FORMER United States First Lady Michelle Obama is in Mallorca on a 'solo' summer holiday – returning once again to an island she loves but has not visited in seven years.
She landed in Palma on Wednesday – without her husband Barack Obama – having not been to the Balearics since 2010 when she visited the then Prince Felipe of Asturias his wife Princess Letizia, now King and Queen, at their summer residence, the Marivent Palace.
This time, Mrs Obama will be staying with her friend James Costos, former US ambassador in Spain, and his husband Michael Smith, at the villa they have rented for the holidays.
The property, owned by Marieta Salas and known as 'Ses Planes', is an Arab stud farm in a secluded country area.
Costos is known locally as a Mallorquín de Verano – 'a summer Mallorcan' – given that he has always publicly extolled the virtues of the island and its stunning attractions and spends the summer there with his husband whenever he can.
Michelle Obama, now no longer a public figurehead, is not expected to make any official appearances during her short stay, but it appears she has not ruled out a private meeting with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at the Marivent, as friends.
