Basking in the Mediterranean, Majorca must have a kind of hold over for me, for I have returned again and again over the years.

As a child I visited the north, when it resembled a giant building site, populated by cranes and builders.

As a teen I visited the hedonistic Magaluf – and there is probably still a photo of me and my drunken mates somewhere on the ceiling of the infamous Chaplins Bar.

And I have also enjoyed the all-inclusive, family-friendly Majorca, with a two-year-old and more luggage than Paris Hilton.

But a week hosted by Mallorca Farmhouses was something a little bit different.

The “brochure” was the first taste of what was to come.

Small, glossy and a feast for the eyes, it was bursting with the kind of properties you see on Through the Keyhole.

From apartments to huge sprawling country villas, all are decorated to the highest standards and offer extras such as pools, hire cars, and even personal chefs.

We chose to visit Finca Porassar, a 250-year-old traditional farmhouse, which has been lovingly restored by its owners and which was to be home to me, the husband, the three-year-old and the four-month-old new arrival, for a week in September.

Majorca, or Mallorca as it is known in Spain, is the largest of the Spanish Balearic Islands.

We found Finca Porassar on the outskirts of the village of Cas Concos in the south-east of the island and were blown away by its beauty and size.

Catering for 10, there are five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a pool and a huge outside kitchen that offered meals beneath the morning sun, or the stars, and our very own canopy of ripening bananas.

The house had all mod cons – and then some – and its surroundings were pretty impressive too.

Three minutes easy walk took us to local restaurants, small family owned ‘corner shops’ including two grocers and an excellent bakery which sold fresh croissants for our poolside breakfasts.

Venturing out in our hire car we found cosmopolitan Cala d’Or, just 10 minutes drive away and which would provide us with some great days out and great food too.

The south-east of Majorca has some of the best beaches on the island, all with golden sand and many with shallow, tide-free waters that are ideal for young children.

Within a stone’s throw of each other and the centre of Cala d’Or, we visited Cala Gran and Cala Fererra.

Both are beautiful little bays with sandy beaches, sunbeds and snack bars, and where we whiled away several happy days soaking up the rays and splashing about in the blue, clear water.

Each day, spectacular yachts would moor in the bay and their intriguing owners would swim or just relax on board, while we mere mortals on the beach wondered if they were famous, or even royalty.

Indeed, the King of Spain frequents a restaurant in the glamorous Cala d’Or Marina called Port Petite.

We enjoyed some great meals in the bustling centre of Cala d’Or, where the tiny lanes are crammed with sometimes quirky restaurants, such as the Pirate (which has lots of pirates), the Jungle (lots of animals) and Casablanca (which, you guessed it, has a life-size Humphrey Bogart.) Specialities are tapas, pork ribs and paella, plus baked potatoes melting with garlic butter.

We returned to our country retreat each evening, full and happy, and content to sit and watch the sky turn pink over the pool.

When not eating or sunbathing, there are lots of other great things to do in the area, too.

Felanitx market takes place on Sunday by the church and offers the chance to stock up on local ham, cheese, olives and bread for the villa.

Cala Figuera has a quaint fishing harbour and if you visit about 5pm when the fishermen come in and you can buy some fresh fish for the BBQ.

The Monastery of Sant Salvador isn’t the easiest place to get to, but is well worth it for its fabulous views.

Palma, Majorca's capital, is a stunning city very much worth a visit. And the Palma to Soller Train cuts through the Serra de Trumuntana Mountains past fertile valleys, almond and olive groves and citrus trees. There are six departures daily from Palma and the ride costs about 17 euros return.

Mallorca Farmhouses was the latest in my series of encounters with Majorca, but I think it was my closest glimpse yet of what it is really like to live on this beautiful island.

FACTFILE: Mallorca Farmhouses offer an extensive portfolio of exclusive villas, country retreats and rustic farmhouses, all with maid service, starter pack and private pools.

Properties can also be booked to include car hire with full insurance as well as a private chef.

Part of the Superior Collection, prices for Finca Porassar start from £948 per week in 2010. Sleeping 10, this equates to under £95 per person.

For more information or reservations, contact Mallorca Farmhouses on 0845 800 8080 or visit mallorca.co.uk.

Exclusive Collection 2010 prices start from £745 per week for Finca Es Fasser, a six-bedroom farmhouse in Cala d’Or.

Superior Collection prices start from £325 per week for Can Corso, a three-bedroom villa in Cala d'Or.

Essential Collection prices start from £210 per week for Pinos Altos Type A, a one-bedroom apartment in Cala Sant Vicenç (with shared pool).

Private Chef Service – Mallorca Farmhouses can arrange a gourmet chef service for any special occasion or celebration.

A qualified chef will come to the villa and prepare breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Prices start from 50 Euros per hour plus the cost of the ingredients, payable locally.

Prices correct as of Sept 30, 2009