The Balearic Islands continue to be a favourite holiday destinations for British visitors. Below is an update of new tourism developments in Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.

Destination News

Formentera hosts the Festival Save Posidonia from 12 – 15 October

From 12 – 15 October, Formentera will host the Festival Save Posidonia – an event aimed at raising awareness of the Posidonia Project, a marine plant which is vital to the local ecosystem. The festival will include a variety of cultural, sport and environmental activities such as yoga, photography and talks about sustainability. The full programme is available here: www.saveposidoniaproject.o

Increase in flights from Stansted to Menorca in 2018

Jet2 has increased its flight capacity from Stansted Airport for summer 2018 with more weekly flights being added to Menorca. In total, there will be an additional 16,618 inbound and outbound seats to Menorca from all routes, with 110,595 outgoing seats in total to Menorca in 2018.

SwimTrek launches a new holiday on the northern beaches of Ibiza

SwimTrek – an open water swimming specialist – has launched a stunning new holiday on the picturesque northern beaches of the Spanish island of Ibiza. The seven-day trip is a combination of coastal swimming, island-hopping and time to explore the coastline's hidden nooks and crannies, offering visitors a way to immerse themselves in the Ibizan experience. The holiday runs from 1-8 October and 8-14 October with prices starting from £980 per person, based on two people sharing. www.swimtrek.com/packages/simming-holiday-ibiza-spain

New Openings

Iberostar opens new designer hotel in Mallorca

A new five star property, the Iberostar Grand Hotel Portals Nous, recently opened in one of Mallorca's most exclusive areas. The hotel was designed by Marcel Wanders and is also home to the Astir, a gourmet restaurant that serves meat from the El Capricho farm. Included in the hotel's 66 rooms will be four penthouses with private terraces and Jacuzzis, and five themed suites including the space-themed 'Stargazer Suite'. Guests can also enjoy drinks in the Selini Lobby Bar and the Dom Pérignon Champagne Bar. One night in a standard double room including breakfast starts from €231 www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/majorca/iberostar-grand-hotel-portals-nous

Eurostars Marivent receives full refurbishment

The Eurostars Marivent has received a complete renovation and is ready to welcome visitors as a four star hotel. Located next to the Cala Major beach near Mallorca's capital Palma, the hotel's 93 rooms have been refurbished and redesigned to incorporate the latest technological innovations. Mallorcan and Mediterranean design themes have been incorporated into the rooms, utilising local song lyrics, poems and images. The outdoor area has been renovated including a new garden, two swimming pools and a lounge bar. A new gym and a solarium, as well a business centre have also been added. One night in a double room with balcony including breakfast starts from €135 www.eurostarshotels.co.uk/eurostars-marivent

 New hip and exclusive Sir Joan hotel opens in Ibiza

A brand new hotel that channels the hippie spirit and vibrant music scene on Ibiza has opened in the picturesque bay of Talamanca in southern Ibiza. The Sir Joan hotel has been designed by award-winning architects 'Baranowitz + Kronenberg' and offers 38 rooms with balconies, including suites and two top-floor penthouses.  The luxury hotel's design incorporates maritime and bohemian-lifestyle themes. Guests can eat at the IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar, a Japanese-Peruvian bistro, as well the gourmet burger restaurant The Butcher. One night in a double 'Sir Boutique' room, excluding breakfast, starts from €160 www.sirhotels.com/joan

Hotel Font I Roig reopens following renovations

The Hotel Font I Roig, located in a 500-year-old mansion, has received a major renovation. Found in the inland district of Maria de Salut, north east Mallorca, the hotel is a 15-minute drive from the coast and now offers an outdoor spa, a saltwater pool and a large dream-inspired garden. The property offers seven rooms, two junior suites and four full suites, all decorated in a traditional Mallorcan style. The restaurant serves local cuisine, while there is also a BBQ area where fresh food is prepared for guests every Friday. Two nights in a double room with garden view, including breakfast, starts from £353 www.fontiroig.com

New beach club opens in the upmarket resort of Illetas in Mallorca

The Puro Group has launched a new beach club in the Mallorcan resort of Illetas, located in the southwest of the island. Opened in May, 'Purobeach Illetas' is built into the cliff face in a quiet cove on the edge of Illetas beach.

The beach club is built over two levels and features a terrace bar, restaurant and three distinct areas; the Oasis, the Palm and the Beach, where guests can unwind on one of 100 sunbeds. Events will run through the summer including the Puro Group's popular 'moon parties'. Prices of sunbeds start from £28 and include towel service and a welcome tray with fresh fruit, a cold towel, water, after sun and a smoothie. www.purobeach.com

Hotel news

Yoga retreat at the Hotel Bonsol, Mallorca (12-15 October)

The luxury four-star Hotel Bonsol Resort & Spa in Illetas, Mallorca, is running a four day yoga retreat with in-house yoga teacher Sarah Jane Gooderson from 12-15 October. The hotel is set in tropical gardens with a secluded beach cover overlooking the Bay of Palma. The dedicated yoga and meditation area offers a relaxing and calming environment with an outdoor terrace for yoga practice.

The four day programme is priced from £632 per person based on double room occupancy (£743 for a single room). www.hotelbonsol.es

Sol Beach House Ibiza launches a one-of-a-kind campervan suite for summer 2017

The Sol Beach House Ibiza situated in Santa Eulalia bay, has launched a Campervan Suite package in celebration of the hotel's third season. Guests can stay in a vintage VW Campervan located in the exterior grounds of the hotel, with spectacular sea views offering a tranquil break away from other guests. This exclusive package includes a breakfast as well as romantic picnic hampers to be enjoyed on the beach and £22 to spend at the hotel's renowned SHACK bar and restaurant. The Campervan is available for guests already staying at the hotel for an added cost of £90 per 24hr experience. Rates start from £171 per room, per night (B&B) and £234 per room, per night (half board). www.melia.com/en/hotels/spain/ibiza/sol-beach-house-ibiza/index.html

Jumeirah Port Soller unveils new 'Unique Experiences' programme

Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa in Mallorca has unveiled a new 'Unique Experiences' programme designed so that guests can discover some of the lesser known activities in Soller. The programme offers a selection of experiences including a helicopter tour of the island to view the Tramuntana Mountains from above, a Harley Davidson tour of Mallorca, a 'walk & wine' tour through some of the island's finest vineyards, and a sunset boat cruise complete with a romantic dinner under the stars. Guests can also enjoy a sailing experience, which includes lunch at a local seafood restaurant and a full day tour of Mallorca's modern and traditional art in Palma. The experiences are available to all guests and can be booked directly at the hotel. A one night stay in a Superior Room is priced from £300. www.jumeirah.com/mallorca

Autumn Cultural Events

Mallorca Classic Car Week, Palma, Mallorca (20-24 September)

Classic car owners are brought together for a week of processions, awards, showcases and driving routes on the islands of Mallorca. Expect beautiful cars from the last century in this relaxed and nostalgic event. Free Entry. www.mallorcaclassicweek.com

Gràcia Festival, Mahon, Menorca (7-9 September)

During these three-day celebrations, the residents of Mahón, Menorca's capital city, honour their patron, 'Our Lady of Grace' with a pilgrimage to the chapel followed by a series of horse processions and races in the city's streets. This is the perfect opportunity to see the famous Menorcan horses in action. Free Entry. www.menorca.es

Balearic Symphony Orchestra Season (19 October - 17 May)

The 2017/2018 Balearic Symphony Orchestra season will see over 70 concerts take place in the capital city Palma and the town of Manacor. This season will begin with a program by Beethoven and Mahler with the violinist Benjamid Scmid and end with a program by the prestigious flautist Emmanuel Pahud. Concert tickets start from €22. www.simfonicadebalears.net

Autumn Sporting Events

Palma de Mallorca Marathon (15 October)

Enjoy a little end-of-year sunshine with a running trip to Palma this autumn. The Palma de Mallorca Marathon offers a 10k, a half marathon and a full length marathon. The race starts by the sea on the Passeig Marítim (seafront promenade), opposite the Palma cathedral and offers one of Europe's most attractive running routes. Registration starts from €180 for full triathlon. www.palmademallorcamarathon.com

Volta Menorca BBT (12-14 October)

One of the most keenly anticipated events in the cycling world, the Volta Menorca BBT takes around 500 mountain bike riders around the incredible natural landscapes of the islands. Now in its 12th year, three routes take place across the weekend with different levels of difficulty and elevation. Registration starts from €60 for women and €80 for men. www.menorcabtt.com

Ibiza Triathlon (22 October)

A breathtaking challenge from the sea to the mountains, the island of Ibiza invites amateur and professional athletes to test themselves with a cycling, swimming and running race through the island's beautiful landscapes. www.triatlonibiza.com

Volta Cicloturista Formentera (27 – 29 October)

The Balearic Islands are a haven for cyclists and the BBT Formentera brings mountain bike excitement to the island. Comprising of three stages; Sant Francesc, Pilar de La Mola and La Savina, the race provides cyclists with spectacular views of the whole of Formentera. Registration starts from €60. www.bttformentera.net

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