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Mallorca is a holiday destination which has a longer history of serving up all the ingredients of a wonderful sunshine holiday than most other places. Wonderful beaches and mild seas come as standard for this Mediterranean isle but there are also many other notable features which elevate Mallorca above the standard beach holiday destination. The dramatic natural environments, historical sights, the rich and diverse culture, the lively towns and cities are all part of the appeal and the incredible range of superb Mallorca hotels are well placed for guests to make the most of the attractions on offer.
Mallorca is the largest island of the Balearics, which are an autonomous province of Spain. It is also home to the islands capital city and administrative centre, Palma, a city which can compete with any, of a comparable size, in business, commerce, culture and entertainment. Other than Palma, the island has the other cities of Inca and Manacor and many smaller towns and resorts. Each is individual in style and is home to a wide selection of Mallorca hotels, best placed for the more urban Mallorca environments and attractions.
Inca is also home to many local craft industries and Manacor is famed for the Malorcan pearls, but Palma has the greatest number of cafes, bars, restaurants, clubs and other leisure facilities expected from larger towns and cities. Palma is also home to many of the Mallorca hotels which cater for business travelers and may contain a wealth of facilities to conduct business while in the city and on the island. These may include fully equipped business centers and executive rooms and suites in which clients can enjoy additional business-oriented features such as work desks and dual line telephones.
While business may be booming in Mallorca's towns and cities, it is by far the coastal resorts which have most defined the island over its long history as a famous holiday destination. Unique amongst major cities, Palma has a beach too which is a focal point for much of the cities tourist activity and although the main beach can get very busy during the summer months there is also a further beach and delightful cove, located to the west of the city, called simply Playa.
The main beach resorts of Mallorca are Puerto Pollensa, Alcudia and Cala D'Or. Within the resorts hotels are very much tailored for family holidays and activities with beach life being a focal point. Large hotel resorts often encompass a whole range of leisure facilities. including a series of dining environments, lounges, bars and often nightly entertainment too. There will be at least one swimming pool and often other activities such as tennis or water-sports associated with the complex.
While the neighboring Balearic island of Ibiza draws keen clubbers from around the world, Mallorca also has its fair share of nightly entertainment and much of this is incorporated within the main resorts, with the majority in Palma. The other main Balearic island of Menorca has amore sedate feel than Mallorca, which is typically a family oriented holiday destination. The main resort hotels will generally offer a range of family- and child-centered activities, facilities and attractions, from a babysitting service and child friendly menus to children's clubs where the emphasis is on fun and participation while the parents get a much needed break.
The major Mallorca hotels within the large resorts are very much associated with the beach and coastal activities. Boast trips are a great way to view the island and a whole range of water-sports are available such as diving, and sailing. There is a whole other side to the island however in the natural inland environments and so called agro-tourism has become a real growth industry. Many old farms or Fincas have been transformed into exquisite and exclusive hotel retreats which make the most of the beautiful Mallorca countryside. Associated leisure activities and sports include golf, tennis, horse riding, and cycling.
The Serra Tramuntata mountains form a stunning backdrop to many countryside activities and there are also protected ecological sites, salt marshes, and the dramatic Fortmentor cliffs, renowned for their colonies of rare seabirds. Further popular attractions include remarkable caves and many secluded coves and beaches. Some excellent Mallorca hotels are found throughout the island for those wishing to find their own special slice of Mallorcan life, culture, and experience.
Some of the Mallorca hotels in the countryside, towns and cities can be termed boutique hotels, a recent phenomenon in which the hotel forms as much of the holiday experience as the activities. Often occupying great buildings or locations, boutique hotels offer a level of personal service unmatched anywhere and offer a place of luxury and solitude to make the most of the surrounding environment.
Eating out is certainly popular in Mallorca and the local favorites are influenced by Spanish and Catalonian cuisine. Paella is of course freely available as is Tapas, which represents an excellent social dining experience. Most Mallorca hotels will have at least one excellent dining facility and additional bars and lounges in which to enjoy food and drink.
Mallorca's reputation as one of the first sunshine tourist spots has held the islands in good stead, with a strong infrastructure and transport to cope with visitor numbers. Additionally the range of shops and leisure facilities are well established and cater for the demands of international visitors. The success of Mallorca looks set to continue and the Mallorca hotels are well placed to take full advantage.
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