Parrots As Pets

The Family guide in Mallorca

Health and Wellness:

• Axis Quiropractic

More and more parents are seeking chiropractic care for their children. Many spinal problems seen in adults began as early as at birth. Even so-called ‘natural' birthing methods can stress an infant's spine and the developing nerve system. The resulting irritation to the nerve system caused by spinal and cranial misalignment can be the cause of many newborn health complaints. Colic, breathing problems, nursing difficulties, sleep disturbances, allergic reactions and chronic infections can often be traced to nerve system stress.

Karel Deprez from Axis Quiropractic is one of the few chiropractors certified by the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) in Spain. The treatment he offers successfully deals with many chronic conditions in adults and he believes that using the treatment to care for young children is a great way to prevent future health-related problems.

Font I Monteros, 18 bajos, Palma

Tel: +34 971 71 82 10

info@axisquiropractic.com

www.axisquiropractic.com

• Optica Santa Maria

Martin Blake from Optica Santa Maria says it's important to buy sunglasses from specialist suppliers, rather than from street or market traders. Many sunglasses sold by the latter are without proper filters and therefore offer no real protection for the eyes. When you put on a pair of filter-less sunglasses, the pupils dilate (as they would in a dark room), therefore allowing more of the harmful rays into the eye.

It's all about filters: the more filters, the better the protection. Some people ask for darker lenses as they are really bothered by the sun, but darker lenses are not the answer; what's needed is another filter, in other words, polarised.

It is also proven that the sun contributes to the growth of cataracts, so sunglasses really are very important; we apply sun cream to protect our skin from the sun and so should also wear good quality sunglasses to protect our eyes.

When it comes to children, it's very important that they wear sunglasses, to help prevent eye problems later in their lives.

Tel: +34 871 96 43 31 Santa Ponsa 971 14 00 46 Santa Maria

www.thebritishoptician.com

info@opticasantamaria.es

• Studio 24

At Studio 24 there's a dance class for everyone, from children to adults, in a range of styles from ancient forms to the latest trends. All teachers at Studio 24 are fully qualified and highly skilled and each brings their own techniques and warmth to their work, ensuring that whichever dance class you choose, you'll have a great experience.

Tel: +34 971 59 38 84

www.palmastudio24.com

aj.studio24@gmail.com

On the beach:

• Muebleonet

As the weather heats up we start thinking about the beach, but when you're taking children it can be a nightmare trying to keep one eye on them and the other on your valuables. Muebleonet have a great solution: Sunsecure is a new product: a parasol base with a security box SunLocker. Simply lock away your cash, mobile and camera when you go for a dip in the sea or pool (or enjoy a lazy snooze) and you can relax, knowing that your possessions are safe.

Tel: +34 871 94 44 54

info@muebleonet.com

www.muebleonet.com

Best Family Beaches:

Want something handy for Palma? The great little beach at nearby Cala Major offers sports installations. In the south-west, favourites include Camp de Mar and Sant Elm – the latter a charming cosy little beach, sheltered by the island of Dragonera. Camp de Mar is distinguished by the small rocky island in the middle of the cove, home to a small eaterie where you can enjoy a delicious paella (the greedy sparrows will keep the children entertained!).

Both Palma Nova and Magaluf have excellent clean Blue Flag beaches, with lovely fine sand and safe waters, and all the amenities you could want nearby so that you never have to go far to find something to eat or drink. The quieter Illetes is a beautiful spot with two coves some 75 and 150 metres wide, and it's noted for its superb sand and pine trees on the shore. Santa Ponça‘s main beach is good for families, as is nearby Peguera with its fine sand and pine trees.

Perhaps the most picturesque beach settings can be found in the north, where the Tramuntana mountains meet the sea to dramatic effect. The beach at the Port de Soller is all the more interesting for the journey to get there and you could also fit in a boat excursion during your visit. The popular family resort of Port de Pollença has some particularly beautiful family-friendly beaches, offering water sports and with safe waters for little bathers. The narrower stretches of sand bordering the Pine Walk (where you can enjoy the natural shade of the trees) offer gorgeous views of the bay. Take a boat trip over to Formentor and you'll find a lovely small beach, bordered by pine trees, with sparkling waters but get there early to secure your waterside spot. One resort in the north that's a bit of a hidden gem is Cala Sant Vicenç. Surrounded by hills, it offers three beaches – all with glorious views. Being in the north, these resorts benefit from some cooling breezes in the hottest months.

In the north-east, Cala Mesquida is one of the few spots where any surfers in the family might catch a wave or two. The quiet resort of Canyamel is family-friendly: a long curved sandy beach backed by pines and with just a few hotels and restaurants for the essentials. Cala Rajada offers the benefits of beaches – a mix of rocky beaches and small sandy bays – and town and harbour. There are some great places to have an ice-cream sundae!

The east coast has plenty of choice for families and there are more traditional resorts here, such as the wide expanse of beach at Cala Millor. Every beach accessory a child could ever need can be found for sale in the resort's shops. Heading south, roadsigns tempt you to discover one of the many small calas on this coast. Around Cala d'Or you'll find a choice of beaches, small idyllic bays with fine sand and handy facilities for a family day out.

Family Fun:

• Theme Parks and Waterparks

Aqualandia/El Foro de Mallorca – Binissalem

This children's paradise has a bit of everything – a waterpark, swimming pool and adventure playground, crazy golf and a waxworks museum

Carretera Palma-Inca km25

Tel: +34 971 51 12 28

May-Sep, daily 10.00 – 18.00 hrs

• Aquapark – Magaluf

There are pools, slides, a ‘water castle' and exciting rides at this long-established waterpark situated on the edge of town. Drier pursuits can be enjoyed at the adjacent Karting Magaluf.

Carretera Cala Figuera

Tel: +34 971 13 08 11

Jun-Sep, daily 10.00 – 18.00 hrs; May-Oct, daily 10.00 – 17.00 hrs

• Aquacity – S'Arenal (Platja de Palma)

One of the world's largest water funfairs, with enough thrills and spills to keep you happy all day. In addition to the water slides and wave pool, there is a mini-zoo, as well as a children's farm, parrot shows and even an antique typewriter museum!

End of Palma-S'Arenal motorway

Tel: +34 971 44 00 00

May-Sep, daily 10.00 – 17.00 hrs; Oct. Sun-Fri, 10.00 – 17.00 hrs.

• Auto-Safari – Cala Millor

Drive-round safari park with giraffes, zebra and monkeys plus a ‘baby zoo' with young elephants and reptiles born at the zoo. Arrive early to see the animals feeding.

Carretera Porto Cristo-Son Servera, km5

971810909

Apr-Sep, daily 9-7; Oct-Mar, daily 9-5

• Nemo Submarines – Magaluf

See the flora and fauna beneath the sea on a two-hour exploration by minisubmarine from Magaluf. As you might expect, it's very expensive.

Carrer Pedro Vaquer Ramis

Tel: +34 971 18 41 32

Several times daily throughout the year.

• Marineland – Portals Nous

Entertainment here is provided by the performing dolphins, sea lions and parrots. There is also a penguin pool, a reptile house and a large collection of sharks and tropical fish, plus flamingoes, monkeys and an impressive aviary. Children can take a ride on a mock pirate boat and a miniature train. Whatever your views on shows involving animals, Marineland is an undoubted success. There is a conservation side to this facility too, and profits are put into their various conservation programmes, such as the work they do to protect local turtle species.

Carretera Palma-Andratx km10

Tel: +34 971 67 51 25

Apr-Sep, daily 09.30 – 19.00 hrs; Oct-Mar. Daily 09:30 – 17.30 hrs. Closed mid-Nov to Christmas

• Magaluf Karting

Release your inner Fernando Alonso and try your skills on the track.

Carretera Cala Figuera

Tel: + 34 971 13 11 34

May-Oct, daily 10.00 – 17.00 hrs.

• Palma Nova Golf Fantasia

There are mini-golf courses in many of the resorts, but this is one of the best, set amid waterfalls, caves and tropical gardens. There is a choice of three different circuits – or you can play all 54 holes. Even adults will enjoy it.

C/ Tenis 3, Palma Nova

Tel: +34 971 68 23 49

Mon-Fri 10.30 – 18.00 hrs; Sat-Sun 10.30 – 20.00 hrs.

S'Arenal (Platja de Palma)

• Golf Fantasia

For a round of ‘fantasy golf' with different views, head for the other side of Palma's sweeping bay

and S'Arenal, where you'll find the sister course to Palma Nova.

Carretera Arenal 56, S'Arenal

Tel: +34 971 26 38 05

Mon-Fri 10.30 – 18.00 hrs; Sat-Sun 10.30 – 20.00 hrs.

Horse-Riding:

• Calvià Pony Club runs special courses for children at their horse-riding club

Son Punta

Tel: +34 971 67 04 01

Children´s Clothes … and more:

• Rolling Stock

Kit out the kids in some great children's clothing, situated in their shop in Palma's Club de Mar, Paseo Maritímo opposite the Porto Pi Centre. Labels include the Gaastra Sport Collection for summer 2010, which offers boys a fresh, functional and fashionable look, inspired by a nautical heritage. It's not just about great colours: the appearance of the Sport Collection range is enhanced by the combination of innovative new, and natural, materials. The range offers swimwear, shorts and t-shirts for boys aged 2 to 12yrs.

For girls, Billabong offers Billie Girl & Cutie – a fun, bright and fashionable collection influenced by those hot summer days. The fashionably floral theme is enhanced by the use of light cotton materials for cool comfort as the temperature rises. Swimwear, shorts and dresses for ages 2 to 12 yrs.

Liz Wood(Sales, Club de Mar)

Gabriel Roca S/N Club de Mar

Palma de Mallorca 07015

Tel/Fax +34 971 70 00 31 Mobile 617 43 47 66

lizwood@rollingstock.es

• Unicycle Mallorca

Now here's a clever idea to reduce the high cost of buying uniforms and other school sundries: Unicycle Mallorca – set up by mums Rachel and Tracey. Through their website you can sell those outgrown school items (rather than leave them lingering in the back of the cupboard) and buy the ones you need at up to half the price. Unicycle Mallorca's website very clearly explains the process of buying and selling and they'll also be donating a percentage to a charity on the island, benefiting disadvantaged children. A great idea!

http://unicyclemallorca.com

This article first appeared in The Family Issue , May & June 2010

About the Author

Dr. Helen Cummins is the Editor of abcMallorca Magazine a high quality guide to mallorca printed in three languages including informative Articles about Mallorca, up to date Events Guide and a Business Directory.

You can visit the abcMallorca website to read the original article about The family guide or related articles about Mallorca.

admin | Parrot Items | 08 29th, 2006 |

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