For Business Services, Tourist Information and Facilities in Mallorca checkout www.MallorcaGoldMine.com.

Celebrity Mallorca - Image Catalogue ( with image descriptions).

Some information below on Celebrity visitors.

Page Index - please click a relevant category in the contents table below.

Intro

Mallorca has long attracted the rich and famous. Frederico Chopin came seeking the Mediterranean climate to cure his ailing lungs in 1838/39. Chopin was followed by the Archduke Luis Salvador of Habsburg and Lotringa, in 1867. Errol Flynn was a regular visitor to the Island during the 1950s where he used to sail his yacht Zaca still to be seen in Balearic waters. Agatha Christie, Sir Winston Churchill and Sir Peter Ustinov are all former visitors. Current regular visitors include the Royal families of Spain and Norway and many celebrities of film, TV or sport who visit Mallorca for relaxation and / or to participate in Sailing or Golfing events.

With flight times of less than 2 to 3 hours from most of Northern Europe, a multitude of daily flights, high quality accommodation, food and recreational facilities  make Mallorca a popular destination for short breaks - for both the famous and less famous. 

Return to Page Index.                                

NE. Mallorca - Pollensa

Agatha Christie was an early visitor to the Hotel Illa D'Or ( image1, image2) located on the Pine Walk (image1, image2 ) in Puerto Pollensa. The Hotel, which recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of opening, provided the inspiration for the fictional hotel "Pino d'Oro" in her short story "Problems at Pollensa Bay" ( image ) which was published in 1936. 

UK war time Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill was a regular visitor to the 5* Hotel Formentor ( image ) on the rocky Formentor Promontory ( image1, image2)where he used to pursue his hobby of painting. Other visitors to the Hotel have included  Tito Citaddini, the Count of Keyserling, Princes of Wales,  Charles Chaplin, Rainaldo Luza, and Douglas Fairbanks.

English / German actor Sir Peter Ustinov was also a regular visitor to the Hotel Formentor ( image ) from where he enjoyed his yacht which he had moored off shore. Sir Peter also starred in films shot on the Island including "Evil under the Sun" in which Sir Peter appeared in his second outing as  Agatha Christie's famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot - other well known actors in the film included Diana Rigg, Roddy McDowall, James Mason, Sylvia Miles, Maggie Smith and Jane Birkin. The film based on the Agatha Christie novel Bearn,  supposedly set in the Adriatic was shot largely around Cala Monjo (image) in SW Mallorca and around the Formentor headland in NE Mallorca  (image) and at the Raixa country estate..

The late Sir Harry Secombe, Goon and renowned singer used to maintain a villa in the Pollensa area as does singer Robbie Williams who's property may be viewed during boat trips around Formentor headland (image).

Return to Page Index.                                    

NE. Mallorca - Arta

German tennis star and three time Wimbledon Champion Boris Becker  maintains a substatial holiday villa near Arta.

Return to Page Index.                                  

SW.Mallorca - Andratx

Claudia Schiffer is a long time regular visitor to Mallorca. As a youngster she enjoyed family holidays at her parents villa on La Mola ( image1, image2) above Puerto Andratx. Contrary to the popular belief that she was first discovered at a famous Dusseldorf disco, Claudia Schiffer first posed as a model in the summer of 87, a year before she became internationally famous. The Mallorcan photographer, Pedro Coll, met that sweet sixteen year-old "fraulein" at Tim's Bar (image) in Puerto Andratx and convinced her to pose for him.

Some years ago she purchased a a hillside villa in nearby Camp de Mar (image) before developing a hilltop villa complex ( master villa + a villa for her parents + guest villa ) (image1, image2). This villa complex was reputedly sold during 2005. Claudia is  still a regular visitor to her parents Camp de Mar villa. She learned to play golf at Golf Andratx ( in Camp de Mar) and actively assists the Mallorca Tourist Board in promoting Mallorca and Golf in Mallorca. 

Newsreader and journalist Anna Ford is a regular visitor to Puerto Andratx as is Broadcaster Selena Scott who maintains a property in the area (image).

Return to Page Index.                                 

SW. Mallorca - Bendinat

Bendinat is an area of luxury properties with the 18 hole Golf Bendinat (image) nearby - the location for the anual Robert Winsor Charity Golf tournament. Close to Palma and Palma Airport. Regular visitors and property owners include King of Clubs Peter Stringfellow who actively participates in many local charity events. He enjoys sailing his Sunseeker yacht "Stringfellows" from Puerto Portals (image).

Richard Keys, Senior Presenter for Sky Sports actress daughter Jemma who starred in UK Soap Hollyoaks, maintain a holiday home in the vicinity.

Return to Page Index.                                    

SW. Mallorca - Puerto Portals

The area adjacent to Puerto Portals (image) is heavily sprinkled with Celebrity Pads. Many relaxing TV stars and famous personalities can be seen in the bars and restaurants in the Port - Wellies (image),  Michelin 2* Restaurant Tristans (image), Bistro Key West (image) and many more. Regular visitors include East Enders star Steve McFadden ( who plays Phil Mitchell ) who owns a boat based in the port. Anthea Turner, former Blue Peter and TV  Programme presenter ( Travel programmes and National Lottery) and husband Grant Bovey own a luxurious Sunseeker Predator which is also based in the port. - as is Peter Stringfellow' Sunseeker "Stringfellow's". (image)

Return to Page Index.                                  

West Coast Mallorca - Deya

Archduke or "Archiduc" Luis Salvador of Habsburg and Lotringa visited Mallorca in 1867. His sailing ship, the Nixe, dropped anchor in front of the coast of Deià; he fell in love with the daughter of the carpenter of Valldemossa whose name was Catalina and he stayed on the island for thirty years. He was a naturalist, a vinegrower, and owner of a beautiful castle. During those years prominent figures of the European aristocracy visited him at his residence of Son Marroig, located on the cliffs over the sea. Ever since, the wild Deià, a small village in the mountains, has been a favourite residence for many celebrities; Charlie Chaplin, Ava Gardner, the writer Anaïs Nin, all spent time in whitewashed houses, surrounded by the romantic church square, the windmills (typical of Mallorca), the olive and fig trees (extracted from www.mallorcaonline.com ). Deya ( formerly Deia ) has long been a popular haunt for artists. Until recently Sir Richard Branson was the owner of the 5* La Residencia Hotel in Deya with recent visitors including Sir Richard himself who still owns a nearby property. Diana, Princess of Wales, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York have all been visitors to La Residencia (image1, image2, image3, image4). British poet Robert Graves spent most of his working life here in the 20th century and is buried in the village of Deiá

Movie star Michael Douglas and ex wife of 18 years Diandra time-share ownership of a historic property on the West Coast near the Port of Valldemossa - the large property called s'Estaca was formerly owned by Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria and has in recent years been extensively renovated by Michael and Diandra. Diandra Douglas, a mother, film producer, businesswoman and designer, was broght up in Mallorca. Michael Douglas and current wife Catherline Zeta Jones regularly visit Mallorca. (Image). House guests have included Woody Allen, Jack Nicholson and Dani de Vito.

Return to Page Index.                                

West Coast Mallorca - Valldemossa

Frederico Chopin very famously spent the winter of 1838/39 in Mallorca at the Carthusian Monastery at Valldemossa with his lover the writer George Sands.  During their stay at Valldemossa Chopin wrote his "Raindrop Prelude / 24 Preludes op 28" whilst his lady friend George Sands wrote the bestselling book "A Winter in Mallorca". ( image1, image2, image3)

Return to Page Index.                                    

Golf

Many visiting celebrities enjoy the excellent and varied golfing facilities available on Mallorca. The highlight for Celebrity Golfers is The Robert Winsor Charity Golf event held every year since 1980 at the Royal Bendinat Golf Club ( Director Jorge Pando ). This event attracts many Celebrities both visiting and resident or semi-resident on the Island. Robert Winsor himself was awarded an MBE in the 2005 Queen's Birthday Honours list for services to handicapped and disadvantaged children in Mallorca. Regular participants include comedian, singer and sit-com star Jasper Carrott O.B.E, Jess Conrad, singer, actor and star of many films,  Kenny Lynch O.B.E. - all-round entertainer and television personality for three decades, Rocky Taylor - film industry stunt performer and coordinator, Duggie Brown - TV actor, cabaret performer and noted after dinner speaker, Karl Howman - star of stage and TV, Brian Close - Leed United football professional turned seven times England Cricket Captain, Peter McEvoy O.B.E. - twice British amateur golf champion, five times a Walker Cup player, with record number of England caps, Alan Ball M.B.E. football legend with 72 England caps.

Return to Page Index.                                  

Sailing

Mallorca has become a major Mediterranean centre for competitive and leisure sailing. The Spanish Royal family have greatly increased the profile of Mallorca in the sailing world. The King of Spain, Rey Juan Carlos I, Crown Prince Felipe ( Prince of Asturias ) and Princess Christina are frequent participants in various regattas in the Bay of Palma - the Copa Del Rey of course, the Princess Sofia Regatta and Breitling Regatta. HRH/SAR Rey Juan Carlos generally helms 'Bribon' (image), Prince Felipe often helms 'Aifos' (image) or 'Sirius V' whilst Princess Christina is often to be found at helm of the all female crewed 'Azur de Puig' (image1, image2). Other members of the Spanish Royal family including Queen Sofia, Letizia Princess of Asturias and Princess Elena can often be seen watching the regatta from the Royal Yacht Fortuna.

King Harald V of Norway is a regular participant in the Copa del Rey. His Royal Yacht 'Norge' may be seen berthed in the Naval Base at Porto Pi on the westerly outskirts of Palma during August. Queen Sonia of Norway can often be seen watching her husband compete.

Other well known participants include the film star Antonio Banderas and wife Melanie Griffith.

Regattas to watch for celebrity spotting include:-

Copa Del Rey / Kings Cup in August where the latest IMS yachts from across Europe compete in a thrilling contest fought between sailing professionals and royalty. Hosted by Real Club Nautico in Palma ( Royal Yacht Club). ( image1, image2, image3).

Princess Sofia Regatta hosted by Real Club Nautico de Palma.

Breitling Regatta hosted at Puerto Portals during late July.

 
Return to Page Index.                                    

Spanish Royal Family

For many years the Spanish Royal Family have been regular visitors to Mallorca where they spend much of the month of August staying at the Marivent Palace on the western outskirts of Palma. The King of Spain, Rey Juan Carlos I, Crown Prince Felipe ( Prince of Asturias ) and Princess Christina are frequent participants in various regattas in the Bay of Palma - the Copa Del Rey of course, the Princess Sofia Regatta and Breitling Regatta. HRH/SAR Rey Juan Carlos generally helms 'Bribon' (image), Prince Felipe often helms 'Aifos' (image) or 'Sirius V' whilst Princess Christina is often to be found at the all female crewed 'Azur de Puig' (image1, image2). Other members of the Spanish Royal family including Queen Sofia, Letizia Princess of Asturias and Princess Elena can often be seen watching the regatta from the Royal Yacht Fortuna.

Royal family members are often seen visiting by Royal Yacht the Island of Cabrera. Queen Sofia often ventures on informal shopping trips and activities with her grandchildren and younger Royals.

Official Royal events take place at the Almudaina Palace in Palma - the official Royal Palace in Palma, which is also open as a museum. - located adjacent to the famous Gothic Cathedral.  (image1, image2)
 

Return to Page Index.                                    

European Royalty.

King Harald V of Norway is a regular participant in the Copa del Rey. His Royal Yacht 'Norge' may be seen berthed in the Naval Base at Porto Pi on the westerly outskirts of Palma during August. Queen Sonia of Norway can often be seen watching her husband compete.

Return to Page Index.                                  

Credits and Links
     
The information on this page has been drawn from a wide variety of sources - too many to mention all. A particular mention must be made of the Celebrity coverage of  www.mallorcaonline.com and of Mallorcawebsite.com

Return to Page Index.