Aparthotel La Pergola

The first thing that strikes you upon arrival at La Pergola is how polished and well-presented it all is. There are monogrammed sliding glass doors opening to the immaculate reception area, with velvet couches, a dark-wood-paneled front desk, and cool gray tiled floors. Faux snakeskin tabletops and white orchids add a posh touch. To one side, floor-to-ceiling windows provide plenty of natural light, as well as views of the sunny pool area. The aparthotel complex comprises seven buildings, standing between three and four floors high (each with an elevator). Most encircle the central terrace, and few are located across a small and very quiet road. While not quite matching the sheen of the lobby lounge and bar areas (both renovated in 2015), the rest of the property is certainly clean and well-maintained, with pockets of tropical flora and sculpted hedges lining whitewashed walls and stone footpaths. The vibe is generally secluded, serene, and relaxed, especially either side of the school holidays when guests are mostly vacationing couples -- though reports suggest the pool can get a little overcrowded in high-season. Open year-round, the hotel also attracts some business travelers in the cooler months. The family-run business La Pergola belongs to also own the neighboring Mon Port hotel. 

The hotel is located at the end of a dead-end road in a peaceful and mostly residential neighborhood on the north side of Port d’Andrax. Close to the western tip of Majorca, this picturesque bay is particularly popular with the yacht set (featuring an impressive marina), with the surrounding mountainside scattered with upscale vacation homes. There’s very little in the immediate area surrounding the property and no decent beach within walking distance, though the small, pebbly Cala Fonoll is a 10-minute walk. The La Vela yacht club and a few marina-front restaurants are also less than five minutes away on foot, while the buzzy resort center on the other side of the bay, offering more bars and eateries, is 15 minutes. For a decent stretch of sand, neighboring Camp de Mar or Sant Elm are 10 to 20 minutes away by car. The island capital Palma is roughly a 40-minute drive, with Palma de Majorca Airport a little farther.

La Pergola offers quite a range of accommodations, from simple, Standard Rooms, to Studio, One- and Two-bedroom apartments, plus Bungalows and Villas. Apartments also come in Standard and Superior categories, though the only real difference is the size. Villas are slightly bigger than Bungalows, sleeping up to five rather than four guests. Interiors tend to be a mix of modern and traditional elements, with simple, contemporary furniture and splashes of color contrasting with rustic, terra-cotta tile floors and antique-style drawers and tables. Some Villas and Bungalows, however, look dated and could use a revamp. All open to spacious balconies or terraces with rattan seating, most overlooking the pool, though some have garden views.

Most accommodation (except for Standard units) come with kitchenettes that include electric ranges, fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and decent cookware. Living areas also have sofa beds and 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and both safes and Wi-Fi are free of charge; the signal can vary depending on location. Villas extend to patios with barbecues and have direct access to a small shared swimming pool. Most bathrooms have walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, simple toiletries, and full-size wall-mounted hairdryers. 

While there’s not a huge amount of terrace around it, the hotel’s swimming pool is a pretty good size, with separate kids’ section and shallow area. The surrounding loungers are modern and comfortable, and pool towels are available at the neighboring reception (with deposit). There’s no poolside animation program, so apart from the occasional splashing child, the area is pretty serene. Downstairs from the lobby is a sauna, small gym, and a heated indoor pool that opens in cooler weather. Guests also have access to the sister hotel Mon Port’s excellent spa during the winter. All year, the two properties also share a tennis court, kids’ club (for four-year-olds and up) and free parking.

Renovated in 2015, the hotel’s buffet dining room is bright and fresh, and offers for breakfast and dinner. There's live cooking, with dishes such as eggs al gusto in the morning, and in the evening, a 15-day rotating cycle of meat and fish is on the menu. Breakfast is included and half-board plans are optional. The swish hotel bar (revamped with the restaurant) offers an a la carte menu for lunch featuring items such as garlic prawns, grilled salmon, and various sandwiches and salads. Opinion on the quality and variety of food is solid, plus most consider the drinks to be reasonably priced. Wi-Fi throughout is free.