Learn how to write, fish with locals, fly a helicopter, play golf with a pro or even play tennis with Rafa Nadal´s personal coach.
As the leading holiday destination in the Mediterranean, Mallorca increasingly caters for visitors who want to enjoy different activities and learn different skills throughout the year. Herewith a selection of some of the most popular “How To” activity holidays and many can be enjoyed all year round:
Learn how to play tennis with Rafa Nadal’s coach and mentor, Toni Nadal:
Special Toni Nadal Training Camp, 19-26th November, 2018
A unique opportunity to be trained by the world’s number one tennis champion, Rafa Nadal, with his own trainer and mentor, Toni Nadal. The programme includes:
- 12 hours tennis coaching on clay courts with Toni Nadal
- 5 hours training with the Rafa Nadal Academy coaching team
- Nutritional Coaching sessions with Rafa Nadal’s own nutritionist, Gemma Bes
- Functional training sessions
- Seminars
- Participation in an exclusive encounter with Toni Nadal
- Learn more about tennis equipment with Xavi Segura
- Free access to the Spa and Fitness Centre
- Entry to the Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience
Partners can also enjoy the facilities with a special Wellness Pack that includes: 3 Wellness Spa Treatments; coaching sessions on nutrition with Gemma Bes, tennis seminars, participation in an exclusive encounter with Toni Nadal; class on tennis materials with Xavi Segura. Plus free access to the Spa and Fitness Centre and the Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience. The cost of the Toni Nadal Training Camp starts at 2.790€ per person. The Rafa Nadal Academy also offers a year-round programme of courses for adults and children. Information: sales@rafanadalacademy.com www.rafanadalacademy.com
Learn how to write with novelist Allegra Huston at the Belmond La Residencia Hotel, Deià, October 28th – November 2nd
Allegra Huston is an experienced workshop leader and editor and has taught at universities around the world with authors including Jane Goodall, Edna O’Brien, Matthew Parris and Irish Murdoch. Her first novel; “Say My Name” was published in 2007.
The course will consist of 5 morning workshops on the discussion of techniques, generating material, writing exercises and 2 one to one sessions. The location of the Belmond La Residencia in Deià has inspired many writers and artists over the years including the late Robert Graves. The cost of the workshop is 1,699€ per person to include a welcome tea and dinner at the end of the course in the hotel’s Olivo Restaurant when each delegate will read a piece of their work.
The cost of accommodation for these course dates at the Belmond La Residencia Hotel start at 438€ per person, per night (exc. local tax). Reservations: www.belmond.com
Learn how to fish with local Mallorcan fishermen (year round)
These special fishing trips are organized on fishing boats ranging from 7 to 25 metres, and offer personal contact with highly experienced Mallorcan fishermen whilst touring the coast or open waters and offering the opportunity learn the secrets of fishing lobster, shrimp or squid. Plus the chance to discover some of the best coves and the most wonderful scenery that Mallorca has to offer. The excursions, which last between three and twelve hours, generally include a tasting on board of freshly caught fish and a break to enjoy a relaxing swim in one of the hidden coves.
Be a fisherman for the day from Puerto Alcudia. Fish for Grouper, Denton, Scorpion Fish & Dolphin watching.
Join Olga Capote, who is the only woman at the helm of a fishing boat in Mallorca. Her crew speak fluent German and can also get by in English. Her 10 metre fishing trawler called, “Es Batlets”, is equipped with a cabin and a kitchen. Fishing excursions are available from Monday to Saturday throughout the year. The cost is 89.55€ per person (50% discount for children up to the age of 12) and there are 4 places available. The excursion features the opportunity to grill your own fish on board and a traditional pa amb oli snack (country bread with olive oil, ham, cheese and sobrassada pate/sausage). Fishing rods are provided if required.
Discover the secrets of fishing and dolphin watching from Puerto Soller
Gori Mayol has learnt alongside his father who has fished in Mallorcan waters for over 30 years. Together they practice traditional and sustainable fishing in their 7, 7 metre boat, “Passador”. The excursion starts at Puerto Sóller out into the open waters of the Tramuntana area to Cala Tuent, Sa Foradada or Sa Calobra for fishing mahi mahi with the best fishing masters in English or French. The excursion takes place from: 06.00 – 12.30 midday, Monday to Saturday, throughout the year. The price of 85.55€ per person includes a traditional pa amb oli snack. Reservations: www.pescaturismomallorca.com
Learn how to fly a helicopter (year round)
Balearic Helicopters was established in Palma’s Son Bonet airport by experienced British pilot Jonny Greenall who has more than 16 years’ experience of flying around Mallorca.
His company offers a full programme of training courses. From a trial lesson at 199€ for a 30 minute trial in a Robinson R22 helicopter where you can take over the controls alongside an experienced helicopter pilot to the EASA PPL (Helicopter) flight training qualification. Balearic Helicopters offers this course to include 45 hours flying time with ground examinations, EASA skills test and a radiotelephony licence. The course fee starts at 22,996.65€ (including local tax). Reservations: www.balearic-helicopters.com
Learn how to play golf (year round)
Arabella Golf – Son Vida
Mallorca now has 22 golf courses offering an excellent variety of courses for all levels. The Arabella Golf facility in the Son Vida area, located only 10 minutes from the centre of Palma, features four different golf courses; Son Vida, Son Muntaner, Son Quint and Son Quint Pitch and Putt with a whole range of courses.
For an absolute beginner there is a two hour “First Contact” class for groups of 5-10 people which comprises of theory including the different clubs together with practical demonstration and activity. The price per person starts at 65€. Private lessons with a golf pro are also available from 60€ per hour and children under the age of 16 years are free if accompanied by an adult. www.arabellagolfmallorca.com for information on lessons: info@naturalgolfmanagement.com
Lighthouse Golf Academy – Alcanada Golf (year round)
In the north of the island the Alcanada Golf Course with spectacular sea and country views, has its own Golf Academy by John Verhappen. John has over 30 year’s expertise and speaks 5 languages. For absolute beginners he offers an Introduction Class of 2 hours for 2-6 people which covers the basics of the game and costs 65€ per person. The next course is the Starter Class for groups of 2-6 people and includes, all equipment and course fees. The class lasts two hours and covers the rules and etiquette of the game, plus practical experience of putting to driving. Cost per person is 249€. Information: www.golf-alcanda.com
