01 May 2018
In 2017, the Balearic Islands welcomed a total of 16,332,782 tourists, of which 3,736,341 were British representing a 2.8% increase compared to the same period in 2016. In line with the Balearic Islands tourist board's strategy which aims to promote travel to the islands during the winter months, the tourist board welcomed 479.148 tourists from January to February 2018 representing a 4.2% increase compared to the same period in 2017. This increase highlights a growing appetite for off-season breaks to the Balearic Islands. Please find below the latest news from Menorca, Formentera, Ibiza and Mallorca:
Destination News
The Balearic Islands Tourism Board invests 64 million euros into 70 sustainability projects
In 2017, the Balearic Islands Tourism Board invested 64 million euros into 70 different sustainability projects, 62 of which were new. 40% of the funds, which were raised from the sustainable tourism tax introduced in 2016, will be allocated to the renovation and protection of infrastructure of significant historical and cultural heritage in the Balearic Islands. For instance, in Formentera funds have been invested into the renovation of Sa Seniata, one of the oldest properties on the island dating back to 1697, to turn it into the headquarters of the Museum of Formentera, in Menorca the tourist board is dedicating funds towards reconstructing parts of the medieval wall of the city of Ciutadella, whilst funds have been allocated towards renovating the Torres del Temple in Palma into a museum.
The 'Fomento Del Turismo de Ibiza' launches 'Discover Ibiza'
The 'Fomento Del Turismo de Ibiza', an association focused on the promotion and development of tourism on the island of Ibiza, has recently launched a new product club called 'Discover Ibiza'. The club incorporates a number of different companies across the island, each offering a variety of experiences throughout the year, which can be enjoyed independently or with a group. Activities featured in the club include: scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, hiking excursions, and hot air balloon rides. www.descubriendoibiza.com
Formentera to limit the number of vehicles on the island by 2019
The Balearic Islands government has recently announced the introduction of a new law which will limit the entry and circulation of vehicles on the island. The new regulations, expected to come into place in summer 2019, are being launched to limit saturation challenges faced by the island annually, as well as to protect Formentera's environment, boost eco-sensitive tourism to the island and reduce CO2 emissions. www.formentera.es
Hotel News
New boutique hotel due to open in San Antonio, Ibiza
A new luxury boutique hotel called Las Mimosas is scheduled to open in the San Antonio Bay area in Ibiza in May 2018. The hotel will boast 11 spacious junior suites and six luxurious suites decorated with a Mediterranean-inspired look. Located in an oasis of tranquillity, the property also has a peaceful pool and spa, a terrace offering stunning sea views, a yoga terrace, and an Italian restaurant with a rooftop area. A one night stay in a junior suite is priced from £190 in low season, and from £377 in high season based on two people sharing and including breakfast. www.lasmimosasibiza.com
W Hotels to open W Escape Ibiza in 2019
W Hotels, part of Marriott International, has recently announced plans to open a new hotel called the W Ibiza. Scheduled to open in summer 2019, the hotel will feature 162 rooms and will be located in Santa Eulalia del Rio, conveniently situated nearby local beaches, restaurants and night clubs. The hotel will also have a rooftop sunset bar, an adults-only Wet Deck featuring a Spanish beach bar, as well as restaurants and bars. www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/index.html?language=en_US
Torralbenc launches new wine tasting experience in Menorca
Torralbenc, a traditional Menorcan farm that has been renovated into luxury accommodation, has launched a new wine tasting experience – the first chance for guests to tour the hotel's vineyards and sample the home-grown wine – on foot or by bicycle. 2018 marks the 10th anniversary since the first seeds were planted in the vineyard and is the perfect time for guests to learn about Menorcan wine. This year, Torralbenc will acquire two final hectares, and aims to produce 32,000 bottles of wine, compared to the 21,000 bottles produced in 2017. www.torralbenc.com
Cugo Gran in Menorca announces 2018 dates for 'Gut Makeover Retreat'
Luxury hotel Cugo Gran located in Menorca has partnered with leading nutritional therapist, Jeanette Hyde, to host a new series of Gut Makeover Retreats in 2018. Taking place in the luxurious surroundings of the 11 bedroom villa, 'The Gut Makeover Retreat; is inspired by 'The Gut Makeover', a 28-day plan designed to restore digestive health as well a physical, emotional and mental balance. Guests will undertake the first five days of the plan, which will include enjoying gut-friendly meals inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, individual and group Pilates sessions, as well as other optional activities such as yoga sessions, walking, biking and horse riding along the Cami de Cavalls path. Prices start from £2,175 for five nights based on two people sharing and £2,610 for single occupancy. www.cugogranmenorca.com
Atzaro Hotel and Spa relaunch with new interiors refurbishment for 2018
Atzaro Hotel and Spa, a luxury five* hotel and one of the first agroturismos to open on the island of Ibiza, has recently relaunched with a new design. The new concept of the hotel is 'natural luxury', returning the hotel to its traditional, natural heritage whilst retaining a luxurious design and feel. Located in an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of orange groves and tropical gardens, the 24 bedroom hotel was built on the site of a finca and working farm, once the home of the owner. The property also features an open-air Spa with a sauna, hammam, gym and yoga pavilions, a two restaurants serving local delicacies, a bar, and a fresh water pool surrounded by palm trees. www.atzaro.com
Boutique Hotel Son Brull completes spa refurbishment
Luxury boutique Son Brull, located at the foot of the Tramuntana Mountains in Mallorca, has recently completed a refurbishment of its state-of-the-art spa. Featuring an indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, the spa now also has three new treatment rooms with individual relaxation areas, as well a new yoga shala where complimentary yoga classes will take place daily. Son Brull is bookable via www.mallorcantonic.com www.sonbrull.com
Barceló Portinatx celebrates first anniversary
In May 2018, the Barceló Portinatx will celebrate its first anniversary. Located in one of the quietest areas of North Ibiza, and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel has its own private beach, a club and evening entertainment. The hotel 134 room property offers adults a small sanctuary for a relaxing holiday with several outdoor activities – hiking, cycling and a range of water-sports. A one night stay is priced from £94 per person based on two sharing on a bed and breakfast basis. www.barcelo.com
Other News
Two women aim to raise £10,000 for a marine conservation non-profit organisation
On 1 June 2018, two women called Cat Friend (British) and Valerie Bisbal (Mallorcan) will be attempting a world first. After ten months of training they will attempt to become the first people to circumnavigate the Mallorcan coastline, by stand-up-paddle board. The aim of the expedition is to raise £10,000 for marine conservation charity Asociacion Ondin, a non-profit organisation dedicated to conserving and preserving the biodiversity and marine-life in the Balearic Sea. Departing and finishing in Soller, Friend and Bisbal will paddle clockwise around Mallorca along the 55km coastline for 21 days. www.mallorcantonic.com www.sollertosoller.com
New premium rooftop lounge and bar launches in April 2018 in Mallorca
A new rooftop lounge & bar has recently opened in Puerto Portals on the southern coast of Mallorca. The new luxurious spot called Paradigm features two bars, an outdoor terrace with stunning panoramic views of the marina, and a twenty-five table area which can host up to 200 guests. Visitors will also be able to enjoy all-fresco DJ sets by a team of international DJ's. www.paradigmmallorca.com
The Kitchen restaurant in Palma relaunches with new concept and menu
Local restaurant 'The Kitchen' situated in the heart of the capital of Mallorca, Palma, has recently relaunched with a new and exciting concept and menu. Headed up by Austrian MasterChef Simon Petutschnig, the restaurant offers diners a selection of dishes which blend Mediterranean and Japanese food and are made with locally-sourced ingredients. www.mallorcantonic.com www.thekitchenpalma.com
Club de Golf de Alcanada picks up Silver Flag at 59club awards
Club de Golf Alcanada, the popular golf course in the north of Mallorca, has picked up its fourth successive Silver Flag at the prestigious 59club awards, held in Hertfordshire in April 2018. The club, the only course in the Balearic Islands located next to the sea, was recognised for its good business sales, operations, golf course, management, and food and beverages based on scores collated from an independent visitor panel. www.golf-alcanada.com
For more information on what to see and do in the Balearic Islands, please visit http://www.illesbalears.travel/en/baleares/?utm_campaign=lotus&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=letterapril2018
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