Rafa Winckleman with Mateo from Elspot.

Fundación Handisport: Rafa Winckelmann’s mission to make sport and Mallorca accessible to all

Rafa Winckleman with Mateo from Elspot.
Rafa Winckelmann (right) with Mateo from Elspot Wakeboarding, Palmanova.

When Rafa Winckelmann talks about sport, he is not just describing games. He is describing freedom. Two decades after a motorbike accident left him with an incomplete spinal cord injury at C4/5, the Mallorcan founder of Fundació Handisport is still chasing that feeling of movement, camaraderie and open air that sport gives. “After the accident I thought, why should I change my friends or the way I live,” he says. “I went looking for activities I could share with family and friends. Diving was the first surprise. I had no idea it would be possible.”

That discovery set the course for what would become Fundación Handisport, launched about 17 years ago to create real, practical access to leisure sport in Mallorca for people with disabilities. The formula was simple and bold: choose activities that individuals can do independently, but in the company of others, and adapt them so as many people as possible can take part. The early roster included golf, scuba diving, water-skiing, sailing, off-road 4x4 excursions in the Serra de Tramuntana, and blow-karting, the land-sailing sport powered by wind. “It sounds dangerous,” Rafa laughs, “but it is very safe. The point is to choose sports where we can adapt equipment and instruction to the person.”

As word spread, visitors began arriving from across Europe. Handisport quickly realised that a day on the water or a round of golf is only part of a holiday. People also need accessible hotels, restaurants and transport. The foundation started joining the dots, advising travellers and working with town halls and tourism bodies on accessibility plans. Over the years Handisport has collaborated on improvements in Calvià and Alcúdia among others, from ramps and wider doorways to accessible beach showers and clear, useful signage, including Braille. “Accessibility benefits everyone,” Rafa says. “Parents with buggies, older people, anyone carrying luggage. When you make a pavement wider or a bathroom easier to use, you improve comfort and dignity for all.”

Progress has been steady rather than swift. By law, venues that change their activity must meet accessibility standards, and many hotels have invested in adapted rooms and facilities. Even so, Rafa argues, the island should see accessibility as an investment rather than a cost. “People with disabilities usually travel with companions and tend to stay longer. They often choose better rooms to be sure things will work for them. If businesses see accessible customers choosing the restaurant with a ramp rather than the one with steps, they will act. Confidence grows when you feel the intention is there to help.”

Today Handisport’s activities are spread across the island. Sailing is based in Palma, Blokart in Binissalem, water-skiing in Palmanova, and hand-cycling on safe promenades and designated routes. The emphasis is on inclusion, safety and joy. Hand-bikes range from add-on units that clip to a standard chair to full recumbent models with flags for visibility. “We avoid roads when we are with beginners,” Rafa notes. “The aim is confidence and fun.”

Adapted Golf in MallorcaThis November brings another major milestone: the Handisport Mallorca Open, taking place from 11 - 15th November at Golf Son Antem, Llucmajor. Organised by Fundación Handisport with the support of PowerBaseTec and PBT Mobility, the tournament will welcome around 75 international players from 13 countries, highlighting the spirit and skill of adaptive golf in an inclusive environment where disabled and non-disabled golfers compete side by side.

More than a competition, the Handisport Mallorca Open is designed as a shared experience. The programme includes an opening ceremony, a practice round, two days of tournament play, social dinners, a guided hand-bike tour, and optional excursions to explore Mallorca. Specialist standing chairs allow players with limited mobility to address the ball upright and swing safely. As Rafa puts it, “It is hard, but that is golf. The magic is that everyone can take part.”

The event also reflects Handisport’s long-standing commitment to accessibility in tourism. The host hotel, Hipotels Gran Playa de Palma, offers adapted rooms, roll-in showers, lifts, pool access hoists and accessible dining, restoring independence and comfort to travellers who often have to plan their journeys with precision.

Handisport’s internal team continues to evolve. Rafa’s mother recently stepped back from the presidency and, following a short transition, he will formally take on the role next month. The team now includes German coordinator Jonas Nachtwey, who grew up around adaptive golf technology through his father, the inventor of one of the leading standing chairs. “Jonas lives and breathes this,” says Rafa. “That mix of technical know-how and empathy is invaluable.”

Spectators are warmly invited to attend tournament days to cheer players on. “It is inspiring,” Rafa says, “but more than that, it is normalising. You see ability, not limitation.”

Rafa knows better than most that recovery is a long game. He was 27 when he crashed in 1999. Years of physio followed. Some function returned on his right side; enough to stand briefly, to drive with adaptations, to live independently. “You do what you can every day,” he says. “Keep healthy, keep ready, and trust that science will keep moving. Robotics, AI, neural tech, stem cells. When the breakthrough comes, I want my body to be prepared.”

In the meantime, he measures progress in smaller victories: a new ramp at a café, a smoother pavement that keeps wheelchair users off the road, a hotelier who widens a bathroom door because it is the right thing to do, and a first-time diver surfacing with a grin. The message to Mallorca’s tourism industry is clear. Accessibility is not a niche. It is a standard, a market, and a mark of respect.

For visitors considering a trip, Fundación Handisport advises on adapted activities, accessible accommodation and tailored excursions, including help for cruise passengers on short stays. For locals, the foundation offers ways to volunteer, sponsor and host inclusive events. “We are always happy to help people discover what is possible,” Rafa says. “Because once you try, the island opens up.”

Find Fundación Handisport via their website or social channels by searching Handisport Mallorca. Spectators are welcome at the Handisport Mallorca Open this month. Go along, and be part of a more inclusive Mallorca.

 


Sarah and Gary Napier

The Gap Counselling: Creating a Safe Space for Mallorca’s Communities

Sarah and Gary Napier

When Sarah and Gary Napier first came to Mallorca in 2015, they had no idea that nearly a decade later they would be opening one of the island’s few dedicated centres for counselling, mental health support and community connection. The couple arrived as part of a mission trip with 24-7 Prayer, spending long nights working with Street Angels in Magaluf. Those early experiences, they say, revealed both the joy and the struggle behind life on the island. It is a theme that has stayed with them, and ultimately led to the creation of The Gap Counselling.

“We have been running the counselling practice for around five years now,” Gary explains. “It began online during Covid, when people suddenly had time to stop and realise they needed help. The demand was huge.” From just a handful of clients in the early days, the practice has grown into a professional team of five counsellors, supported by an operations manager. Sessions are now offered both online and face-to-face, with a strong emphasis on privacy, trust and continuity.

“Living on an island can feel very small,” Sarah adds. “People guard their privacy closely. There is this idea that life here must be perfect. Sunshine, sea, fiestas, beautiful feeds on social media. But everyone carries something. And many people feel they cannot talk, especially if they think others think they ‘have it all’.”

The counsellors say that although the reasons people seek help vary, the underlying issue is often similar.

“If you strip it back, most of the time what we are working with is self-esteem,” Gary says. “How we see ourselves, how we value ourselves, how childhood experiences shaped our sense of identity. Many people had a difficult experience growing up, even if it looked normal from the outside. It stays with them into adult life and into relationships.” Gary continues. “We work with family conflict, parenting challenges, relationship breakdowns, anxiety, and addiction. But beneath many of these is pain that has not been acknowledged. We are not going into the past for the sake of going back there. We are going there so the person can move forward. If you heal the wound properly, you can run again.”

The Gap Community Cafe & Bar This vision of healing has now taken physical form in their new space, located in the former Penny Lanes in Palmanova. The idea came through local connections, and from the shared dream of turning the venue into something restorative for the wider community. “We always hoped to have a physical place,” Gary says. “Not just for one-to-one sessions, but somewhere where people could meet, learn, connect. A safe space. And when the opportunity arose to take over this building earlier than expected, it felt like the right moment.”

The downstairs area will become a café-style social space, available for events, meet-ups, talks and gatherings. The upstairs will be a training and education centre. Workshops will range from mental health awareness to parenting support, relationship communication and The Gap’s new identity-focused course, Dare to Be You.

“We are passionate about helping people understand who they are,” Gary explains. “We are not taught emotional education. We learn maths and grammar, but not how to have a relationship or how to recognise our own needs. Then we grow up, fall in love, get married or start families, without understanding ourselves. So the work starts with identity and purpose.”

The centre will serve the island’s English-speaking community, but also the Spanish and international communities. Among the counselling team are speakers of Spanish, French and Polish. “Inclusivity is important,” Sarah says. “People need support in their own language. And Mallorca is full of mixed-culture relationships, which can come with their own challenges.”

The launch coincides with Movember, making men’s mental health a key focus throughout November. “Men often do not talk,” Gary says. “They can be surrounded by people and still feel alone. But when men do gather and talk honestly, it changes everything.” The centre will host men’s discussion circles, talks and informal drop-in sessions. There will also be children’s activities and family-friendly events to ensure the centre does not feel clinical or closed-off.

Running a counselling practice can take an emotional toll, and the couple are open about the need for self-care. “Counsellors are often the worst at looking after themselves,” Sarah admits. “So I make sure to walk, run, watch something light, do something fun. You have to consciously let the day go.” Gary adds, laughing, “By Friday evening, I have no more words. My head is full!” But the demanding nature of the work is also what makes it meaningful. “Life is messy,” Gary says. “We are not here to judge anyone. We are here to walk with them through the messiness and help them find solid ground again.”

The Gap Counselling’s new centre will open with a community launch event, including food, children’s activities and an introduction to the month’s programme. Everyone is welcome.

“Ultimately,” Sarah says, “this is not our space. It’s the community’s. A place to breathe. A place to be yourself.”

 


Flying to Formentera – Carlos Pons on Cystic Fibrosis, Swimming Tours and Hope

Some interviews stay with you. Sitting with Carlos Pons in the Majorca Mallorca studio felt like catching up with an old friend. We talked about rescue helicopters, science that sounds like science fiction, and the joy of swimming around an island for a cause.

Carlos runs the Respiralia Foundation, which supports people with cystic fibrosis in the Balearics. The disease is genetic, lifelong and demanding. But thanks to new drugs like Kaftrio, many patients are breathing more easily than ever before. “It is incredible. From coughing all night to clear lungs in two days. It changes lives,” Carlos told us.

Respiralia began with families looking for answers. Carlos joined when his nephew was diagnosed and has been part of it ever since. The centre in San Agustín opened in 2009 and is now a hub of therapy and training. This September they open a new gym, proving that science never stands still.

The conversation turned often to community. The Formentera Swimming Tour is more than a fundraiser. It is part challenge, part festival, part reunion. “We limit it to 240 swimmers, and it sells out fast. They sleep on mats, eat together, form teams and dance on the beach. It is our main income for treatments, but also the heart of our Foundation,” says Carlos.

Carlos’s own story adds another layer. He was a military pilot, flying search and rescue missions, until illness grounded him. “I realised I could keep helping people, but on the ground,” he said. That instinct has grown into projects as diverse as a children’s documentary, family-friendly charity runs, and even support for Ukrainian refugees on the island.

Science is still at the core. The Foundation is pioneering phage therapy, using viruses to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They are testing ways to personalise treatment and save lives that antibiotics cannot. “We have saved legs, avoided transplants. The possibilities are huge,” Carlos said.

As always, we asked about the island itself. Carlos loves Mallorca, with its mountains, its challenges and its debates about tourism and housing. “There are no easy solutions. But we all live here together and we need to protect it,” he said.

For him, home is Consell, animals in the paddock, and a chance to switch off. “It keeps me balanced,” he smiled.

Listen to the full conversation to hear about mucus, miracle drugs, a helicopter pilot who swapped the sky for science, and why the last weekend of June is booked solid every year.

🎧 Listen to the podcast: [link to podcast]
🌐 Find out more: www.respiralia.org


“Bonnie Tyler performing with her bassist at Port Adriano Music Festival, both smiling and singing under blue stage lights.”

Bonnie Tyler Rocks Port Adriano

"Bonnie Tyler performing on stage at Port Adriano, holding a microphone and gesturing to the crowd under blue stage lighting."
Bonnie Tyler at Port Adriano

It was Total Eclipse of the Heart meets total eclipse of the sun as Bonnie Tyler brought her powerhouse vocals to a sold-out Port Adriano in the middle of a Mallorcan heatwave. Dressed head to toe in black leather trousers, a long-sleeved top and jacket, she looked every inch the rock star while the rest of us were melting.

From the moment she stepped on stage Bonnie showed she was Holding Out for a Hero of a performance, powering through a mix of old favourites and newer tracks with the same husky voice that made her famous. The crowd saved their biggest cheers for Total Eclipse of the Heart, which turned into a full-blown singalong, proving that after fifty years in music Bonnie is still Simply the Best.

In a moving tribute she dedicated Simply the Best to her late friend Tina Turner, drawing a wave of emotion from the audience. She also surprised fans with a gritty Janis Joplin cover and some blues, showing she is more than a pop icon. Between songs she shared stories from her time in the 80s working with Jim Steinman, the man who wrote Meat Loaf’s biggest hits. With a grin she joked that while she may have had two fans in her dressing room, they were only electric ones, and in that heatwave, she needed them.

"Large audience seated at Port Adriano watching a live evening concert on an open-air stage with bright red and white lights."

Throughout the show she was warm and engaging, clearly enjoying herself and connecting with the audience. There was no sense of going through the motions. This was Bonnie relishing the moment, telling stories, smiling, and laughing with the crowd about the sweltering weather.

The finale had to be Holding Out for a Hero. As the opening notes rang out the audience knew it was time to give everything they had left, and they did. Arms in the air, voices raised, the marina was alive with pure nostalgia and joy.

Port Adriano once again proved why it is one of the island’s top live music venues, offering a unique backdrop where luxury yachts, summer skies, and legendary performers collide.

Bonnie Tyler gave Mallorca a night to remember. A hot night, a sold-out show, iconic songs, and stories that reminded us why Bonnie is still our hero.


Audience enjoying The Clams live performance at Divas of Soul, Es Jardí Mallorca, August 2025.

Divas of Soul at Es Jardí, Calviá

“Audience enjoying The Clams live performance at Divas of Soul, Es Jardí Mallorca, August 2025.”

Es Jardí once again proved why it has become one of Mallorca’s most exciting summer venues, hosting an evening dedicated to the unforgettable women of soul. Last night’s Divas of Soul show was not only about powerful music, but also about the joy of gathering in a space that blends great performances with a festival vibe designed for everyone.

The music set the tone from the very start with a high-energy tribute to Tina Turner. Her songs filled the open-air venue with fire and movement, getting the crowd dancing within minutes. The Clams, Madrid’s acclaimed all-female soul band, followed with a set that honoured the great voices of soul while adding their own vibrant energy. Their performance was packed with groove, brass, and charisma. Closing the night, Dina Arriaza & the Eternal Amy Band brought Amy Winehouse’s music back to life with emotional intensity, reminding the audience of her unique talent and unforgettable presence.

What makes Es Jardí so special is the setting itself. The organisers have thought of every detail to create a space that is both family-friendly and relaxed. Parking is easy and well-managed, and once inside, the venue feels safe and welcoming. Alongside the music there is plenty to explore, from food stalls serving up a variety of tastes to quiet corners where you can stretch out on hammocks or oversized deckchairs. Groups of friends and families make the most of these spots, turning a concert into a whole evening out.

Guests using the 360 video booth sponsored by Calvià Council at Es Jardí Mallorca during Divas of Soul concert & festival visitors ordering food from vintage food trucks at Es Jardí Mallorca during Divas of Soul concert night.

One of the highlights away from the stage is the 360 camera experience sponsored by Calvià Council. Visitors can step onto the spinning platform, strike a pose, and walk away with a fun video clip for their phone, capturing the spirit of the night. It adds a playful, interactive touch that festival-goers of all ages enjoy.

Es Jardí is not just about music, it is about atmosphere. With fairy lights strung above, an open layout that never feels crowded, and entertainment that appeals across generations, it offers something rare on the island: a festival that feels both international and distinctly Mallorcan.

As the final notes of Amy’s tribute faded, the crowd left with smiles, stories, and plenty of photos. Divas of Soul was a triumph, and Es Jardí once again confirmed its reputation as the perfect summer stage in Mallorca.

Next up: Children of the 80s. Expect neon lights, throwback hits, and a dance floor packed from start to finish. Tickets are available now.


On the buses, Nick Brown: Mallorca’s Public Transport Insider

When Nick Brown and his wife Sian moved to Palma in early 2020, they arrived just in time to beat the first Covid lockdown by a matter of weeks. Their plan was straightforward: enjoy retirement by the sea, embrace the beauty of Mallorca, and build a life in the island’s capital. What Nick did not expect was to become Mallorca’s unofficial public transport guru!

Nick’s background is as international as it gets. He left the UK in 1981, lived in the Netherlands, Belgium, Bahrain, and France, and speaks multiple languages. But when it came to Spanish, he was starting from scratch. “You can’t just pick it up by osmosis,” he says. “If you move here, you need to put more effort into learning Spanish than you think you’re going to.”

Settling in Palma, Nick fell in love with the city’s year-round vibrancy, stunning scenery, and the mix of Northern European convenience with Mediterranean charm. As he explored, he began to unravel the complexities of Mallorca’s bus and train systems. He saw visitors in the Majorca Mallorca Facebook group struggling to understand the difference between EMT city buses and TIB island routes, so he started explaining it in clear, practical posts.

Before long, he was fielding questions daily, from how to use the TIB card to which routes were free, and even how to get into the first-class section of the historic Sóller train without paying extra. Nick’s advice has opened the island to visitors who do not want to hire a car or who prefer a more sustainable way to travel.

For Nick, public transport is more than just buses and timetables. It is about unlocking the island. “If you know how to use the buses, you can get from Magaluf to Alcudia without stress, enjoy a glass of wine with lunch, and see parts of Mallorca you would otherwise miss,” he says.

He also shares the less glamorous but essential information, like Palma’s restricted driving zones (ACIRE areas) and how to avoid fines, the real drink-drive limits in Spain, and why parking bays are colour-coded.

Nick’s tips are practical and people-focused, reflecting his own enthusiasm for helping others. Whether it is guiding a lost tourist to the Irish Consulate or explaining the monthly discount system on TIB buses, he is happiest when sharing useful knowledge.

His Facebook group, Majorca Public Transport Questions, is a must for anyone planning to explore the island without a car. And for those who take the time to listen, Nick offers the kind of insider details that can transform a trip from ordinary to memorable.

In a world where holiday advice often comes from glossy brochures or hurried hotel reception desks, Nick Brown is the friendly, well-informed local voice you wish you had on speed dial.


Palmanova beach Majorca Mallorca blue sea

Palma Nova Guide

Palmanova beach Majorca Mallorca blue sea
Palmanova beach

Located 20 minutes to the west of Palma, Palma Nova is best described as a jewel in the Tourist crown of beautiful Mallorca.  Based in the municipality of Calvia, Palma Nova is blessed with expansive beaches and safe, clean shallow water, which makes it a great choice for families with children of all ages.  

If your idea of a perfect day is lazing on a sunbed watching the world go by, you are spoilt for choice with Palma Nova’s three stunning beaches: Son Matias, Na Nadala and Es Carregador, all of which are scrupulously clean and well appointed with sunbeds, parasols and most importantly services. 

A small but interesting boating Marina, a climbing frame to keep the little people entertained and a fair selection of beach activities and water sports means that there is something to suit every taste and pocket.  

Palma Nova Promenade is the perfect place to take an evening stroll and maybe stop in one of the many bars for a sundowner.  Or just sit on one of the benches and watch folk go about their business from a distance.

Behind the beach, you will find a wide selection of restaurants, bars, boutiques, perfumeries, jewelry and souvenir shops which are open daily until late.  

Palma Nova really is a top resort with a lot to offer.  


15 August – La Mare de Déu d’Agost, also known as the Feast of the Assumption in Mallorca

15 August is a national public holiday in Spain.

What It Celebrates:

The Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven — one of the most important Catholic feast days. In Mallorca, it's celebrated as La Mare de Déu d’Agost (Our Lady of August), and deeply rooted in local tradition.

How It's Celebrated in Mallorca:

Across the island, especially in towns like Puigpunyent, Campos, and Caimari, you’ll find:

  • Religious processions honouring the Virgin
  • Open-air concerts and traditional dance
  • Local markets and fairs
  • Food and drink stalls with regional specialities
  • Live music and evening parties in the main squares

Cultural Significance:

It’s a day when townsfolk return home, families gather, and communities come together to celebrate heritage, faith, and festivity. It often marks the peak of summer fiestas in many villages.


“Bonnie Tyler performing with her bassist at Port Adriano Music Festival, both smiling and singing under blue stage lights.”

🎤 Bonnie Tyler Live in Mallorca: A Night of Iconic Hits and 80s Rock Nostalgia 🎤

Majorca Mallorca is thrilled to share that Bonnie Tyler will be performing live at Port Adriano Music Festival, celebrating an incredible 50 years in music.

The legendary Welsh singer will take to the stage for an unforgettable night of powerhouse vocals and timeless pop-rock anthems. From “Total Eclipse of the Heart” to “Holding Out for a Hero”, “It’s a Heartache”, and many more, fans can expect a journey through the soundtrack of the 80s.

With her unmistakable raspy voice and global chart-topping success, Bonnie Tyler continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Now, she brings her energy, talent, and greatest hits to one of Mallorca’s most stunning open-air venues.

This is more than just a concert, it’s a chance to sing your heart out, relive the magic of a musical era, and experience one of the world’s most distinctive voices live on stage. BE QUICK, TICKETS ARE ALMOST SOLD OUT!

#BonnieTylerMallorca #MajorcaMallorca #PortAdrianoMusicFestival #LiveMusicMallorca #80sRock #TotalEclipseOfTheHeart #PAMFestival

 


Disco Fever Returns: Boney M Celebrates 50 Years with a Spectacular Night at Port Adriano

This summer, Port Adriano Music Festival pays tribute to one of the most iconic pop and disco groups in music history — Boney M, celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Bursting onto the scene in the vibrant 1970s, Boney M changed the sound of a generation. Their global hits — “Rivers of Babylon”, “Rasputin”, “Ma Baker”, “Daddy Cool” didn’t just dominate the charts, they brought people together across dancefloors around the world. Their music became a symbol of rhythm, joy, and unity.

Now, five decades later, the Port Adriano stage will come alive with that same energy, as fans gather to honour the group’s golden milestone in style.

Majorca Mallorca is excited to celebrate this legendary moment: a night of pure nostalgia, timeless tunes, and dancing under the stars.

#BoneyM50 #MajorcaMallorca #PortAdrianoMusicFestival #DiscoLegends #MallorcaEvents #PAMFestival

 


The Disgusting Food Museum in Palma.

Mallorca’s Weirdest Museum? Why You’ll Love the Disgusting Food Museum

Andreas from the Disgusting Food Museum, Photo by Majorca Mallorca

You walk through a Gothic courtyard in Palma’s old town. The sun filters through stone archways, and just ahead, a strange scent hits your nose. You’re about to discover Mallorca’s newest (and possibly weirdest) cultural attraction: The Disgusting Food Museum.

Opened recently in Carrer del Sindicat 21, this offbeat experience invites brave visitors to explore the edible taboos of global cuisine — from century eggs and fermented shark to cheese made in a baby goat’s stomach.

At the heart of the museum is Andreas Ahrens, its Swedish founder and fearless flavour explorer. “People always ask if it’s just a gimmick,” he says. “But it’s much more than that. It’s about breaking down food prejudice and understanding the cultural context of taste.”


Why Palma?

With successful roots in Malmö, Sweden, the Disgusting Food Museum team carefully researched expansion cities across the globe before landing on Palma. “We looked at tourist numbers, interest in cultural experiences, and accessibility,” says Andreas. “Palma scored highly across the board.”

But what really clinched it? A centuries-old building with just the right kind of character — part charm, part creepiness. “The structure dates back to the 1500s,” he explains. “It’s a beautiful contradiction — elegant architecture and revolting smells!”


The Disgusting Food Museum in Palma.

So… what’s so disgusting?

The museum showcases around 80 infamous ingredients and dishes from around the world, and yes — some are genuinely foul. Think Sardinian maggot cheese, Thai black ant soup, or balut (a fertilised duck egg delicacy popular in the Philippines).

Visitors can also take part in a tasting experience, sampling a rotating selection of around 25 items. “You’re not here for a three-course meal,” Andreas says with a laugh. “You’re here to challenge your comfort zone — and maybe expand it.”

Highlights include Chinese century eggs (black, jelly-like and deeply eggy), Icelandic fermented shark (which smells like public transport at rush hour), and Swedish salty liquorice — a national treasure for some, a dental assault for others.


The Disgusting Food Museum in Palma

Not just shock value

While the headline dishes might provoke queasy reactions (and yes, people have vomited — that’s why your ticket is printed on a sick bag), the museum is underpinned by thoughtful commentary.

“We want visitors to take away two big ideas,” Andreas says. “One: don’t judge another culture’s food. What’s normal to you might seem repulsive to someone else. And two: we all need to think differently about what we eat, for the sake of the planet.”

That means more insects, more offal, and less squeamishness around how our food is made. As Andreas puts it: “Disgust is a survival instinct — but we don’t always need to obey it.”


From customs drama to cow pee

Sourcing the world’s most controversial ingredients isn’t easy. Some items are banned, others have to be replicated, and a few — like the infamous surströmming (fermented herring) — are so pungent they can’t legally be transported by air.

“There are a lot of creative workarounds,” says Andreas. “We’ve had to grow our own maggots, hunt down Vietnamese duck eggs through Facebook, and we even get snake donations from Swedish pet owners.”

And while Andreas has tasted everything in the collection (yes, including cow urine), there is one item he simply can’t stomach. “Cucumber,” he admits. “I can’t explain it. I’ll try anything else — but that’s where I draw the line!”


Visiting the museum

Whether you’re a daring foodie, a cultural explorer, or just looking for a truly unique afternoon, the Disgusting Food Museum promises an unforgettable (and occasionally eye-watering) experience.

It’s open every day from 12pm to 9pm in the heart of Palma. And if you manage to taste every item on offer, you might even earn a T-shirt to prove it.

Just… maybe don’t go straight after lunch. 

 ENTER THE CODE MM5 AT CHECK OUT TO GET 5% OFF YOUR BOOKING WHEN YOU BUY ONLINE.

 


Hilary Swank and Marcel Remus at Pure Salt Hotel in Port Adriano. Photo by Majorca Mallorca

Hollywood Glamour Hits Mallorca: Hilary Swank Shines at Marcel Remus’ Star-Studded Lifestyle Night

Luxury real estate agent Marcel Remus celebrated the 10th edition of his iconic Lifestyle Night in Port Adriano, Mallorca, drawing a crowd of around 600 VIP guests. The star attraction this year was two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank, who appeared just one day after her 51st birthday. Also present were German television and film personalities including Barbara Wussow, Esther Schweins, Nastassja Kinski, Collien Ulmen-Fernandes, and Bruce Darnell. British model Lottie Moss made a rare Mallorca appearance for the event.

Held at the upscale Pure Salt Hotel overlooking the Philippe Starck-designed marina, the evening featured a black carpet parade of celebrities and a performance by singer Tina Cousins. TV host Frauke Ludowig led the evening, joined by her daughter Nele.

Guests shared personal anecdotes, such as Esther Schweins reflecting on her life in Mallorca and Isi Glück discussing her recent Playboy feature. The evening also included emotional moments, family stories, and professional milestones from guests like Arabella Kiesbauer, Nina Moghaddam, and Jörn Schlönvoigt.

The party lasted late into the night, with attendees already speculating about who next year’s headline star might be.