A Flying Visit to Palma
Recently I was lucky to escape to Majorca for a short break. I have a lot of clients enquiring about the COVID related travel requirements and what it feels like to travel this summer so here is a rundown of my trip…
COVID Requirements COVID health requirements do need to be met before travelling and these differ depending upon individual circumstances. As we are living in a time of frequent changes as your Travel Counsellor I can help you meet the requirements that are relevant to you and your family. At the time of our trip, being fully vaccinated in early June there is currently no need for a negative test to enter Majorca, we were however required to complete the Spanish health form which includes details of COVID vaccinations. I did this 48 hours before departure and immediately received a QR for entry. I also ordered Day 2 PCR tests to be delivered for our return date in line with the current UK government guidelines.
The Journey We travelled from Newcastle airport on an early morning flight. The airport was quiet with no queues at security, having hand luggage only we went straight to departures. Restaurants, shops and Duty Free were open. At the gate before boarding airline staff checked our vaccination status and Spanish health form. The flight was around half full with masks to be worn at all times unless eating or drinking. After a short two hour flight we landed in Palma to beautiful sunshine! The aircraft was disembarked by row to avoid congestion. After a short walk through the airport, with masks on we were able to use the passport e gates for entry. The health forms were checked, no requirement for additional checks on vaccination certificates as the information is uploaded on to the form pre departure. We had a private transfer booked from the airport to the hotel which took around 15 mins as we stayed in the nearby resort of Playa de Palma. From landing to the hotel took less than an hour, ideal!
The Hotel Staying at the Iberostar LLaut Palma, contactless check was very quick and easy. Masks are currently required in public areas of the hotel and when walking around the resort but not whilst sunbathing, swimming or eating and drinking. We were lucky to be upgraded to a beautiful sea view room, minimalist in style with a large balcony and lots of space to relax. Cabanas and Balinese beds are available around the pool, there is also a separate kid’s pool and Spa, the beds are well spaced out and the pool bar has great range of cocktails and snacks.
Dining We decided on the all inclusive option as just wanted to relax in the sun. This included breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks were limited to three per person with lunch and dinner as per the current rules in resort and the local wine was extremely good. Dining times were allocated in the restaurant to avoid overcrowding. Freshly grilled seafood, fish and meat are always available along with fantastic salads, pastas, pizzas and deserts.
The Resort Playa de Palma has a wonderful beach 5 minutes walk from the hotel. Restaurants and bars were open, great to enjoy tapas and cocktails in the sun. If you want to venture further afield there is bike and moped hire or a long promenade linking to nearby S'Arenal and Can Pastilla. The test in resort that is currently required before flying home was easily organised through the hotel at a local clinic and the result was through within 15 minutes. Some hotels do offer this service on site so it is worth checking with the reception when you arrive, the test needs to be carried out no more than 36 hours before your return to the UK.
Palma City After a couple of days relaxing we ventured into Palma city. There is a local bus pick up out side the hotel but we decided to go for a taxi which took around 20 minutes to Palma centre. As it was a Sunday when we visited the city was quiet with a few of the larger shops opening in late morning. Palma, with its compact centre is ideal to explore on foot. We started at the beautiful cathedral and wandered through the quiet streets down to the marina via the museum of modern art. A seafood lunch on the Marina with a glass of Sangria topped off our visit.
Returning Home Following a negative test in resort we completed the UK Passenger Locator Form including reference numbers for our required Day 2 PCR test on return. A quick transfer to the airport, documents checked before boarding and again a relaxed flight home. There were no queues at the airport when we arrived, passport checks only as other entry checks had been done in Palma.
All in all a very smooth journey and a great break away in the sun, so if you are thinking about a trip this summer please give me a call.