Portals Hills Business Lunch at Collins, Portals Nous

Last week I attended the opening business lunch at Collins in the new Portals Hills hotel in Portals Nous — and it felt like an afternoon you'd normally spend with old friends. Around 50 people gathered: local entrepreneurs, hoteliers, real estate agents and a few newcomers who are just getting established on the island. The atmosphere was open; conversations ranged from construction projects to favorite beaches and, of course, great Mallorcan food. On the table: small starters with sobrassada, freshly caught fish and a tender slow-cooked lamb — all accompanied by local wines. For me, lunches like this are more than a meal; they're an opportunity to make new contacts without stiff networking protocol. Small tip: come on a weekday, parking is easier and the terrace stays calm. If you're interested in the next meeting: plans are already in place for a business lunch in June at Oliu, between Andratx and Port Andratx — it's worth reserving early.

Collins restaurant at Portals Hills

Collins is the meeting place in the new Portals Hills hotel, charmingly furnished with views towards Portals Nous harbor. The menu mixes familiar Mallorcan flavors with a light, modern touch: crostini with sobrassada to share, grilled fish with lemon-caper butter and a slowly cooked lamb as the main course. The terrace is ideal for business lunches in spring and autumn; in mid-summer it's worth arriving earlier before the heat sets in. Price-wise, a lunch with wine sits in the moderate to upper-mid range — to be expected for the location. Reservations are recommended, especially for groups of ten or more. Parking is generally available, but it gets busier later in the afternoon; alternatively, park briefly on the Passeig Marítim and enjoy a ten-minute walk.

Business Lunch: How to make networking work

Portals Nous: location, parking and short walks

Portals Nous is a handy location between Palma and Puerto Portals: close to the water, marinas and some good cafés. The area is walkable for visitors — ideal if you want to stroll along the harbor or have an espresso after lunch. Parking is available in hotel garages and public areas; on sunny weekends spaces fill up quickly. I recommend arriving early or using the car parks on the coastal road. In winter the area is quieter, in summer lively. If you have time, you can take a 20-minute promenade along the marina — you often see local fishermen with fresh catch.

Preview: Next meeting at Oliu (Andratx)

The next business lunch is planned at Oliu, a restaurant between Andratx and Port Andratx, known for its relaxed atmosphere and good regional cuisine. If you drive there, enjoy the country road and allow extra time — Andratx is more rural, with narrow roads and charming views. Oliu often serves freshly prepared fish dishes, homemade pastas and local salads with regionally produced olive oil. For attendees from Palma or Portals, carpooling can be worthwhile; groups often organize shared rides. Early reservation makes sense, especially if you're coming with a group. Bring comfortable shoes if you plan to walk along the coast after lunch.