JUST a two-hour flight away and blessed with beaches and long sunny days, Mallorca has long been a favourite with British holidaymakers says ELLA BUCHAN

A well-equipped villa on this charming Balaeric island, Mallorca, Spain, will offer enough to keep all the family happy, including two little ones, says NICK McGRATH

Can’t make South Africa? Here’s ELLA BUCHAN'S guide to the best places to cheer on our boys in the World Cup 2010

HOLDING my chilled glass of cava aloft I sank deeper into the bubbles of my private, rooftop hot tub.

ALTHOUGH Mallorca may have a split personality, you don’t need deep pockets to avoid lager louts and mingle with its A-list guests.

EXPLORE the unspoilt north-west coast of the Mediterranean holiday island of Mallorca with its footpaths through wild mountain scenery and along the plunging shoreline.

HOLIDAY in Mallorca and you could end up sharing your beach space with the likes of Catherine Zeta-Jones, Paris Hilton or David Walliams.

WE seem to be the only people abroad in a magical valley. Occasionally, a cockerel or a dog raises its voice in greeting as we pass along the ancient track.

Hidden between the peaks of the Tramuntana mountain range which dominates the north-west coast of Mallorca lie impossibly picturesque villages, elegant hotels and some of the best food on the island.

As Wimbledon victor Rafael Nadal and his girlfriend relax on Mallorca, where he was born, Jason Groves and family also discover the stunning Balearic island.