Just Back From: Cala San Vicente
August 24, 2010 Just Back From
Our reader Maggi is just back from a blissful break in Cala san Vicente, a small, pictureseque resort on the north-east coast of Majorca. Close to upmarket Puerto Pollensa but without the posh price tag, it’s the perfect place for savvy travellers to experience the quieter side of this big Balearic island.
Who did you go away with? My cousin.
Where did you stay? The Don Pedro Hotel
What did you think of your accommodation? The hotel is in a spectacular position on a cliff between two beaches. People who had returned year after year said that the location could not be bettered for those who love the sea and natural scenery. The reception area is at street level, which is the fourth floor, and all the other areas of the hotel are accessed by descending in a lift or going downstairs. The restaurant, lounge, bar and terrace are all on the ground floor, overlooking the Mediterranean and a few steps up from Cala Barques on one side and the tiny Cala Clara on the other. Almost all of the rooms have amazing sea views and a balcony. The hotel is spotlessly clean and all the staff work unbelievably hard to ensure the clients have a wonderful holiday. Our bedding and towels were changed every day, and the waiters and bar staff were also very attentive. The pool area is not large, but there is a separate pool for young children which is just as well, as the main rectangular pool goes deep quite quickly. Ideal for swimmers but not much space for games etc. Most people sunbathe on the terrace which overlooks the sea, but we enjoyed relaxing on the beaches, which are only a minute away. Parents with toddlers had to be very attentive as there is access from the terrace to a walkway just above the sea. The Don Pedro is a three star hotel and the décor and amenities reflect this. The location, cleanliness, service and food far surpass the star rating!
What was the weather like? Mainly hot and sunny with a couple of overcast mornings and a day of heavy rain! Very unusual we were told, but even then we were sunbathing by 3pm. It stayed hot till the sun went down at 8pm every day. The sea was often quite rough, which is lovely to watch, but a nightmare for the lifeguards when people ignore the red flag! When the sea is calm, which was most of the time, it is unbelievably clear and snorkelling is very popular.
Where was the best place you ate out? We were staying All Inclusive at the Don Pedro and did not intend spending money on eating out. We did not need to, as the choice was brilliant and everything was cooked beautifully. The buffets included local dishes as well as catering for those who “do not like foreign food”. We loved the Andalucian Gazpacho and local cheeses and cooked meats, not to mention the Sangria on tap! Paella was a special on Sundays with an abundance of mussels, king prawns and crab, as well as meat and veg. We looked forward to all our meals and have put on weight despite making healthier choices, which can only mean our portion sizes were at fault! For anyone who was still hungry, a hot and cold buffet was available at all other times, and it was in constant use! We love our food, but having three substantial meals a day did not leave room for burgers, chips and cake!
What was your favourite part of the holiday? Apart from good food and drink, we loved the family atmosphere in the hotel, and absence of noisy night spots. The proximity to the beaches is great and we had a really relaxing time. We took a trip around the island which included four modes of transport, coach, an old wooden train up to the mountains, a quaint tram from Soller to Puerto Soller and a catamaran to Sa Calobra. Return was by coach up a road with many hair-pin bends, from sea level to the mountain peaks, and spectacular views, not for the faint-hearted!
Any hidden gems you’d like to share with our readers? As well as the two beaches described, Cala Mollins, which is sandy all the way out, is only five minutes walk away down 75 steps, or ten minutes along a scenic road. (Cala Barques and Cala Clara are sandy, but you need beach footwear in the water as it is stony in parts). We found the buses very prompt and a great way to explore further afield. The bus to nearby Puerto Pollensa only costs 1 euro 10 cents, but it’s necessary to study the timetable. We also went to Palma by bus for about 10 euros return. Puerto Pollensa is a beautiful harbour resort with great shopping and Palma is a wonderful city with so much to do that it would warrant a city break trip in itself.
Would you go back and if so, would you stay at the same hotel? Yes we would, but would probably diet before we go!
Reader Holidays: Be Travel Savvy readers can spend a week all-inclusive at the Don Pedro hotel from just £325 per person including luggage, flights and transfers, based on two sharing. Click here for more information. This offer departs Stansted on 28th September but other departure dates and airports are available for a supplement, with flights to Majorca being available from most UK departure airports. Search the Hays Travel website or give them a call on 0800 408 4131 for the perfect package to suit you.
