VISIT SITE
All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in England and Wales, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Editor Claire Ridley jetted to Purobeach Resort Santa Ponsa on the southwest coast of this charming Mediterranean island, which is perfect for a short-haul European honeymoon
How lucky was I to revisit Santa Ponsa, nestled in the Calvià region of this largest Balearic island, where I had enjoyed a family holiday as a child. Perched between the ocean and the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, just a 20-minute drive from Palma de Mallorca Airport, sits the five-star Purobeach Resort Santa Ponsa, the newest flagship property and the first Puro Group resort.
DO NOT DISTURB
This luxurious yet relaxed, adults-oriented resort, open from mid-March until October, offers a chic design-led choice for honeymooners, with 160 stylish bedrooms and suites. The décor marries authentic Spanish hues and natural tones with fashionable rattan furnishings including lampshades, baskets and lush green plants in large terracotta planters. I checked into a spacious Joy - Junior Suite with Sea View complete with a king-size bed, a living area and a large sea-facing terrace where I couldn't wait to relax, sunbathe and soak up the view. Alternative versions of these suites offer magnificent mountain vistas. Another honeymoon-worthy option is the four Signature Sea View Suites, each with a private terrace and sunbeds. Booking this category of room includes the reservation of a Balinese bed and a one-way private transfer from the airport.
WHERE WELLNESS AWAITS
Those dreaming of a laid-back visit with an emphasis on wellness can enjoy the underground Puro Wellness by Seaskin Life, a cool, calming spa open from 10 am until 7 pm with a sauna, aromatherapy shower and relaxation area. Highlights on the treatment menu include the Personalised Couple's Massage and the Mediterranean Detox Ritual. For a complete renewal ritual, the seven-day Vital Flow glow programme is a must. There's also an outdoor sheltered gym overlooking the ocean, meditation and yoga experiences and electric and regular bicycles available to hire to explore the island. Sun worshippers will love the two swimming pools, with the main one taking centre stage at the Purobeach beach club, perfectly positioned to soak up the sea views. Sunbeds can be reserved at the pool bar, and the underwater loungers are a great spot for relaxing and sunbathing!
BON APPÉTIT
I started each day at Ona restaurant with one of the best breakfast selections I've ever had, sat in a quiet corner outside admiring where the mountains greet the ocean. Omelettes are made to order, pancakes are served with agave syrup and raspberries, and waffles are topped with Chantilly cream. A dinner reservation here is a must, especially at sunset, against a backdrop of live music. The Mediterranean-inspired menu reflects the restaurant's name, which means 'wave' in Catalan, where delicious dishes are cooked on the Josper grill. Mouth-watering starters include charcoal-grilled octopus and scallop. The main course showcases fresh sole, with must-try meat options of duck magret and slow-roasted, milk-fed lamb shoulder. Just don't forget to leave room for the lemon pie Santa Ponsa for dessert! Visitors to this fashionable resort will love the relaxed vibe at Purobeach Café, where the food can also be ordered to the sun loungers. Think cheese and guacamole-topped nachos, patatas bravas, seafood paella and the Santa Ponsa club sandwich washed down with local wine, beer or a colourful cocktail.
MAKE A SPLASH
Enjoy the #Puroexperience at Purobeach Illetas Beach Club (purogroup.com/ purobeach/en/purobeach-illetas/home), where beachfront Balinese beds offer pure comfort and relaxation right at the water's edge. The warm sea temperature and crystal-clear waters create ideal conditions for swimming. An island-inspired lunch against the backdrop of the Bay of Palma is a reservation not to be missed, where diners can enjoy fresh oysters, crisp salads and the popular grilled beef Puro Burger. I tucked into the delicious John Dory fish tacos filled with cabbage, avocado and onion.
WISH YOU WERE HERE
Sun, sea and sand! Santa Ponsa is home to a pristine sandy beach fringed with straw parasols. The bay boasts sheltered coves perfect for swimming and snorkelling, and visitors wanting a shady spot can head to the pine forest behind the beach. The local promenade is dotted with cafés, beach bars, boutiques, souvenir shops and restaurants. I enjoyed some tasty paella at Mercader Del Mar restaurant (mercaderdelmar.com/en). The tide is high! For something scenic and special, I set sail from the marina with Marcello and Erik from Sea Mallorca to discover some of the country's most beautiful beaches by boat (instagram.com/seamallorca).
Guess the movie. Visitors to Mallorca will love the Calvià Film Set Route, exploring ten locations of well-known films where commemorative plaques featuring QR codes are placed at each site (visitcalvia.org/en/calvia-film-set).
Sunset lovers. Those wanting to soak up more of Calvià's culture can do so at Sa Morisca Parc Arqueológico Calvià, a great area for scenic trails and viewpoints, learning more about the history of the island, and watching the most stunning sunset (visitcalvia.org/en/sa-morisca). The trip back to this historic coastal town created more wonderful memories that will stay with me forever.
BOOK IT
At the time of reopening in March 2027, rates start from €187 per night for a Flow Standard Room and €290.50 per night for a Joy Junior Suite. In June 2027, rates start from €295 per night for a Flow Standard Room and €398.50 per night for a Joy Junior Suite. In July 2027, rates start from €340 per night for a Flow Standard Room and €443.50 per night all based on double occupancy. *All rates can vary depending on occupancy, available offers, the month of the season, and other factors. purogroup.com/purohotels/en/ purobeach-resort-santaponsa instagram.com/ purobeachresortbypuro
