Travel Challenge: The Chic Shorthaul City Break
My friend and I would like to go on a city break to somewhere new. We would like to stay in a quality, boutique-style hotel, preferably with a spa. As we are only going away for three nights, we don’t want to travel too far. We have been to all of the obvious city break destinations: Barcelona, Paris, New York and Amsterdam and would like to try somewhere different. We like to do a bit of sightseeing, but we are more interested in shopping; both on the high street and in local markets. Nightlife is important to us, but we are not huge clubbers. Where would you recommend? – Bea.
You could be forgiven for associating holidays in Mallorca with beer, buckets and spades, but the largest of the Balearic Islands offers a stylish Spanish city break to rival Barcelona and Madrid. Palma, the island’s capital has it all: culture, history, nightlife, shopping, dining – and nearby beaches to boot. We reckon Palma has everything you want from your break.
A true departure from the concrete jungles of Mallorca’s brash holiday resorts, Palma boasts some impressive architecture, including the iconic Gothic cathedral. Although you’re more into shopping than sightseeing, you’ll be impressed by the splendour and the detail at the Almudaina Palace, the Arab Bath House and Bellver Castle, which now houses the city museum. Your desire for some retail therapy should be satisfied by the big name stores, but you won’t have to meander far down a cobbled street to come across an exclusive boutique or jeweller’s shop. When it comes to food and drink, choose from freshly-caught seafood restaurants, tiny tapas bars and pavement cafes. In the evening, head to the fashionable port area, where hip bars and clubs come alive. Forget the big name nightclubs and yards of ale in Magaluf – here you can sip delicious chilled cocktails and good wine. If you fancy getting out of the city and hitting the beach, you’re only a short taxi or bus ride away from some of the island’s best stretches.
We think you’ll adore the chic Santa Clara Urban Hotel and Spa. Centrally located, this four star boutique accommodation offers a real retreat with its spa and wellness centre, Turkish steam bath and Jacuzzi. With high ceilings, stone walls and contemporary furnishings, this unique hotel perfectly blends tradition and modernity. A three night September break at the Santa Clara Urban Hotel and Spa through Hays Travel costs from £389 per person, bed and breakfast, including flights. This price is based on two sharing a standard room, departing Stansted on 18th September, but other dates and departure airports are available. Click here for more information, or call 0800 408 4131.
