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 Rocks 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.
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.
Divas of Soul at Es Jardí, Calviá
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.
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.
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.
Palma Nova Guide
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 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
Mallorca’s Weirdest Museum? Why You’ll Love the Disgusting Food Museum
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!”
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.
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.
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.
BLUE Live in Mallorca – A Night to Remember at Es Jardí, Calvia
Es Jardí sparkled under the stars on Sunday 3 August as Blue delivered a nostalgic performance in Calvià. Belted-out classics like All Rise, One Love and Guilty echoed across the Mediterranean summer night as the open-air venue buzzed with energy and sing-alongs.
Natasha Hamilton from Atomic Kitten elevated the throwback mood with her powerhouse vocals, while local prodigy (and we think the most talented person on the stage that night) Albie Davies opened the night and impressed the crowd with his soulful presence.
Set within the Recinto Mallorca Live grounds, Es Jardí offered a laid-back, family-friendly festival experience complete with street food trucks, chill‑out areas, and a relaxed atmosphere. Doors opened at 19:00, tickets started at €30, and children under 12 enjoyed free entry.
🎶 Coming Soon at Es Jardí
Summer of Divas – Tribute to Tina Turner & Amy Winehouse
Experience a tribute night celebrating the legendary women of rock and soul. Expect powerhouse performances from Replicant Tina channeling Tina Turner, Dina Arriaza & Eternal Amy Band honouring Amy Winehouse, plus soulful renditions from The Clams. It’s an unforgettable evening of iconic vocals and timeless hits.
Children of the ’80s – The Ultimate 80s Revival Party
📅 30 August · From €19 Dive into a beloved Es Jardí tradition: a themed retro party filled with nostalgia. Expect fantastical stage shows, interactive characters of the decade, street dancers, and special guest artist Ryan Paris performing the classic anthem “Dolce Vita”. A joyous spectacle of neon fashion and unforgettable tunes.
🎟 Tickets & How to Get Them
Want to secure your spot at these fabulous tribute nights? You can purchase your tickets through us at Majorca Mallorca. You can buy your tickets directly online here.
Or simply send us a WhatsApp message to (0034) 641 088 128 and our team will assist you.
📍 Es Jardí, Recinto Mallorca Live Festival – Calvià
🎟 Tickets from €20, kids under 12 go free
🕖 Doors open at 19:00
Whether you’re craving pop nostalgia with Blue, soul legend tributes during Summer of Divas, or a neon‑bright Children of the ’80s party, Es Jardí has your summer nights covered. Let us know if you’d like help with tickets, VIP access, or group bookings—ready when you are!
#BlueInMallorca #SummerOfDivas #ChildrenOfThe80s #EsJardíEvents #MajorcaMallorcaEvents
Ottilie Quince: Powered by Grit, Pedals and Cero F*cks
You can listen to the PODCAST here
When Ottilie Quince first arrived in Port de Pollença to cycle the mountains of Mallorca, she never imagined it would become home or the backdrop to a new life built on resilience, reinvention, and relentless positivity.
Today, Ottilie is known as a world champion transplant cyclist, founder of the OQ Service Course physio and performance studio, and the unapologetic creator of the lifestyle brand Cero F*cks. But behind the public smile is a journey that’s as challenging as it is inspiring from growing up playing football with the lads to surviving a life-threatening illness, and from the transplant ward to the winner’s podium.
From Luton to the Peloton
“I’ve been here ten years in October,” Ottilie says, from her base in Port de Pollença. “And I’m still not fluent in Spanish, which frustrates me hugely. But this island has given me a second life.”
Ottilie grew up in Luton, the youngest of four siblings with three older brothers. “My parents wanted a girl and finally got me. By the time I arrived, they were into jazz and unusual names, hence Ottilie.” Sport was always a constant, and she credits her brothers for dragging her onto football pitches and into a competitive spirit that would shape her future. At 16, she played football in the US “a summer that changed my view of women’s sport entirely” before returning to play for Luton Town Ladies at a high national level.
A Silent Disease, A Life-Altering Diagnosis
At 24, a routine check-up revealed something no athlete ever wants to hear: just 12% kidney function. “I had no symptoms. I was a sports teacher training five times a week. I thought I was fit. I’d been born with a congenital condition and didn’t know it.”
Faced with a stark choice: dialysis, death or transplant, Ottilie didn’t hesitate. “I said no to dialysis. I wanted to live. I needed a kidney donor.”
Her mum, who had supported Ottilie’s father through a previous transplant, stepped forward. “She gave me life once, and she wanted to do it again. It was keyhole surgery for her, less invasive than when my dad donated his.” That transplant was 18 years ago.
“It’s Not a Cure. It’s a Treatment.”
Since receiving her mother’s kidney, Ottilie’s life has been anything but ordinary. She’s had cancer twice, a known risk from the lifelong medication required to prevent rejection, and still returns to hospital every three months for monitoring. “But I don’t dwell on it. I’ve always been someone who works hard, tries to stay positive, and just gets on with it. I tell people: you can’t be happy all the time. And if you are, people think you’re weird!”
World Champion Cyclist — And Counting
As part of her recovery and rehab, Ottilie began training for the World Transplant Games, a global sporting event for transplant recipients. “They’re like the Olympics, just smaller. But still incredibly competitive.” She now holds 11 world titles, remains undefeated in 37 races, and will compete again this August near Dresden, Germany. “I train in the hottest part of the day in the Mallorcan mountains to make it harder. You have to earn the win. I’m aiming for overall victory again and maybe ruffling a few male egos in the process!”
Building a Business in Port de Pollença
In 2017, Ottilie opened OQ Service Course, a performance clinic and cycling hub offering physiotherapy, injury recovery, nutrition support and strength training. Her small space quickly became a favourite among locals, expats and athletes alike. This year, she’s expanding into a larger premises with space for a mini-gym, retail area and more. “I want to work more with special populations: older people, women, people with injuries, to show how resistance training transforms lives. And I’m calling the gym ‘Little Gym’ after my dad’s nickname for my brother.”
Enter: Zero F*cks
Alongside her studio, Ottilie launched a separate brand: Cero F*cks — or “Ciro Fox” in Spanish. It started with socks. Now it includes bottles, T-shirts, and tongue-in-cheek slogans designed to motivate. “The message isn’t about not caring. It’s about not caring about the wrong things, like online hate, comparison, and pressure. Focus on what matters: health, family, purpose. Everything else can get stuffed.”
Life, Perspective, and the 1%
Moving to Mallorca wasn’t an escape. It was a deliberate decision.
“All the people I know here are the 1%, the people who actually did it. Left their jobs, booked the flight, started again. Everyone else stayed put.”
Ottilie guides cyclists from around the world and continues to expand her brand, with a new leisurewear line, training programme, and another World Championship in her sights.
“I’ve got 43% kidney function. That’s less than most, but double what I used to have. So yeah, I live like it counts.”
🔗 Learn more:
-
World Transplant Games
🎧 Listen to the full conversation on the Majorca Mallorca podcast wherever you get your podcasts.