Hotel Bella Playa & Spa

With its smart, modern-looking, sand-toned facade, it comes as a surprise that -- opened in the early-'60s -- the Hotel Bella Playa & Spa was actually one of the first hotels built in the area. Stepping into reception, this does become more apparent, with a slightly more dated though spotless mix of travertine stone and polished marble. Wrought iron artwork and bronze statues add to the old-fashioned feel, and most of the common areas continue in the same vein. But the property is well-maintained throughout and scattered with photos taken from the hotel's original owner -- mostly depictions of island landscapes and people. 

Still owned by the third generation of the same family, the property comprises two original buildings and one much newer, completed in 2017, and while detached from the others above ground, all three are connected by subterranean tunnels. The hotel gardens are also surprisingly extensive, with sun terraces dotted with pine trees, though not much else in the way of greenery. With few kid-friendly facilities, it's certainly a more adult-oriented hotel, attracting mostly vacationing couples from German and the UK, and it's particularly popular with hikers and cyclists. Some major additions are scheduled for 2018, including two more swimming pools. 

The hotel is located on the edge of the laid-lack resort of Cala Ratjada, situated on the far eastern tip of Mallorca. Turn right out of the building and there's a long street lined with tourist eateries and bars that leads toward the center of town and the buzzy harbor district (15- minute walk away). The picturesque and popular Cala Agulla beach just a couple minutes away in the other direction. Three other pretty beaches, Cala Gat, Cala Moll, and Cala Mesquida within a 15-minute drive. The resort's relatively remote location means it's at least a 75 minutes by car to the Palma de Mallorca Airport and the island's capital. 

Of the hotel's 253 guest rooms break down into one of three types. Standard rooms are partially renovated, with furnishings updated in white, modern wall lighting, and beachscape artworks. Superior rooms were fully renovated between 2013 and 2016 and added back-lit, wood-effect paneling with built-in nightstands, simple IKEA-esque furniture, and coordinating red fabrics; though still with dated tile floors. And new for 2017 are the Superior Plus rooms, similar but with everything kitted out in a swish contemporary style and more space. All open to furnished balconies overlooking the pool, gardens, or relatively quiet street. 

Standard amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs (though with just a couple English-speaking channels), mini-fridges, and key safes (for a fee). In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge though connection can be poor. While welcome water is provided, there's no coffee- or tea-making facilities. Most bathrooms feel semi-updated, with some new fixtures but old-fashioned hose hairdryers, pink sinks, and shower/tub combos. Superior Plus bathrooms feature walk-in showers with removable rainfall showerheads, up-to-date hairdryers, and bathrobes. 

The Hotel Bella Playa offers an impressive range of relaxation and sports facilities, with more in the pipeline. The main outdoor pool is long enough for a swim with a generous separate section for kids and, while not the most attractive of sun terraces, loungers are in abundance with pine trees providing all the necessary shade. With no poolside animation and few children, the area is particularly peaceful. Indoors, there's a heated pool with water jets that's part of the impressive spa, which also includes a sauna, two steam rooms, three treatment rooms, experience showers, and an ice fountain. Entry is free to guests and over-18s only. New for 2017 is a adults-only fitness room with up-to-date equipment and large windows overlooking the garden.

The buffet dining room is a little old-fashioned, but bright and spacious with the more recent addition (in 2016) of a large alfresco terrace with retractable shade and some views of the sea -- between the hotels opposite. Breakfast features freshly made pancakes, omelets, and cooked-to-order eggs, while dinner offers show cooking and weekly themed buffets. Half-board as standard means both meals are included in all rates. Several times is a week is nightly entertainment on the outside terrace. An a la carte lunch menu is available from the poolside bar.

An on-site tennis club has four clay courts, one with floodlights (reservable for a fee). The hotel also organizes hiking trips for various levels five days a week, plus guests can play mini-golf on the grounds and have discounts on several local golf courses. Though there's free Wi-Fi throughout the property, guests complain that the signal can be poor and patchy in areas. Planned for 2018 are two more outdoor pools, one Olympic-length.