The first time I visited Mallorca was during a summer in college. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love—not just with the sun and sea, but with how the island enveloped me in a sense of freedom and beauty. That feeling stayed with me long after I left. A few years later, I returned for my honeymoon, and it felt like coming back to a place that was already familiar. It was as if Mallorca had always been part of my story, and now I was living it once again.
Since then, I've tried to return every year. It's more than just a vacation—it's something deeper, as if the island itself is calling me. When I discovered that some of my ancestors were from the Balearic Islands and nearby Catalunya, it all made sense. Perhaps that's why it feels so familiar, like home. The rhythm of life here, the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, and the colors of the sea and sky give me a sense of belonging that I rarely find elsewhere. Each time I come back, it feels like I'm reconnecting with a part of myself that exists only here.
This time, Cala Llombards in the town of Santanyí stood out. Hidden beyond winding roads and tall pines, it felt like a secret waiting to be discovered. The water was an unbelievable shade of turquoise, framed by sunlit cliffs. There was a stillness in the air that you can't find in more crowded places.
But there's more to Mallorca than just its beaches. Palma, the capital, has the charm of a smaller Barcelona, with stunning architecture that draws you in. Walking through the narrow streets, I admired the beautiful facades, with some buildings—including the Cathedral—showcasing the work of Antoni Gaudí. After wandering around, there's nothing better than stopping for a "leche merengada" ice cream at the classic Can Joan de S’Aigo—a true taste of Mallorca’s history.
Then there are the rural fincas near Porto Cristo and Manacor, where you can slow down and truly experience the island. I loved waking up early, having coffee with the locals near the church in Manacor, and then playing tennis near the Rafa Nadal Academy. The courts are surrounded by lavender, and you can actually smell it while you play—it’s incredible.
As a photographer, I approach each scene like a painter, focusing on every detail—the light, the colors, the composition—ensuring that every element is in harmony. In Mallorca, it all seemed to come together effortlessly. The warmth of the sun on someone’s skin mirrored the warmth of the sand beneath them. Colors popped: bright swimsuits contrasted with the blue sea, and white houses stood out against deep green trees. I aim to capture the balance between human beauty and the environment, striving for images that feel timeless. It’s about that natural connection—when someone is completely at ease, soaking in the sun, and becoming part of the landscape itself.
Mallorca isn't just about what you see; it's about what you feel. I remember sitting in a plaza in Cala Ratjada, tasting sobrassada on fresh bread, savoring the seafood, with the sun warming my back and the sound of the sea in the distance. Then there are the ensaimadas—fluffy, sweet pastries that pair perfectly with afternoon coffee. It's all so simple, but these moments stay with you. I want my photographs to evoke that same feeling—a sense of time standing still, a pure connection to a place.
Every time I return to Mallorca, I discover something new, yet it always feels like coming home. This island has become part of my story, and through my photographs, I hope to share a piece of that—a sense of timeless beauty that keeps drawing me back.
