If you have never been to Mallorca, or even if you have but have not been to Santa Ponsa, then you don’t know what you are missing. This small town has a population of around 12,000 inhabitants and lies in the Southwest of Mallorca, only 22 km from Palma. It has been popular with British tourists for over 40 years and has a stunning mountain backdrop. Somehow, it has managed to avoid being filled with the new high rises that can be found in some of the other coastal resorts in Mallorca, and instead has rather more tasteful villas and apartments,

Over the last several years it has become home to many expats who have come to love the town and settled on it for their retirement, which means that the bars and restaurants stay open all year round, whereas many of the other Mallorcan resorts shut down in the "off" season. It also means that if you should decide to go and live in Santa Ponsa yourself you will be among many other Brits who speak the same language that you do!

The name of the town actually comes from a Roman villa which was called Sancta Pontia and which was where James 1st landed in 1229 and took control of the island after 300 years of Muslim rule. He actually landed in the cove called Sa Caleta which is today the home of the marina, and which in 1929 was marked with a large stone cross to celebrate the event.

The marina can hold boats up to 20 metres long, and a bit further up the road is another marina, the Port Adriano marina which accommodates the yachts of the super-rich and famous. There is also an annual festival at the end of August and beginning of September which celebrates the landing of James 1st and is called Rei en Jaume. This features a mock battle between the "Christians" and the "Moors".

If you enjoy a day out on the beach, then Santa Ponsa is for you. It is more than 500 yards wide (that’s a lot of sand) and it has sunbeds and parasols that you can rent, showers if you don’t want to go for a swim, and public toilets. At the back of the beach is a large promenade which has bars, cafes, and souvenir shops (of course).

There are also water-sports such as scuba diving, paddle boarding, kayak hire, and a snorkelling boat trip that you can take.

In addition, there is another small beach in a smaller cove which is favoured by the locals as it doesn’t get as crowded, and is called Calo d’en Pallisser.

If golf takes your fancy you are spoilt for choice as there are several golf courses in the area. Golf Santa Ponsa is actually within the resort and has hosted the PGA European Tour on six occasions. It is a very long 18-hole course of 6,543 metres, with the 10th being one of the longest in Europe at 590 metres, and which is a par 5. There is also a tennis club with both clay and grass courts.

In addition, there are a lot of restaurants in Santa Ponsa, so if you don’t want to cook you have a choice of many different cuisines, especially Italian and seafood.

If all this is beginning to whet your appetite – not just for the food – you might want to look for a Santa Ponsa villa for sale, and there are always a number available. There are several international estate agents who could help you in your search.