So, as October moves slowly towards November, my friend imparted a very worrying piece of information to me this evening. There are just over ten weeks to Christmas! I think my head and heart got lost somewhere in lockdown and they think it’s actually only May! The fact that we also started discussing what we would be cooking for Christmas lunch got me thinking about the winter months here on the island. It would seem that the recent spate of slightly meh weather has made us all forget just how utterly delightful winter here on the island is. Admittedly, when I threw myself kamikaze-style into our communal pool here and came out virtually blue, I could be forgiven for disbelieving my own words, so I will definitely be more cautious when attempting the sea. But my point here is that whilst it may not be swimming and full-on bikini weather (though 20 degrees is definitely summer in the UK), over the winter it is definitely still beach weather. Just remember to take layers. I often joke that my tan here is always better in the winter as I’m not hiding in the shadows attempting to keep large sweaty patches in unusual places to a minimum. Who knew that elbows could suffer from localised sweat. Only here and only in summer!

So this got me thinking of some of my favourite sun traps with beautiful views over the water, for enjoying a morning coffee, a glass of wine, or a Sunday Funday.

First on my list on the Palma side is absolutely Es Baluard or Museum Bar to some. Basically the bar just behind the upside-down church. All landmarks that strangely become part of your directional vocabulary overnight. Yes, I know the service has had its moments in the past, but the view, the setting and the atmosphere are unbeatable for such a centrally placed bar, that has a terrace big enough to take larger groups of the acceptable ten. I know we won’t be lounging on walls with an Aperol Spritz in hand anymore, when you realise that you know a good thirty percent of the people in the bar, but it will still be lovely and will be great if we ever get that corridor reopened and our relatives can start to visit again. And here’s a real shock thought, you could even combine it with a visit to the museum…

Next is slightly out of Palma, but is a great beach/restaurant combination. Start the day down at Playa Portals Nous Beach, which, let’s face it, everyone knows as Roxy beach, after the chiringuito at the end of the skinny spit of sand. After a day of sunning yourself head up the stairs in the middle of the beach and stop at Lilas. It is fantastic for sundowners, special dinners, romantic rendezvous, or if you just want to sit and stare out to sea and that view. The food is brilliant, the service is great and it’s pretty easy to get to. It’s not the cheapest of places but it is definitely worth it.

Finally, we head further out again, to Son Caliu Beach and the wonderful Bamboo Beach Bar. Known during the summer for its generous burgers and salads, in winter this becomes THE place to stop for Sunday lunch. You are right on the beach with the water lapping not more than 30 metres away, while you enjoy a choice of three types of roast meat with all the trimmings. Yes, every meat comes with a Yorkshire pudding and if you are really nice to the owner Marcus he may even give you a second. The one thing to remember here is that booking is absolutely imperative as it is the island’s worst kept secret. And it’s not just great for Sunday lunches, head down any time to soak up the sun and an ice cream, or that first cold beer on a Saturday.

So let’s not crawl into our jumpers and slippers just yet. Your house may be cold inside but I can pretty much guarantee that it will be a hell of a lot warmer and happier outside.

To winter tans and happy times!

Salud!

Tori Pearce

Es Baluard Museum Bar

Plaça de la Porta de Santa Catalina, 10, 07012 Palma, Illes Balears

http://www.restaurantesbaluard.com/

(+34) 871 234 954

Bamboo Beach Bar

Av. son Caliu, 10, 07181 Son Caliu, Illes Balears

(+34) 600 75 83 80

Lila Portals

Passatge a la Mar, 1, 07181 Portals Nous, Illes Balears

https://www.lila-portals.com/en/

(+34) 971 676 894

reservation@lila-portals.com