TENNIS ace Rafael Nadal married his perfect match in Puerto Pollensa — a setting every bit as beautiful as his bride Maria Francisca Perello.
The Spanish star, born just an hour away in Manacor, chose this pretty little town in Northern Majorca for his opulent wedding bash — and it’s easy to see why he loves the place so much.
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It oozes a warmth and cosiness that will enchant you from the moment you arrive — and I can honestly say it is the most peaceful holiday destination I have ever visited.
Not far from La Fortaleza — the lavish 17th Century estate which not only hosted Nadal’s October wedding, but was also the setting for series The Night Manager — you’ll find the Hotel Sis Pins, which became my home from home for eight nights.
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It sits just at the edge of the famous Pine Walk, a coastal stretch lined with lots of lovely hotels and restaurants.
But there’s something very special about this little retreat, with its welcoming atmosphere and authentic Spanish charm.
Each of the Sis Pins’ rooms is subtly unique in layout and décor, making it so much more personal and comfortable than anything you’d find in a large, ultra-modern hotel.
There is accommodation to suit every taste — and for those who adore the sea, there are stunning rooms with a birdseye view of the Mediterranean just yards away.
My fully air-conditioned room, with its cool tiled floors and traditional wooden furnishings, looked on to a rooftop garden — and I loved throwing open my window at first light each morning to soak up the warmth and listen as the streets below slowly came to life.
Just a few doors away, my sons and brother shared a room with an internal balcony, where they enjoyed the privacy as they relaxed on sun loungers and topped up their tans.
And my parents had a room facing the breathtaking mountains which tower above the town, reminding them every day that Puerto Pollensa is much more than just a seaside hotspot.
In fact, it is a huge draw for serious cyclists who enjoy visiting, mostly out-of-season, to tackle the Tramuntana range.
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The hotel even offers secure storage facilities for bikes. Climbers are also attracted to the area for its challenging, hilly terrain.
Sporty types may enjoy playing a few rounds at Golf Pollensa, with money off for Sis Pins guests. And if you fancy yourself as a bit of a tennis pro like Nadal, there are courts nearby where you can show off your skills.
But for me, this holiday was all about chilling out — even if temperatures did top 40°C. After a busy year, I wanted somewhere quiet and relaxing where I could kick back and enjoy the sunshine. I couldn’t have picked a better spot.
The Sis Pins has its own private solarium right next to the sparkling water. There’s no need for a swimming pool when the Med is just a stone’s throw away.
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My days would begin with a beautiful buffet breakfast at the hotel’s partner restaurant, Cappuccino. Tables and chairs are set overlooking the sea so the views are every bit as satisfying as the food.
The morning spread included cereals, fresh fruit, croissants, bread for toasting, cold meats and of course my favourite ensemada pastries — which I washed down with a glass of freshly-squeezed Majorcan orange juice.
My parents tended to pick ingredients from the cooked breakfast, ranging from bacon and eggs to beans and sausages.
And my sons and brother? Well, they took advantage of an extra hour in bed while we ate!
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With temperatures already climbing by 9am, we would head to the solarium and pick a spot to soak up the rays. I love the heat but I burn easily, so the giant portable parasols were perfect for offering me some shade when it got too much.
Armed with the music on my phone and a good book, I’d settle down ready to escape into my own little world. It was bliss.
But I soon realised that what was even better was simply lying back and listening to the sound of the waves lapping the shore a few feet away, the gentle murmur of people chatting and the soothing music tinkling from the speakers at Cappuccino.
That was true paradise.
After a light lunch (there are lots of little places nearby serving everything from toasties to takeaway pasta salads), I found nothing more refreshing than a quick siesta.
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But it wouldn’t last long as I looked forward to exploring the town on foot and browsing all the local stores packed with souvenirs and gifts.
I could have spent my entire month’s wage on some of the gorgeous clothes and accessories — but that’s not to say the area is over-priced. You’ll find everything from small boutiques stocking designer labels to stores filled with pretty, affordable fashion.
And there are no big, bustling shops with customers jostling to be served – just friendly little outlets where you’re guaranteed a warm, personal welcome. Not forgetting the multitude of Spar mini-marts where you can stock up on all the essentials! In the evenings, Puerto Pollensa becomes more vibrant — but never noisy or overbearing.
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There are lots of little pubs and restaurants where tourists gather, conversations begin and new friendships are formed.
Couples walk hand in hand along the shore, stopping to admire the magnificent yachts moored at the marina, while kids play on the sand long after dark as their parents watch on.
It’s a town that makes you feel safe and secure — just like you are among family.
If we didn’t want to venture far in the evenings, we would eat downstairs at Cappuccino, where Sis Pins guests are entitled to a discount.
The burgers and club sandwiches are absolutely scrumptious and, as a non-drinker, I was delighted to find an amazing, alcohol-free Strawberry Daiquiri on the mocktails menu. But often, we would wander in search of new places to dine. Our favourites included Himalaya, which serves delicious Indian Nepalese cuisine, and seafood restaurant Marina.
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There were so many others that we didn’t get to try, all I was assured by fellow guests equally delicious.
I had such a wonderful, relaxing time, I could have stayed forever. But all too soon I found myself packing to begin the journey home.
The Sis Pins is less than an hour from Palma Airport by taxi — yet a million miles from life in a big city — making it the perfect holiday haven for Scots in search of an accessible, family-friendly break.
It’s clear Puerto Pollensa will always have a special place in Nadal’s heart — and it’s captured a huge piece of mine too.
