We absolutely love Son Antem, it is our favourite resort of all we've been to (and there's been a few!). One thing for certain is that a car is a must but then visiting Mallorca without renting a car to explore the fabulous island would be madness.
We love the fact that the accommodation is more house than apartment. We love the little garden and barbecue. The pools for every block of eight villas is fantastic, it means they're rarely busy, a lot of the time it's just us or one or two other couples. It's very quiet and relaxing, we don't go for nightlife but if you want it then S'Arenal is close and Palma is within a 20 minute drive and even Magaluf, if you're so inclined, is within easy reach.
The closest town is Llucmajor, a five minute drive. A bit unglamorous on the outskirts but the old town interior is quite pleasant however driving and parking in the narrow streets is not for the nervous. If you are concerned about driving the narrow roads then it's best to park on the outskirts and walk the short distance to the central square where there are plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes. There is a small supermarket in Llucmajor but I prefer to drive to nearby Campos where there is a Mercadona, Eroski, Aldi and Lidl all within a stone's throw of one another.
The markets in Campos and Santanyi are great particularly the Saturday food market in Campos. The market in Llucmajor is a bit disappointing.
The most popular beach nearby is Es Trenc which is a fabulous beach however it's in a protected location which means there's little infrastructure there. There is a small beach cafe, I've never used it and the reviews aren't great. Cala D'or is close by, it's a small town built with the architecture of Ibiza in mind. A popular resort with a small beach in a cove and many restaurants, some better than others.
The restaurant in the resort is mediocre (I've never encountered a decent resort restaurant) however there's an independent restaurant in an old finca in the grounds of the resort. Our last visit was a definite improvement on our previous one so it appears to have taken the feedback on board. For a bit of a splurge the nearby Son Julia is good.
Cala Pi is another nearby beach albeit small but it is flanked by dramatic cliffs with a small village feel.
Palma is my favourite Spanish city. The approach is quite spectacular from the coastal road as the city is dominated by the cathedral. There is a very large underground car park at the entrance to the city which will take you to the cathedral steps within a five minute walk. Lots to see and do in Palma as well as excellent shopping and dining.
Then you have the Tramuntana mountains and the villages within which I could wax lyrical about for hours, along the western coast taking in Port de Pollensa, Alcudia, Arta (and the caves), down to Porto Cristo and Portopetro and everywhere in between. We own two weeks and visit every year, usually in the May and October half term however this year we've secured an exchange for two weeks in August.
www.seemallorca.com
www.seemallorca.com
