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B eyond the shores of Barcelona, some 150 miles south in the Mediterranean Sea lies Mallorca, a 1400-square- mile Spanish paradise. From azure views and roaring cliffs, to rich culture and charming villages—the sights of the popular European hotspot have inspired generations of artists and writers, including poet Robert Graves who is buried in the island's northwestern village of Deià. The largest of the Balearic Island archipelago, Mallorca's diverse geography and architecture are among the many reasons that make it a true 360 experience. Rest assured, one trip around Mallorca is enough to seduce even the most prosaic travelers. Once you crack the surface, Mallorca has an incredibly rich history. It's been ruled by a number of kingdoms throughout its history, including the Romans and the Moors; it's also said that it was first colonized as far back as the 8th century BC—most likely by the Phoenicians. The remnants of Mallorca's storied past are largely dominated by influences of Gothic and Baroque architecture. These influences can be seen throughout Palma, the island's capital, along with a labyrinth of narrow streets which hint at the city's Arab history. Pieces of the island's past, both natural and manmade, can be seen from coast to coast. These landmarks have stood the test of time and will always remain, so long as we help to preserve and respect them. The island experienced its first tourism boom following the 1950s. However by the '70s, it had fallen victim to dreary package hotels and visitors donning straw hats, the sort thing that ultimately does more harm than good. But despite the fact that the island was attracting millions of European travelers annually—over two million from the U.K. alone—there was cause for concern. Much like the limestone embellishing its coasts, the bedrock of Mallorca's notoriety and culture began to erode. However, in the years that followed, save for a couple ups and downs, Mallorca redefined itself as the world- class destination it always was. The island has made leaps and bounds from its reputation in the '70s, but with its sister island Ibiza—a place known for being heavy on debauchery and light on culture—constantly making headlines, breaking free of the stereotype wasn't easy. Considering Ibiza's likeness, it's easy to see why the distinguished traveler would have second thoughts about visiting. However, Mallorca has always been much more than bars and braggadocio. Sure, there are still a few spots on the island such as Magaluf—where you'll see an over influx of tourists looking to indulge—but most of the island is an iconic, cultural gem just waiting to be explored. One of the telltale signs of its progress in recent years is English business magnate Richard Branson's purchasing of an estate on Mallorca's northwest coast known as Son Bunyola, a property which spans nearly 700 acres boasting three villas available for exclusive hire. Nothing says success like an endorsement from Sir Richard. VUE ON TRAVEL V U E N J . C O M 71

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