ACCOMMODATION

Mallorca Farmhouses offers a range of villas, country retreats and rustic farmhouses, all with private pools, maid service and complimentary car hire. Part of its Exclusive Collection, prices for Sa Pletassa Nova start from £1,195 per week in 2008 and £730 per week in 2009.

WHAT TO DO IN SOUTH-EAST MALLORCA

Best beaches

Eastern - Ces Salines - long white Caribbean sand, with salt flats and a nudist section.

Cala Mondrago/S'Amardoro - two joining beaches with a small beach bar, pedlos and picnic tables.

Cala Figuera - tiny cove, unspoiled pretty, with a small beach bar.

Cala Marcal- Portocolom - deep beach, family friendly and busy.

Best restaurants

Rapa Nui in Cas concos - family run, open year round.

Colon in Portocolom - secretive, popular with locals - www.restaurante-colon.com

Bacco in S'Alqueire Blanca - run by two Italian brothers, it's speciality is pizza. It also has a courtyard.

Bona Taula in - good for steaks cooked over the open barbie in courtyard cover in grapevine.

Ports Petite in Cala d'Or - on the harbour front, very upmarket. Good for families.

SAILING

Private charter is available on Vita-Bel in Cala d’Or Marina. Prices for five-hour charter start at €110 per person (based on 10 sharing), including lunch and open bar. This can be during the day starting at 10am or afternoon/sunset beginning at 3.30pm. During May, June, September and October, the price drops to €100.

RIDING

Son Menut in Felanitx offers equestrian excursions, lessons and jumping classes. Prices start from €15.75 for an hour excursion.

FLIGHTS

EasyJet flies to Palma from Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, East Midlands, Glasgow, Liverpool, London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted and Newcastle with prices from £19.99 one-way (incl. taxes) and return from £37.98 (incl. taxes)

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