ROWENA CARR-ALLISON finds the star-studded Spanish island to be full of pleasant surprises

Looking for a mini city break brimming with designer boutiques, alfresco cafés and cool beach bars, or perhaps you’re searching for a perfect bucket-and-spade family holiday in a low-key resort?

Well you can enjoy either of these if you holiday on the Mediterranean island of Majorca. Blessed with year-round sunshine, the port city of Palma, with its medieval old town, fairy-tale cathedral and restaurant-lined seafront makes for a perfect weekend jaunt, while the rest of the Balearic isle offers diverse scenery from the Tramuntana mountains and the caves at D’Arta to the 4km-long beach at Es Trenc in Campos.

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WHERE SHOULD I GO?
Take in the street entertainment, fireworks and jovial mock battle between the Moors and Christians in Pollensa, a charming old town on the island’s north west tip, on August 2. 

Dizzee Rascal is playing at the brand new Majorca Rocks Hotel (July 26), the Cranberries at the Palma Bullring (July 31), while Sir Elton John and Andrea Bocelli play the Palma Ono Stadium (September 4). Visit www.servicaixa.com.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
For those who wish for a city buzz, stay in the stylish port city of Palma. Check into the 40-room Hotel Tres (www.hoteltres.com), located on Calle Apuntadores, just a stone’s throw away from the city’s iconic cathedral. OK! loved its sleek feel, from the cool ponyskin benches in the rooms, to the space-age light fittings and cheeky body-art prints. Each marble bathroom comes with a huge rainfall shower and FACE Stockholm products. There’s also a rooftop plunge pool and sunloungers if you want to work on your tan.

If you prefer a more chilled retreat but one within walking distance of a leafy town square, stay at the boho-chic bolthole L’Avenida (www. avenida-hotel.com) in the pretty west coast town of Soller. Formerly owned by a citrus fruit merchant, this elegant mansion has been restored to its former glory by British couple Tania and Paul.

Despite its old-fashioned façade the eight rooms are distinctly modern, with snazzy bathrooms complete with Philippe Starck fittings and Korres products, flat-screen TVs, glam black chandeliers and gorgeous grey silk drapes.

OK! loved the beautiful mix of old and new, not to mention the gorgeous interior courtyard complete with a large pool encircled with decadent comfy sofas, funky cowhide seats next to oversized lamps that look more like art.

WHERE CAN I SHOP?
Majorca is best known for its leather shoes and jackets as well as man-made pearls. A good place to buy pearls is the Orquidea factory in Monteuiri and you can pick up great leather goods in Inca.

In Soller, Calle sa Lluna is lined with boutiques like Can Toni Reia for homeware and the Espardenyeria Colom for espadrilles. You’ll also find bigger names like Benetton and Modamania stocking Guess, and Calvin Klein. Spanish brands like Zara and Mango can be found on the lovely tree-lined Passeig d’es Born in Palma. OK! spent hours browsing in Massimo Dutti and trying on pumps in Calzados Zapata on Avenida Jaume III. Out of town, try the Festival Park, a US-style mall with brands like Levis, Roxy, Reebok and Mango.

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WHAT CAN I DO?
The first stop for culture vultures should be La Seu cathedral, a real Gothic extravaganza. Also worth visiting is the L’Almudaina Palace, which belongs to the Spanish royal family, and Bellver castle. 

Families will like the aquarium in Palma, Marineland in Portal Nous, and the western-themed water park in Magaluf. Explore some of the island’s charming old towns like Soller (famous for its orange and lemon groves and the Orange Express tram), and Alcudia, where you’ll find a beautiful castle, ruins and fantastic street market too.

WHERE CAN I EAT?
Dine at Sebastian’s in Deia, a quaint hilltop town,  where Michael Caine, Michael Winner and Ben Elton recently celebrated Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 60th birthday. OK! loved the cosy ambiance –smart without being stuffy. Don’t miss the chef’s special of lamb chops in honey and rosemary. Our starter of sea bass tartare with fragrant truffle was delicious too. In the main square of Soller facing the cathedral, we had a tasty ravioli ‘dolce vita’ with truffle sauce at Café Soller.

In Palma, don’t miss out on the fashionable gourmet hotspot Simply Fosh, housed in the hip hotel Covent de La Missio. Run by Michelin-starred British chef Marc Fosh, highlights from OK!’s tasting menu included beetroot gazpacho with marinated salmon and green apple and foie gras terrine with spiced mango.

Also in Palma, OK! loved Forn de Sant Joan, a low-key old town restaurant serving tasty tapas. If you’re a seafood fan, Can Eduardo, above the fish market, is a contemporary brasserie beloved by local foodies. And if you’re after a spectacular combo of city views and sunset gazing, head up to the hilltop restaurant Na Burguesa.

WHAT STARS WILL I SEE?
Wayne and Coleen Rooney have taken baby son Kai on holiday to Majorca. Other fans include Claudia Schiffer, who owns a palatial retreat near Camp de Mar, and Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones, who have a mansion near Valldemossa. Tennis star Rafael Nadal, is often seen in Palma with his girlfriend Xisca Perello.

WHERE CAN I PARTY?
Like beach clubs? Then don’t miss Mood, located in Portals Nous just outside Palma. Relax on the beach, get a massage, or treat yourself to leisurely lunch. We enjoyed a wild mushroom risotto and homemade cookies. Footie star Cristiano Ronaldo partied here last summer. Head around the corner to Flanagan’s in Puerto Portals where the Spanish royals are often spotted. 

To hang out with the hip crowd, sip cocktails in Abaco, a converted palace in the old town. A magical world of cascading flower arrangements, caged songbirds, and a tinkling fountain in the middle of the courtyard awaits you there.

In the mood for dancing? Head to the portside Paseo Maritimo for superclubs Tito’s and Pacha, while the yachting set gather at the Club de Mar.

HOW CAN I GET THERE?
EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) flies to Palma from Bristol, Doncaster Sheffield, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and Newcastle from as little as £57.99pp. Price includes all taxes.
A double room at Hotel Tres (www.hoteltres.com) costs from £177 (excluding tax) per night.

A double room at the L’Avenida hotel (www.avenida-hotel.com) starts from £188 per night for a standard room, rising to £300 for a luxury suite. This price includes breakfast but excludes the eight per cent local tax. Children under 14 are not accepted as guests. The entire hotel may also be rented for special celebrations, such as weddings.

HOW CAN I GET MORE INFO?
Visit the Majorcan Tourist Board at www.infomallorca.net and www.illesbalears.es and check www.skybluemallorca.com for useful restaurant ideas and reviews. Good guide books are Mallorca Berlitz Pocket Guide, £4.99 (www.berlitzpublishing.com) and the AA Guide To Mallorca, £9.99 (www.theAA.com).