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Gardens of Mallorca

6 days | £4550 per person with flights | 28 May - 2 June 2025

Featuring, Torre d'Ariant created by Heidi Gildemeister, doyenne of Mediterranean gardens; Jardines de Alfabia, an historic Arabic masterpiece and some 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 Tramuntana 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 the stylish 5-star Hotel Nixe Palace

for your accommodation throughout the tour. Next to the sea with magnificent

views from all rooms, it is well placed for easy access into Palma de Mallorca.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Palma. En route to the hotel we meet Señor Mateu Morro, a local

nurseryman and plantsman who will show us his exceptional small garden featuring

colourful displays of many rare species. Light refreshments will be offered. We then travel the short distance to Hotel Nixe Palace for a warm welcome and an evening meal together.

Day 2

A day starting in the mountainous northeast of the island 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 learnt from first-hand experience about

gardening on the dry eastern reaches of the Serra de Tramuntana. A light lunch will be included before travelling down to visit a private garden designed by Italian plantsman, Filippo Dimatteo. Return to the Hotel Nixe Palace to dine together.

Day 3

Start the day at Sóller Jardí Botànic, a centre for conservation and study of Mediterranean flora. Further along the road is Jardines de Alfabia. In 1229 King Jaume I 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. Travel to our final visit of the day, Macià Batle vineyard. Here we will enjoy a tour of the grounds followed by a wine tasting and some light tapas. Return to the Hotel Nixe Palace to dine together.

Day 4

Today we have a special invitation to visit writer and ex-Member of Parliament, Sir Jeffrey Archer’s garden named Writers Block, An immaculate manicured garden overlooking the Bay of Palma. After lunch at a local restaurant, we again meet Filippo Dimatteo to visit another private garden of distinction undergoing an ambitious rejuvenation. Return to the Hotel Nixe Palace to dine together.

Day 5

Not far from the hotel are the small formal gardens of Marivent Palace, the summer

home to the Spanish Royal family where part of the gardens are now open to the public and feature beautiful shaded walkways, fountains, clipped and sculptured shrubs as well as bronze sculptures by Joan Miro, whose former studio is very close. Following lunch in a local tapas bar, you have a free afternoon with a chance to visit the intricate streets and shopping area of Palma, the sensational Cathedral and the Arab Baths. Return to the Hotel Nixe Palace to dine together.

Day 6

Travelling to the south-east of the Island we visit Son Muda, the home of Helene & Christian Lindgens who are developing an ambitious and wonderfully intriguing white garden decorated with a host of sculptures by local artists. Travel to Palma for our return flight back to London.

Nixe Palace Hotel

The Nixe Palace Hotel in Palma, Mallorca, is a luxury hotel renowned for its stunning views of the Mediterranean and its elegant, contemporary design. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, a spa, a rooftop terrace with a pool, and fine dining options that highlight Mediterranean cuisine. Its prime location allows guests to easily explore lush botanical spaces and scenic parks, from visits to the Marivent Palace Gardens to the famed Torre d’Ariant.

Book Tour

With Flights: £4550

Join Direct: £4400

Single Supp: £485

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

28 May - 2 June 2025

Duration:

5 nights / 6 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Palma
Five nights’ bed and breakfast at the Nixe Palace Hotel
Private coach transfers and excursions
Five 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 Lecturers

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.