Celebrity (spotting) hangouts in Mallorca
Where to rub shoulders with the stars on the island
The Balearic Islands have long been a hot spot for international celebrities. Thanks to another year of star sightings, Mallorca is rivalling its sister island of Ibiza as ‘the place to be seen'. While many of the rich and famous choose Mallorca as a one-off holiday destination, the island has also won the hearts of many stars who now own properties here.
Port d’Andratx, Puerto Portals, Palma and Deià are some of the main haunts where you might find yourself rubbing shoulders with a familiar face. Here are a few celebrities who have graced the island with their presence and where they have chosen to spend their time.
Port d'Andratx
Port d’Andratx is one of the hottest places to buy a property at the moment and continues to be a favourite amongst celebrities for being a more discreet holiday setting. Near the sea and the magnificent Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, it offers the best of both worlds. The nearby town of Andratx is full of authentic Mallorcan charm, whilst the port offers some of the best waterside dining on the island.
Who’s been spotted in Port d’Andratx?
British Royals
Prince Harry in his pre-Meghan days used to holiday here with friends. He had also been to Mallorca a few times as a child with his family - the west of the island was a favourite of his late mother, who spent some time at the luxury hotel La Residencia in Deià in 1996, which was then owned by Richard Branson.
Brad Pitt and Angeline Jolie
When they were married they purchased a property in a secluded location in the hills around Andratx, but since their acrimonious split, whether it's still a part either's property portfolio is unknown.
Other names associated with the high-end residences in the area include German star Helene Fischer and Bjorn Ulvaeus of ABBA.
Puerto Portals
Being the glitziest port on the island means it’s highly likely you will come across one celebrity or another here. Famous faces are often seen dining in one of the reputable restaurants or lounging around on a yacht.
Who’s been spotted in Puerto Portals?
It might be easier to ask who hasn’t been spotted in Puerto Portals? Over the years the port has attracted some big names including socialite Paris Hilton, the late fashion designer Valentino, actor Jim Carrey and racing car driver Jenson Button. So, instead, let’s examine who’s been spotted there recently.
Michelle Obama
The former FLOTUS was first spotted in Mallorca on a luxury yacht, dining in some of the top-notch restaurants in the port and completing a hike on the island. Mallorca must have made an impression on Michelle as she has since returned.
Rod Stewart
Singer Rod Stewart is known to have visited Mallorca for work and pleasure. He has performed at sold-out concerts on the island and also moors his yacht in Puerto Portals frequently. He and his family seem to enjoy the atmosphere in the port and the variety of restaurants on offer.
Hollywood stars
We know it's always been popular with film stars looking for privacy and in recent times we've seen Sharon Stone and her boyfriend Angelo Goffa, Brad Pitt, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Palma
The bustling capital city of Palma is becoming an increasingly popular city break destination. It might be more difficult to spot a familiar face in the crowds but it’s likely you will rub shoulders with a famous face in one of the boutique hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants or swanky bars in the city.
Who’s been spotted in Palma?
Rihanna, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mads Mikkelson, Penelope Cruz and husband Javier Bardem have been seen out and about in Palma and especially seem to enjoy the trendy Santa Catalina area of the city.
Tennis royalty
In 2016, before going on to win the Wimbledon Championship title, Andy Murray was spotted training at the luxurious Palma Tennis Club with his forthcoming Wimbledon rival Milos Raonic.
Deia
A quaint village set in the beautiful Serra de Tramuntana mountain range in the west of Mallorca, Deià has become a haunt for well-heeled visitors. This means the area has developed some first-class restaurants and hotels that welcome big names on a regular basis.
Who’s been spotted in Deià?
The self-made billionaire Richard Branson famously owned and sold Deià’s La Residencia Hotel, and now owns a country estate called Son Bunyola just down the road in Banyalbufar which is home to three impressive villas. Michael Douglas and his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones own a luxury home in the area between Deia and Valldemosa. British fashion designer Matthew Williamson and singer Annie Lennox reportedly also own homes in the area.
Valldemossa
Another picturesque town set in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, Valldemossa was one of the first places to receive high profile guests. The town famously hosted Polish composer Frédéric Chopin and his French lover and writer, George Sand (real name Aurore Dudevant) who, in the 1830s, wrote a notable account of A Winter in Mallorca.
It seems the natural beauty of the area continues to attract big names today. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones famously own one of the most lavish properties on the island which is located near to Valldemossa. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that it comes complete with its own vineyard.
Manacor
The second largest town in Mallorca, Manacor remains more of an industrial town with authentic Mallorcan charm. It isn’t as touristy as the rest of the island but, owing to one native tennis star and his academy, you are most likely to catch a glimpse of some tennis heroes in the area.
Who’s been spotted in Manacor?
Rafael Nadal
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal was born and raised in Manacor and has put this town on the map. Chances are you might see him and his family (and his many famous friends) in the local supermarket. He has even opened up a Rafa Nadal tennis academy for young players, so you can feel close to your tennis hero even when he isn’t at home on the island.
Formentor
It appears Formentor has appealed to some of the biggest stars for its privacy and tranquility for decades. In the past, it provided the perfect summer retreat for the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Winston Churchill and Audrey Hepburn and it has continued to attract an assortment of big names over the years.
Who’s been spotted in Formentor?
The idyllic setting is often used as a film set and Emilia Clarke or, as most might know her, Daenerys Targaryen the Mother of Dragons in Game of Thrones, was spotted filming here. Tom Cruise, Max Iglesias (Spanish actor) and numerous others have been drawn to this coastline on their private yachts, including Jennifer Aniston, Serena Williams, Dua Lipa and Kate Hudson.
Port de Pollença
Port de Pollença is one of the most renowned areas on the island boasting fabulous villas, hotels and restaurants. The legendary Agatha Christie famously stayed here in the early 20th century and the high-end estates attract TV and film crews from the world over. The ever growing cycling scene in Mallorca has meant this particular area has attracted some of the world’s best cyclists. Bradley Wiggins grew so fond of the place that he invested in a property in Port de Pollença. You will often see him playing with his children along the pine walk.
