Despite the challenging year, the Balearic Islands continue to develop its tourism proposition with a range of new hotel openings and other tourism developments. Find below some of our top picks of what's new in the archipelago (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera).

SUSTAINABILITY

Menorca tourist board continues to strengthen long-term sustainable strategy 

Menorca continues to develop its long-term sustainable tourism strategy to help preserve the island's natural ecosystem revealing a new sustainability project entitled “Concept 0C02”. The project is ultimately aimed at reducing C02 emissions and includes a number of initiatives, such as a new network of routes linked to gastronomy, ethnology, astrology and more. UNESCO recognised Menorca as a natural biosphere reserve in 1993, taking into consideration the high degree of compatibility achieved between the development of economic activities, expenditure and the ongoing conservation of its landscapes and heritage. Sustainability continues to lie at the very heart of Menorca's tourism strategy. 

Balearic Islands: The Balearic Islands to ban single-use plastic in 2021

The Balearic Islands will ban the sale of all single-use consumer plastics such as plastic cups, plates and cutlery, straws, disposable razors, lighters and coffee machine capsules by March 2021 in a bid to better protect the environment. The Balearic Islands have been working intensively over the last few years to be at the forefront of sustainable tourism; and this measure will help move towards the overall goal of being a sustainable destination.

Mallorca: The city of Palma to become a smart tourism destination

Palma Tourist Board unveils an ambitious project for 2021 named “Plan Impulso Palma”, aiming to transform the capital of the Balearic Islands into a smart and sustainable destination to help drive the recovery of the tourism industry following the impact of COVID-19. The smart tourism model will be based around four key pillars: implementation of technological solutions to interact with tourists, boosting the city's digitalisation, creating new sustainability and quality control accreditations and implementing safety and hygiene programs and protocols. The total investment for this project is €975,000.

Mallorca: A new mountain refugee to open its doors in Mallorca's mountain range Serra de Tramuntana

An ambitious project aims to transform Ses Porqueres de Galatzó, a building which originally served as an animal shelter, into a modern and environmentally friendly mountain refuge located in the western part of the island. The building lies on the picturesque Ruta de Piedra Seco (Dry Stone Route), which offers a series of hiking paths running through scenic Mallorcan pine forests, malvasía vines (Mediterranean grapes) and olive groves, typical of the Balearic Islands. Once completed, Ses Porqueres de Galatzó will offer hikers 52 beds divided between 12 rooms as well as a kitchen, dining rooms and a multifunctional room for educational and cultural activities. Ses Porqueres de Galatzó will open its doors in 2021.

CULTURE

Menorca: Opening of a prehistoric cave for visitors offering guided tours in English

The Balearic island of Menorca will welcome a new cultural space for visitors to enjoy, enhancing its already broad culture heritage offering ahead of the 2021 season. "Cova de S'Aigu", located in Cala Blanca-Ciutadella, is a burial cave that dates back to prehistoric times and a place where archaeologists have found remains from a variety of historical eras including some inscriptions from the 18th century, the time of the British occupation of Menorca. Guided tours in English will be available from March 2021 where visitors can admire the different geological formations as well as a large lake with crystal clear waters among a host of other interesting sites.

Menorca: A new Hauser&Wirth Art Gallery lands in Menorca

Hauser & Wirth, the gallery which represents over 75 artists and estates around the world, including Hong Kong, Los Angeles and London, has gone beyond the 2020 trend of developing virtual alternatives of the existing exhibitions by launching ArtLab earlier this year, a new technology and research division. Its first project, HWVR, is a virtual reality exhibition which offers 'visitors' an online preview of the art centre which they will be able to visit psychically on Menorca when it opens in 2021. Hauser & Wirth Menorca will comprise of eight galleries, gardens by Piet Oudolf, a gallery shop, and a 'cantina' restaurant, all across a 1,500 square meter space.

NEW OPENINGS

Mallorca: New multi-space venue with the Michelin-star chef Martin Berasategui

Hit Mallorca is designed to welcome tourists and residents alike by offering a combination of the excellent quality and service from a restaurant run by Martín Berasategui, the Spanish-speaking chef with twelve Michelin stars, and spectacular shows performed by internationally renowned artists. The event calendar will also include additional performances of the most acclaimed DJs and producers from the island. The 30,000 m2 venue will be divided into indoor and covered outdoor areas. Hit Mallorca is located in the outskirts of Palma de Mallorca on the Carretera de S'Aranjassa (former Teatro Es Fogueró) and will open its doors in 2021. hitmallorca.com

Mallorca: El Vicenç, new boutique hotel to open in the scenic north coast of Mallorca  

Cala Sant Vicenç is set to become home to the new El Vicenç hotel, a stylish boutique hotel which successful opened in Palma de Mallorca earlier this year as El Llorenç Parc de la Mar. The owners hope to replicate the high quality of the brand in the more relaxing, coastal setting. El Vicenç hotel will include 35 rooms, spa and gym facilities, a small cinema room and a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool. Mallorca's north coast is dominated by the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, which is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site due to its dramatic gorges, its diverse vegetation and its biodiversity.www.elllorenc.com/en

Mallorca: Can Ferrereta, a new boutique hotel in the rural town of Santanyí

Can Ferrereta is set to open in spring 2021, just in time for the next year's summer season. Located in the quaint, rural town of Santanyí, the hotel is set within a charming 17th century building with 31 individually designed suites and rooms. Art is planned to become one of the characteristics of the new establishment, with a focus on local and Spanish artists, as well as modern photography, featuring images of the original buildings before the renovation. Can Ferrereta will also be home to a Mediterranean restaurant, serving seasonal dishes made with local products, as well as two bars, an 25m swimming pool, gym and a spa with hammam and indoor pool.hotelcanferrereta.com/en

 Formentera: Casa Formentera, a new luxury design hotel with social conscience

Designed for ultimate relaxation, Casa Formentera is located just a barefoot stroll from the Platja Migjorn hotel will offer breathtaking sea views from its luxurious rooms and many personal touches, such as organic breakfasts delivered in a hamper in the morning. The rooftop terrace will provide yoga and soothing massage facilities with panoramic views over the ocean. Casa Formentera will be plastic free and free drinking water will be distilled on site. The establishment will also support local environmental initiatives through the Ibiza and Formentera Preservation Foundation.www.casaformentera.com

Ibiza: A new adult-only Balearic retreat  

New boutique hotel brand OKU is set to launch its an adult-only-five-star retreat in May 2021, bringing its ethos of laid-back slow living to Ibiza's southwest coast. The adult-only five-star Balearic retreat will be home to one of the largest pools on the White Isle's and is located just a short walk from Cala Gracio beach. Rooms include penthouses, swim-up pool rooms and a luxury four-bedroom villa. B&B in a double room costs from £275 per night. www.okuhotels.com/oku-ibiza

Menorca: Palladium Hotel Group to open four-star hotel overlooking Arenal d'en Castell bay

Palladium Hotel Menorca is set to open in summer 2021. The four-star hotel is located above Arenal d'en Castell bay on the Balearic Island's north-eastern coast, overlooking dramatic cliffs, lush pine forests and the sandy beaches that make up the Menorcan landscape. Highlights include two pools, Zensations by Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness, entertainment for all the family, and gastronomy drawing on inspiration from cuisines from around the world, including traditional dishes from Menorca and the Balearics. Rooms are priced from £126 per night based on two sharing on all-inclusive basis. www.palladiumhotelgroup.com

Menorca Hotel Gran Sagitario: a new family friendly hotel lands in Cala Blanca 

The family-owned Company Sagitario Hotel Group is set to launch a new family-friendly hotel in 2021. Hotel Gran Sagitario will be located just a few steps from the crystal-clear water and white sand of Cala Blanca in Ciutadella (Menorca) in a fabulous setting surrounded by green pine forests inside a quiet neighborhood, with services for the entire family. The hotel chain embraces the 'Farm to table' philosophy and will only serve local Menorcan products in their buffets. Rooms are priced from £170 per night based on two sharing on a half-board basis. 

www.sagitariohotels.com 

… and beyond

Menorca Prepares for European Region of Gastronomy for 2022

Menorca has been named the European Region of Gastronomy for 2022 by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism. The European Region of Gastronomy project aims to promote local products and cuisine in accordance with the principles of sustainable development and has recognised Menorca's efforts to enrich and support its own gastronomic heritage and cultural diversity. Menorca aims to consolidate its position as a leading food destination worldwide. Next year, Menorca will host an array of gastronomic events and festivals ahead of being the European Region of Gastronomy in 2022.

Farmers & Co and Cómete Menorca connect visitors with small island producers 

In preparation for Menorca's status as European Region of Gastronomy 2022, local companies Farmers & Co, and Cómete Menorca (meaning 'eat Menorca'), are developing a whole range of new experiences to connect visitors to local producers. Visitors can learn the secrets of Mahón cheese, discover the island's craft beers or learn about the origins of Menorcan mayonnaise, amongst many other gastronomic experiences.  
https://www.farmersandco.es/farmers-way/ / https://www.cometemenorca.com/es/experiencias-gastronomicas. 

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For more information on what to see and to in the Balearic Islands, please visit: www.illesbalears.travel;

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