Traveling further east, this month’s spotlight shines on a town known for it’s rich and lively Wednesday and Saturday markets – Santanyi. With many German café menus and staff, it would be easy to pass Santanyi off as a tourist town and miss out on it’s colourful artistic and cultural offerings.

One very dynamic space is a house that was converted into a cultural association, members of Can Timoner can engage with a wide variety of activities including theatre, musical events, workshops, exhibits, literature and poetry and much more. Most events are in Spanish.

There are many native Santanyi creatives with shops near the town center. Marina Ramos designs timeless jewelry that incorporates the organic simplicity of glass and semi-precious stones with brass, silver and gold-plate.  Es Taller de na Marina will soon be available at the Es Baluard, Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Palma.

Creative pottery workshop, Bauç (Carrer de Cal Reiet 46), is home to the work of ceramic artist Ramon Canyelles. Reminiscent of the sea surrounding Mallorca- turquoise crackle glaze on a textured sandy coloured clay form plates, mugs, bowls and much more. Given our need to seriously consider the use of resources on the planet, I love it when objects are upscaled to provide new joy and pleasure. Glass artist, Joan of Es Taller has made an art of reworking wine bottles into beautiful objects for the home. Find serving dishes, platters, light fixtures as well as jewelry, candle holders and more . Both artists can be found at the weekly market.

Catalina hasn’t looked back since making the transition from her profession as a teacher to her passion as an artist and shop owner. Miramà is a sweet store that is filled with a whimsical mixture of her own creations – handpainted children’s clothing, dolls, art and textile totes, as well as other carefully selected products.

After perusing the shops, settle your hunger with these distinct and locally-owned eateries. Restaurant and Enoteca, Laudat has a beautiful outdoor patio space and stylish interior that extends a warm welcome for lunch and dinner. Using local produce, the lunch menu sees regular changes and dinner menu draws upon seasonal offerings and includes vegetarian options. Check out the locally produced olive oil and their very own wine label from sommelier, Miguel Laudat.

Around the corner, family-run S’hort de Can Blai is a deli-like shop that showcases many Mallorcan specialities including their own sobrasada, confitura de sobrasada, honey, and torone. On market days the deli burgeons into the street with sweet and savoury offerings like ensaimada, Doblegats and Coca de trampó.

Looking for a local bar with good coffee and no fuss? Take the side street from the main pedestrian street leading to the church and practice your Catalán over an espresso at Bar Ca’n Piquer, before stocking your pantry with organic products and produce at Ecoteca just a few metres beyond. Or go left at the church and relax street side or in the interior patio space of Bar Can Vadell with a coffee and bocadillo.

For those that seek a little TLC — find deep relaxation in the hands of reflexologist Barbara Fasting, a Dutch native who has lived in Mallorca for more than 20 years. Her practice is conveniently located behind the church and is a wonderful place to go when you need a pick me up using the subtle but powerful practice of reflexology on the feet and lower legs.

Opening it’s doors in 2015 after extensive renovation Cal Reiet is a beautiful boutique hotel just minutes walk from Santanyi’s town centre. With 15 rooms, Cal Reiet not only specialises in holistic retreats but is also open to the public for lunch and dinner, spa treatments and wellbeing classes that nourish the body, mind and spirit.

A stone’s throw

Just 10 minute drive from town, the beautiful and truly Mediterranean port of Cala Figuera provides a seaside experience of Santanyi. Walk the rock path and step boat ramp to boat ramp as you navigate the quaint fishing port and breathe in spectacular views of sapphire water and llaüts- the local boats.

Atelier Camargo is a colourful space brimming with the paintings and poetry of the Spanish artist Camargo. Situated in a privileged location caressed by the sea of ​​Cala Figuera, step inside the gallery to find Camargo painting his love of the sea and the island.

Based in the neighbouring village, Rocio Graves has turned her love of healthy food into a career. Not only does her talent as a food blogger and photographer elevate kale to the status of super model, but starting in October Rocio will open her beautiful rustic home to dinner guests in the name of delectable plant-based dining and great conversation.

 

Written by Danielle Satya Parla

About the author Whether you live in Mallorca or are just visiting, you may yearn to experience the island and it’s people in a truly meaningful way. You want to get off the beaten track and connect with the hidden heart of Mallorca as you seek to relax, feel fit, well and happy. Danielle gets it. She is a prolific traveler who has a sincere interest in people and places – and not simply the iconic spots that are on everyone’s bucket list. She is a writer, psychologist, breath & energy worker and yoga teacher who is devoted to sharing ways to wellness through the healing arts and the written word. In addition to her wellness work, she has written about lifestyle, travel and wellness for magazines in Asia and Europe for over a decade. Join her in a journey through Mallorca and share the tremendous richness of the villages that are home to excellent therapists, traditional handicrafters, fantastic chefs, artists and innovators, and more. www.spacetobreathe.ch