Balearics - Menorca

With a charm all its own, Menorca has been popular with the British since Nelson chose the deep harbour of Mahon as his principal Mediterranean base. In fact there are influences of foreign occupation everywhere with two of the best known epicurean legacies being Mahon Gin, first distilled by the British from the abundance of junipers found on the island and Mayonnaise sauce named by French occupiers after the capital city.

Menorca is a place of short distances yet scenic variety and there is a diversity of attraction for the holidaymaker from the cities of Mahon and Cuitadella at opposite ends of the island with their narrow streets and picturesque waterfronts packed with bars and restaurants to nature reserves and unspoilt, sheltered beaches reached by narrow tracks.

You will recall your time on Menorca with all sorts of happy memories but thoughts of local cuisine will inevitably be to the fore, whether prepared yourself for al-fresco evenings or enjoyed in a quayside restaurant - produce always fresh; meat and salads bursting with flavour, fish landed that morning and wonderful creamy Menorquin cheese.

Menorca is not a place for wild beach parties and noisy clubs but it is, for friends and families alike, a gentle and ideal holiday island to return to time and time again.

Balearics - Mallorca

Mallorca has a reputation in many quarters for being loud and brash and there are certainly resorts in the South that cater for those seeking a lively and exuberant holiday with sunburnt days and club filled nights. But for those in the know, Mallorca is an island of rustic sophistication and magnificent scenery. Drive the mountain roads to Soller and stroll through the narrow streets being careful of the vintage train which arrives in the centre of town after its picturesque ascent from Palma. Don't miss the stunningly beautiful village of Deia where Robert Graves lies buried in a tiny churchyard overlooking the sea, nor Valldemossa with its Carthusian monastery. Frederic Chopin and George Sand both discovered Valldemossa and gained inspiration there; you too can relax and absorb the atmosphere.

Villa Retreats has carefully selected beautiful homes throughout the island and not only in the Deia and Soller area. Choose from the sophisticated resorts of the south-west such as Andratx, Bendinat and Costa d'en Blanes, all just a short drive (or bus ride) from the capital city of Palma; travel north to the towns of Pollensa and Puerto Pollensa, great areas for families or to the south-east for unspoilt rural locations within easy reach of beaches.

Whatever your choice of holiday, it can be found in Mallorca.

Andratx and South West Mallorca

The south west enjoys superb road links to the capital, Palma making it particularly attractive to those seeking easy access to the widest range of facilities. There are the sophisticated resorts of Costa d'en Blanes, Bendinat and Portals with its lively marina, golf near Santa Ponsa and always, beaches and coves.

The road leads on to the lovely port of Andratx where exclusive villas perch on the hills overlooking the bay, enjoying magnificent views.

We have a wide choice of luxury villas in this South- West area to suit all holiday requirements. Stay close to beaches and the bustling resorts - you do not even need a car in this area where public transport is reliable and inexpensive or climb the hills and enjoy the scenery from your own terrace.

Deia and Soller Area

You can reach Soller quickly from Palma, going through the mountains by tunnel or take the scenic route. Either way you will be rewarded by the charm of this bustling and unspoilt town with its local shops and market and vintage tram trundling by on its way down the hill to Port de Soller with its super sandy beaches. The splendid art nouveau railway station here is also the terminus for the equally vintage narrow-gauge train, which has been making the journey to and from Palma since 1912.

This coastline is rugged with windy roads connecting small villages including Deia, one of the most picturesque (and exclusive) on the island. The King of Spain has a retreat here and it is the resting place of Robert Graves who, like many before and since, drew inspiration from the magnificent setting.

Valdemossa with its Carthusian monastery also inspired artists and writers and was the home of both Frederic Chopin and George Sand and although the latter complained in her writings of the townspeople and the weather, their heritage is certainly welcomed now!

Pollensa Area

The old town of Pollensa and nearby Puerto Pollensa lie in the lee of the Tramuntana Mountains in the north of Mallorca. Here you can find shops and galleries and a wide choice of bars and restaurants serving Mallorquin and international cuisine - all using only the freshest local ingredients and produce.

In the Port, the lovely Pine Walk stretches alongside the sandy beach and rewards the stroller with views across the bay to the Alcanada Peninsula. The Old Town is dominated by the hill known as Ca'n Puig with its monastery and if you are in Pollensa at the beginning of August, you will be caught up in the annual Moors and Christians festival with re-enactments of the battles between locals and invaders - you won't be surprised to find that the Christians always seem to win!

East & South East Mallorca

Eastern Mallorca is an area of rolling farmland with villages and towns untouched by tourism. Staying in a rural retreat here is ideal for the vacationer who wants to relax in more rustic surroundings whilst still having access to beaches and tourist attractions.

The town of Arta has some superb local restaurants but for a greater selection of cuisine, it is just a drive to the more bustling resort of Cala D'Or and the lovely town of Puerto Cristo. Close by are the spectacular Coves del Drac, the caves that are said to have inspired Jules Verne and his novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Overlooking the whole area is the Santuari de Sant Salvador, a hermitage perched on a rock over 500m above sea level.

There is golf close by and all the water sports and beach activities for the perfect family holiday.