Mallorca the new Monaco?

I imagine, the profile will continue to change as the haves and have-nots play it out under the sun. In future years, Mallorca will most likely be split between the uber wealthy incomers with homes and second homes and the remaining population who will continue to service those people and provide services for them. Those of us who were lucky enough to purchase properties in the early days before Mallorca became a truly it destination and Insta paradise have a few more options but even so, if prices continue to rocket, many will get itchy feet.

Back in London last week, I was amazed at how much cheaper the Capital was. Clothes, everyday items, friends’ energy and phone bills, all beat Mallorca into a pulp. I visited several restaurants and although a few of the in-places were quite pricey, most offered better value than here. An average supper for two worked out at about £60-£70 and the food was varied and delicious. It really brought home how costly our little Monaco has become.

On my plane to London, a lovely Brit told me how shocked she and her family were at the prices in Cala D’Or. They had been presented with starters in tourist restaurants starting at €18 and had expressed surprise at the cost of rentals and house prices. She admitted that it was a resort for those with deep pockets, not ordinary holidaymakers. I told her that it was much the same island wide. All the same, if you’re savvy, there are still hotels and restaurants offering good value but it needs good detective work.

The comparison with Monaco ends with taxation. The small sovereign city state is a tax haven for the uber wealthy who can go about their business knowing that they don’t have to worry about the tax man. Unemployment is only two per cent and the bijou country has the highest global GDP nominal per capita at $185,742. It’s also the capital of gambling, private banks and asset wealth management. Mallorca is not on that trajectory yet, although both idylls rely heavily on tourism.

To my dismay, the beautiful Soller valley remains an artist’s dream ticket and yet the rot has set in. All the authentic, owner and family run businesses are closing and being replaced by estate agencies and gift shops selling upmarket tat that you can find in most European markets. They seemingly buy it from central gift fairs and can sell at high profit. Some of our independent shopkeepers with local crafts and wares are now actually stating that they are the real deal on their front windows in order to be separated from the chaff. I can’t blame them, but it must be galling. Parking is impossible for most of the year now and villages such as Deia are off the map for authentic experiences. There’s no parking, just endless traffic queues, and yes, more gift shops and costly restaurants. It’s a service village and the artists and hippies have long gone.

I know that everything evolves and that sometimes change can be good, but I hope that the powers that be recognise what they have, its value and that once paradise is lost, it’s very rarely regained.

Marathon Tipplers

As London marathoners recounted their experiences pounding the streets of the Capital on the gruelling 26 mile (42km race), surely the very best had to be that of vintner, Tom Gilbey? This slightly bonkers chap decided to sample a different wine every mile of the race, finishing his achievement at the grand finale with a glass of fizz. Amazingly, he completed the race in four hours and 41 minutes, not a shabby time at all. Of course, the naysayers and bores will be calling him irresponsible, but Tom did the crazy stunt to raise much needed funds for a hospice and produced a fat cheque for the charity concerned.

Imbibing on a marathon is nothing new for Le Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc. This three-day extravaganza involves 8,500 runners from 75 countries who complete the marathon while drinking and eating their way around the rural course. I imagine a fair few are throwing up by the end as they gorge on oysters, entrecôte and wines on the tough run. All the same, it looks like great fun and I’d love to have a go providing I didn’t have to partake of the goodies en route. I guess that would defeat the object though.

Swift secrets

There’s been a hullabaloo about Taylor Swift, the American pop singer, and the subjects of her new songs. I have heard a few of her hits but can’t say I know much about her aside from her being a billionaire and hugely popular. Mind you, I live under a stone and don’t count myself a diehard fan of any singer much as I might love their music. What does surprise me is the international interest in the potential suspects that she apparently alludes to. Why on earth is this of relevance around the globe and making headline news in the UK, or am I seriously missing something?