Editorial: Changing Majorca?

IS Majorca losing its shine? I ask this question because Hollywood star Michael Douglas has decided to sell his mountain estate after almost 20 years. As someone who has lived on the island for more than 35 years I would say that Majorca is not losing its attraction but has become a leading, modern holiday destination. And that phrase covers a multitude of sins from too much building  to the fact that Palma has become a cosmopolitan place where getting a pizza is far easier than dining out on Majorcan food. Majorca is now a modern place. Take Puerto Soller, the nearest, biggest town to the Douglas home. In 20 years it has undergone a major transformation; the old naval base has been demolished and replaced with a yacht club and promenade and a tunnel now takes you away from the old coastal road. So yes Majorca has changed. I wouldn´t say for the better but at the same time I wouldn´t say it has changed for the worse. It is different. These days Majorca has something for everyone ranging from Magalluf to Puerto Pollensa and Deya.  It also feels as if it is a bigger island rather than a smaller one because these days the difference between the resorts and coastal towns and the interior is enormous. As I said in this space yesterday it is a great pity that Michael Douglas is saying farewell to the island. Hopefully, one day he will return. It would be great if Sir Richard Branson would return one day also but that is another story for another day.  The big  names are leaving....