Hotel Villa Singala

Hotel Villa Singala's entrance has bright magenta bougainvillea against a whitewashed facade, combined with an elegant canvas portico, low box hedges, and an ancient olive tree that makes for an attractive first impression. Renovated in 2015, the lobby is also impeccably presented with a small, wood-paneled reception desk, neatly arranged comfortable seating, and several antique-style pieces that add to the welcoming yet refined atmosphere. Housing just 29 rooms, the property is small, but it manages to squeeze in a small pool terrace and dining room. The hotel's intimate vibe and personal touch appeals mostly to couples (many repeat guests) keen to avoid the typical resort-style experience.

The hotel is located in the peaceful and largely residential Pine Walk neighborhood at the north end of Port de Pollenca Bay. A small sandy beach is one block away, while the start of a longer stretch of sand with a few eateries is a five-minute walk away. The hotel is set a little away from most of the resort's bars and restaurants, but the town center is still within walking distance (about a 10- to 15-minute walk) or a five-minute cab ride. In the opposite direction and a short walk away is the bijou resort of Formentor, although Formentor Beach -- reputed as one of the most picturesque on the island -- is a 15-minute drive. It's about an hour's drive from the island's charming capital of Palma and Palma de Mallorca Airport.

Combining white antique-style furniture, floral-pattern fabrics, and carpeted floors, the 29 rooms at Hotel Villa Singala are homey, bright, and tidy -- if a bit old-fashioned. Most rooms open to furnished balconies or terraces, many with lovely mountain views, and others get glimpses of the sea or overlook the pool. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with coffee- and tea-making facilities, mini-fridges, hairdryers, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with a good selection of English-speaking channels). In-room Wi-Fi is also free, and the signal is generally reliable. Tiled bathrooms are well-maintained with shower/tub combos and wall-mounted soap/shampoo dispensers. Some of the rooms are small, and guests have complained about noise traveling between rooms. 

This is a small hotel, lacking the facilities of a full-range resort. A continental buffet breakfast of fresh fruit, pastries, juices, and various cold cuts is included in the room rate -- guests can take it in the bright dining room or out on the garden terrace. Lunchtime snacks are available, as is a small bar serving drinks, but there's no dinner service. An outdoor swimming pool has several loungers and a couple of umbrellas. Guests can use a computer in the lobby and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.