In the palma your hand
Although you can argue about which is the most attractive of the four Balearic islands, you can't argue about Mallorca's x-factor...
The island of Mallorca has the kind of glamour that neighbouring Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera could only lust after.
A hot favourite with the rich and famous, Mallorca's stunning coastlines and months of mellow sunshine provide the perfect backdrop to its role as the super yacht hub of the western Mediterranean.
The true jewel in the crown is the capital city of Palma which offers a far more cosmopolitan and cultural twist that most holiday hotpots.
The salubrious south-western corner of the island is the most developed and has the highest prices. International buyers who want to invest in Palma tend to be keen on lock up and leave properties, which are usually newer developments with views over the sea or golf course.
It is here that the bold and the beautiful reside, including supermodel Claudia Schiffer and Pierce Brosnan.
Claudia bought her summer home in the exclusive Camp de Mar area in 1997 for £2 million. It is perched high on a hilltop with glorious sea views. She also learned to play golf at Golf Andratx in Camp de Mar.
Permanent movers flock to this corner, as shops and restaurants stay open all year round, not just during the busy tourist season.
A two-bedroom apartment will set you back at least £260,000 and more if it has sea views. Luxury detached houses can cost anywhere between £680,000 and £7 million plus.
The south Eastern corner of the island is far more affordable than its south-western neighbour, and is flooded with Brits snapping up one-bedroom apartments for around £120,000.
Buyers who are looking for more traditional villas with gardens and swimming pools tend to look to the north of the island.
Despite the well publicised package holiday element of Mallorca, with its rash of clubbers and stag parties all chasing full English fry-ups with a side of sun, the high-end buyers remain undaunted.
As the areas of the island which do attract clubbers are fairly concentrated, they do not impinge directly on the high end buyers, who can enjoy the rest of the island.
The image of budget Planes bound for Mallorca bursting with Brits has done nothing to highlight the island's beguiling diversity.
Whether you identify with the sun worshipping, fry-up-seeking club lovers or the sightseeing, fine-dining culture vultures, Mallorca looks set to retain its broad appeal.
Picture by Lumley