Teenagers may not be my area of expertise just yet, as my daughter is still a toddler, but I do know that kids at that awkward age can be hard to win over when it comes to holiday plans. If you really want to get them on side though, head to Cala Ratjada in the north east of Mallorca, and you can’t go wrong. There is so much on offer here that will keep your kids busy, especially if they are anything like the teenagers I know and they thrive on activity and adrenaline.
Here is my guide to some of the alternative activities you can all get involved in when on holiday in Cala Ratjada.
Adrenaline Fuelled Activities
Jet Ski Rental
For an unforgettable day out, hire some jet skis and explore the coastline. Guided by an expert team, you will not only learn to handle the vehicles, but discover lots more about the local area too. I think this is a great one for teens as it encourages independence and responsibility while still under supervision.
For water sports companies offering the experience, follow this link.
Ballooning
Enjoy this once in a lifetime experience in a simply beautiful location. Spend a morning or afternoon gliding over the north eastern region of the island while gazing down over stunning beaches, pine forests and more. After your experienced pilot has regaled you with information and interesting facts along the way, a glass of Champagne greets you on landing, making the perfect end to a most exhilarating experience. Starting at the reasonable price of £130 per person, you can add on transport from your hotel to the starting point at Cala Millor, should you wish. More information can be found here.
Paragliding
Mallorca Paratrike are a well established and safety conscious paragliding company, and a fabulous one to go to if you and the kids fancy getting your adrenaline fix from this sport. Paramotoring is an adaptation of classic paragliding and involves the accompanying pilot wearing a motor. If you fancy flying solo and joining a course, beginners start with a paratrike in order to get into the air without a huge amount of training. Can you imagine getting a bird’s eye view of some of the most beautiful areas on the island, and all while soaring on the gentle breeze with only the quiet purr of the engine to remind you that you don’t actually have wings?
More Relaxed Options
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
If your kids like a challenge and perhaps a little healthy family competition, then head to the beach for a paddleboard session. Each session lasts around 2 hours. Equipment and a good introduction to the sport is included and, because the seas are calm on this coast, your kids (and you) will grow in confidence and hopefully be standing up and riding in no time.
Segway-riding
For a bit of relaxed family fun, Segway riding fits the bill. This novel experience can be enjoyed on a guided tour that takes you through the town, along the promenade and in and out of the pine forests. The team running the tours, based at Segpark Cala Ratjada, are lots of fun and very professional. Before you head out on the open road, you get time to practice on the mini course, which is great for building confidence and acquiring the skill necessary to ride correctly and get the most from your trip.
How To Get to Cala Ratjada
Palma Airport is a busy place, with flights from the UK arriving daily. British Airways, although not a budget airline, offers some good deals from London Heathrow. As a bonus they also include a 23kg luggage limit; something that might be useful with teenagers who have a tendency to over-pack! Other airlines flying from London include easyJet and Ryanair.
The two-hour flight from London is not long enough for your teenagers to start getting bored, but I appreciate that as soon as you land, they will want to get to their hotel as soon as possible – no matter how much they feign disinterest! The journey from Palma Airport to Cala Ratjada takes around one hour and ten minutes, and for the great price of just £20 per person, you and your family can enjoy a private transfer the whole way. Shuttle Direct employ a great team of drivers that will not only meet you at the arrivals hall and help with your luggage, but also get you from Palma Airport to Cala Ratjada as efficiently and comfortably as possible. Spacious vehicles also mean plenty of room for large cases that often accompany teenagers!
Where to Stay:
Hotel Diamant – Being a mum myself, I appreciate that kids of different ages require different things, and I believe that Hotel Diamant is a great choice for families with teenagers. Lots of outdoor space for a bit of ‘alone time’, outdoor and indoor pools, a tennis court and a gym make this a popular choice. Free Wi-Fi will make you very popular parents with your kids, as will the TV provided in each room. Mums and dads are bound to appreciate the private balcony and the delightful outdoor bar.
HSM Hotel Regana – I really recommend the lovely, bright and airy HSM Hotel Regana, set right on the Agulla Cove bay. Wonderful views might be lost on the kids, but they will definitely appreciate the vicinity of this hotel to the beach, shops and leisure centre. Satellite TV comes as standard and the air-conditioning is a blessing when you all need to relax and cool down after a full-on day in the sun.
The buffet restaurant is a good option for families, as your teenagers have the opportunity to test their taste buds and try lots of new dishes. With lounge areas, bars, and lots of space, this hotel offers plenty of opportunity for everyone to grab some of their own time when they need to. Entertainment is also provided in the evenings.
Vincci Bosc de Mar – Another great hotel for families with older children is Vincci Bosc de Mar. Only a 5-minute walk from the beach, your kids will be in their element. Free Wi-Fi will also keep them smiling. The sauna and hot tub make for wonderful relaxation at the end of a long day, while the restaurant and onsite bar mean that you don’t have to venture out every night to eat; something I find very useful when travelling with youngsters, no matter what age.
About Shuttle Direct:
Shuttle Direct are the number one transfer company for family friendly, comfortable and stress free transfers. Providing our professional service in destinations across Europe and North Africa, all of our team offer a comfortable and efficient service that includes a personal meeting on arrival. Travelling with children of any age can be an added worry, but let our drivers at Shuttle Direct take care of everything. Book in advance and you can look forward to a seamless service.
