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Where to Eat in Felanitx: My Top 3 Places
When we moved to Mallorca in 2004, the previous owners of our finca left us a helpful list of their favourite eateries in the area. Most of these have since closed, but Estragon in Felanitx became one of our go-to places.
Estragon
After Anna and her chef husband sold Estragon, a German couple briefly took over the place. Since November 2023, Felix Passow and his wife Vivien, have owned it, after moving from Berlin to take over the restaurant. Despite coming from the luxury car sector, Felix has thrown himself enthusiastically – and successfully – into the hospitality industry.
Open for dinner only, Estragon has some tables on the front terrace. The building has always reminded me of typical French village bistros, although the attractive interior is now contemporary in style. The bar area is noteworthy, with its display of wine bottles. Delicious Mediterranean food and friendly service.
Bonus points for:
- Delicious sourdough bread from La Rotî bakery in Campos.
- Free street parking in the vicinity.
- A good wine list with labels from Felanitx, and an alcohol-free rosado.
PAX Gastrobar
Taking its name from the peaceful square in Felanitx where it’s located, PAX Gastrobar brought a whole new style of dining to the town, both in terms of the cuisine and the stylish interior, decorated with local artworks. Opened only in mid-February this year, PAX quickly became one of those places for which you need an advance reservation.
Business partners, sommelier Sebastian and Max (Massimiliano), are welcoming and efficient. They’re also very friendly and Max is a lively character with a ready hug for regular diners. Visitors to East 26 in Santanyi may remember him from when he worked there; I don’t think he’s a person you’d forget.
The Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine is ideal for sharing. The main course dishes are in two sizes. Chef Jerome has international experience, having worked in Oslo, Prague, St Petersburg, and Sydney, before he rocked up in Mallorca initially at Cala d’Or. As well as the menu dishes, there are always additional ‘specials’, and these are worth trying.
I’ve become hooked on PAX’s golden shrimp cigars with sweet and sour pineapple. Do give them a try if they’re still on the menu. Portions here are generous, but save some space for a dessert, even if it’s only one to share.
Bonus points for:
- Occasional live music.
- Great wine list, with helpful tasting notes shown.
- Al fresco dining and drinking now available on the courtyard and front terraces.
Batec
Batec opened in April this year and is under the same ownership as Parc Café in the park adjacent to Estragon. It’s located on Plaça Espanya, with a few tables on the pavement for drinks. As well as the cosy dining room, there’s a rear courtyard for al fresco dining.
Batec prides itself on Mallorcan gastronomy with modern touches. Chef Juan Ballester uses high-quality local and seasonal produce in his kitchen. He was previously the chef at Salicornia in Colònia de Sant Jordi. Expect cocas, the rice dishes cooked in a flat tin and known as ‘llaunes’, good croquettes, and more.
Bonus points for:
- The bread and ice creams made on the premises.
- Offering skate among the fish dishes – I haven’t often seen it on menus in Mallorca
- Wines from Felanitx.
So, these are my three recommended restaurants in Felanitx. Do you have any other recommendations in the town?
Jan Edwards ©2025
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Seek out Sanctuary in Valldemossa
For anyone who’s visited this famous village, finding sanctuary when the streets are crowded with tourists sounds a little unlikely. But the sanctuary I’m thinking of is in a place of tranquillity and natural beauty on the edge of Valldemossa.
Hotel Valldemossa describes itself as a natural sanctuary. This adults-only 5-star hotel reopened last summer after the IT Mallorca group of hotels acquired and renovated it. Five-star hotels with spa facilities are in abundance in Mallorca, but the Sanctuary very much has its focus on holistic health and wellness, and offers some treatments that are unique in Mallorca to this hotel.
Amor Garzón
The team dedicated to your well-being is led by Amor Garzón. Her first name is the Spanish word for ‘love’, and it seems appropriate for someone who radiates warmth and caring. From the moment I arrived until she escorted me, walking arm-in-arm, back to the hotel terrace where I was meeting a friend for lunch in the restaurant, De Tokio a Lima, I was happy to surrender myself to her ministrations. I’d arrived slightly stressed from the drive across Mallorca from my home, but left for my lunch date feeling almost euphoric.
Amor has some twenty-five years’ experience in the health and beauty sector, although I had to confirm that I’d understood that number of years correctly, as she looks too young. Presumably, she also applies her knowledge and techniques to herself, making her a walking advertisement for the Piroche Method, of which she was a pioneer.
The Piroche Method
Hotel Valldemossa’s Sanctuary is the only place in Mallorca offering treatments using the Piroche Method, which combines Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western lymphatic drainage. It involves drainage and manual massage, essential oils (the aromas are gorgeous), and the use of electric cupping therapy and radio frequency. Treatments are tailored to the individual. Amor also uses acupuncture, although I’m a coward and shy away from needles – however fine they may be!
Amor first ‘reads’ the body, using her eyes and hands. It didn’t take her long to diagnose wind in my liver, which in Chinese medicine refers to disharmony in the organ, disrupting its natural movement and function. This ‘wind’ had nothing to do with digestive gases, but is a metaphor for an imbalance that can result in tremors, spasms, dizziness, and other movement-related issues.
After a couple of hours of Amor’s treatments, I felt lighter and more relaxed – both physically and mentally.
As I lay on the couch, I couldn’t help but wonder why there appeared to be ladders mounted on the ceiling. Something to do with a fire exit perhaps? No. Once my session was over, Amor took me into another treatment room and demonstrated a back massage using her feet on one of her colleagues. Mystery solved.
Other Treatments
There’s a variety of treatments on offer in the Sanctuary, some of them bearing Amor’s name. I’ve provided a link to the treatment list below. You can also have a nutritional analysis carried out here.
I like the look of the Rituals on offer, for one to five days (three-and-a-half hours’ treatments a day). These Sanctuary sessions, combined with staying in the tranquil setting of Hotel Valldemossa, would surely leave you feeling like a new – or at least renewed – person.
See the 2025 Sanctuary treatment menu here.
Jan Edwards ©2025
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What’s New at Rotana La Reserva in 2025?
For a start, the change of name to Rotana La Reserva from La Reserva Rotana. It’s subtle but significant: the 5-star hotel with a nine-hole golf course and vineyards near Manacor has new owners (a family from Singapore).
New management is also in place, led by experienced hotelier Giovanni Merello – whom I first met when he opened Palma’s 5-star Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden. He’s directed eight new openings and managed projects in Spain, Italy, Egypt, and China, working for private luxury hotels and international luxury groups.
New-look lounge bar – without the safari vibes Some exciting developments are planned to make Rotana La Reserva a true resort, without detracting from the much-loved soul of the place. Expect a choice of restaurants, a spa, and more. One change made already that pleased me: the hotel lounge/bar is no longer decked out inexplicably like an African safari lodge; the wall-mounted hunting trophies are consigned to the past.
There’s good news for those who’d like to play golf at Rotana La Reserva during the cooler months: from 2026, the hotel will be open all year. This year, however, Rotana La Reserva will close on November 3rd for renovations and some super enhancements.
The Food (and Drinks)
A table on the bistro terrace with the outdoor kitchen behind 
Tomato and strawberry gazpacho with chopped vegetables and burrata 
Rigatoni with chard, courgette, crisped Serrano ham and ribbons of Parmesan cheese We recently ate lunch on the bistro terrace, enjoying the three-course daily set lunch menu (36€), that’s available seven days a week. It’s worth noting that the finca provides the kitchen with fresh produce and its own extra virgin olive oil. For me, a table on this terrace, with its glorious views of the golf greens and the Sa Vall valley below, is the perfect summer-lunch place. Dinner on this terrace is à la carte but we’ve yet to try that.
We also recently attended the first of several Asian-themed evenings planned (there’s an Asian chef on the kitchen team), on the pretty partly-covered patio behind the main restaurant. This will become a fine dining area for five-course dinners. Several events are planned at Rotana La Reserva for this season, so it’s worth following the hotel on Instagram if you’re on that platform, for details.
Pierre Emmanual Vogein is the new executive assistant manager, in charge of food and beverage. He’s moved from Finca Serena in Mallorca, another hotel with its own vineyards and wines.
I love the changes I’ve seen so far and am excited to see how Rotana La Reserva, near Manacor, will develop. And, of course, we’ll be taking advantage of its proximity to home for summer meals out.
Jan Edwards ©2025
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Suite Treats: Panorama Suite at Ca’n Beneït, Mallorca
Early morning on the Panorama Suite terrace I’ve written about Ca’n Beneït in Binibona before because it’s my favourite small rural hotel in Mallorca. I love the people who work there, the surrounding countryside of the Serra de Tramuntana foothills, the handsome ginger cat, and so much more.
We’ve stayed in several of the rooms and suites but for our latest visit – in February – we were in the Panorama Suite, which truly lives up to its name, being on the top floor of the main house.
Completely refurbished in 2024, this is the suite for you if you enjoy privacy, exceptional views, and somewhere you can feel away from it all. Climb the stone staircase to the Panorama Suite and you’ll find a sitting room, spacious bathroom (with bath and shower), and large bedroom with access to the terrace.
The Sitting Room
Like the rest of Ca’n Beneït, style and the thoughtfulness that went into enhancing the guest experience shine through. There’s a comfortable sofa, a rocking armchair, a smart TV, desk, a minibar with complimentary items, and coffee and tea-making facilities with daily replenishment of supplies (note the compostable capsules).
I particularly liked the telescope provided because this part of Mallorca is great for star-gazing, with its unpolluted night skies, and the terrace is the perfect spot for it. Book lovers will appreciate the gorgeous coffee table books.
The sitting room of the Panorama Suite, Ca’n Beneït The Bathroom
A spacious bathroom with an attractive oval bath, separate shower cubicle, loo, bidet, and washbasin. There’s plenty of room for an enthusiastic drying session with those supersoft Spirit of the Nomad towels, made from Egyptian cotton. The amenities are from the luxury brand Natura Bissé.
And So To Bed
A huge, comfortable bed awaits you, dressed with Spirit of the Nomad bedlinen, along with a second smart TV and rocking armchair. If you’re staying for a week or longer, you’ll find plenty of storage space.
The bedroom of the Panorama Suite, Ca’n Beneït The Terrace
This is not overlooked and has commanding views of the Tramuntana mountains, Ca’n Beneït’s swimming pool, and the roof garden over the spa area below.
New at Ca’n Beneït: La Villa
Ca’n Beneït has unveiled a private villa for this summer: La Villa is some 30 metres from the main building and has its own private pool, three double bedrooms, three bathrooms, an open kitchen with a central island, and dining and living areas. When can I move in? Seriously, although I haven’t seen this addition to Ca’n Beneït, I know it’ll be beautiful. See photos on Ca’n Beneït’s website. And if you book it, it would be kind of you to mention this blog, please.
My Second Novel Out Soon!
I’ve not posted as much here recently as I’ve been working on completing my second novel, ready for publication in a few weeks. The Mallorca Cat Café is the sequel to Daughter of Deià but also works as a standalone novel. Given my love of Ca’n Beneït, you may not be surprised to learn that the hotel gets a mention.
©Jan Edwards2025
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New Printed Guide to Balearic Restaurants
Chefs from the new entries to the Guide Do you want to find the best-quality restaurants in Mallorca? And in her sister islands of Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera? The Transfer Class by Chefs(in) Guide 2025-2026 was launched last week at Palma’s Theatre Mar i Terra (Santa Catalina) and features almost 70 establishments at the higher end of the Balearics’ gastronomic offering. Four cocktail bars are also included.
An audience of 150 people attended the event, which filled the intimate theatre space. Among those attending were more than 50 chefs from the islands, and I was fascinated to see so many younger chefs making their mark on the Balearic restaurant scene – as well as the familiar faces of chefs whose cuisine I’ve experienced during my years of living, eating out, and reviewing restaurants in Mallorca. Guests also included local dignitaries.
Of the 68 references in the fifth edition of the Transfer Class by Chefs(in) Guide, eight are included for the first time. The chefs from each establishment were invited to the stage for recognition. The new inclusions are:
- Aquiara (Ciutadella) – chef José María Borrás (one to watch, IMHO)
- L’ Àtic (Palma) – chef Juan Pinel
- Little Jarana (Palma) – chef Abraham Artigas
- Ocre (Santanyí) – chefs Àlvar Albadelejo & Carlos García
- Óseo (Palma) – chef David Morillas
- Pez Limón (Ciutadella) – chefs Elenga Angosto & Héctor Gallego
- Quadrat (Palma) – chefs Àlvar Albadelejo & Carles Forteza
- Saba (Santa Ponsa) – chef Juan Carlos González
100 Years of Can March
Araceli Bosch makes a special presentation to Miquel Gelabert of Can March in Manacor The awards evening included an homage to the Manacor restaurant, Can March, which opened its doors as Fonda Ca’n March a century ago. Chef Miquel Gelabert received a special award to mark Can March’s one-hundredth anniversary. If you’re visiting Mallorca and haven’t yet eaten at Can March, I urge you to try this restaurant.
What’s in the Guide?
Each of the featured restaurants has a double-page spread in the Guide, including a photo, full contact details, the name of the chef, and a brief summary sentence, as well as a paragraph about the place. The texts are in Spanish and English.
At the back of the Guide, there’s a table of more specific information about each restaurant. Here you’ll find out whether there’s a chef’s table, if the bread and desserts are made on the premises, the number of wine references (for each colour wine), names of the sommelier and maître d’, languages spoken, whether children are accepted, availability of tasting menu, average prices, and much more. It’s a very comprehensive set of details and must have taken a lot of research.
Serious foodies will also find a section where they can note the date they ate in specific restaurants, with space for personal notes about the experience. I’m looking forward to trying some of the restaurants I still haven’t visited.
Peccata Minuta
After the awards were presented and the musical entertainment concluded, guests were treated to a special edition of Peccata Minute, with small-plate dishes offered by chefs from Marc Fosh, Pleta de Mar, Fontsanta Hotel, and Hotel Can Simoneta.
Good to Know
Find out more about the Transfer Class by Chefs(in) Guide 2025/26 here.
Transfer Class is the leading company of limousine and bus services in the premium sector, established in 2002.
Chefs(in) works to spread the word about the Balearics’ gastronomic culture, to ensure it becomes one of the islands’ main assets.
Jan Edwards ©2025
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Where Best to Eat in Port d’Alcúdia – Negre
One of the best things about being on holiday (or even only a day off) is the freedom to do what you want when you want. But if that means preferring to eat a good meal at four, five, or even six o’clock (to make the most of the day’s beach/shopping/exploring time), you need to know about a great restaurant that’s open all day. Oh, and 365 days a year.
Terrace at Negre May I suggest Negre in Port d’Alcúdia? Restaurant, café, and cocktail bar, this stalwart on the waterfront first opened in 2016. Open all day and all year, it’s popular with both visitors and locals (those who appreciate quality and a restaurant that’s open during the winter when many eateries are shuttered up until the holiday season restarts).
After being closed for a couple of years (due to some structural problems in the building, which has apartments above the restaurant), owner Luca Banti reopened the renovated Negre in April 2024, revealing a striking new contemporary look.
Negre has a front terrace with tables under smart black parasols facing the harbour, a covered but open-fronted area, and the rear dining room, which has a cosy, cave-like feel. Whether eating or drinking, it’s a stylish place to spend some time watching the world go by. If you’re an Instagrammer, I bet you’ll take a photo of the passage leading to the bathrooms.
Breakfast in Port d’Alcúdia
If your hotel breakfast doesn’t appeal or you’re self-catering, you should consider breakfast at Negre, which opens at 9am. We’ve yet to try it but the menu looks tempting, with choices for all tastes, and I’m confident it’ll be good. From a full English to healthy dishes, eggs, toasts, pancakes, and pastries, it’s all on offer until 12.30pm.
À la Carte at Negre
When I first visited and saw the extensive menu, I had my doubts about the quality because of the large number of dishes on offer. I needn’t have worried. The kitchen is staffed and equipped to cope with it all, and the tasty and attractively presented cuisine is based on high-quality products.
The lunch-and-dinner menu offers starters, salads and greens, pasta and rice dishes, street food favourites, dishes from the grill, pizzas and gourmet pizzas, and Asian dishes – including well-made sushi. Vegetarians and those on a gluten-free diet have a good choice of dishes at Negre. There really is something for all tastes here.
New Executive Chef, Claudio Lemos
A couple of months ago the owner, Luca, brought a new executive chef – Claudio Lemos – on board to oversee the gastronomy at Negre and sister beach club establishments Nu Mallorca (Playa de Muro, and previously known as Numa) and Nanai Beach (ses Illetes). I haven’t tried either of these places yet but shall do so once the season starts.
Claudio is a well-known and respected chef in Mallorca. Even after only two months, he’s already making his mark at Negre, and during our latest lunch, we were able to try one of his delicious new dishes – starring Wagyu beef – before it goes onto a menu.
Drinks at Negre
There’s plenty of drinks choice at Negre, including wines (from Mallorca and the Peninsula, with a few from France and Italy), classic and virgin cocktails, soft drinks, juices, and beers (both bottled and draught). I like kombucha and Negre is one of the few places I’ve found it on the drinks menu. Wines are available by the glass from 4,30€.
The Food at Negre
Negre gets a bonus point from me for using Mallorcan EVOO. I was pleased to see a bottle of Solivellas on our table and wish that every restaurant supported the local olive oil economy. Here are some of the dishes I’ve enjoyed at Negre, with a photo of executive chef, Claudio Lemos.
But first, Claudio Lemos 
Tartar of a kami 
Thai-style yellow curry 
Wild sea bass 
Oh, that bread, 
Pad Thai 
New as yet untitled wagyu beef dish 
Pistachio crème brûlée Good to Know
Public car parking is available within a few minutes’ walk.
Food and drinks menus are shown (and up to date) on Negre’s website.
Some random sample prices: Crispy chicken Caesar salad – 16,50€; Andalusian-style squid with a hint of coconut and orange aioli with thom kha flavour – 16€; Chicken pad Thai – 18€; Smash burgers – 18,50€-22,50€; leg of lamb with rosemary and tamarind sauce, gratin potatoes and broccoli – 26,50€; that yummy crème brûlée – 7,50€.
DJ music adds to the ambience, with live DJ sets at weekends.
Jan Edwards ©2025
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Slow Luxury at Mallorca’s La Residencia Hotel
Slow-travel, Bianchi style Mallorca’s 2025 season has begun for La Residencia, a Belmond Hotel, in the mountain village of Deià. Although the hotel is closed in the winter months, plenty goes on behind the closed gates to ensure that the 5-star hotel continues to meet the increasing demands of its discerning – and well-travelled – guests. Art, wellness, cuisine, and sustainability have all been under the microscope and further enhanced during Deià’s quietest months.
Art
The hotel’s ‘Artists in Residencia’ project returns for the third time. For 2025, the hotel has partnered with the global art platform, Artnet. Three international artists (names to be announced on March 31st) will receive a dual grant covering living expenses and production, as well as accommodation and a studio at the hotel for two months. These fortunate artists can also teach art classes to hotel guests.
Wellness at La Residencia
The hotel’s restyled spa is not the only wellness enhancement. La Residencia now collaborates with the cycling brand Bianchi, enabling guests to discover this spectacular area of Mallorca on two wheels. The hotel has acquired two road bikes and two e-bikes for guests’ complimentary use, stored in the new Bianchi Bike Hub on the property. In addition to meditation and yoga, Pilates classes have been added.
Cuisine
Chef Pablo Armando has launched his third season at the helm of El Olivo, La Residencia’s fine dining restaurant, with tasting menus based on the culture, gastronomy, and ingredients of Mallorca. Working under La Residencia’s executive chef, Guillermo Méndez, Pablo is passionate about farm-to-table dining. Two versions (one shorter) of the tasting menu are offered and named ‘Mayurqa’ (220€) and ‘Deyá’ (180€).
Some of the dishes from the ‘Deyá’ tasting menu On the subject of cuisine, an exciting event is planned for this year at La Residencia: ‘The Art of Flavours on Tour’ is a gastronomic festival featuring prestigious guest chefs. This event follows the success of four editions of this festival at Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel, in Madeira. I can’t wait to find out more.
Sustainability
Two wonderful (in my view) collaborations have been made under the umbrella of sustainability. First, the hotel has created opportunities for employment and training for people facing special challenges, in collaboration with Esment. Members of the Esment Terra team will be responsible for the cultivation and maintenance of seasonal vegetable crops as well as the management of the hotel’s olive groves, which are home to some 2,000 Mallorcan olive trees.
A further collaboration with local honey company Mel Vici focuses on artisanal beekeeping. Five hives were established in the olive grove last year producing honey for hotel guests to enjoy. And we all know how important bees are to the environment. On Monday afternoons, La Residencia offers guests a complimentary bee experience, which sounds amazing.
Whether returning to La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, or making a first visit, guests will find plenty to enjoy this season.
Jan Edwards ©2025
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2025 Season Starts in Mallorca
Mallorca’s weather has been a little ‘off’ recently (at least in the northeast of the island, where I live), but wildflowers are appearing in fields and verges, with the promise of better weather to come as we approach the official start of spring.
Seasonal restaurants and hotels are starting to re-open and, if you’re a Mallorca resident, you may find some special hotel deals for residents during this early part of the season.
One hotel that’s already re-opened is the beautiful Castell Son Claret, set in a 15th-century estate of more than 130 acres of gorgeous countryside near Es Capdellà, at the foot of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Serra de Tramuntana. This privately owned 5-star hotel re-opened on March 1st and has 43 luxurious rooms and suites. We can personally recommend the Garden and Pool Suites for extra privacy.
The hotel also has a well-equipped spa, outdoor pool, and two restaurants – one of which, Sa Clastra, has a Michelin star. Ooh, and I must mention the in-house bakery that produces the breads and all those delicious baked goods that are part of the excellent breakfast experience at Castell Son Claret.
The team at Castell Son Claret is not only looking forward to the 2025 season, it is also celebrating two recent ‘wins’.
Repsol Sol Awarded to Sa Clastra
Jordi Cantó has plenty to smile about On Tuesday this week, the annual Repsol Guide (Guía Repsol) presented its new Sols for this year at an awards gala held in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Ninety new Sols were awarded to restaurants across Spain and the islands.
Watching the event, I was thrilled to see Castell Son Claret’s executive chef, Jordi Cantó, accept the first Sol for Sa Clastra restaurant (which I reviewed for this blog in 2021). Amusingly, one of the two female presenters muddled her cue cards and called Jordi’s name a second time!
This year the Michelin-starred and Sol-awarded Sa Clastra is offering its ‘Wind & Memory’ tasting menu (195€ and 180€ for the shorter version).
Best Sommelier of Mallorca
The Associació Balear de Sommeliers awarded Castell Son Claret’s Javier Gómez the title of Best Sommelier of Mallorca and Second Best Sommelier of the Balearic Islands at its annual championship on March 3rd. If you’re wondering who beat Javier to become Best Sommelier of the Balearic Islands, it was the Frenchman, Brice Michaud (Casa Jondal, Ibiza).
I think this is probably the most fantastic photo I’ve ever posted on this blog – but sadly I cannot claim it as my own, because Castell Son Claret sent it to me at my request. I hope the photographer managed to capture this action in one shot! And congratulations, Javier!
That’s how to celebrate being named Mallorca’s Best Sommelier 2025 Castell Classics 2025
Here are two dates for your diary if you’re an opera fan.
Thursday, June 19th – the Salzburg Festival Young Singers Project will take to the stage at Castell Son Claret.
Sunday, July 20th – the Hamburg State Opera will present a selection of their young singers from the Opera Studio in concert.
These evenings include a gala dinner with wines. For more information, email events@castellsonclareet.com
Jan Edwards©2025
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A Festive Feast or Getaway in Rural Mallorca
I make no apologies for writing again about Finca Can Beneït, a rural hotel in Mallorca that captured our hearts on our first visit. Every time we’ve stayed overnight – and I think we’ve now stayed five times here – I fall a little more in love with the hotel, the staff, and Binibona itself.
And what’s not to love about the hamlet of Binibona, where this enchanting hotel is located? Arriving here you feel as though you’ve stepped off the treadmill of daily life and arrived in a piece of paradise, blessed with birdsong, fresh air, and views that make the heart quicken a little.
View of the pool behind the lavender 
Autumn colours 
Bougainvillea beauty 
Fresh flowers in the sitting room 
And in the outside window ledge of the spa At the heart of Binibona is the estate, Finca Can Beneït, which was once known as Son Catxo. The small community grew around the buildings of this noble estate. Today, Binibona is a blissfully tranquil hideaway.
Room 3
For this latest visit, we stayed in room three for the first time. It looks over the courtyard with its traditional well and beyond the entrance of the building across the island. It has a large bathroom with both shower and a bathtub. As in all the rooms, there are high-quality linens from Spirit of the Nomad and luxurious toiletries from Natura Bissé.
A private concert in the chapel 
View from room three 
View of the pool from our roof terrace We were fortunate to be there on the night that cellist Osel Wiegershaus and violinist Lisa Kimbell were giving a special performance in the finca’s beautiful old chapel. After the musical treat, we had an excellent dinner in the cosy Mirabona restaurant before falling into our comfortable bed.
Room 3, like others here, has its own private roof terrace, equipped with a table and two chairs, and two deckchairs. This would be the perfect place for a writer to spend time working on their latest project.
The magical time of the year, in a magical place
Finca Can Beneït is closed until December 20th, then opens for the festive season, with a special Christmas tasting menu on December 24th, 25th, and 26th. The hotel also has an accommodation package for Christmas, although there was only one room available when I last asked.
I’m imagining tasteful festive decorations (the owners have superb taste) and a long, countryside walk after all the feasting. Sadly, we couldn’t take our two cats to stay with us, so I’ll have to rely on my imagination!
Jan Edwards @2024
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Where to Have a Traditional Afternoon Tea in Palma
“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” So said the author Henry James, whose works included the 19th-century novel, The Portrait of a Lady.
If you agree with Mr James, you’ll be pleased to learn that it’s now possible to have a traditional English-style afternoon tea in Mallorca’s capital, Palma. It’s even served in a palace, to add to the civilized nature of this break in an afternoon of shopping or sightseeing.
A corner of the restaurant interior 
A beautiful setting 
The verdant patio The palace in question is the 5-star grand luxe hotel, Palacio Can Marqués, home to the independent restaurant, The Merchants, which has a stylish interior and a beautiful courtyard for alfresco dining – or afternoon tea.
The Merchants Afternoon Tea is served on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and is the luxury experience you’d expect in the beautiful surroundings. The weather was good, so we sat in the courtyard enjoying the peaceful setting amid trees and lush greenery.
‘Do we get all this food?’ The Boss asked, reading the menu with eyes wide like tea-cup saucers. Yes. My advice? Skip lunch and save yourself for the savoury and sweet indulgences of The Merchants’ afternoon tea.
The beverage included in the afternoon tea price (50€ per person) is one of seven types of tea on offer. I have to admit that, even though I’m a Brit, traditional tea is not my cuppa of choice, but the delicate pink infusion named Goji Secrets was delicious. Of course, you can add to the opulence of the afternoon by having a glass of cava or champagne or a sparkling tea.
Stylish tableware 
Savoury treats 
Crab in a croissant – my favourite 
More savouries 
Bring on the sweet treats! 
Afternoon tea classics The food arrived on a stand, loaded with three plates, with an additonal plate on the side. At the bottom of the stand were the sandwiches or, as described at The Merchants, tramezzini. They’re posh finger sandwiches made with soft, Italian white bread. The savouries also included smoked salmon on brioche, mini-croissant with crab, avocado, guacamole, and lime, a mini smoked chicken sandwich with Mahon cheese, bacon, and lettuce. My absolute favourite of these was the mini-croissant.
The sweet treats had been calling out ‘Eat me’ since they arrived at the table and so we did. Scones, with clotted cream and a selection of jams, and rich chocolate and sea salt cookies were on the additional plate. I don’t remember when I last ate and enjoyed so many sweet temptations!
As far as I know, this is the only place in the middle of Palma that serves a traditional afternoon tea. If you want to try it, book through The Merchants’ website.
Jan Edwards @2024
Eat Drink Sleep Mallorca 