Palma de Mallorca, 26th Apr 05

SPOTLIGHT ON ALCUDIA

In its Centenary Year, the Mallorca Tourist Board is focussing on the most popular areas with the British market to highlight new developments and demonstrate the sustained investment in the island and restoration of its cultural past. Alcudia, located in the north of the island, has always been a favourite resort with the British market and now has many hidden surprises.

Alcudia Old Town

Over the past 5 years a complete regeneration project has restored Alcudia’s historic town which is now closed to traffic. Every Wednesday at 10 am, visitors can take advantage of a free guided walk of the old town, which is organised by the local tourist office, in English. In summer months a troop of actors will also perform around the walls of the old town telling its history with music and mime.

Now, stylish restaurants, bars and shops have opened up along the main streets. In addition, the local town hall has bought up old buildings and turned then into cultural locations.

The main library, for example, in conjunction with outside private finance, has been refurbished to provide an extensive library for all ages with books in many languages, including English. It features a beautiful patio where people can read or enjoy concerts in the summer. All visitors can take advantage of this facility, which is open 7 days a week (Sunday mornings only). Further information at the local tourist office,
Tel: + 34 971 892615.

Alcudia Auditorium - features an international programme including the Russian Ballet and a full range of concerts throughout the year.
Further information: Tel: + 34 971 897 102 www.alcudia.net

New Boutique Hotels

The restoration of Alcudia’s old town has also given impetus to the opening of several new boutique hotels in beautiful historic town houses. The latest hotel of this kind to open is the Cas Ferrer Nou which (in parts) dates back to the 13th century.

It has been stylishly refurbished to combine the historic characteristics of the building with cool, contemporary interior design. The hotel only has 6 bedrooms, which are all decorated differently, and all feature satellite and home TV facilities; mini bar, and 3 have Jacuzzi baths. The roof top terrace of the hotel has excellent views over the old town and the mountains beyond. Prices start at 110 euros per night per room excluding taxes. For reservations and further information: Tel: + 34 971 897542
Fax: + 34 971 89 75 49 www.hotelnou.net

Other boutique hotels include:

Es Convent & Restaurant www.esconvent.com
Can Simó (features vegetarian restaurant) www.cansimo.com
Can Tem www.hotelcantem.com
Hotel Sant Jaume www.hotelsantjaume.com

Family Hotels:

For a wide variety of hotels including accommodation specifically geared to families and beach holidays please go to : www.alcudiahotels.com

Go Sailing or Stay “on” the Sea

The Alcudia Marina has undergone a dramatic facelift and now offers moorings for up of 754 yachts with full onsite repair facilities, workshops and parts shops. General features include a 24 hour gas station, serviced laundry, showers and toilets. A new sailing school is due to open this summer. A range of charter boats are available and all visitors are welcome. You may even rub shoulders with Spanish royalty or prominent VIPS who consider this Yacht Club to be one of Mallorca’s best kept secrets in the yachting fraternity. Further information, Tel: + 34 971 54 60 00 www.alcudiamar.com

Botel Alcudiamar

For those visitors who would rather be beside the sea than on it, the Marina’s own four star hotel is located right on the seafront and provides stunning views across Alcudia Bay. It features 78 double rooms (28 of which are suites with their own kitchenette) set in 5,000 sq metres with an artificial lake, an infinity swimming pool with direct views over the sea.

It is the only hotel in the area with its own beach and berth. Other features include a pool snack bar, lounge bar, restaurant, a spa area with heated indoor pool, Turkish Baths and fitness area, and a small conference room with capacity for up to 25. Prices start from 70 euros per room per day (including breakfast). Further information:
Tel: (+34) 971 897 215 email: botelalcudiamarrec@globablia-hotels.com www.globalia-hotels.com

NEW – stay in a Hermitage

For a completely different and very economical holiday experience, visitors can now stay in the recently refurbished 14th century “Ermita de la Victoria”. Located high above the Port of Alcudia, 6 kms from the main town with stunning views of the Cap de Pinar Peninsula, and the Bays of Pollensa and Alcudia.

It features 12 rooms, which all have en suite bathroom facilities, and is run by a local family that have had a long association with the Hermitage and are also the caretakers of its church located on the ground floor of the building.

This is the ideal location for enjoying nature, walking and visiting some of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Prices start at 45 euros (inc local taxes) for a single room and 66 euros for a double bedroom per night with an additional 7.50 euros pp for a buffet breakfast. For reservations: Tel (34) 971 549 912 www.lavictoriahotel.com

Jakober Art Foundation and Gardens - Mallorca’s Best Cultural Secret

The Yannick & Ben Jakober Foundation was founded in 1993 and is a non-profit making cultural foundation. It is a must for any visitor interested in art, and is now open all year round to the public. You have to travel by car out of Alcudia then go off the beaten track through woodland for 4 kms and quite literally before you hit the coastline the fabulous hidden estate called Sa Bassa Blanca comes into view.

The main attraction of the Foundation is its collection of more than 130 portraits of children from the major royal families of the time dating back from the 16th- 19th century including Spanish, French, Austrian, Italian and English portraiture. The portraits were used during negotiations of marriages between the families and provide a fascinating insight into the evolution of the upper class and royal fashions over four centuries.

The collection is housed in a underground museum space adjacent to the Hispano-Moresque Finca Sa Bassa Blanca, which was designed by the famous Egyptian architect, Hassan Fathy. The Finca is laid out around a central courtyard and furnished with antique interiors reflecting the architectural styles of this Mediterranean area.

There is an open air sculpture trail around the gardens of works by Ben & Yannick Jakober (their work can also be seen at the Gran Hotel Son Net, Pugipunyent; Palma International Airport and on the Andratx motorway).

Another feature of the estate is Rose Garden, which was established in the late 1980’s, with more than 100 varieties of old and new English roses. The garden is at its best at the end of May and the first week of June.

The Foundation is open free to the public every Tuesday from 09.30 – 12.30 and 14.30 – 17.30, and by appointment Wednesday – Saturday (admission charge 9 euros pp – children under 10 free). Visitors will receive a guided tour.
Further information: + 34 971 549 880 or go to: www.fundacionjakober.org

For further information, please contact:
Mallorca Tourist Board, Dominique Carroll / Anna Skidmore,
Tel:(+34) 971 725 396 Fax: (+34) 971 713 540
E-Mail: info@fomentmallorca.org

Further Press Releases:

FIVE NEW HOTEL OPENINGS IN MALLORCA SPRING – SUMMER 2013 (31st May 13)

GOOD NEWS FOR MALLORCA IN 2012 (09th Feb 12)

THREE KINGS - THE FESTIVITIES CONTINUE! (05th Jan 12)