Be Live Experience Costa Palma

Formerly the Luabay Costa Palma (and before that the Hotel Playa Cala Mayor), the Be Live Adults Only Costa Palma's distinctive long swooshing facade makes for an eye-catching first impression. A total renovation in 2012 has also rebooted much of the look and feel of this eighties-era property, starting with its spacious, low-lit lobby dotted with contemporary design furniture through to wide, bright hallways. A pair of old-fashioned elevators, however, do date the hotel. (One of which had been out of order for a couple days when we visited.) With a relatively small pool terrace, there's not much in the way of outdoor space here, though the hotel's beach club provides a venue for sunset cocktails, and the property also shares facilities with two neighboring sister hotels.

As a child-free hotel (barring guests under 16 years of age), this Be Live Adults has a laid-back, relaxed, and grown-up atmosphere. The majority of guests here are couples of varying ages with a German or Scandinavian leaning. 

This hotel is set just back from the sandy beach of Cala Major, a small resort neighborhood located just 10 to 15 minutes' drive from the Majorcan capital of Palma. The resort has its fair share of restaurants, bars, and mini-markets within strolling distance that cater to the mostly tourist and ex-pat population. The beach is in two parts, with the other half dominated by the Hotel Nix Palace next door, and both can get very busy over summer. Just next to the hotel is a small square with a contemporary sports bar, bakery, pizzeria, and burger bar. Art-buffs can find the Pilar and Joan Miro Foundation (his old studio and art museum) just 10 minutes' walk away, while a 10-minute drive along the coast can bring guests to the pretty coves of Illetas and Comtesa. Palma de Mallorca Airport is 15 to 20 minutes away by taxi, or an hour by public transport.  

The hotel's 143 guest rooms were all part of its 2012 makeover, and remain fresh and modern with wood-finish flooring, simple contemporary furniture, and wall-length mirrors that add to the feeling of lightness. Bedding, curtains, and furniture all echo a soft, sun-bleached beige hue. All but single rooms open to furnished balconies, almost all with at least some views of the bay, with the higher-level affording some superb panoramic sea views. However, one or two balconies have barely any view. Past guests also complain that rooms close to the elevators are prone to noise. 

In-room flat-screen TVs are 32-inch and cover a good range of international channels (including a few BBC ones), plus mini-fridges and electronic safes (fee) come as standard. Superior Rooms are a step up offering free minibar snacks, Nespresso machines (with four free capsules), Bluetooth speaker towers, and robes and slippers, plus larger balconies with the best views. There are only 15, however, so these get booked up quickly. Wi-Fi is charged throughout (except in Superior Rooms) and connection can be spotty. All bathrooms were updated in 2017 and made semi-open-plan -- the toilet is behind frosted glass -- with walk-in showers, a good range of hotel-brand toiletries, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Note: room service is only available in higher-category rooms.

Be Live Adults Only Costa Palma has a solid roster of features, but not all can be accessed on site. The bright, modern main restaurant with large windows overlooking the pool provides breakfast and dinner buffet style, and opens to an alfresco terrace. Breakfast is nearly always included in the rate, and half-board plans cover evening meals, too. Both buffets are varied with live cooking and they're generally good quality. The African-themed Masai restaurant is shared with the sister hotel next door and offers an a la carte menu and sea-view terrace. The beachfront Pelicano Beach Club also offers food and drink through the day as well as some nightlife, though it can be pricey. 

While partly mitigated by the proximity of the beach, the pool and surrounding terrace is small in relation to the size of the hotel, and it's prone to shade later in the day. A hatch from the lobby bar provides poolside drinks, and waiter service is provided from loungers. Animation and entertainment program is spread between the resort's three Be Live hotels, and include Zumba and pilates classes as well as sangria demonstrations and Spanish lessons. There's no on-site spa or gym facilities, though guests have access to those at Be Live Marivent sister hotel, including a sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy pool. A VIP lobby lounge with free snacks, drinks, and international newspapers opens in 2017. Wi-Fi costs an additional fee.