It's not hard to see how this villa got its name: Massive palm trees dominate this clearly demarcated property, covered in colourful bougainvilleas, providing shade and privacy from prying eyes. You may not be completely alone in this residential neighbourhood and the street is within earshot, but you can still feel quite safe in your own realm behind the arched gate, which stands out like a green oasis from the stone façade of the hotel next door. Sitting on the covered terrace or in the garden with a glass of rum and coconut, the only thing missing to complete the Caribbean atmosphere is the sea, but perhaps your imagination will turn the small pool into a deep blue sea. The lawn offers plenty of space to set up your sun lounger in a spot that suits you, whether you prefer to let the sun shine on your face or let the palm fronds fan you with cool air. You don't have to worry about smoke either: The barbecue is built into a handy station at the side of the house. You could even start biting into your steak or corn on the cob straight away if your mouth is already watering rather than going to great lengths to set the table.

When you enter the house, it's colourful, flooded with light and a little Greek - no, you're not in the wrong country, Villa Palmas is definitely in Mallorca. On the ground floor, strawberry red cantilever chairs by the fireplace and comfortable leather sofas around the TV provide a strong colour accent in front of white voile curtains. Columns serve as subtle room dividers and a stone mosaic wall forms the backdrop for the inviting dining area. This mix of styles exudes a Mediterranean flavour while creating a modern look. The kitchen is also superbly equipped and modern: the perfect place for your morning coffee or for a chat with the chef while he/she stirs the pots. An internal staircase (or the external staircase for night owls) leads to the three bedrooms on the first floor, some with access to the balcony terrace. There is a fourth bedroom on the ground floor. You will be pleased to know that all bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms. An additional guest WC ensures the greatest possible privacy. Two of the bedrooms also have an extra bed, suitable for children. And now that you have seen Villa Palmas at its best, you are ready to explore the darker side of the island.

The region around Cales de Mallorca is rich in caves, the most on the island, and offers numerous opportunities to follow in the footsteps of smugglers and pirates; the Cova des Pirata, the Cova des Pont and the illuminated caves of Coves dels Hams will let your children's imaginations run wild. The famous rocky coves and bathing bays of the east coast are also waiting to be conquered; be prepared, access is not always easy! And if all this is too much for you, the charming little harbour town of Portocolom with its narrow streets, cafés, fish restaurants and wide avenue of plane trees invites you to relax and unwind. Even a slower pace can be an adventure! Once you've reached Manacor, you're almost there. Aim for a point halfway between the coastal towns of Portocolom and Porto Cristo, head for the small holiday resort of Calas (or Cales) de Mallorca and look out for some tall palm trees. You won't be able to miss Villa Palmas, which is located in a quiet street near a hotel. Small sandy coves line the coast here like a string of pearls, while inland towards Felanitx is a taste of the quieter and more traditional east of Mallorca.

This is a Fincallorca holiday home.