Turning 40 in Palma: A Luxury weekend in Palma

After celebrating my 40th with over 100 friends and family at the Pityme Inn in Rock, Cornwall, we wanted something equally meaningful but far more tranquil. Just the two of us, a long weekend in Palma de Mallorca: sunshine, style and space to celebrate properly.

Flights, Transfers and Getting There

- Flights: From Bristol (BRS) to Palma (PMI) return, budget airlines often offer fares starting from around £80 to £90 per person in summer. Book early or travel midweek and you could snag one for around £50.- Airport Transfer: Once landed, Palma Airport to El Llorenç takes about 25 to 30 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. Budget €30 (about £27) each way.

Day 1 – Arrival and Rooftop Rituals

Driving south from Cornwall before sunrise, valet parking at Bristol Airport made everything feel seamless. A few hours later I was stepping into 30 degrees of Mallorcan sunshine.Our destination: El Llorenç Parc de la Mar. A boutique hotel for grown ups, perched elegantly between Palma’s old town and the sea.

What it delivers:- Design rooted in place, with Moorish textures woven into Mallorcan stone, sleek walnut fittings, and locally commissioned art that feels carefully curated.- Facilities to indulge in: a 12 metre rooftop infinity pool framed by Balinese beds, sweeping views across the bay, and a wellness space with hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam and an ice fountain.- Thoughtful service that feels personal. Think pillow menus, iPads in the room, and a concierge team that is genuinely attentive.

While our Deluxe room was being prepared we headed up to the rooftop for welcome drinks. Later, a bottle of local wine was waiting for us in the room.The afternoon melted away with Aperol spritzes and rooftop dips. I also booked us something cheeky for the future: two tickets for Jennifer Lopez in Las Vegas 2026.

Palma at Dusk

As the evening softened we wandered Palma’s narrow lanes. The Cathedral of Santa Maria, La Seu, glowed golden against the sea. A Gothic masterpiece and one of the most beautiful sights in the city.

Dinner at De Tokio a Lima

Dinner was booked at De Tokio a Lima on the Paseo del Borne. The concept is Japanese, Peruvian and Mediterranean flavours with flair.

We started with negronis and shared:- Lobster tacos – indulgent and bright- Nigiri for Chris – delicate and precise- Glazed Iberian pork for me – rich and layered with flavour- Creamy rice for Chris – hearty and comforting- Papaya salad – zesty and fresh- Tarta cremosa de limones de Sóller – silky citrus perfection

All with a bottle of local red. Relaxed service, clever cooking and a chic setting made it one to remember.Back at the hotel we closed the night with another negroni at the bar. A perfect toast to my last night in my thirties.

Day 2 – My 40th Birthday: Champagne Sunsets and Michelin Stars

The team at El Llorenç greeted me with a warm happy birthday at breakfast. There is no view from the breakfast room itself but the thoughtful touches more than made up for it. We started with double espressos and fresh Sóller orange juice – pure sunshine. Eggs royale for me and fruit and pastries for Chris.

The morning was all about the rooftop. Sun loungers, infinity pool and total relaxation. By late morning we headed to the spa for ninety minutes of full body massage. This is how you reset. Afterwards champagne by the pool felt like the only right choice.Mid afternoon we kept it light with wine and snacks from the rooftop menu, saving room for the evening.

Dinner at DINS – A Michelin Starred Celebration

Dinner was at DINS Santi Taura, the Michelin starred restaurant that has become a reason in itself to stay at El Llorenç. The Origens tasting menu is a culinary story of Mallorca, with forgotten recipes reinvented. Expect 10 to 12 courses including langoustines with onion, rockfish pie, salt cod omelette, Mallorcan stew, apricot tart and a signature modern dessert. The tasting menu is around €105 to €120 (£92 to £105) per person with wine pairings extra.

Chef Santi Taura has built his reputation on preserving Mallorcan tradition and elevating it with contemporary technique. Each plate felt rooted in the island but refreshingly current. Service was warm, knowledgeable and unpretentious.We finished with a glass of sherry in the bar on the sommelier’s recommendation. A perfect close to an unforgettable birthday.

Day 3 – Vintage Charm in Sóller

Another breakfast, another glass of citrus sunshine, then a walk to the station for the Tren de Sóller. This wooden vintage train has been running since 1912, taking about an hour through mountain tunnels, olive groves and citrus orchards. Tickets for the combined train and tram are €40 (about £35) return per adult.

Sóller was peaceful under the Sunday sun. The main square was alive with music, while many shops and restaurants were closed. We found a bar serving Iberico ham and Aperol spritzes and sat outside listening to the music and watching the vintage tram roll past. Later we took the tram down to the port before returning to Palma.Dinner that evening was light. Rooftop small plates, another negroni, and an early night after two days of indulgence.

Day 4 – Farewell Palma

Our final morning was the ritual I would happily repeat: coffee, pastries, orange juice and one last view of the sea. Bags packed, we checked out and headed to the airport.As the plane climbed out of Palma I knew this was the perfect way to celebrate turning 40. Sunshine, Michelin dining, vintage trains and rooftop cocktails. A mix of design, history and relaxation that Mallorca does so well.

Why Palma Works So Well: A Luxury weekend in Palma

Highlight	Why it mattered
El Llorenç Hotel	Adults only luxury with rooftop infinity pool and spa
Rooftop Aperols	Sunshine, attentive service and unbeatable views
Michelin dining at DINS	Heritage dishes reinvented with precision
Vintage Train to Sóller	Slow travel romance and mountain views
Cathedral and City Strolls	Gothic sunsets and intimate streets

Your Escape, Your Way

Palma is that rare destination where city meets island. Historic architecture, modern dining, rooftop pools and golden beaches all in one. Whether it is a milestone birthday, a romantic weekend or simply a chance to reset, Palma delivers in style.Let me help design your escape with trusted hotels, private guides and insider dining that make it personal.

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Jason Black – Independent Travel Advisor, InteleTravel UK (ABTA P7384). InteleTravel UK are appointed agents of our ATOL protected suppliers. All holidays are subject to supplier terms and conditions. Flights, hotels and experiences described are illustrative and based on personal travel. ABTA and ATOL protection apply where relevant.