Santa Ponsa time again

A few years back I did a holiday with Just You to Mallorca staying in the lovely little town called Santa Ponsa. You can read about it elsewhere on this blog.
Well I'm back again this time totally solo which is unusual for me, city breaks yes but resort holiday normally go with others. Not really a sun worshiper so doing a bit of walking each day followed by some much needed chill out time (plus a bit of my favorite hobby of people watching, lol) .


Booked the holiday through Jet2 and got a excellent all inclusive deal at a nice hotel called Viva Rey don Jaime.
Arrived Monday afternoon and impressions of the hotel is excellent so far. Room is great, spotless clean with plenty of hot water and bed was very comfy as I slept really well last night (suppose that could also have something to do with the fact I left home at 2-30am to get to the airport).
Last night's meal was in the buffet restaurant and was plenty of choice, the evening was completed with live entertainment (singers and dancers). Enjoyed breakfast this morning, full English of course and first time I've had decent sausages in a Mediterranean country.

This morning (tuesday) I set off walking along the coast track getting a light lunch while out. Yes I know I am all inclusive but you can become trapped at the hotel if not careful. Tomorrow plan to go in the other direction.
Thursday plan to go to the main bus stop and getting on the first bus that comes to wherever, hope its to Palma but if not I will do that a different day.
Flight was great got in 30 minutes early but on the downside we had family from hell, horrible kids causing havoc and wasn't a surprise when you saw the behaviour of the parents. Sods law they got on my transfer bus but fortunately got off at a different hotel. Still had a laugh at the father's expense, we passed the Palma football stadium(Real Mallorca) on way from airport to which the numpty asked whose ground it was, I replied Valencia which he took in hook line and sinker.

Must add there is a group of singles staying at the same hotel, they are with Solos overheard some taking in the bar. Its quite fun watching a singles group from thr outsider having done those holidays myself, the usual mix of charactors. Did chat with a couple of ladies that were in the bar last night that i thought with them but turns out they independant like me.
Food seems to be staying decent with lots of choice and the drinks excellent value (free) although can be a pain queing at times. Pays to get two at busy periods.
Wednesday did a long walk following the coast road, found some stunning viewpoints and went through some residential areas with beautiful properties. Walked about 3 hours, it was hot and gasping for a drink, of course not a cafe in site so headed back to the centre across land (shorter route).
The hotel evening entertainment is OK but a bit Butlins redcoat at times, they start each evening with a quiz followed by bingo (which I opt out) then the music act around 10pm. Was a boyband tribute last night, not really my scene so had a walk out for an hour or so. Maybe same plan tonight as its karaoke and I'll have to hide, lol.

Been to Palma today (thursday), lovely place and enjoyed exploring. Was only 3euro 40cent each way on the bus which takes around 30 minutes. Tip for anyone going is get the 102 bus as its direct, the 104 also goes to Palma but via lots of other towns taking twice as long.

Had a bit of a chill out day on Friday as its been so hot, did enter the hotel table tennis and won it which would have been disappointing if I hadn't as I do play at home to a decent standard.

Saturday got the bus to Port Andratx which is a lovely up market spot, really is worth a look. Its actually the same 102 bus that goes to Palma but in the opposite direction.

Last full day today and expecting a early pick up to the airport in the morning, have enjoyed the trip but not sure if I'll do a resort holiday totally solo again (will see) much prefer city breaks or activity holidays.

Can't fault the hotel but feel like I've ate a drunk too much and need to get home and back into my detox routine, am actually quite tired (not sure its supposed to work like that on holiday, maybe the heat has got to me).
Plenty of choice of food at both breakfast, lunch and dinner, they even had black pudding this morning, now that's a first in a Mediterranean country for me.
Would recommend the hotel to anyone.

It's an holiday I needed, a bit of me time as had a lot happen over the last year.

Next up is Berlin, meeting another solo traveller and really looking forward to it, a city I've heard so many good things about.

Discover Mallorca - Are Singles Holiday companies just a dating agency ?

Are Singles Holidays just a dating agency ?

Well I've done a few now so probably in a position to answer this common question. I would actually say if you booking a holiday and are just looking for love this isn't the place.

Sure people do meet and appear to hook up on these holidays but it is very few and certainly no more than if you put 30 or so singles at any other function or event.
In fact I would estimate on average maybe somewhere between one and two couples possibly get together per holiday, whether these relationships last who knows.

What I would say is lots of friendships develop and i hear of many reunions and of people holidaying together again. Done all that and have lots of friends I keep in touch with.

I go on holiday because its the holiday I want to do and certainly don't go looking for love, the vast majority of travellers are there for the same reason. I have on rare occasions spoke with people who are looking to find someone but in my experience finding a partner is something that happens when you are least expecting it.

Saying all that I have met someone who I had a very good relationship with on a holiday, in fact we dated for almost a year and are still good friends, just didn't work out because our lifestyles were so different (but thats another story).

As you'll have guessed it happend on the Discover Mallorca holiday at Easter in 2011 with Just You, we actually first met at the baggage carosel at Palma airport (was only looking for my luggage honest).

Think it was about the 2nd day of the holiday and a large group of us were exploring the resort (Santa Ponsa) together. Anyway as lunchtime approached  spotted a Pub that looked ok but most of the group wanted to head back to the hotel but I decided diferent. Anyway the lady in question decided to join me while the rest moved on leaving just the two of us.

We chatted and discovered we got on really well and also the added bonus was we lived close to each other. In fact we got on so well we spent most of the rest of the holiday (others did join us).
We actually met the night after we returned to England and the rest is history so they say.

As for the holiday if I'm honest ther than finding love I can't remember too much, think my mind was elsewhere. Not only with the start of a relationship but my Mum had an accident while I was away and was in hospital.

If I remember correctly the hotel wasn't really that good for singles it was more a family complex with kids entertainment until 10-30pm in the bar.
The food was poor and remember we abandoned the half board we had paid for and ate in local restaurants which were good, well some of us did and numbers grew each night.

We did some nice excursions, remember Palma was good and also the Soller train journey but there was definately a few others. Also remember ding a boat trip in a glass bottomed boat that we arranged ourselves.

Mallorca is a nice place and well worth a visit, maybe I should return sometime, hope you enjoy the photos.