TUI SENSIMAR Don Pedro

Previously part of the now defunct Hi! Hotels brand, the Sentido chain took over the Don Pedro in 2015 and breathed new life into the aging property with extensive renovations. This update is immediately evident stepping into the lobby area, with a swish though understated combination of patterned wallpaper, gray wood-effect flooring, and white-potted palms. Built into a rocky promontory, the reception level is on the top floor, with the other five tiering in whitewashed balconies down toward the sea. While most of the interiors continue in a similarly modernized style as the lobby, a few remnants of the hotel's '70s origins remain, such as a pair of old-fashioned elevators and gloomy hallways that appear semi-updated. 

It's a fully all-inclusive, adults-only (16-olus) property, though the general look and feel is a step up from the majority of similar resort-style hotels. Clientele is almost exclusively couples (most from the UK) and the atmosphere is conducive to relaxing and soaking up the hotel's main selling point -- an uninterrupted and picturesque panorama of the sea and surrounding cliffs. 

The seafront hotel is set between two small beaches (Cala Barques and Playa de Cala Clara) in the small resort of Cala San Vincent, located on the northeastern corner of the island. The resort's largest beach, Cala Molins, is just under five minutes' walk away, and it takes roughly the same amount of time to walk around the village. A handful of decent restaurants, plus grocery stores and a couple bars are within a short walk of the property, but there isn't much nightlife. Pollensa and its pretty cobbled streets is about 15 minutes' drive, while the popular resort of Port de Pollensa is roughly the same distance. The unspoiled Formentor beach and its accompanying stunning views is about a 25-minute drive. Palma and Old Town, as well as Palma de Mallorca Airport, can be reached in just under an hour by car. 

Guest rooms were all renovated in 2015 and are decorated in a smart and modern mix of wood-effect flooring, simple IKEA-esque furniture, and back-lit paneling. Light-box bedside tables and adjustable reading lamps provide extra lighting. Rooms roughly measure a respectable 320 square feet (30 square meters), with all but a few single units opening to large balconies or terraces. Of the 135 rooms, 110 feature superb sea views with the rest overlooking parking or pool areas. A handful of suites add larger balconies, separate lounges (with extra TVs), and bathrobes. While the surroundings are very peaceful, some past guests have complained of poor soundproofing between rooms, and find beds a little too firm.

Air-conditioning is available in warmer months, and standard amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, pool towels, mini-fridges (filled on request), and free digital safes. Wi-Fi is also free of charge, but signal is generally poor. Bathrooms have walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and soap and shampoo dispensers, and wall-mounted hairdryers; while generally clean and modern, we noticed a few spots of rust here and there, and some can feel a little cramped. 

Facilities at the Sentido Don Pedro are very much geared toward eating, drinking, and relaxing. The main restaurant is modern and spacious, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets with live cooking stations, and there's a snack corner for in-between meals. Although there's no a la carte option, food is generally solid, and breakfast is a highlight, offering Cava, fresh juice, and a good choice of eggs. The restaurant opens directly onto a covered alfresco terrace and the hotel's main outdoor space -- a large sun terrace overlooking the sea, with modern-looking loungers. Drinks are served throughout the day, and there's direct access to the water. The rooftop Blue Bar was added in 2015, and features glowing light-box sofas and tables, panoramic views, and decent cocktail list (most for extra charge). 

Although prone to a little morning shade, the swimming pool terrace is a pleasant and secluded spot, with separate whirlpool tub, and self-serve bar (soft drinks only). There's also a modest wellness area with sauna, two massage rooms, and a small gym with sea views. An animation program offers frequent activities such as shooting, archery, and aquarobics, and nightly evening entertainment is usually local music acts. 

The all-inclusive plan covers breakfast, late breakfast, lunch, and dinner in main restaurant, served buffet-style with some live cooking and themed buffets about twice a week. Water, soft drinks, and local wine and beer are on offer during meals. Hot and cold snacks, coffee, and cakes are served in the restaurant between lunch and dinner. Cold drinks at the main bar are covered in the plan, while the Blue Bar only offers cold drinks and most cocktails at an extra charge. All on-site entertainment and activities are also included.