Swap hangovers in Magaluf for Majorca’s capital Palma – it’s just 30mins away

THE last time I went to Majorca I was a teenager.

I stayed at the notorious resort of Magaluf and spent the entire time drinking until the early hours then nursing a hangover in a dark room.

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Fast-forward 30 years and I’m back, reliving my youth with six girls — only this time we’re swapping the booze for scrumptious food, scenic sunbathing and a spot of culture.

We’re just a 30- minute drive from the boozy strip of Magaluf, near the capital Palma, for our friend Natalie’s 50th birthday.

Here, the quiet residential streets paint a very different picture to the wild ones up the road.

Our serene Hotel Palace Bonanza Playa & Spa sits right on the seafront in Illetas, just four miles from the city centre.

It is also next to some of the most impressive golf courses on the island — not that we had time to take a swing, with the historic city at our fingertips.

A visit to the beautiful Old Town and the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, just a 15-minute taxi ride from the hotel, is a must.

The gothic cathedral, known locally as La Seu, charges an €8 (£7) entrance fee but that is worth every penny, for the stunning architecture and gigantic stained-glass windows.

This area is also home to the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, as well as Es Baluard, a contemporary art museum with pieces from Spanish greats including Salvador Dali.

But even a simple wander around the streets is reason enough to visit. They are crammed with boutiques selling locally crafted jewellery — and all the high-street favourites such as Massimo Dutti and Zara.

After pounding the streets, you’ll want to sample some traditional tapas and Bar Espana does it best with a bargain house wine to match.

We asked our waiter to choose some dishes for us and he came out with an amazing mixture, at prices that didn’t break the bank — meaty croquettes, patatas bravas and a delicious platter of Iberico ham.

If you don’t want to venture out for dinner though, the hotel has one of the best buffets I’ve ever had. For €30 (£26) a head, we tucked into fresh fish and salads, carvery meats and an amazing array of bread, cheese and desserts. There was an extensive wine list too.

Our hotel was also a dreamy place to flop after days soaking up the cultural spots around it.

Rooms are spacious, with large balconies that overlook the sea, and the swimming pool is on a peninsular with equally great views of the ocean.

GIANT WHIRLPOOL

Rooms are spacious, with large balconies that overlook the sea, and the swimming pool is on a peninsular with equally great views of the ocean.

If you’re more of a sand lover, there’s a small private beach with a jetty leading right into the blue water.

And best of all, if it rains, you don’t have to miss out on the fun. When the heavens opened, we headed straight for the indoor pool and spa area which had a giant whirlpool, steam room, cold plunge pool, sauna and sun loungers — the perfect hangover cure if you’ve had a night on the town.

For anyone who does fancy dipping their toes into Majorca’s famous party scene, there’s plenty of glam places to do it.

For Natalie’s big day, we chose to celebrate in style at Nikki Beach, a lush beach club chain.

It’s notorious for attracting a celeb crowd including singers Beyonce, Mariah Carey and Gwen Stefani as well as reality TV stars from Towie and Love Island.

Before visiting, I’d had visions of posers paying ridiculous prices to show off their six-packs on sunbeds.

But I was quickly proved wrong and, thankfully, the restaurant section overlooking the pool was a very different affair.

Yes, it is swanky, but it is welcoming for families, groups and couples too.

And the entertainment was far from basic. Alongside a DJ, there was a saxophonist and a bongo drum player, as well as professional dancers who shimmied around the tables as we ate.

And make sure you try the food — we dined on prawn tacos, chicken Caesar salad and pizza, all topped off with delicious birthday cake for the celebration.

It doesn’t come cheap at an average of €29 (£25) per dish but it definitely didn’t disappoint.

When we sang to the birthday girl, the entire restaurant stopped, including the dancers, and joined in. We were even encouraged to jump up on the tables and boogie — and we obliged, of course.

We jiggled and partied away, closing the celebrations with a champagne toast and a nightcap on the nearby beach.

We’ve come a long way since our raucous Magaluf days but grown-up partying in La Palma definitely tops it.

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