Marriott Son Antem villa

Son Antem Mallorca Marriott Vacation Club is very different from Newport Coast - Newport Coast is definitely upscale SoCal atmosphere - Son Antem is like a home, spacious front yard, dedicated carport, spacious back yard with your own grill, steps away from semi-private pool (large pool area + spa + fitness center at the club houes), two-story with bedrooms upstairs.  (OK, and I love the bidet!)  Very relaxing but it took me too long to "settle in", separate from work (yes, I had to deal with a "fire drill" with my colleague who was covering for me), and recover from jet lag.  Too many middle of the nights reading Kindle books on my iPad.

Sept. 19, 2015 - Day 7

Today we tackled Cap de Formentor - 4 climbing efforts out and back - beautiful scenery.  Rode through a tunnel which was pitch black on the outbound.  Very bumpy surface on the road past Formentor Beach to the lighthouse - rattling Paris Roubaix conditions on the descent.  Did not like -  RFA did better attacking the descent.with his mass.  I needed to slow in order to control the bike.  
Lots of impeding traffic nearing the lighthouse - challenge to navigate.  Enjoyed lunch on the patio at the lighthouse - and the highlight was the goat who literally jumped on our table to get my baguette and jambon.  2 hour ride, 24 miles, 2625 ft climbing

Sept. 20, 2015 - Day 8

Rode from the villa to the coast to Sa Rapita for coffee- 2 hours, 30 miles.  Dinner on the outdoor patio at L'Bistro in Platja de Palma overlooking the beach.  Balmy evening with pizza and bad rose wine.  I can't eat any more pizza . .  . .

Coffee stop in Sa Rapita

Platja de Palma

Dinner ar L'Bistro (no tatoos!)

Platja de Palma

Sept. 21, 2014 - Day 9

Another beautiful day in paradise and robust ride on the bike.  We did a loop starting at the train station, on MA 11, warm up for climb up col de Soller - still can't believe all the switchbacks on the descent, more climbing through Deia and beyond. Kept going with no stop for lunch - just water.  Riding time 3:19, 43+ miles, 4000 ft climbing.  We enjoyed a lovely relaxing dinner of omelets on the patio - perfect!

near Deia

Near Deia

Sept. 22, 2014 - Day 10

Our only day of rain during our stay - and we welcomed it!  Needed a rest day off the bike.  We drove to Manacor for a stop at the Mallorca pearl factory.  Man-made pearls manufactured on solid glass balls with layers of pigmented and protective lacquers - special and beautiful remembrance of Mallorca.  Really like my casual chic bracelet that matches my necklace from our last trip.  
Lunch on the patio and our villa comes with a black pussy cat who settled on my lap!

Black Pussy Cat

Stopped in at Marriott Registration and spontaneous meeting with Sebastian (from France - what a beautiful hunk - sorry, no photos!)  who showed us the other one bedroom up, 1 bedroom down villa.  We determined that the "800 series" villas are definitely preferred ( we are in 822) – private, newer, and we prefer 2 BR up (unless we have guests with us).  Today was also a day for a long afternoon nap and dinner on the patio.

Marriott Registration Area

Mallorca Pearl

Sept. 23, 2014 - Day 11

Felt good after our rest day – headed out before 9 AM to avoid chance of rain.  Looked like it was raining in the mountains around Deia but we had a beautiful morning.  A new loop from the villa through the coastal town of Cala Blava.  We deviated in search of Cap Rocat Hotel restaurant.  This was a FAST time trial course, no stops except for photos and water.  Duration: 2:28:51, Distance: 43.2mi, Climbing: 1339ft.

Last day on the bike in Mallorca – 275 miles, 20:15, 16,400 ft climbing

Overall happy with our trip, although I did too much working (with one gRED fire to address), trouble sleeping, but I finally settled in mentally.  We were able to design some good routes, all a learning process, we will be back 

Had a 4 PM massage with Santiago – sweet.  He was a hunk  RFA busy bike packing – he has that down to a science  Dinner at funky La Finca.  Grilled salmon for MEA and beef brochette for RFA. 

S'estanyol