Eix Alzinar Mar Suites – Adults Only

Guests arriving at the Eix Alzinar Mar Suites pass through an unassuming entrance leading into a pine-shaded garden. From here, a wide stone footpath flanked by a pair of fountains brings guests to a glass-fronted reception. The property's calm and quiet efficiency are apparent immediately with friendly staff welcoming guests into the tall, sunlit atrium. Built at the end of the millennium, the look and feel is certainly more modern than most, plus a thorough renovation in 2016 has given most of the complex a contemporary polish. Its three blocks form a U-shape around the hotel's central gardens, comprising of mostly tidy lawns dotted with bushes and trees, all set around a spacious swimming pool. Like much of the hotel, the pool is often relatively empty during the day with most guests out on excursions or at the beach. And while its child-free environment guarantees peace and calm, the hotel can lack a little in the way of atmosphere, especially out of season. Most guests, however, enjoy the spotless serenity of the place. Clientele are mostly German and British couples who appreciate a break from the under-18 crowd.  

The hotel's location is not exactly a selling point. It sits just off the main coastal road on the edge of the small town of Ca'n Picafort. The area, however, is pleasant enough with a good selection of restaurants, bars, and tourists shops within walking distance, plus a long sandy beach within 10-minute stroll. The fairly narrow beach can get busy over peak season, though the quieter and more picturesque Playa de Muro is less than 10 minutes away by car. Those looking for a little more nightlife can take a 20-minute cab ride to the Port d'Alcudia, while nature-lovers are a 10-minute drive from the Alcudia Nature Reserve. Situated at the opposite end of the island, the capital of Palma and its Palma de Mallorca Airport are up to an hour by road (or more if relying on transfers).

Most of the hotel's 125 rooms are Junior Suites, which are spacious and bright with floor-to-ceiling windows, open-plan lounges, and furnished balconies overlooking the central pool area. All benefitted from a cosmetic revamp in 2016, adding simple contemporary furnishings and beachscape wall-art to crisp white walls and polished marble floors. On the downside, beds are lower than most, and tend to be two twins pushed together (although that's not uncommon). Amenities include 32-inch TVs (with few English-speaking channels), mini-fridges, and key-operated safes (for a fee). Irons and kettles are also available for an extra charge. Bathrooms are well-maintained, with either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and chain-brand toiletries. In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge, though it's generally slow and spotty. Solo travelers can also book a number of Single Rooms that come with narrow beds for one, plus the usual amenities and balconies.

For a medium-size property, this hotel certainly offers plenty of pool space. The main swimming pool is particularly large, and surrounded by decked terraces with plentiful loungers. Next to it is a smaller shallow splash pool, while also in the grounds is a third shaded pool, lined with loungers and a scattering of Bali beds. However, the lack of a spa and limited sports facilities is a down point, especially for a property at this pearl level, although there is a small fitness room and a volleyball court, plus bikes are available to hire.

On-site dining options are also pretty limited, with one buffet restaurant opening for breakfast and dinner, plus a snack bar serving a lunchtime menu. Breakfast is always included in the rate, and offers a decent selection of continental and pre-cooked items, plus some live cooking, though juice and coffee is machine-made. Most guests are not impressed with the dinner buffet, though there is a weekly poolside barbecue. The inside bar area could use an update, though it's well-stocked and offers regular evening entertainment.

Staff can arrange for airport transfers, and Wi-Fi is free throughout -- although it's not always dependable.