Mallorca for my 30th: The Trip I Manifested
For my 29th birthday, I went to Vietnam, and by the end of that trip, I was already wondering: Where should I go next?
Turning 30 felt symbolic. In my head, it needed to be something big. I was tossing around ideas like Tanzania, Brisbane, Dubai — destinations that felt grand, far-flung, bucket list worthy. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized I wasn’t just chasing a location; I was chasing a feeling.
My boyfriend suggested Mallorca.
We had already been to Ibiza and Menorca, so why not complete the trilogy? Through both research and personal experience, I’ve learned:
Ibiza is for vibrant nightlife.
Menorca is quiet luxury and resets.
Mallorca? It’s the best of both worlds.
And just like that, my decision was made. Mallorca for my 30th. I could already feel the energy I wanted to create.
Mood-Boarding My Birthday Trip
Before I booked a single flight or hotel, I curated the mood. I pulled together images of warm stone paths, linen outfits, coastal views, and that vibrant European summer aesthetic.
I built the moodboard in my Notion travel planner using Pinterest. One image set the tone, and the rest followed. Everything I saved reflected what I was craving —something easy, beautiful, and grounding.
“Looking back at my camera roll after the trip, some of the photos were identical to the moodboard. Like frame-for-frame identical. That’s when I knew I had really lived it.”
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1: Arrival + Dinner With a View
Landed in Mallorca → picked up our Enterprise rental
(Pro tip: skip the intermediate car. It’s too bulky for small-town streets like Pollença. Go compact.)Checked into Hotel De Mar Gran Meliá
We were welcomed with Cava — Spanish sparkling wine.
Dinner at the hotel’s Riva Lounge
Mediterranean cuisine with an unforgettable octopus kebab appetizer
My boyfriend’s pasta was so good, I low-key wished I had ordered his instead.
The cocktails were strong and smooth, and the entire atmosphere felt elevated but relaxed. The perfect birthday eve vibe.
Ended the night at an R&B lounge
Hookah, drinks, 2010s throwbacks. It felt nostalgic in the best way
Day 2: My Birthday + Cooking Class of My Dreams
Breakfast at Hotel De Mar with ocean views and fresh pastries. One of my favorite hotel breakfasts outside of Vietnam.
Headed to our cooking class with Chef Vivian at Moltak The Mill Kitchen. We arrived a little late (parking with our intermediate car was not ideal), but it wasn’t a big deal.
The class was everything I hoped for—warm, interactive, and full of flavor. We made tapas, paella, a savory potato pancake, and a creme brûlée-style dessert. They even surprised me with a candle and sang Happy Birthday.
Dinner at Las Terrazas del Bendinat. I had high hopes for the table-side views, but the table placement, despite the reservation request we made in advance, and the service didn’t match the energy. The food was fine, but not memorable.
Back at the hotel, the bartender made me a special birthday cocktail and brought out a cake. That small moment meant more to me than the restaurant experience.
Day 3: Rest, Ocean Vibes + Passionfruit Mojitos
Slept in and had coffee on the balcony. Said a prayer over this new chapter.
Lunch at Restaurante Illeta, a spot I found on TikTok. Finally got the seaside dining moment I wanted.
We ordered calamari, shishito peppers, grilled prawns, a huge steak and drinks. My passionfruit mojito was unreal – officially my “Bride” drink.
Ended the day with room service in bed. I ordered a chicken club sandwich that ended up being one of the best meals of the trip, as well as our new fan favorite— Passionfruit Mojitos!
Day 4: Boat Day + Ocean Swim
Slept in again and saved our energy for the sunset boat tour.
The weather was overcast, but we boarded with a fun group and had cava and snacks.
Eventually, the sun peeked out enough for a swim. I jumped in and floated in the ocean. I’m a water baby, so I’m always down for swimming.
Later that night, we grabbed McDonald's and ended the day in true balanced fashion.
Day 5: Spa Morning + New Hotel Check-In
Started with a Clarins spa massage in a light-filled room with ocean views. It was a full reset.
Checked out of Hotel De Mar and drove north to Can Aulí Luxury Retreat in Pollença.
Grabbed lunch at the hotel (guac and pesto pasta were both amazing) and explored town based on local recs.
Found a 100-year-old gelato shop. Perfect moment.
Day 6: Beach Day Finally!
That day we had on-and-off rain. We got up and had breakfast in the hotel restaurant—fresh breads, vegetables, and jams from an open kitchen setup. The sun finally gave us a full afternoon window, so we headed toward the coast.
Found lounge chairs, got drinks, and I finally got my beach day.
That night, we had lamb chops at a nearby restaurant and enjoyed one last relaxing meal to close out the trip; we almost thought about staying another day, but it logistically would’ve been too much.
Day 7: Departure
Packed up, had a sweet sendoff from the hotel staff, and headed to the airport.
The front desk guy made me a coffee for the road. One last little moment that made me feel cared for.
On the drive back, I replayed all the memories. This trip wasn’t just a birthday milestone; It reminded me how deeply I love crafting experiences, and how blessed I am to travel in ways that reflect who I am.
I’m genuinely grateful to have the ability to explore places like this and make memories I’ll carry with me. More than anything, I just wanted space to feel present, stress-free, and loved — and I did.
This birthday reaffirmed that travel is one of the ways I reflect, recharge, and reconnect with myself. It helps me zoom out when life feels heavy, and brings me back to what matters most. Trips like this remind me I’m on the right track — and that joy, ease, and presence are always worth prioritizing.
What I Packed (and What I Learned)
What Worked:
Flowy sets, linen pants, and neutral layers from Zara + H&M
Woven bag, gold accessories, flat sandals
Backless tops that gave stylish “summer in Spain” energy
What I’d Adjust:
April weather in Mallorca is unpredictable
→ Next time, I’d bring layers: a light jacket, close-toed shoesSome days felt like summer, others like late winter in the shade
Pack for a mood, but dress for the wind if you’re visiting in April.
My Tips:
Book a compact rental if you plan to drive. Easier to park and navigate.
The weather in April can flip quickly—bring layers and check the forecast daily.
If you’re staying at a Meliá hotel, sign up for their rewards program. You can earn points and unlock birthday perks like room upgrades or discounts (just make sure to double-check your reservation method — app vs. browser can get tricky).
Don’t try to plan every minute. Some of our favorite moments were the unplanned ones.
