September 28th, 2018 like any other day, I was awoken by the smell of fresh coffee that Freddie was swirling under my nose. It was 6am so I wasn’t too impressed with being woken that early but it’s something I’ve come to accept with my other half being the most morning person I’ve ever met. Freddie mentioned he wasn’t going into work on this particular Friday, which I found a little suspicious but no alarm bells just yet. I was told this morning it was a special coffee and once I’d drunk it I had another surprise coming. Freddie then disappeared into the kitchen and I groggily pulled myself out of bed. As I wandered down our hall I followed a trail of Polaroid pictures into the kitchen. Pictures of us and places we’d been all laid out over our kitchen island. Still no inkling of what was to come I just thought Freddie was being cute.
I walked over to give him a hug and he took a step back and uttered the words “here’s a few memories of us and the places we’ve been over the past five years, how about we make it a lifetime” he then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I wish I could relive this moment from all angles over and over again taking it all in. It happened so quickly and I was so taken aback that the memory becomes blurred. All I remember was getting down to his level and sobbing hysterically, hyperventilating and major ugly crying. My hand was shaking so much we couldn’t even get the ring on my finger. It was only later we realised that in all the commotion I never actually said YES to his question. I’m sure my reaction was a sure sign to him that the answer was indeed yes.
After many tears, hugs, kisses, jumping, shaking, laughing, shouting Freddie then mentioned he’d booked a nice dinner that evening. Asking where, his response was “Palma, Mallorca” my brain started running through options of where this restaurant was located in London. Yes I know, HUGE brain fog after what had just happened. It only dawned on me we were going to Spain when Freddie said “pack your bags we’re going for four nights”.
The next few hours was a blur, FaceTiming family and friends, packing, taking pictures and selfies with my ring at all angles, driving to the airport, checking in and boarding our flight. By 4pm we’d arrived into Palma and were ready for a few drinks on the rooftop of our beautiful design hotel, Nakar.
Freddie had picked this out purely on what I look for in a city hotel – simple and chic bedroom, rooftop pool, good quality breakfast, restaurants and bars close by and one hell of a view. Nakar ticked all boxes. In fact, we are already planning a trip back to just enjoy this hotel a little more.
We quickly slotted into a routine, exploring by day, afternoon rooftop pool time followed by a sunset drink taking in the view before an evening exploring Palma old town in search of some delicious tapas.
With Nakar having such a fabulous rooftop, with DJ sets on the weekend we felt no need to venture out to other bars and spent our evenings enjoying the drinks and view from our hotel.
Our first evening we dined at two tapas restaurants. Purely by chance, but looking back it’s a genius way to try out lots of different places in little time. Whilst we waited for our table at Asian fusion tapas restaurant Ombu, we stumbled into Forn De Sant Joan only anticipating a drink whilst we waited but reading through their menu it would have required restraint beyond our capabilities not to order some of their delicious food. We went for the pork cheek and orange creme croquettes, octopus with olive and truffle tapenade and of course our favourite tomato breads. Perfectly complimenting the rosé Cava – my favourite.
Once our late night table was ready at Ombu we were still eager to continue our feasting. This time the croquettes were chicken/pistachio and squid/lemongrass. The burrata was smoked and the tomato breads were equally as fresh and crispy. Ombu is an Asian fusion tapas restaurant and is a modern take on traditional Spanish tapas. Think Mallorcan fried squid served with lemongrass and kaffir lime mayonnaise. Make sure to book because it is always full and busy.
The following day saw us experience more traditional and local style tapas. Lunch was at Gaudeix based on a friend’s recommendation who had recently visited the city. Octopus with olives, garlic prawns, cured pork and tomato breads (of course) were served in a much more rustic style yet equally delicious. We couldn’t secure an evening reservation here but managed to score a table at lunch, so once again booking is essential. Having dined at such spectacular restaurants during our stay we decided that our final evening meal was going to be a gamble.
As an avid planner this is something I never do but we just wandered through the streets and stumbled into a restaurant that could accommodate us. It actually turned out to be a real gem, a little basement restaurant down a cobbled street in the old town. We ordered a few local dishes – the freshly grilled sardines being the winner!
Our two days in Palma was a real whirlwind, a busy 48 hours that required a couple of nights relaxing after. What better way to do this than to escape to rural hotel near some of Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches?
We drove an hour to the east side of the island and checked in to Hotel Predi Son Jaumell. The vibe extremely different to Nakar’s chic design look, the rustic cosy rooms with exposed brick walls and giant four poster beds was equally as spectacular.
Welcomed with Cava at check in we settled in and enjoyed a couple of hours by the pool before heading out for lunch at the beach.
Lunch at Bar Playa on Platja Son Serveta was calamares and grilled sea bass. The perfect seaside spot for some fresh local food.
The following two days were spent relaxing at our absolutely stunning hotel, enjoying dinner in the Michelin star restaurant and hopping to beach coves.
Our absolute favourite cove was Platja Mitjana – a 20 minute walk through a field and down some little lanes took us to this very private cove.
The best ones are always worth the trek.
Our four days in Mallorca were so magical. Exploring a country I’ve always wanted to visit and with this engagement buzz just made the whole experience even more exciting. We even discussed the possibility of getting married here now that it holds such a special place in our hearts.
More on wedding plans later though, but for now it’s time to plan the next European adventure.
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This is so beautiful, love your photos, love the proposal, love the hotels, love love love! Thanks for sharing such a special weekend with us all. Wishing you all the best for your future together and look forward to following more of your adventures.
ahhh thank you so much!! it’s still such a whirlwind 🙂