The lesser-known coast in Majorca that feels AND looks like Ibiza… without the price tag or crowds

ALWAYS fancied a getaway on the sun-drenched island of Ibiza?

What if I told you there’s another Spanish region that offers similarly striking white-washed buildings and gorgeous sandy coves that fan out in every direction, but without the steep price tag.

Say hello to Cala D’or, a sparkling resort on Majorca’s southeast coast developed in the 1930s by an Ibizan artist.

Almost a century later, the region has preserved its charm — partly thanks to building regulations prohibiting high rises — with traffic-free, pedestrianised streets lined by chic restaurants, boutique shops and rooftop bars for soaking up the orange-hued sunsets.

And while it may not have the same booming party atmosphere as the White Isle, Cala D’Or certainly looks the part. Strikingly clean properties are fitted with traditional blue shutters and hotels are kitted out with lengthy balconies that overlook a calm ocean.

Fewer crowds and tourists also mean that holiday prices are much lower here than Ibiza, so you’ll be able to splash that extra cash on gorgeous paella dinners and late-night tipples.

My base for the week was the adults-only 4H Inturotel Cala Esmeralda, which sits adjacent to the supremely popular Cala Esmeralda — a stunning cove surrounded by fragrant pine trees. And with TUI soon launching its Black Friday deals, be ready to lock it in for next year.

My partner and I were instantly won over by the hotel’s sleek, modern look and calming atmosphere — think soothing neutral stone, warm timber tones and mid-century furniture.

With temperatures always sizzling in Majorca, visitors can take advantage of the three outdoor pools: a sleek upper level option, one with gorgeous garden views and the scenic Sa Cala Beach Bar pool, just across the road.

The latter was by far our favourite of the bunch. Elevated on the side of the cove, it is cocooned by fragrant rosemary bushes and pines and has steps leading directly to the sea.

The adjoining stylish beach bar restaurant was buzzing every day during our trip, attracting hordes of glamorous holidaymakers hoping to capture the perfect holiday post.

Hotel guests can bypass queues by booking a table through the hotel reception, however.

When you’re not gorging on tapas here, there’s two other restaurants on site — the laidback Es Bar, which serves casual lunches, and Blau Restaurant, the main buffet dining spot.

Breakfast buffets were plentiful with a continental spread of made-to-order omelettes, warm pastries, tropical fruits and juices. Dinners, meanwhile, catered easily to my partner’s and my own differing tastes; with fresh sushi, tuna fillets, teriyaki chicken, grilled meat and salads all up for grabs.

After dinner, evenings were spent at an easy pace, often sipping Aperol spritzes while we watched the sunset at the beach bar. During the day, everything we needed sat within a short stroll, including the hotel spa which became a sanctuary during a sudden afternoon downpour — even my partner was converted by the heated ceramic loungers.

It’s well worth exploring beyond the hotel walls, though. And luckily getting around the area on foot is a breeze.

Cala Gran and Cala Petita are just a ten-minute stroll towards the town centre, where you’ll spot mega-yachts gliding into the marina. We loved Cala Esmerelda, however, which sits right on the hotel’s doorstep.

Keep your eyes open when strolling the sands as you’ll likely spot local social media superstar, the famous Fruit Man, whose booming calls echo across the bay.

His party trick is theatrically carving up pineapples, mangos, and watermelons for the crowds (for a small fee, of course).

Our favourite time to enjoy this beach was first thing every morning before breakfast and at sunrise. The hotel runs restorative yoga classes here each morning or you can simply come to swim in the still water while the sun rises beyond the horizon.

These were perhaps the best moments of the holiday and the only ones that I didn’t manage to get a photo of.

As I paddled through the calm ocean, the warmth from the sun heating my face, I looked back towards the gorgeous white-washed buildings hovering on the shoreline.

With views this good, Cala D’Or most definitely gives Ibiza a run for its money.