Great
Finds in Mallorca (or Majorca). Where is that you may be asking yourself!
Not many Americans I have spoken to, seem to know that area of the
Mediterranean Sea very well. Mallorca is the largest of the Spanish
Balearic Islands with Menorca and Ibiza, neighbouring and smaller
islands to the east and west, all set like natural jewels in the azure
Mediterranean Sea, about 500 miles south of Barcelona.
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Ancient olive press and
well presented desserts
at Monnaber Nou
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 What
a mixture of life styles co-exist on Mallorca! Some parts are very
commercial and tourist orientated, while other areas, away from the
coast are almost medieval in their farming methods and customs. Other
areas are mountainous and stunning, while others are more flat and
scrubby. Some coastal scenes are breathtakingly beautiful with clear
turquoise seas and sheer, steep rocky cliffs plummeting to exotic
coves where you can safely bathe.
During
a family visit there we were also able to spend some time at the tranquil
and fabulously set, Hotel Formentor.
The
hotel is located at the north eastern tip of Mallorca, and owns almost
all of the peninsular, some 3000 acres. This affords a very private
secluded venue, for the rich and famous, such as previous guests Placido
Domingo, Peter Ustinov, the late Audrey Hepburn, and Michael Douglas
(who also owns an estate across the island).
The
European Summit was held here in 1995. I know they must have arrived
by helicopter, because we drove the peninsu-lar and found the mountainous
winding and narrow roads both very treacherous yet exhilarating!
Although
Hotel Formentor offers everything for comfort and luxury, the whole
concept is for a perfect harmony with the natural surroundings. Whichever
window in the hotel you look from, you can see beautiful terraces,
gardens with towering pine trees, as well as the glistening pristine
sea.
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Business-wise
the hotel offers reception, banquet and conference rooms, a small
movie theatre, boutiques and art exhibitions. The rooms are spacious
and fresh, all decorated in the simple but elegant Mallorquin style.
Sporting
activities abound. Guests can enjoy table tennis, billiards, putting
greens, mini golf, tennis, horse riding, as well as all the aquatics.
The hotel spa is a very professional and comprehensive antidote.
Congratulations
to Hotel Director Señor Lopez, who was the first, in our travel articles,
to give us their photographs on disc. We were delighted and surprised.
Due
to the secluded location, the hotel is self-sufficient, with its own
bakery, carpentry and sawmill, plumbing and drinking water supply,
plus electrics, laundry, ambulance and its own private and public
jetties.
After
exploring the beautiful grounds and hotel, we readied ourselves to
dine. This took place in the open air terrace restaurant, sheltered
by wisteria draped pergola, overlooking gardens, and the now serene,
swimming pool. Distant mountains découpaged the skyline which certainly
enhanced our romantic setting.
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The twice weekly colorful,
lively market and the Fiesta of St. Christopher in old
Alcudia
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Señor Manuel Leonello expertly masterminds the fine dining restaurant
El Pi, (the pines). What a man of many talents he is, speaking five
languages including Russian and Japanese. Along with excellent Chef
Antonio Gravero, we were delighted to have the very talented team
take care of us. We were treated to a chef’s selection for a
change and we just lapped up the flavours and atmosphere while thoroughly
enjoying our memorable evening al fresco. The balmy temperature, flowery
scents and very pleasant harp music drifting to our senses, was icing
on the cake.
Our
gastronomic sojourn began with a Terrine of Smoked Salmon and Caper
Salad, drizzled with red wine vinegar and olive oil with herbs. A
very nice fresh white wine, Clarion’99, Vinos de Vero was paired.
Local Serano Ham (similar to Prosciutto), was being carved tableside
nearby which was a very nice touch, and our taste of it was as delicious
as it looked.
Our
next course was a Lemon Marinated Squid, very tender, over a bed
of alfalfa sprouts with a teeny quenelle of rice and a king prawn
with carrot drizzle; great colour and taste.
Next,
the ultra thin Crépe Pastry Knot, with prawn and cheese over a parmesan,
beetroot and oil jus was also exquisite.
Pan-fried
Sea Bass over fresh made lemon fettuccine with sautéed tomatoes and
white beans was delicious. This was accompanied by a very good local,
family produced Jaume Mesquida Merlot ‘95. We watched as the
next table was dramatically served huge lobster that looked fabulous.
Our accomplished waiter Dimitri, took excellent care of us, even he
spoke three languages! Darkness fell around 10 P.M. as it does in
Europe during the summer. Our next tastes wrapped around the Seared
Pigeon on Foie Gras and chanterelle mushrooms with truffles. Extreme
yumminess! This proved a great pairing too with our local red wine.
Jerome, the sommelier, was very helpful, informative and relaxed.
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As night approached, the band Honey took over from the delightful
harpist, and the evening revved up.
The
exquisite dessert of fresh fruits and berries was presented in a sugar
basket over lemon oil and chive shavings. The accompanying wine tasting
this time was of Vin de Gel, ice wine, and Gran Fuedo, Muscatel from
the area north of Madrid. It was a fabulous finale to a wonderful
performance.
Unforgettable
and satisfying all the senses, the Hotel Formentor is definitely a
resort worth visiting. We look forward to our return. Thank you to
all who welcomed us so graciously.
As
is our wont with Taste travel articles, we try to find unique
and interesting places with different offerings.
The
other hotel and restaurant we visited was set in the middle of the
countryside, still less than one hour drive from Palma airport.
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Divine desserts, wines
to match and authentic, comfortable suites
at the Hotel Formentor
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Named in Latin, Monnaber Nou (pronounced now) means beautiful (new)
mountain. Nestling in the foothills of the Tramontana Mountains, the
hotel is located in Campenet, fifteen minutes drive east of Pollença,
in an area known for its olive industry. The hotel is an excellent
spot for complete relaxation amongst the delightful countryside or
as a base to discover the rest of the island and the unspoilt mountains
and beaches of northern Mallorca.
Built
around a courtyard, this 18th century converted manor house, still
has an original olive press in its lobby, adding to its character
and charm.
All
the 25 rooms and suites have air conditioning and all the required
modern conveniences. The outdoor pool and terrace were lovely, surrounded
by gardens, huge planters and bouganvillea. Sauna, jacuzzi, steam
and massage are available, as is tennis and horse riding.
The
panoramic country views, surrounding olive groves with sheep and goats
grazing and bleating, with collar bells tinkling, made this a tiny
tranquil haven. Albeit rural, Monnaber Nou is still so close to sites
and attractions such as the caves of Campenet and the attractive,
lively beaches and harbour towns.
Again
the dining room was situated on an open air, old stone roofed terrace.
We could see distant hills and villages, and overlooked the forecourt
terrace, with clusters of guests enjoying sangria and cocktails. This
200 year old olive farmhouse, was renovated and opened as this beautiful
peaceful small luxury hotel only six years ago.
Our
menu choices were taken from the A La Carte and the Chef’s Selections.
Our first course comprised a Lukewarm Salad with cheese and very generous
oyster mushrooms and a Langoustine Salad.
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The duck breast entree was served with a mold of rice and peas and
a superb strawberry, raspberry and mulberry red wine reduction, complete
with a hint of orange. Duck is one of my favourite dishes and when
preparing it myself, I favour deep rich flavours to pair, such as
red wine garlic reduction, as I don’t enjoy the more traditional
sweet and sour combination. But this pairing of flavours was delicious.
The Sea Wolf (bass) Supreme was very fresh, served in a generous white
sauce with a small vegetable serving.
We
tried the Orange Mousse with Cointreau and the Pears and Prunes in
wine for dessert, both were very nice.
This
rustic, rather hit and miss menu, belied the very handsome hotel and
accommodations. The entrance, bar and reception rooms felt very comfortable
and inviting, tastefully filled with antiques. Director Señor Eusebiu
and Pepe werevery helpful and hospitable.
Monnaber
Nou would be a wonderful destination for a refreshing retreat, and
the brochure picture advertising it, did not do it justice. See it
for yourself if you can.
Car
rental on Mallorca is a “must” of course. Please be warned
that the Spanish organisation (or renowned lack of it) is not what
we enjoy in the States. Do make sure you get clear instructions as
to where and how you actually get your car!
We think the island that is Mallorca, with its history, charm, scenery
and beaches is well worth a visit.
Contacts:
Hotel Formentor
07470 Port de Pollença, Mallorca, Spain.
Tel; 34-(9)7189910
Fax; 34(9)71865155
www.fehm.es/pmi/formentor
e-mail: formentor@fehm.es
Hotel Monnaber
Nou
07310 Campanet, Mallorca, Spain.
Tel; 34(9)71877176. Fax; 34(9)71877127
http://fehm.es/hotels/monnaber
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A typical quiet,
picturesque bay, Cala de Deia
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