There are places that enchant with their beauty and others that conquer with the people who inhabit them. Mallorca combines both qualities. Internationally known for its landscapes, its beaches, and the majesty of the Serra de Tramuntana, the island has managed to preserve, generation after generation, what truly makes it unique: an identity built on its roots, respect for the territory, the strength of its community, and a way of understanding life that finds its best expression in the Mediterranean.
That authentic Mallorca was the main protagonist on the night of August 3, when the Consell held the first edition of Mallorca, Terra d'Honor, an initiative that aims to continue to recognize those individuals who, from diverse fields such as culture, business, communication, science, sports, or artistic creation, have built a special bond with the island and have helped project its values far beyond our borders. And no one like Michael Douglas meets the requirements to receive that recognition.
Because the star of Basic Instinctfell in love with Mallorca decades ago, and to the island, which is his refuge, he returns every year. Accompanied by Carys, the daughter he shares with Catherine Zeta-Jones, the also star of Fatal Attraction arrived at eight in the evening at Costa Nord, in Valldemossa, to experience an evening where he, along with 11 others, was among the first chosen as ambassadors of the island.
Douglas was friendly with the guests, making an effort to speak Spanish, and appeared agile despite his 81 years at an event where the President of the Consell de Mallorca, Llorenç Galmés, accompanied by the Tourism councilor, Guillem Ginard, and the insular Tourism director, Tommy Ferragut, acted as hosts. In the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana, with clouds threatening rain and away from the humidity of the coast, this cultural space summarizes like few others Mallorca's ability to inspire and move. Furthermore, it maintains a very special bond with Douglas, who has turned this corner of the island into an essential part of his life and to which he has always referred to as his second home.
The American actor, winner of two Oscars and one of the great figures of international cinema, has been distinguished for a relationship with the island that goes beyond the personal. His commitment to Mallorca and, very specially, to Costa Nord and the conservation of its cultural and landscape heritage, has helped internationally project an image of the island linked to culture, authenticity, and quality of life. In fact, Douglas was the one chosen to speak on behalf of all the honorees. Alongside him, the Consell de Mallorca has recognized a first group of distinguished individuals who represent very different paths, but united by a common denominator: having made Mallorca part of their story and having contributed, from their respective professions, to projecting the best image of the island.
The designer Pablo Erroz has taken the name of Mallorca to the main national and international catwalks with a creative proposal that focuses on sustainability, quality, and timeless elegance, values deeply linked to the Mediterranean character. The Mallorcan pharmacist Marta Munar represents a career marked by professional commitment, excellence, and service to society. The recognition of the founder of G19 Pharmacy, a reference in dermocosmetics and home fragrances, also symbolizes the value of those who, from Mallorca, develop exemplary careers without ever losing the connection with their land.
In the field of communication, María Eugenia Yagüe and Mariángeles Alcázar have been honored for a brilliant journalistic career through which they have contributed for decades to bringing Mallorca closer to millions of readers, always with rigor, sensitivity, and a deep knowledge of the island. From France, Bernardo Paz, a collaborator of prestigious publications such as Paris Match and Point de Vue, has allowed generations of European readers to discover an elegant, cultural, and profoundly Mediterranean Mallorca through his perspective.
Fashion also had a prominent place in this first edition with the recognition of Sara Caballero, a Mallorcan model who takes the name of the island to the main international catwalks as the face of some of the most prestigious fashion brands in the world, becoming a magnificent ambassador of talent and the international projection of Mallorca. Another great protagonist was the Mallorcan Rosario Nadal, considered one of the great references of Spanish elegance. A very international Mallorcan who represents that way of understanding the island, her home, with respect, authenticity, and beauty without artifice.
Completing this first edition is Norma Duval, one of the most beloved personalities in the Spanish artistic scene. Her close connection with Mallorca over the years and the affection with which she has always spoken of the island make her a magnificent representative of a lifestyle associated with serenity, culture, well-being, and the Mediterranean. Beyond their careers, all the honorees share something much more important: a sincere relationship with Mallorca. Some were born here; others chose it to live or to return time and time again. All have found in the island a source of inspiration and, at the same time, have contributed to keeping the name of Mallorca synonymous with excellence, authenticity, and quality of life.
The evening culminated with a gastronomic proposal conceived as a journey through the flavors of the island, where traditional recipes and contemporary creations made from local products coexisted. All accompanied by a careful selection of wines from Mallorca and a closing as emblematic as the traditional coca de patata from Valldemossa, one of the most representative sweets of Mallorcan pastry. With Mallorca, Terra d'Honor, the Consell de Mallorca inaugurates a tradition that looks to the future without forgetting what has made the island great. A tribute to those who proudly represent it and a celebration of the real Mallorca: that of its landscapes, yes, but above all that of its people.