Luis M. Heymann: Owner of the Finest Selection Group & developer of the Portals Hills Boutique Hotel

With the hotel set to open in spring 2015, Luis is a very busy man, but he managed to take some time out of his schedule to talk to us about life and business in Mallorca.

Tell us a little bit about your business, how it started out and where you're based...

Finest Selection Group is a luxury real estate and lifestyle group based in Palma de Mallorca's harbour front, the Paseo Marítimo. We offer the highest level of advice and service to international property buyers, sellers and investors. As developers of high-end properties we have developed some of the most discerning homes in Puerto Andratx and also the island's most glamorous address, the Portals Hills Boutique Hotel, which is opening in spring 2015.

How long have you been in your current role and how long have you been with the company?

I have been resident in Mallorca since 1991 and founded the business in 2006.

What makes Mallorca a special place to be for someone in your profession / in general?

Mallorca is without a doubt the most attractive destination in the Mediterranean and one of the most attractive real estate markets in Europe. I have been living and working in the Caribbean, the UK and Miami, but Mallorca is the best place to live in Europe, for its flight connections, lifestyle and business opportunities. And the island has so much need for sophisticated and fresh residential and hotel property concepts.

What are the best bits about your job?

Dealing with a clientèle that is both international and very demanding, this makes the daily business very interesting. You can not afford to make mistakes in the luxury market, which is a challenge that I enjoy.

And the worst bits?

Obviously wasting time with people who pretend to be interested in buying or investing and then don't follow through because they either don't have the funds or have to sell their property first.

What is in store for the future with your business, any exciting projects in the pipelines that you can share with us?

As demand for high-end property and the hassle-free holiday ownership concepts grow, we have new ideas and projects to create fully operated residential properties with hotel amenities and 24/7 service.

What are you personal and professional goals for the future?

Our vision is to create exclusive properties with a focus on exceptional architecture and interior design that has not been seen on this island to date. There is certainly a market for it.

Where would send someone who was after that something 'something special' in resort, to stay, eat or drink?

I personally like Puerto Portals for its variety of fine restaurants, bars and boutiques, but also the historic center of Palma, especially the recently opened Marina Moll Vell close to the cathedral.

Your favourite place for lunch or dinner, if you're just looking for a quick bite to eat?

Port Blanc in Palma is a dining experience not to be missed and La Cabana Poolbar & Lounge in Portals Nous for the perfect lunch.

Where will we find the best coffee, paella or empanades?

Solleric is a popular Cafe and restaurant in Palma's Shopping mile Paseo Borne. Paella in the Club Nautico in Puerto Andratx.

What has been your best ever day in Mallorca?

The day my beautiful daughter was born.

Do you remember your first trip to the Island?

January 1991 with the plan to open a Pizzeria on the beach... it actually happened.

What do you do when you're not working?

I enjoy spending time with friends and family, walking my dog, cooking, running or just chilling by the pool.

Which is your favourite shop in Mallorca?

The Gourmet Shop in Corte Inglés

Yachts or speedboats? What's your preference & why?

I love Yachting as the Balearic Islands have so much to discover and its always fun to spend a day or weekend on the boat with friends. Unfortunately I haven't had the time recently to do it.

If someone was coming here for the first time, what would you suggest they absolutely must do or see in resort?

The west coast, to discover the unspoilt side of this beautiful island and a gourmet safari as there are so many outstanding restaurants in Mallorca

Where is your favourite beach?

Es Trenc for its unspoilt beauty, white sand and cristal clear water

What's your tip to escape the crowds in the summer?

Living on Mallorca you don't want to escape the crowd you want to join it. There is time enough in winter to relax or travel.