken care of, it was straight back to Kassandra to say my thoughts outloud ‘We are moving, right freaken now! You will see why.Let’s go’
It was incredible. Right up our freaken alley. We ran around loving the secret garden, taking photos like mad.
I had no problem imagining all the people I want to shared the little gem with(obviously this means you lucky duck).
Before that could happen, we needed to get back to business, sipping our vino and grab a little lunch.
It was all ridiculously good.The wine, the food, the ambiance. I can’t wait to go back for round two.
Yes you could definitely say,
I found my secret garden, with the fountain of Vino!!
The best part about having no plans or expectations, is that it always turns out better then you could have expected, as you didn’t have any – and more often then not, you always end up getting completely blown away by pure epicness.
A Pursuit of Life - Barefoot& High Heeled 
