Apartamentos Parque Mar

Upon arrival, Apartamentos Parque Mar certainly doesn't seem like anything particularly special, with its unassuming entrance leading to a simple, modern reception area. Original artworks adorn plain white walls and the only splashes of color come from the cushions atop a solitary rattan couch. This intentionally low-key property, however, is a breath of fresh air in a resort crowded with boisterous all-inclusive hotels. The complex is made up of clusters of low-rise apartments built in the traditional Balearic style of whitewashed facades and terra-cotta-tile roofs. These form a semi-circle around a large swathe of lovely pine-scented gardens, where footpaths meander through manicured lawns that slope down to the rugged rocky coastline and panoramic views over the Mediterranean. With no thumping music or other hotels within eyeshot, there's a serene and secluded atmosphere characterized by the chirping of birds and gentle sea breeze. Clientele is mostly Swiss, German, and British, and a mix of couples and families with slightly older children. 

Extending to a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea, the Apartamentos Parque Mar certainly have one of the most enviable settings in the Cala D'Or area. The hotel is located in the particularly peaceful and largely residential Es Forti neighborhood on Majorca's southeast coast. While there's little in the immediate surrounds, the center of the resort town of Cala Egos has plenty of bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops and is within a five-minute stroll of the hotel -- the atmosphere there is generally relaxed, with minimal nightlife. There are two sandy beaches with 10 minutes on foot, though they inevitably get busy over the summer months. The town of Cala D'Or has a buzzing restaurant zone and is 10 minutes away by cab, while farther afield, the charming and vibrant city of Palma is around an hour's drive. Palma de Mallorca Airport is also just under an hour away by road.

The 150 units consist of studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and two-bedroom villas (spread over two floors). While all identical from the outside, as each belongs to a different owner, interiors can vary widely from more traditional with exposed beams and country-style furniture, to bright, more contemporary decor. All, however, feature balconies or garden terraces that face toward the sea -- meaning most have sea views. While none have air-conditioning, fans are available for hire and there's usually enough sea breeze to keep things cool. 

Quality cooking facilities come as standard, including microwaves, fridges, and coffee machines, though kettles and toasters must be rented separately. Lounges have 32-inch HD TVs, with most channels catering to German-speaking guests, and Wi-Fi is available for a per-device fee. Bathrooms are generally clean and well-maintained, with step-in showers or shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and simple toiletries; two-bedroom units have second ensuite bathrooms.

Though not your typical resort-style hotel, leisure facilities are still provided. There are two swimming pools, one large L-shaped pool (with some low-key activities) and another saltwater pool just for adults, which has lovely sea views. Plentiful loungers means no early-morning scrambles for sunbeds. Guests also have direct access to the sea, though there's no beach on-site. Children have a splash pool, as well as a playground and kids' club for those over 3. Though there's no gym, tennis courts are on-site and there's an outdoor massage area. Coin-operated laundry facilities are available as well.

Bed-and-breakfast and half-board rates are available for the bright and airy restaurant, which also has a covered patio and alfresco terrace overlooking the pool. It serves a buffet breakfast and a la carte lunch and dinner. Reasonably priced drinks and snacks are also served at the poolside Bar Copacabana. There's one hour of free Wi-Fi each day by the restaurant, and a per-device fee for more.