FORMENTOR: MALLORCA’S HIDDEN PARADISE FOR THE PRIVILEGED

5 min readJun 17, 2023

The Magic of Cap de Formentor

Nestled on the northernmost tip of Mallorca, Formentor is a secluded paradise accessible by a single, less-travelled road. This doesn’t mean it’s a ghost town, though. Quite the contrary, the Cap de Formentor, famous for its awe-inspiring sunsets, is a magnet for visitors from all corners of the globe. The journey from Palma to Formentor takes just over an hour, leading you to one of the island’s most isolated yet enchanting corners. While summer sees a surge in visitors, winter brings back the serene ambiance, with the Tramuntana pines and towering cliffs standing as silent sentinels.

Formentor is where the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains meet the Mediterranean Sea, creating one of the most stunning living spaces on Mallorca. The landscape, adorned with dense forests, exudes a rugged charm that’s unique to the island’s northern region.

The iconic Hotel Formentor, established in 1930, has been a beacon of luxury, hosting celebrities for their summer retreats for decades.

Living the Dream in Formentor

Formentor residents are a select group, enjoying sea-front villas with pristine views. Owning a property here means possessing some of Mallorca’s most coveted land. It’s the sea-facing position that many envision when dreaming of a Mediterranean home.

Formentor exudes an air of discretion, making it a family-friendly locale. Properties are often passed down generations or shared among friends, resulting in a private real estate market. The community is tight-knit, with neighbours likely to be influential figures, including politicians, actors, and global business moguls.

While local amenities are sparse, the nearby Puerto Pollensa offers all the essentials.

Formentor Beach

Formentor Beach, renowned for its top-notch facilities and crystal-clear waters, is impeccably maintained, thanks to its association with the Hotel Formentor, A Royal Hideaway. The beach services, including clean showers, toilets, and luxury sunbeds, can be booked through the hotel. However, this luxury comes with a price tag. A family day at the beach, including lunch at the hotel’s restaurant, can run into hundreds of euros.

Despite the cost, the experience at Formentor Beach is unparalleled on the island. The convenience and ease of booking everything in advance, coupled with the option to rent a paddle board for the day, make Formentor Beach an unforgettable experience for both hotel guests and non-guests.

The beach, a long stretch of white sand backed by dense pine forests, has been awarded a Blue-Flag certification for its high environmental management standards, water quality, safety, and services. It’s also popular to swim to the uninhabited ‘Illa del Geret’ island, just 250m from the beach’s northern end.

The Royal Hideaway: A Historic Retreat

The Formentor, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, has a rich history spanning eighty years. Founded by an Argentine art patron in the 1920s, it has hosted legendary figures like the Dalai Lama, Churchill, Chaplin, Audrey Hepburn, and Plácido Domingo. This elegant hotel, with 122 rooms, has become a sanctuary for writers, poets, and musicians seeking inspiration. The hotel’s beachfront restaurant, Platja del Mar, is open to locals and visitors from 9 am to 8 pm.

The Sunset Classics Concert, held annually at the hotel at the end of August, features performances by the Symphony Orchestra of the Balearic Islands and pianist Juan Pérez Floristán. The event, in line with itsThe Royal Hideaway: A Historic Retreat (continued)

tradition of hosting top-tier artists, attracts Mallorca’s talented musicians, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Mediterranean alongside an outstanding concert.

Real Estate in Formentor: A Private Haven

Formentor is a secluded sanctuary for residents seeking privacy, drawing potential buyers worldwide. Properties start around 5 million euros, often soaring to as much as 20 million. It’s no surprise that Formentor’s real estate comfortably sits in Mallorca’s high-end market. The allure of complete privacy and the best Mediterranean views is undeniable.

The close-knit community in Formentor often results in private property sales. The peninsula is home to several waterfront villas, offering owners privacy and stunning front-line views. Many properties boast private pools and even their own steps down to the sea.

Much of Formentor’s architecture, built around 1969, reflects classic Mediterranean style. However, many properties have been renovated to a more contemporary design. All residences are on private roads, further cementing Formentor’s status as Mallorca’s most private and exclusive area.

The People of Formentor: A Blend of Locals and Celebrities

Identifying the famous faces residing in Formentor isn’t easy, and that’s just how the locals prefer it. Those who choose to live in Formentor value its privacy and its distance from the glitzier spots further south. It’s a rustic, rocky, and wild area, perfect for lazy afternoons in a hammock under the cover of pine trees.

Formentor’s small population is primarily composed of wealthy Mallorcan families, but there’s a significant international presence too. Billionaire media magnate Richard Desmond owns a spectacular home here, maintaining a low profile. Barack Obama’s ambassador James Costos and partner Michael Smith were initially drawn to the island by a photo of Formentor. Upon arrival, they fell in love with Mallorca, and Michael, an interior decorator, stayed to redesign a house overlooking Formentor beach. Palma’s beloved designer, Klas Kall from Rialto Living, has also worked in the area, tasked with decorating the famous La Fortaleza.

Formentor is also a favourite spot for artists and photographers, much like Deià, which is renowned for its natural light and dramatic scenery. Local photographer Miquel Salom, a Pollensa resident, enjoys capturing the north of Mallorca. His unique Ambrotype process was applied to a photo he took of Formentor Lighthouse, which viewers loved for its unique light and depth.

In Conclusion

Formentor is a thriving elite community that values its discreet location. The residents, a mix of local aristocracy and expats with second homes, rely on the Formentor Hotel as the area’s sole amenity. Therefore, newcomers to Formentor should note that all shopping will be done in nearby Puerto Pollensa. The hotel is a community pillar and holds a reputation both on the island and globally as an iconic destination. The combination of the beach, sea views, and dramatic Tramuntana mountain scenery in Formentor is highly sought after by property seekers and tourists alike.