If Ibiza has its bohemian hedonism and Mykonos, jet-set allure, Mallorca has always felt more mature, and dare I say classy? Or maybe I am just biased as it is practically my second home. So it was a delight to visit a new resort which epitomises the best of the
island’s culture, tucked away on a peninsula just outside Palma – Purobeach Santa Ponsa.
Arriving at Purobeach Santa Ponsa is like rocking up in a quintessential postcard version of Nirvana. The cobalt sky was a sharp contrast to the crisp white sunloungers and their pretty tasselled parasols which only add to the unhurried pace of the resort; and the laid back vibe
spread to the decor too – which was wall to wall, white-washed minimalism, with staff floating around in earthy linens looking like they had just finished a yoga class.
Within minutes I had a cold glass of cava in hand (what else?) and settled into some very enjoyable people- watching which mostly consisted of bronzed bodies, shimmering with coconut oil and a DJ spinning mellow tunes. My suitcase was whisked away down the stone steps to my suite, which was as discreet as it was chic, leaving me free to make a far more pressing decision: bikini or cocktail first? In
the end, my bikini won.
Thirty minutes later I was poolside, stretched out in the late sun, fully convinced that this was exactly the kind of “arrival ritual” I could get used to. When I opened the door to my private duplex suite, the first thing I noted was that it was bigger than my flat in Brighton! Boasting sophisticated pale stone and wood details, mood lights and a private bedroom terrace that opened directly onto the sunrise, I literally had my own little slice of paradise.
Downstairs, a modest lounge and kitchenette gave it the feel of a private apartment, and with even more Cava waiting, I anticipated a boozy vacay. With just 160 rooms, many with sea views, the entry-level doubles are compact but well-designed; sea-view rooms and suites include private terraces, whilst the top-tier Oasis del Mar Suites boast outdoor showers and direct access to private cabana beds making them the perfect lovenest.
Anticipating constant sunshine, I was prepared to top up my tan, but with lots of boozy lunches, a morning yoga session was much appreciated. Gentle stretches and sun salutations overlooking the sea was the perfect start to my day, which was followed by a
green juice and flaky pasty without a hint of guilt! Had I brought my trainers, I may have done a gym workout too, but I did make the most of the two pools for some exercise.
Lunch was unhurried and could be enjoyed poolside or seated under a shady umbrella on the terrace. With a tempting menu of light plates, the namesake Puro brioche Caesar salad is dressed in a delightful home-made Caesar sauce, whilst the goat’s cheese salad with honey and candied walnuts was delectable; whilst vegetarians are spoiled with the grilled halloumi salad – a colourful plate of rocket and strawberries.
For any hangover days, try the nachos and a Bloody Mary and you’ll be back on form in no time! Afternoons blurred into swims and sunbathing, broken only by a massage in the small, but extremely mighty Spa; boasting a sauna, steam room, delightful relaxation area and two treatment rooms, it is never going to get overcrowded, and with padel courts on the cards it would be easy to work off some calories here. Although most guests seem content with poolside lounging – the Adults Only area is highly recommended if you’re in the mood to chill.
Evenings were reserved for ONA, the resort’s signature restaurant, where the dinner blended into the sunset and was heavily seafood focussed. I just wish there had been more days to enjoy the menu- a global affair which fused Peru’s Japanese influence. Worth a mention are the Vongole and Monkfish Linguini; Seared sea turbot, grilled lobster and King Crab bisque which surprised and delighted with every bite.
When I ventured beyond the resort, Santa Ponsa itself is a low key seaside town, with a wide beach and a promenade of family-run cafés, and it was only a ten minute stroll down hill to get there. Although the walk up took slightly more!
If you have a car, it’s worth exploring the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, which although closeby, offer something altogether different: villages of honey-stone, olive groves that have stood for centuries and are ideal for hiking and village-hopping (Deià, Valldemossa and
Sóller are recommended stopping off points), and Palma is close enough for a day of tapas and galleries.
If you’re dreaming of a destination that is luxurious enough to stay put, but in a region that has lots to offer. Purobeach sits at the heart of it all, stylish without being pretentious, with a beach club energy without the masses. It’s a place for just being you – unless of course you fancy a night at the infamous Purobeach Beach Club as well!
FACTBOX
Reservations are now available at Purobeach Resort Santa Ponsa – Oasis del Mar. For more information please visit: www.purobeachresort.com
Room rates start at £220 per night based on double occupancy in a Flow – Standard Room with breakfast.
