Latest news with #Tramuntana
The Sun
6 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
Brit couple on holiday in Spain swept to their deaths by ‘massive wall of water' that rushed through gorge
A YOUNG couple drowned in flash floods while hiking after a "massive wall of water" appeared within "seconds", an inquest heard. Alexander Barrett, 32, and Sarah Thompson, 26, were on holiday in Majorca with a group of friends when tragedy struck on September 3, last year. 3 3 Climbing instructor and lifeguard Alexander tried to help his girlfriend as a "wall of water" came crashing down the canyon they were walking with other hikers, Stockport Coroner's Court heard. The couple, from Offerton, near Stockport in Manchester, were swept away. Spanish rescue teams discovered Sarah's body the following day. Specialist officers located Alexander's on September 6, in the Torrent de Pareis canyon, in the Tramuntana mountains. At the inquest, Sarah's devastated father Peter Thompson, said his daughter "was never without a smile on her face". And Alexander's heartbroken dad, Paul Rodman, told how his son "loved life". Paying tribute, he said: "He was genuinely a good person, a caring person, a kind person. "The friends and family have developed a little saying, 'Be more like Alex' because that's what we aspire to be. "He's missed so much by all his friends and family." Alexander's friend Luke Weaver, who was on the trip with the tragic couple said: "We all had a mutual passion for climbing and hiking." Bank boss & dad-of-three, 43, drops dead after repeatedly scaling mountain six times in crazy 'EVERESTING' challenge He told the inquest how the group had planned a three hour expedition, which was known to be "challenging in places". Mr Weaver had already completed the route several times, but neither Alexander nor Sarah had. The fellow climbing instructor, who had worked with Alexander, said he checked weather predictions in the morning. He knew the gorge had flooded, but the forecast only showed rain hitting at 6pm, by which time they'd no longer be in the area. "Had I known what was to happen, I would never have let them into the gorge," Mr Weaver added. The hiker dropped the group off by car, but was delayed in joining them due to hitting traffic while trying to park. He noticed it starting to rain at around 2.30pm but became concerned when a storm moved in shortly after. Mr Weaver said he saw his friends, who were now with a German couple and two Spanish nationals, in a "bottleneck" between two boulders. "At this point the heavens opened," he said. "At this time the water was flowing like a small river." He went to help the group and asked Sarah if she was "OK" and she replied yes but with a "nervous smile". "Seconds later a massive wall of water came down the gorge," Mr Weaver said. "The water appeared to come from nowhere. The sound was incredibly loud, people were screaming." Mr Weaver told the inquest he saw one person clinging onto a rock, but one of the Spanish nationals had been swept away. His partner managed to get out of the water and after a few minutes others emerged gasping for air above the surface. Survivors were airlifted out of the gorge by helicopter, suffering only minor injuries. But Alexander and Sarah had been taken by the current, the inquest heard. Mr Weaver added: "Everyone who survived that day is incredibly lucky, especially those who got caught in the water. "I have never experienced anything like this and it is something I will never forget." Post-mortem examinations gave the cause of death as drowning for both of the deceased. Jyoti Gill, assistant coroner for Manchester South, recorded a verdict of accidental death caused by drowning for the couple. "It appears water dragged Sarah, and Alex had tried to help her," Ms Gill concluded. "Sadly, both Sarah and Alex were unable to climb to safety and were swept away by the floodwaters," she added. Sarah had represented Cumbria at fell running in national competitions. She earned a degree in photography from Manchester Metropolitan University, and had recently been promoted in the donations team at The Christie hospital in Manchester.
BBC News
05-08-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Stockport couple drowned in Majorca flash floods, inquest told
A young couple were drowned in flash floods while on a hiking holiday in Majorca, an inquest has instructor and lifeguard Alexander Barrett, 32, tried to help his partner Sarah Thompson, 26, as a "wall of water" cascaded down the canyon they were descending with a group of other hikers, Stockport Coroner's Court were swept to their deaths, with Ms Thompson's body recovered by Spanish search and rescue teams on 4 September 2024, the day after the Barrett's body was found on September 6 in the Torrent de Pareis canyon in the Tramuntana mountains. Ms Thompson's father, Peter Thompson, said his daughter "was never without a smile on her face".She had represented Cumbria at fell running in national competitions, had a degree in photography from Manchester Metropolitan Rodman, Mr Barrett's father, said his son "loved life" and relished the outdoors, from hiking to surfing."The friends and family have developed a little saying, 'Be more like Alex' because that's what we aspire to be." Mr Rodman added: "He's missed so much by all his friends and family."The couple, from Offerton, near Stockport, had gone on the trip with friends, all hiking and climbing enthusiasts, to Weaver, who knew Mr Barrett as a friend and climbing instructor at an indoor climbing centre in Stockport, said in a statement read to the inquest that the group "had a mutual passion for climbing and hiking". Mr Weaver, who on the trip with his partner, said the planned planned - which was expected to take three to four hours - was known to be "challenging in places". He had completed the hike before on several occasions, but neither Ms Thompson nor Mr Barrett Mr Weaver said he considered it was "well within the capabilities" of the said he was aware the gorge flooded so he checked the weather forecast on the morning of 3 only predicted rain from 18:00 BST, by which time they would be "well clear".He dropped the group of friends off and planned to catch up with them after parking his car, but was delayed in heavy traffic by around two the afternoon it began to drizzle, but Mr Weaver said this did not cause any concern as he continued the hike. 'People screaming' He said as there was no phone signal in the gorge and he could not make contact with his Weaver said he spotted them with a German couple and two Spanish nationals in a "bottleneck" between two boulders."Water [then] appeared to come from nowhere. The sound was incredibly loud, people were screaming."Mr Weaver said he could see one of the group had managed to grab on to a rock while one of the Spanish nationals had been swept into the torrent and was being carried own partner managed to get out of the water and, after a few minutes, others emerged from the Mr Weaver said the noise of the water was too loud for them to Thompson was seen being swept away along with Mr Barrett, who had tried to help before the current took him too. Survivors who had suffered minor injuries were taken out of the gorge by Gill, assistant coroner for Manchester South, recorded a verdict of accidental death caused by drowning for both Ms Thompson and Mr Barrett."Sadly, both Sarah and Alex were unable to climb to safety and were swept away by the floodwaters," Ms Gill said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
The Independent
05-08-2025
- The Independent
Couple drowned in flash floods on Majorca hike, inquest hears
A young couple were drowned in flash floods while on a hiking holiday in Majorca, an inquest has heard. Climbing instructor and lifeguard Alexander Barrett, 32, tried to help his partner Sarah Thompson, 26, as a 'wall of water' cascaded down the canyon they were descending with a group of other hikers, Stockport Coroner's Court heard. Both were swept to their deaths, with Ms Thompson's body recovered by Spanish search and rescue teams on September 4 last year, the day after the flood. Mr Barrett's body was found on September 6 in the Torrent de Pareis canyon in the Tramuntana mountains. Ms Thompson's father, Peter Thompson, who lives in Berwick-upon-Tweed, said his daughter 'was never without a smile on her face'. She had represented Cumbria at fell running in national competitions, had a degree in photography from Manchester Metropolitan University, and had recently been promoted in the donations team at The Christie hospital in Manchester. Paul Rodman, Mr Barrett's father, said his son 'loved life' and relished the outdoors, from hiking to surfing, adding: 'He was genuinely a good person, a caring person, a kind person. 'The friends and family have developed a little saying, 'Be more like Alex' because that's what we aspire to be. 'He's missed so much by all his friends and family.' The couple, from Offerton, near Stockport, had gone on the informal trip with friends, all hiking and climbing enthusiasts, making their separate ways to Majorca. On the trip was Luke Weaver, who knew Mr Barrett as a friend and climbing instructor at Awesome Walls, an indoor climbing centre in Stockport. 'We all had a mutual passion for climbing and hiking,' he said in a statement read at the inquest. Mr Weaver, on the trip with his partner, said the hike they planned to do, which took three to four hours to complete, was well known globally and known to be 'challenging in places'. He had completed the hike before on several occasions, but neither Ms Thompson nor Mr Barrett had, but he considered it was 'well within the capabilities' of the group, he said. Mr Weaver said he was aware the gorge flooded so he checked the weather forecast on the morning of September 3 last year, which only predicted rain from 6pm, by which time they would be 'well clear'. He added: 'Had I known what was to happen, I would never have let them into the gorge.' Mr Weaver said he dropped the group of friends off for the hike and intended to catch them up after parking his car, but was delayed in heavy traffic by around two hours, before he could begin the hike himself. It had been a hot morning, but a storm had moved in and at around 2.30pm it began to drizzle with rain but Mr Weaver said this did not cause any concern as he continued the hike to meet with his partner and friends ahead of him. But a short time later it started to rain more heavily and he could hear thunder in the distance and he began to quicken his pace. He said as there was no phone signal in the gorge he could not make contact with them. As the downpour grew Mr Weaver said he spotted his friends, who were now with a German couple and two Spanish nationals, in a 'bottleneck' between two boulders. 'At this point the heavens opened,' Mr Weaver said. 'At this time the water was flowing like a small river.' Mr Weaver said he was helping the hikers through the bottleneck and he gestured to Ms Thompson if she was 'OK' and she replied yes but with a 'nervous smile'. He then heard someone shout, ' Water!' 'Seconds later a massive wall of water came down the gorge,' Mr Weaver said. 'The water appeared to come from nowhere. The sound was incredibly loud, people were screaming.' Mr Weaver said he could see one of the group had managed to grab on to a rock while one of the Spanish nationals had been swept into the torrent and was being carried away. His own partner managed to get out of the water and after a few minutes others emerged from the deluge, but Mr Weaver said the noise of the water was too loud to communicate with each other. 'I was shouting and screaming for the others. I could see no-one,' Mr Weaver said. Ms Thompson had been seen being swept away along with her partner, who had tried to help but the current had taken him too, the inquest heard. Later the survivors were airlifted out of the gorge by helicopter, suffering only minor injuries. Mr Weaver added: 'Everyone who survived that day is incredibly lucky, especially those who got caught in the water. 'I have never experienced anything like this and it is something I will never forget.' Post-mortem examinations gave the cause of death as drowning for both the deceased. Jyoti Gill, assistant coroner for Manchester South, recorded a verdict of accidental death caused by drowning for both Ms Thompson and Mr Barrett, whose legal name was Alexander Johnson, but was known by the name Alex Barrett. Ms Gill said the storm had caused flash flooding, sending a large torrent of water down the canyon. 'It appears water dragged Sarah, and Alex had tried to help her,' Ms Gill concluded. 'Sadly, both Sarah and Alex were unable to climb to safety and were swept away by the floodwaters,' she added.
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Forbes
Best Hotels In Mallorca 2025
Mallorca, the largest Balearic Island, is known for its beautiful coastline, temperate climate, plentiful vineyards and excellent local cuisine. With over 13 million visitors each year, it's no surprise that the destination is also home to a diverse variety of accommodations. The best hotels in Mallorca put the spotlight on its many offerings through architecture, décor and culinary scene. To curate this guide, I combined my own personal experience in Mallorca with tips from experts who spend significant time on the island, including Marcos Ramirez, a travel advisor at NUBA. From our top overall pick, the Grand Hotel Son Net, to the recently opened beachfront property the Four Seasons Resort Mallorca At Formentor, these are the best places to stay in Mallorca in 2025. The Grand Hotel Son Net sits in vine-covered splendor—a 17th century manor house restored with original detailings and period décor. Located at the base of the Tramuntana Mountains, the Grand Hotel Son Net is a 17th-century manor house elaborately restored with original detailings and period décor. Comprised of just 31 suites, a stay here feels like visiting the home of a local art collector; antiques and heirlooms from around the world can be spotted around every corner. Along with the grandeur of the common areas and elegant Green Bar, the property features a tasteful variety of Gothic, Baroque and Mallorcan design. Its vast outdoor spaces include spacious pool areas, a vineyard, an indigenous flora and produce garden, and a spa featuring a saltwater pool and thermal circuit. Dinners at Mar & Duix feature locally sourced fare paired with wine and live music, and the property's overall service makes you feel like a family member. In season, guests can request massages in the pergola next to the heated pool. Discreetly tucked behind an archway in Palma's emblematic La Lonja neighborhood, the Can Bordoy is a 16th-century mansion meticulously restored into an intimate 24-suite hotel. Sleek and sophisticated, bedrooms are generously sized and feature frescoed ceilings adorned with chandeliers, velvet textiles, minimalist furnishings and Art Deco headboards. The cozy spa, encased in walls dating back to the 1100s, offers organic treatments and an exclusive water therapy shower experience. Meal options range from healthy all-day breakfasts to rooftop bites and cocktails with dreamy district views. You can also dine at the stylish Botànic restaurant, where local vegetables are the star of the show. The outdoor terrace at The Son Bunyola House & Villas. Situated on a UNESCO World Heritage Site and surrounded by 1,300 acres of lush landscape, the 26-room Son Bunyola estate is a nature lover's dream. 'I recommend this property for guests who enjoy cycling and appreciate a more historic atmosphere in their hotel experience,' says Alvarez. 'The team that organizes the biking tours is incredible, making this a fantastic year-round destination.' The vast property includes a 16th-century finca equipped with a lengthy heated pool and three private-use villas enclosed in groves, orchards and magnificent Mediterranean coastline views. Two onsite restaurants—Sa Terrassa, serving an elevated take on Mallorcan cuisine, and Sa Tafona, tucked inside the former olive press and offering tapas with a local twist—keep guests pampered and well-fed. Aerial view of the Four Seasons Resort Mallorca At Formentor. Nestled in the 1,200-acre Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Four Seasons Resort Mallorca At Formentor opened this spring to immediate acclaim. 'The new Four Seasons at Formentor is a must,' says Ramirez. 'It's currently the only beachfront luxury hotel in Mallorca, and many elements of the original building have been preserved to evoke the area's golden age. Plus, the possibility of arriving by boat makes a stay here feel unique.' Nadia Bess, a travel advisor at Fora calls Serra de Tramuntana her 'personal favorite area' in Mallorca. 'It offers so many adventure activities that could occupy anyone who hates to stay still,' she says. Previously known as Hotel Formentor, the building originally opened in 1929; in its past iteration, it hosted boldface names like Grace Kelly, Winston Churchill and the Dalai Lama. Travelers can enjoy poolside lounging at La Residencia. Minutes from Mallorca's Deià artists' village, winding stone pathways adorned with indigenous flora lead to La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel's two carefully restored 16th and 17th-century manor houses. The property is nestled in between awe-inspiring sea and mountain vistas and offers serenity and calm in a luxurious setting. 'It has amazing views,' says Alvarez, who calls the property 'a perfect spot for a relaxing escape.' That relaxation extends to its spa, among the best in Mallorca: Six treatment rooms—three with terraces—allow guests to indulge in a number of locally-inspired treatments. We recommend the 50-minute signature Citrus Siesta, an invigorating treatment comprised of an olive oil scrub followed by a relaxing essential oil massage using local almonds, oranges and lemons. An aerial view of the sprawling seafront resort. The sprawling seafront The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort offers top-notch amenities, like al fresco Michelin-star dining at Es Fum. But for families, it's the activities-packed Explorers Club that have young travelers feeling like royalty. Upon arrival, little ones are supplied with a welcome gift pack with explorer tools, and throughout their stay, kids can embark on treasure hunts, nature adventures, swimming lessons and workshops that match their interests, all under the watch of friendly resort staff. During food breaks, kids can sample specially-designed menus and join Explorer Club hosts for meals, schedule permitting. For babies and toddlers, highchairs, cots and babysitting services are readily available. All 11 suites are uniquely designed in rich, dark hues with vaulted ceilings. Dark and decadent, the adults-only Palma Riad offers a seductive take on a traditional Moroccan riad, right in central Palma. Head-to-heel drapes, Moorish trinkets, dark wood furnishings and candelabras provide moody ambiance, along with a solarium with loungers and intimate corners that give way to an airy courtyard with a skylight and water fountain. Memorable candlelit meals can be served at the Morokko restaurant on the patio or, for a swoon-worthy tête-à-tête, snuggle close with a signature cocktail at the cozy bar. The hotel offers just 11 intimate suites, all of which are uniquely designed in rich, dark hues with vaulted ceilings and bespoke art pieces. Many suites offer fireplaces and generous, Hamman-style bathrooms with tubs and double showers. The facilities include 151 comfortable rooms in elegant, earthy hues, a wellness area and tennis courts. A golfer's paradise, the Hacienda Son Antem is home to two challenging 18-hole courses and a golf academy that are available minutes from the property at the Son Antem Golf Club. Both courses are designed with the avid golfer in mind; one with few obstacles for those still working on their handicap and another with bunkers and lakes that require more skill and focus. The academy caters to guests of all ages, with golf lessons available for kids, families or singles wishing to perfect their game. Round off your golfing experience with a circular driving range, practice greens, equipment rentals, a spa zone and a clubhouse Mediterranean-fare restaurant overlooking the lush greenways. Rooftop at the Nobis Hotel Palma. In an ideal location right in the heart of Palma's old town, the Nobis Hotel Palma stands out for its walkability to many shops and restaurants as well as its excellent rooftop with prime views of the area including the historic La Seu Cathedral. 'Its bar is a great place to see and be seen as the night begins, offering fabulous cocktails inspired by destinations around the world,' says Ramirez. 'The rooms and décor make you feel like you're staying in a traditional Mallorcan home, incorporating elements of local culture and architecture.' The property also features a stylish and minimalist vibe—fitting considering that its parent company Nobis is a Scandinavian brand based in Stockholm. The common areas include a lounge, an intimate library and a sensational patio pool area lined with plantlife and contempo loungers. Tucked away on a cobbled street in sleepy Santanyí, Can Ferrereta is a chic rustic getaway sure to delight design lovers. The 17th-century-style façade with archways and tiled rooftops complement the sleek, contemporary art-filled interiors. Common areas are designed in shades of ecru and sand and include a lounge, an intimate library and a sensational pool area lined with greenery, contemporary loungers and La Fresca, an inside/outside eatery serving light bites and refreshing cocktails. The Ocre Restaurant, housed in the former wine cellar and styled with wood beams, serves seasonal, regional cuisine in a relaxed indoor setting or the candlelit courtyard. Castell Son Claret is an oasis of nature's generous bounty. Set against the backdrop of the Tramuntana Mountains and a palm-lined driveway leading to 326 acres of unspoiled verdant landscape, Castell Son Claret is a rural, nature-filled estate ideal for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding land. From check-in, all guests are welcomed with a traditional Mallorcan ensaïmada pastry, cava, sunbathing essentials and plant-based amenities by Viti Vinci that are found exclusively on the island. While the Michelin-starred Sa Clastra restaurant is a must-visit, nature takes center stage here: hiking, biking, climbing and caving, as well as enjoying self-guided jogging routes and tennis lessons on the hotel's court. After a long day, kick back at the pool or book a private wine tasting of the area's finest vintages. The rooftop welcomes guests with a sparkling pool, loungers, cocktails, and 360-degree views over old town rooftops and the Cathedral. Perched on a peaceful namesake plaza fronting a 13th-century Gothic basilica, Sant Francesc Hotel Singular is a one-time stately mansion turned urban-chic stay. While reminders of its storied architecture are found throughout by way of moldings and archways, the property's interiors—which are bathed in black-framed ivory, taupe and tan—are decidedly modern. Amenities include a cocktail bar, an adjoining olive tree-sprinkled courtyard, a cozy underground wellness sanctuary and a fitness zone, while meals are served at Quadrant, a stylish restaurant serving creative Mediterranean cuisine. A popular spot at sunset, the Singular Rooftop welcomes guests with a pool, a solarium, luxe loungers, and 360-degree views over old town rooftops and the Cathedral. The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. We selected the top contenders based on personal stays as well as extensive research.
