Gardens of Mallorca

5 days | £3650 per person with flights | 11 - 15 May 2027

Featuring, Torre d'Ariant, Jardines de Alfabia, and choice private gardens created by local designers.

Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands with a rich and varied terrain, from jagged mountain peaks of the Serra de Tramontana in the north to patchwork fields edged by drystone walls of the central and southern plains, all surrounded by dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches. Under Moorish rule for three hundred years, it is now part of Spain, with strong Catalan ties. About one fifth of the population comprises British, German, Swiss and French expatriates, some of whose exceptionally beautiful gardens are included in this tour alongside those of Moorish influence. We have carefully chosen a fine hotel, Son Julia Country House is a luxury rural establishment dating back to the 15^th century in Llucmajor is surrounded by gardens, its own vineyard, olive and fruit trees. Its spacious rooms and suites are carefully designed with your comfort in mind, with the elegance of natural materials such as wood, linen and stone. Each one of them will introduce you to a unique atmosphere that invites you to relax surrounded by nature with views of the countryside and gardens.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Palma. We then travel to a small garden at the private home of Señor Mateu Morro, a local nurseryman; a garden with exceptional planting featuring colourful displays of many rare species.

Day 2

Start the day with a special invite to a stunning private garden in a remote setting designed by Tom Stuart-Smith, and surrounding an important 16th century manor house. After an included lunch, we continue to Jardines de Alfabia. In 1229 King Jaume the First, rewarded his ally, the Moor known as Benhabet, with a large estate, thanking him for his help in conquering the island. Benhabet created the lush, terraced garden in the Arabic fashion that continues to impress. We return to Hotel Son Julia where we dine together.

Day 3

A day in the north-east begins at the famed garden of Torre d’Ariant (managed now by the Black Vulture Foundation) created by Heidi Gildemeister, doyenne of Mediterranean gardens. Famous for her books on Mediterranean gardening, Mrs Gildemeister has learnt from first-hand experience about gardening on the dry eastern reaches of the Serra de Tramuntana. A light lunch will be eaten at Torre d’Ariant before travelling down from the mountains to visit a private garden designed by local designer, Filippo Dimatteo. We return to Hotel Son Julia where we dine together.

Day 4

A duo of delights in the south-east of the Island: Son Muda is the home of Helene & Christian Lindgens who are developing an ambitious and wonderfully intriguing white garden decorated with a host of sculptures by local artist Pedro Flores. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit another private garden designed by Helene Lindgens before we return to Hotel Son Julia where we dine together.

Day 5

Firstly, a special invitation to visit writer and ex-Member of Parliament, Jeffrey Archer’s garden named Writers Block before driving into Palma for a tapas lunch together followed by a walk around the old town to include views of patio gardens, the old Arab baths and wonderful Cathedral before returning to Palma Airport for our return flight to London,

Son Julia Country House

This luxurious rural retreat dates back to the 15th century, seamlessly blending contemporary style with timeless natural charm. Each room is thoughtfully designed using natural materials such as wood, linen, and stone, while offering every modern comfort for a relaxing stay. Surrounded by gardens and its own vineyard of olive and fruit trees, it provides the perfect introduction to the tranquil landscapes and authentic experiences that await on this tour.

With Flights: £3650

Join Direct: £3500

Single Supp: £525

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

11 - 15 May 2027

Duration:

4 nights / 5 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Palma
Four nights’ bed and breakfast at the Son Julia Country House
Private coach transfers and excursions
Four evening meals and four lunches
Guided visits to the sites listed in the programme
Services of the tour host and a tour leader
Detailed programme and garden notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Host & Leader

Sally Beale

Sally first travelled to Mallorca at just eight years old in 1966, with her mother, on a two-week holiday to escape from the wet Wiltshire weather. Neither of them suspected that this would be the beginning of a lifelong love affair with the island, which now extends to the fourth generation of their family. Now living in the little rural village of S’Arracó, Sally resides with her husband in their ancient stone house, which he rebuilt himself from a ruin, accompanied by a 4,000 square meter garden oasis, a haven for nature, and a place of healing for the soul. With the garden fully mature, they strive to limit water consumption and adapt planting to reduce irrigation in line with the ever-changing climate. After serving as Branch Head of the Balearic Branch of The Mediterranean Garden Society for 11 years, she gained extensive knowledge of the Island, its Mediterranean flora and the key people in Mallorca including garden owners, nursery men and garden designers. She is fluent in Spanish and has a good understanding and respect of Catalan, the Mallorquín dialect.

Kirsty Fergusson

Kirsty exchanged a career in academia (she has a PhD specialising in French philosopher-novelists) for a life in gardening. Trained at Capel Manor, she was head gardener at Mapperton in Dorset during the early nineties, where a series of fortunate encounters opened the door to garden writing. As well as writing a weekly column for The Express, for many years she was a frequent contributor to Gardens Illustrated, House and Garden, Country Life, The Times, The Telegraph and The Independent. In 2003 she moved to SW France, where she continues to explore the possibilities of her own (very forgiving) garden – when not travelling, writing or leading tours.

Travel Information
The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Boxwood Tours use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.