Hotel JS Cape Colom

With panoramic sea-view terraces, two pools (one semi-olympic), and decent wellness amenities for a three-pearl hotel, this adult-only resort ticks a lot of boxes. Avoiding noise and kid-packed features, adult couples and groups of all ages come here to take in the view and embrace the Mediterranean's outdoor lifestyle. However, interiors are dated and uninspiring throughout -- think loud yellow pleather sofas in the lobby, wood furniture filling white-walled spaces without decor, and old-fashioned patterned linens in rooms. Fortunately, great terraces steer guests outdoors, and diving cove access is direct via steps and a cliffside ladder. Note, the hotel is only open May through October.

The hotel's peninsula setting benefits from breathtaking cliff and sea vistas in almost every direction. Steps from the hotel lead directly to a diving cove (with cliffside ladder). While it's not a proper beach, waters here are great for snorkeling, and sandy shores aren't far. A sleepy fishing village, Porto Colom is somewhat rundown, but some bars and restaurants fill its small streets, which are a 10-minute walk away. Fifteen-minute walks in the other direction lead to livelier Cala Marcal and its beach. A bus stop outside the property runs to the resort town of Cala D'or and the Caves of Drach, with maximum journeys of 25 minutes. Busses from Palma de Mallorca Airport take over two hours and aren't direct, but they drop travelers outside the hotel. The airport is roughly 50 minutes by car.

Small, simple rooms have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to balconies that either face tennis courts and the street or stunning sea vistas. The design is certainly dated, featuring pale-yellow walls, blue patterned bedspreads, colorful striped patterned curtains, and rattan furniture. Terra-cotta floors and sea-themed artwork reflects the Mediterranean setting. Desks, chairs, and nightstands come standard, as do phones, satellite flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. No tea- and coffee-making facilities or mini-fridges are provided, and fees apply for both safes and Wi-Fi. Balconies have plastic furniture, while terraces in upgraded rooms offer loungers and sensational views. Basic, white-tiled bathrooms are showing their age, and they have shower/tub combos, limited toiletries, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Note that some past guests have complained of thin walls.

Although the Hotel JS Cape Colom offers a good range of features for a three-pearl property, not all are of high quality. Standouts include two outdoor pools: the main pool has serene sea views and a whirlpool, but no loungers, while a semi-olympic pool is suitable for lap swimming and has loungers. Nearby terraces offer more sunbathing space, plus outdoor dining. Direct diving cove access is a great feature, but note, waters here are deep. The rooftop gym has a handful of older equipment but no AC or free weights, however, floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of light and let gym-goers take in sea vistas. Outside, a wraparound balcony has a few chairs and sensational views. Spa treatments and a sauna are available in this area, and down by the lap pool are tennis courts and a squash court. 

Most guests opt for the all-inclusive package, which includes unlimited food and drinks, but the quality is poor. A pool bar serves soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, and there's an indoor area with lots of windows overlooking gardens and the pool. Evening singers are reportedly mediocre, but the lack of daytime noise is well-received. There's no on-site parking, and street parking fills up fast in summer. Wi-Fi is only free in common areas.