Last Updated: 12 February 2026
If you’re anything like me, the minute the British summer starts playing up (again), you’re on Skyscanner looking for a quick escape. And that’s exactly how we ended up in Palma, Mallorca for a cheeky little mini break. Four days, 36-degree heat, zero responsibilities. Bliss.
We stayed in Ca’n Pastilla, which is a lovely coastal area just outside of Palma itself. It’s only about 10 minutes in a taxi from the airport, which I highly rate when you’re melting in a heatwave and don’t fancy a long transfer faff. Our hotel was JS Palma Stay, and I was genuinely impressed from the minute we walked in.
First Impressions & Hotel Atmosphere
JS Palma Stay is adults-only, so instantly you’re getting a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere (especially by the pool, no inflatables flying into your face or kids cannonballing in while you’re trying to read). The whole place felt really clean and modern, and we had a lovely room with a balcony that caught the evening sun.
What really stood out for us though was the buffet restaurant. Now, I know hotel buffets can sometimes feel a bit repetitive, but this one was such a win. Genuinely, the food was fresh, varied, and there were loads of it. Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or just a bit of a fussy eater, there was something for everyone. Even if you’ve got dietary needs, you’d be completely sorted here. I loved that I didn’t have to stress or plan, we could just rock up, fill our plates, and enjoy.
Foodie Highlights in Palma
That said, we did venture out for food a few times, and I’m so glad we did. One of the most memorable meals was at Mar Cala Estancia, a super stylish waterfront spot with gorgeous views of the sea and the planes flying over (without being too close or noisy). It had that kind of luxury beachy feel, but was still laid back enough to feel comfortable in casual holiday wear. The seafood was fab, and it was the perfect place to sit back with a drink and just take it all in.
We also had a lovely meal at Bar Restaurante Celler Ca’n Santiago, which was more of a traditional, rustic spot. Think wooden beams, locals chatting, and proper hearty food. It had such a cosy, authentic atmosphere and I loved that it felt like we’d stumbled on a bit of a hidden gem.
Back at the hotel, we dipped back into the buffet a couple of times for lunch and dinner. Honestly, I think people overlook how handy it is to have great food just downstairs when it’s too hot to think. There was something really comforting about being able to grab whatever you fancied, especially when it was just too warm to go hunting for restaurants.
Exploring Playa de Palma (Without Overheating!)
We knew we only had a few days, so we didn’t want to cram too much in and end up needing another holiday to recover. The weather was hot, I’m talking 35–36 degrees every day, and we just happened to land during a Spanish heatwave. I mean, of course we did.
So instead of walking everywhere, we decided to hop on the Tourist Train Ride in Playa de Palma, and it was such a good shout. It’s a little open-air road train that runs along the beach strip, and it lasted around two hours in total. It’s such a fab way to get your bearings if it’s your first visit. You get to see loads of the seafront, and it gives you ideas for where to go back to later.
If you’re staying near Ca’n Pastilla, it’s also just a really fun and easy way to get to the other end of the beach. There are loads of restaurants, beach bars and loungers up that way, and you can hop off, grab a bite to eat, or just sit and chill with a cold drink while watching the waves roll in. It’s touristy, yes, but in a wholesome, nostalgic kind of way. Very ‘holiday mode activated.’
