Globales America

The all-inclusive Hotel Globales America occupies a large, clifftop property dating from the '70s, with its last major revamp in 2005. Its sea-facing facade has pastel pink and blue paintwork and small porthole-style windows, while the sea-facing side is all balconies. Backlit with blue neon, the reception desk is certainly hard to miss and finished in clean white lines; it's also the most contemporary part of the lobby. In contrast, much of the area is decorated in more relaxed, low-key styling, with leather-effect sofas, massage chairs, and painted wood paneling. Further along, the tone shifts again with another seating space with an array of dated, velour armchairs and sofas, and apricot-colored walls. 

Two pairs of elevators ferry guests to the nine floors above, with decor in the corridors returning to brighter and more modern feel. The property also includes an annex building just next door. Clientele mainly comprises British families with kids as well as more senior couples. 

The hotel's clifftop location is pretty special, with spectacular sea views and a white sandy beach to one side. The resort destination itself (Calas de Mallorca) is on the east coast of the island, and although small and relatively remote is well served in terms of bars, restaurants and shops -- all within easy reach of the hotel on foot. The area is geared mostly towards families, and there is not much in the way of nightlife. There are three sandy beaches in the area, the largest of which is right next to the hotel (with stepped access), while the others can be reached in under 20 minutes by bus -- the beaches are not particularly big and can be very crowded in high season.

Felanitx is the nearest town (at 20 minutes by car) and has a traditional Sunday market selling local pottery and fresh produce, and the dramatic 14th-century Santueri Castle is also a 30-minute drive away. The airport is around one hour by car, with Palma and its beautiful old town 15 minutes farther.  

Most of the hotel's 372 rooms were renovated in 2015, and are decorated in a simple contemporary style with IKEA-style wood furniture, polished tile floors, and splashes of blue; white walls still have a dated textured finish. Some rooms are located in the next door annex building, and are generally quieter -- though their decor remains in need of a refresh. 

All rooms open to furnished balconies with views of the sea and nearby beach, though are also prone to noise from entertainment. Amenities include flat-screen TVs (with most major U.K. channels), mini-fridges, and small safes (for a steep fee); Wi-Fi also incurs a charge. Bathrooms are modern, with floor-to-ceiling tiling, walk-in showers, and generic toiletries. The Junior Suite also has a tub and bathrobes, as well as also a lounge area and sun loungers on the terrace. 

Most dining takes places at the hotel's main restaurant, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served buffet style. Some reports suggest the buffet food is often lukewarm at best and quality could generally be improved. An on-site pizzeria is open until late and various snack bar options open to an outdoor terrace. There are two swimming pools (both large enough for a swim and with sea-view panoramas and plenty of loungers), as well as a splash pool for kids. Children are generally well-catered for with a playground, games room, and free ice cream all day. 

Wi-Fi is free for half an hour per day in the lobby, but the signal is often poor. Nightly entertainment is provided in the bar or on an outdoor stage. While there's no gym or spa facilities, there are a tennis court and water polo sessions in the pool.

The standard all-inclusive plan covers buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus snacks throughout the day including pizza and ice cream. There's also a paella demonstration once a week. A range of soft drinks, cocktails, and locally produced alcoholic drinks are covered and served throughout the day. In-room Wi-Fi and safes are not covered. A "Gold" upgraded plan adds premium drinks, reserved tables and bar space, pool towels, wine with meals, and exclusive access to a sun terrace.