This stunning white-sand beach could easily compete with the likes of the Maldives, but is less than three hours away from the UK. However, staying nearby might just break the bank
With sand as white as sugar, it’s no surprise this beautiful beach has become somewhat of a celeb magnet.
Majorca might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of tranquility and exclusiveness. Known for its party-mad resorts like Magaluf, the Spanish island has long been popular with Brits wanting to drink themselves silly and dance the night away.
But, away from the carnage and non-stop nightclubs, lies the majestic Blue Flag beach of Playa de Formentor. Considered to be one of the best slices of coast in the Balearics, this 1-kilometer long stretch of sand is the perfect place to kick back and relax.
Enveloped by lush pine trees, rugged cliffs, and breathtaking views of the Tramuntana mountains – Playa de Formentor boasts bone-white sands and crystal clear waters. In fact, it is often compared to the tropical delights of Thailand, or the Maldives – but is much closer to home. The beach is located in front of the luxury Four Seasons, a five-star hotel famed for its A-list clientele. Previous visitors include Winston Churchill, Audrey Hepburn, and more recently, Pretty Woman star Richard Gere.
According to Majorca Daily Bulletin, the Four Seasons has recently undergone a £300 million investment to restore its historic architecture and cultural heritage .”State-of-the-art services have also been added, including a spa, gourmet restaurants and exclusive suites equipped to ensure maximum relaxation,” the publication states.
If you’re not willing to splash out on more than £1,000 per night – you don’t need to stay at the Four Seasons to visit the beach. If you’re hiring a car, you can stay in the nearby car park, which charges up to €15 in the summer months – or get the bus via Port Pollensa for a cheaper day trip.
The beach, which is divided into three sections, charges tourists for lounge chairs and umbrellas – and it can get crowded due to its small size. However, there are two restaurants on the beach and water activities for hire – meaning you can easily spend a full day here. “The water is shallow and there are rarely waves here, which is nice for small children,” hails abc Majorca. “Some areas of the beach can get rocky but otherwise, it’s easily accessible so people of all ages enjoy this beach… There are a couple of small souvenir shops as well.”
The nearest airport to Formentor is Palma de Mallorca, which is just two and a half hours from the UK. You can fly directly from a slew of major UK airports including Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds, London, Bristol, and Glasgow. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return fares in July for as little as £29. Once you’ve touched down in Spain, you’ll have to drive 79km over to Formentor, which takes around one hour and 18 minutes.
Staying in Formentor doesn’t come cheap, as the Four Seasons resort is the only hotel in the area. A week’s stay (Monday, July 21-28) in a Pine View room will set you back a staggering £16,872. However, if you’re willing to stay a bit further out, you can grab a more reasonably priced room. For example, staying at the Prinsotel Mal Pas – an adults-only resort – on the exact same nights will cost £1,383. This four-star hotel is located 4.5 miles from Formentor, in Alcudia.
*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
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