There's more to Majorca

The beautiful coastal city of Palma offers tourists a taste of true Mallorcan life and culture, far flung from images of drunk sunburnt Brits lazing on a beach in Magaluf.

Staying two nights at the familyrun Hotel Bon Sol in the small town of Illetas, 8km from Palma, is truly a relaxing experience.

The hotel is nestled into the steep mountainside and was built by the father of current manager Martin Xamena.

Spread over six floors, the hotel has three pools and a small private beach.

Martin and his wife Lorraine, who is originally from the Luton area, have worked hard to create a hotel that caters for all ages.

The spa is inspired. With strong Buddhist themes, guests can choose from a sauna, Turkish bath, jacuzzi or simply indulge themselves from the array of spa treatments.

I would thoroughly recommend a full-body massage.

For those wanting a more spiritual experience, yoga classes are offered. Although I must warn you – they are tougher than you would expect but still a brilliant way to chill out.

Just a few miles down the road and hidden in the mountains is an old ‘finca’ (a large estate).

Finca Publica Galatzo is currently being restored to its traditional style and heritage, but there are four marked walks around the land surrounding the house for the more adventurous visitor.

In comparison to the traditional Mallorcan setting of Hotel Bon Sol, Hotel Tres in the heart of Palma offers guests a more contemporary visit to the island.

Just a few hundred yards from the magnificent cathedral, the hotel is found down a narrow side street.

With stunning views across the city from either of the two roof terraces, complete with a sauna and small pool, evening drinks up here are a spectacular experience.

Weekends are peaceful, with the majority of shops closing on Saturday afternoons and all day on Sunday. But this leaves time to explore the winding streets and to view the numerous ‘patios’.

Traditionally the inner courtyards of large houses are opened on a Sunday to let people come and see their impressive design.

It is a chance to get a taste of the heritage of this special island.

• The four-star Hotel Bon Sol Resort & Spa in Illetas has 120 rooms and villas. It offers a wide range of leisure and sports facilities, see www.hotelbonsol.es
• Classic Collection Holidays (www.classiccollection.co.uk, 0800 008 7288) offers three nights at Hotel Bon Sol from £500, seven nights from £812 per person in April-May.
• Prices are based on two adults sharing a classic double room on a B&B basis with return flights and private transfers.
• Hotel Tres is a four-star hotel in the heart of Palma combining a 16th century palace facade with contemporary design interiors. Rates start from €215 for a double room with breakfast (plus seven per cent tax). See www.hoteltres.com
• Hotel Dalt Murada is a 16th century manor house offering classic, spacious rooms furnished with family antiques from €159 with breakfast. See www.daltmurada.com
• Sister hotel, the cosy Casa Padrina, has just six rooms in the same style but no reception facilities. Rates from €77 on room only basis – www.casapadrina.com Both are well located for exploring the city.