Keep coasting: a laid-back road trip on Mallorca and Menorca

Where every street is easy street… [View in browser]( [Image](   [HOTELS]( [INSPIRATION]( [OFFERS]( [Image]( When the Balearic isles first boomed, all eyes were on the beaches. Mallorca, the largest of them, was soon crowned queen of sea and sand. But in recent decades, a revolution has spread from coast to coast. Just look at the island's interior, where forgotten farms and fincas have been transformed into visions of agrarian elegance. Or the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana, where hotels have embraced the island's wilder side. With the breadth of the island's beauty on display like never before, now's the time to hire a car and hit the road. And with serene sister Menorca within easy reach, you've the makings of a Balearic duet set to a very mellow beat. [READ THE FULL STORY](   [Alternate text]( [Alternate text]( WILD WEST LJ'S RATXO It’s only half an hour from Palma to this eco retreat in the western foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, with a swift and scenic drive showcasing Mallorca's dramatic costume changes. The heat and hubbub of Palma soon melt away amid the pine and oak forests that march across these hills and valleys. The landscape is the star feature of the hotel, creating a middle-of-nowhere feeling that makes the forest hikes, outdoor yoga classes and alfresco dinners all the more atmospheric. [VIEW HOTEL](   [Alternate text]( NORTHERN HEIGHTS [SON BRULL]( Son Brull is on the far eastern edge of the Serra de Tramuntana range, meaning you'll be driving the length of it. As you drop gear to wind up sinuous roads, the lush forest you’ve left behind begins to seem very mild-mannered compared to the mass of pale rock now dominating the horizon. It’s not all stark though: these mountains are home to some of Mallorca’s prettiest towns and villages, including Sóller and Pollença. More rewards await at former farmhouse and Jesuit monastery Son Brull, where you can plunge into the pool or skip straight to the homemade wines. [VIEW HOTEL]( [Alternate text]( BUCOLIC BULL'S EYE [FINCA SERENA]( Turning south, the road leads to the island’s agricultural heart. The land here is carpeted with orchards, vineyards and olive groves, all of which feature on Finca Serena's 40-hectare grounds. Alongside the refurbished house and outbuildings, there's a Natura Bissé spa, a glorious outdoor pool and a farm-to-table restaurant that makes liberal use the estate's organic vegetable gardens. From here, you can easily cruise back to Palma or onwards to Alcúdia, where the ferry to Menorca departs… [VIEW HOTEL]( THE SEDATE SIBLING: MENORCA [Alternate text]( ART AND AGROTURISMO [MENORCA EXPERIMENTAL]( For their Menorca outpost, the cocktail provocateurs at the Experimental Group snapped up a beautiful finca on the island's serene south coast. True to form, they've mixed a heady concoction of delicious food, devilish drinks and art-deco-inspired design by Dorothée Meilichzon. As you might expect, life here is more rustic and a little less rebellious than Experimental's city stays. Linger over lunches showcasing Basque and Catalan cuisine, kick back with cocktails in the walled garden or meander down the pine-flanked path to the beach. [VIEW HOTEL]( [Alternate text]( HOST WITH THE MOST [CRISTINE BEDFOR]( This spirited stay is in Menorca’s capital, Mahón (the locals call it Maó). Named for a heroically hospitable (and not entirely real) host, the hotel is spread across three townhouses in the city’s historic quarter. The interiors are filled with an expertly-assembled collection of furniture, artwork and fabrics that speak of Cristine's worldly tastes. The jewel in the crown is the hotel's garden and pool – a rarity given the location. From the house, it's a short stroll to Mahon's harbour-side restaurants where you can try caldereta de llagosta, the island's signature lobster stew. [VIEW HOTEL](   [Alternate text]( [Alternate text](     YOUR MEMBERSHIP LEVEL BlackSmith LOYALTY CREDIT $0   Why book with us? [Image]( BEST-PRICE GUARANTEE [Image]( SMITH EXTRAS ON ARRIVAL [Image]( NEW FINDS EVERY MONTH   [Instagram]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Pinterest]( [YouTube]( [Spotify]( We only contact you with news and offers that we genuinely believe will be of interest and we will never sell your details to third parties. This email was sent to {EMAIL} by Mr & Mrs Smith. [Unsubscribe]( or [update]( your contact details. Registered office: Registered office: Mr & Mrs Smith (Americas) Inc, 60 Broad St, Suite 2415, New York, NY 10004, United States. Company registration no: 443 8845 VAT no: GB802561850