Meet the Travel Expert: Deirdre O’Connor
Deirdre O’Connor is a travel expert and runs MallorcanTonic whose aim is to help you choose and book the very best luxury accommodation the island of Mallorca has to offer. Deirdre has lived and worked on the island for the last six years and knows the island like the back of her hand.
With over 20 years experience in the travel industry, combined with her love of the island Deirdre has put together a stylish collection of hotels offering luxury and value for money. Her mission is to share the joys of Mallorca on and off the beach 365 days a year through her website and weekly blog.
Deirdre says: “3 nights is only 2 days — stay longer if you can.”
Mallorca Reflections caught up with Deirdre in Palma to ask some questions and find out more, including:
– When did your love affair with Mallorca begin?
– How do you see the current culinary scene in Mallorca?
– What’s your number one tip for travelling in a more ethical and responsible way?
Deirdre O’Connor: The Interview
Deirdre, when did your love affair with Mallorca begin?
My first visit to Mallorca was on a field trip whilst studying geography at University, a long time ago!! We arrived the last week before Christmas and the weather was glorious. We visited the mountains, went out with local fishermen and inland to visit some of the smaller villages, and from that moment I was hooked.
How many years have you been travelling and what got you hooked?
I got the travel bug early, about aged 10, when I heard my aunt who visited from Australia telling me she swam in her swimming pool before she went to work every morning. I had to see this! After leaving University, I bought a backpack and the rest is history. A thirst for knowledge and adventure never leaves you so you never get ‘over the bug’ as many suggested I would!
You still like to travel a lot, any tips?
Lots !! Read as much as you can on the destination and then read some more. Every minute you spend planning always pays off. Always book your hotel direct. Phone if its a small hotel and they may offer a lower rate for booking direct. Another Trailfinders tip…always remember 3 nights is only 2 days — stay longer if you can!!
What’s one thing you ALWAYS pack when you travel?
Three things – my phone charger, earplugs and eye mask. Sleep is very important!
What’s your number one tip for travelling in a more ethical and responsible way?
I always pack my reusable ‘spotty’ shopping bag and take an empty plastic bottle to refill at airports and whilst away to avoid buying water bottles.
Photos featuring some of Deirdre’s fabulous hotel deals on MallorcanTonic.com
What is the first thing you do when you check in to a hotel?
I establish where, what floor and what view I have from my room. It is often at this stage that you can find yourself not necessarily with an upgrade but with a room in a good situation but still in your category. Then I like to enjoy a small glass of something chilled and take in my surroundings!
What takes a hotel stay from the ordinary to the exceptional?
The experience for me becomes exceptional when I find customer focused staff with a smile and a “can do” attitude. Simple. Anticipating the guests needs prior to arrival, for example, in the room facilities and during the stay. This might sound obvious but there are few hotels that manage to achieve this.
When on a city break what do you make sure you fit in?
A couple of the tourist sights listed each day and, as I am a foodie as many local restaurants as possible!
Restaurants feature strongly on your website? Where are your favourite places to eat?
My favourite places to eat serve simple Mallorcan food cooked well and with good service such as Es Canyis in Port de Sóller and in Palma for lunch you can’t beat Duke or Ombu.
How do you see the current culinary scene in Mallorca?
The bar has been set very high in Mallorca and we are so lucky. Excellent seasonal local produce combined with an exceptionally skilled generation of chefs adds up to some of the best cuisine to be had in the Mediterranean.
Photos featuring some of Deirdre’s fabulous foodie deals on MallorcanTonic.com
Do you think online travel has promoted a more spontaneous approach to travelling?
No. I think its more about offering choice and competition and has allowed travellers to move away from the big main tour operators who previously dominated the market.
How do you rate the influence of travel bloggers on the travel industry?
I think they are invaluable as they offer up to date destination advice worldwide that we would in the past have had to get from guidebooks and travel magazines.
What are some of your favourite travel blogs?
I am often so busy writing my own blog I do not have a lot of time to read many others but I do like reading ‘A Lady in London’ and of course, your blog, Mallorca Reflections Adrian!
What is the single most memorable food experience you’ve had on the island?
Living in the Tramuntana mountains there is a small holding half way up the Baranc de Biniaraix who will cook a suckling pig for a celebration lunch. Its a good hike up, about an hour but the reward when you arrive is a chilled beer and a spectacular view back down the valley. Its pretty rustic, the pig is served with salad, potatoes and copious amounts of wine!! You need to watch your step on the way down!!!
And finally – you promote travel in Mallorca – what would be your top 5 tips for people heading to Mallorca?
1. Book early to get the best prices. You can make huge savings by booking your hotel and flights many months in advance.
2. Think about a two centre holiday. Head out to the countryside, coast or mountains and then finish with a couple of nights in Palma.
3. Avoid July and August if possible. Yes it is super hot but you will have to share the island with around 3 million other visitors!
4. Do try and visit one of Mallorca’s food markets either under cover in Palma, Santa Catalina for example or one of the weekly local markets in one of Mallorca’s towns or villages. Santa Maria on a Sunday is wonderful and one of my favourites!
5. Choose a restaurant you wouldn’t ordinarily book, for example, in one of Palma’s luxury hotels and you will enjoy five star cuisine?
Thank you Deirdre for your time and advice…..keep getting those deals for us!!!
For more information, please visit Deirdre’s website at: Mallorcantonic.com
or email her at: mallorcantonic@gmail.com
