Michael Douglas named Mallorca ambassador as daughter Carys charms fans by speaking Spanish

Michael Douglas has long been one of Mallorca’s most devoted celebrity residents, but it was his daughter Carys who unexpectedly captured hearts this week after confidently speaking Spanish during a special ceremony celebrating the Oscar-winning actor’s lifelong connection to the island.

The father and daughter appeared together at the inaugural Mallorca Terra d’Honor awards in Valldemossa on Monday August 3, where Douglas was officially recognised as one of the island’s first ambassadors in honour of his decades of promoting Mallorca around the world.

While the award acknowledged Douglas’ enduring relationship with the Balearic island, it was 23-year-old Carys who generated plenty of attention after speaking warmly to reporters in Spanish about what Mallorca means to her family.

‘All my favourite memories are in Mallorca’

Asked whether Mallorca held a special place in her heart, Carys replied in Spanish that it was her family’s favourite place in the world.

She described the island as a huge part of her life before adding that all of her favourite memories were made there.

The young actress, who is the daughter of Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, even laughed about her own language skills, apologising that she had only just arrived on the island and joking that her Spanish would improve after spending a few more weeks there.

Her comments offered a rare glimpse into how deeply Mallorca has become woven into the family’s life after decades of summer holidays, family celebrations and time spent at their spectacular S’Estaca estate overlooking the Tramuntana mountains.

A decades-long bond with Mallorca

Douglas first bought the historic S’Estaca estate near Valldemossa in 1989 and has become one of the island’s most recognisable international ambassadors ever since.

His commitment extends beyond owning a home. In 2000 he helped fund the Costa Nord Cultural Centre in Valldemossa, the very venue where this week’s ceremony took place. Over the years he has repeatedly described Mallorca as his second home and has become a familiar face at local cultural events.

The new Terra d’Honor distinction, created by the Consell de Mallorca, recognises people who have helped showcase the island’s culture, identity and Mediterranean way of life to an international audience. Douglas was among the first group of recipients honoured at this inaugural event.

A proud father-and-daughter moment

The gala also provided a rare public appearance for Douglas and Carys together.

The Hollywood star arrived holding his daughter’s hand before the pair posed for photographers on the red carpet. Douglas opted for a relaxed navy suit and open-collared shirt, while Carys wore an elegant all-black outfit with gold jewellery.

Fresh from graduating from Brown University, Carys has begun forging her own acting career and recently made her professional stage debut in New York.

Yet despite building a life in the United States, her comments suggest Mallorca remains a place she will always call home.

For the many visitors who know Douglas as one of the island’s most famous residents, hearing the next generation speak so fondly, and fluently, about Mallorca was a reminder that the family’s connection to the Mediterranean island stretches far beyond celebrity holidays. As Douglas accepted his ambassador honour, it was clear the family’s affection for Mallorca is now being passed down to a new generation.