Pictured left to right outside the new store are: Paul Hardwick, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Director of Retail; Emma Bailey, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Tutti Taylor, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Councillor Candy Vaughan, Mayor of Eastbourne; Trevor Ridler, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Business Development Manager; and Shirley Waters, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents..
Melissa Bidwell, Senior Travel Consultant at our Colchester travel agents, enjoyed a stay in Majorca during which she checked out some of the best hotels in the area and soaked up her surroundings. Here’s what she thought of this beautiful island.
Destination: Mallorca
Operator/Host: Prestige Holidays
Airline: EasyJet
Accommodation (Hotel names/Ship name): Gran Melia Victoria, Castillo Son Vida, Jumeirah Port Soller, Gran Melia De Mar
Duration: 4 nights
Our flight with EasyJet was comfortable and the staff were pleasant. We did not purchase any food or drink on board as it was a short journey.
All of the hotels were lovely and a very good standard. We stayed at two Gran Melia properties; both were in good locations close to Palma and the rooms were spacious with plenty of amenities. During our visit, all the rooms at the Gran Melia Victoria were undergoing refurbishment to make them brighter and more modern. It’s a great hotel for a short city break if you want a luxury hotel with facilities such like a pool.
Castillo Son Vida is perfect for golfers and their families. Not only is there a golf course there, but there is also plenty going on within the hotel if you are not a keen golfer – and Palma is only a short drive away. The rooms are very bright and spacious, making it perfect for families.
Jumeirah Port Soller was my favourite hotel. Everywhere you go, the views are amazing, especially at sunset! They offer complimentary transport down to Port de Soller if you would like to explore outside the hotel grounds. The rooms were very spacious and modern with everything you need. The hotel layout isn't the easiest to navigate but you are always escorted to your room on arrival.
We had the chance to explore Palma town for an hour one day and had lunch near the cathedral. Palma town is lovely with cobbled streets, street music and lots of local shops. The cathedral creates a perfect picture moment and is definitely worth a visit.
We had a look around a few hotels and were lucky enough to see the Belmond La Residence. This hotel is beautiful and feels luxurious as soon as you walk through the gates - even the drive was enjoyable thanks to the beautiful scenery in Deia. This is a very popular area for cyclists.
Other hotels we visited were St Regis Mardavall, Hospes Maricel, Llenaire, Illa d'Or and Bon Sol.
Illa D'Or is a hugely popular hotel. It is a nice four-star property but its location, only a short stroll from the centre of Port de Pollenca, really sells it. Bon Sol is a unique family-run hotel with three separate buildings, all offering a completely different experience.
I really enjoyed our stay at Jumeirah Port Soller and seeing a bit of Palma.
I would definitely recommend Mallorca to holidaymakers. There is something for everyone - families, couples, friends, young adults.
Must see? Palma Cathedral
Must do? Visit Deia
Must try? Olive Oil
If you would like to book a summer sun holiday like the one that Melissa enjoyed, visit your local branch. We have travel agents in Hythe, Bournemouth, Lymington, Dorchester, Westbourne, Christchurch and across East Anglia.
