The legacy of Spies Travel in Mallorca
From humble beginnings to Mallorca’s favorite holiday agency! On November 11, 1956, Simon Spies placed his first advertisement in several Danish newspapers with the intriguing question: “Do you want to swim in the Mediterranean on Christmas Eve?” This marked the birth of the Danish travel company, Spies Travel (Spies Rejser), and the beginning of its storied history in Mallorca.
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Please take a moment to watch the brief presentation in the video below:
Spies Travel and Mallorca
It wasn’t until February 7, 1957, that the first group of 26 Spies guests departed for Mallorca. Back then, the Mediterranean island was colloquially known as “Malårka,” and the journey took a full 36 hours from Denmark, involving a train ride through Europe and a ship from Barcelona.
In 1959, Spies Travel transitioned to flying its guests to their vacation destinations. This change helped Spies Travel in Mallorca truly take off. Over the years, millions of visitors have traveled with Spies Travel to various destinations around the world, with Mallorca remaining one of the most beloved holiday spots.
Spies Travel, Cala Mayor and hotels
Cala Mayor quickly became a favorite among visitors. Spies Travel often used Hotel Nixe Palace, known for its stunning beach views from the veranda. During the day, visitors would gather on Cala Mayor beach for a swim in the azure sea and a drink under the parasols. In the evenings, they frequented Danish bars in Cala Mayor’s narrow, winding streets.
The bars, such as Den Lille Café, Rottehullet, Shu-bi-dua, Pepes Bar, Kunstnerkroen, and Knold og Tot, competed to serve the best round of fried pork with parsley sauce. Visitors also enjoyed cheap hand-bait and schnapps.
Today, the neighborhood is undergoing renewal and renovation. The legendary hotel Jumbo Park has become BQ Belvedere, and many of the Danish bars have vanished. However, Shu-bi-dua and Rottehullet still exist, as does Bugambilia further down the coast. You might even encounter some old visitors with tales of Cala Mayor’s heyday.
Currently, Spies Travel accommodates guests in hotels across Mallorca, including Alcúdia and Pollensa bays, Palma Nova, Playa de Palma, Cala d’Or, and Port de Sóller. While Cala Mayor is no longer the center of Spies Travel in Mallorca, their holidays still revolve around sun, beach and beautiful locations.
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More text after the Video section
Video (will be updated)
Simon Spies and Mallorca
Simon Spies’ foray into the charter business was somewhat serendipitous. Stranded on Mallorca without a peseta, he discovered that by bringing customers to a Danish restaurant, he could secure free meals.
Simon also realized the potential of utilizing hotels’ free and cheap winter spots, which traditional travel companies ignored, focusing only on summer trips. Known for his eccentric statements and inventions, Simon Spies celebrated his 60th birthday in 1981 with grand pomp in an open-air tub, having become one of Denmark’s wealthiest men. He passed away nearly 40 years ago from liver cancer.
Spies Travel after Simon Spies
Following Simon Spies’ death, the documentary “Spies and the Morning Bun Ladies” (“morning sex ladies”) by Danish Televison DR garnered significant media attention. Spies Travel strongly distances itself from the unacceptable actions portrayed in the documentary, which do not reflect the current company.
Since Simon Spies’ passing, Spies Travel has had four different owners and has evolved significantly. Today, Spies Travel’s ambition is to provide its holiday guests with the best experiences, continuing to send thousands of visitors to Mallorca in a simple, easy, and safe manner.
Source and inspiration
The article draws inspiration from the book “Spies, rejs og vær glad – livsglæde gennem 50 år” by Anette Illum Hansen, published by Saxos Forlag in 2006. This book recounts the entertaining and vivid story of the first 50 years of travel with Spies, told by people close to Simon Spies and Spies Travel.
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Remember to explore our travel guides to Mallorca’s captivating destinations, from the vibrant city life in stunning Palma to the sun-soaked shores of Alcudia. Don’t miss the charming mountain villages of Sóller and Deià, where nature and tradition blend harmoniously. Also take a look at the hot spot for wine lovers – Binissalem and beautiful Port de Andratx. Also read about golf in Mallorca or hiking in Mallorca.
Top image for the article Spies Travel in Mallorca: © Vicente Sargues | Dreamstime.com)
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