Las Gaviotas Suites Hotel

The scent of jasmine wafting from the patio garden certainly makes for a pleasant arrival experience at Las Gaviotas Suites Hotel, and helps to detract a little from its road-front setting. Glass doors swoosh open in the low-rise reception area, revealing a surprisingly airy and stylishly simple space. Cool grays and crisp whites provide the backdrop for zen-like, clean-lined interior design with the subtle Asian minimalism emphasized with back-lit bonsai trees. Little remains of the original '60s property besides sharp modernist architecture, a sweeping wooden staircase, and an intriguing mural by local artist, Formes, in the bar lounge. The last major overhaul was back in 2008, but regular refreshes have kept the finish chic and contemporary. 

Much of the four-story property overlooks a central courtyard that features soaring palms, spacious terraces, and an adult-only pool. To the rear is an immaculate garden with a long undulating pool, manicured lawns, and cypress trees overlooked by a balconied facade. The vibe throughout feels swish and relaxed. While the hotel welcomes little ones, clientele are mostly couples from Germany, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia. 

The hotel is located overlooking a fairly busy roundabout in the center of the relatively sedate resort of Playa de Muro, just south of the larger and buzzier Port d'Alcudia. A large concentration of mini-markets, restaurants, and tourist shops are within a short stroll -- and a Burger King restaurant is right next door. It's a two-minute walk to a lovely long stretch of sandy beach, while the Alcudia Nature Reserve -- protected wetlands perfect for bird-watching -- is a couple minutes away by cab. The family-friendly Hidropark is a 10-minute drive away and the scenic cobbled streets of Alcudia town are about a 15-minute drive. The capital of Palma and its Palma de Mallorca Airport are up to an hour away. 

Despite its name, Las Gaviotas Suites Hotel also offers 30 Twin Rooms as well as 143 Suites and Family Suites. Interiors are all smart and modern, with wood-effect flooring, simple contemporary furniture, and a muted palette of gray and white. Twin Rooms are on the small side, especially compared to the far more spacious Suites. Suites add separate lounges with sofa beds and sleep up to four. Family Suites have an extra bedroom for up to six people, plus kitchenettes. 

In-room amenities are suitably upscale, with at least 32-inch smart TVs (42-inches in suites), Bluetooth sound systems, and super-fast free Wi-Fi. Mini-fridges also come as standard, as do digital safes for a charge. There are no coffee- or tea-making facilities. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, with walk-in showers and upscale touches such as Hydro-brand toiletries, waffle-comb bathrobes, and pool towels. 

All units open to balconies or terraces, and Twin Rooms overlook the mostly quiet inner courtyard. Suite balconies are around double the length and have courtyard or rear garden (with sunset) views, though some are prone to traffic noise. 

Updated in 2017, the hotel's upper-level dining room is immaculate, and includes a beautifully presented buffet of hot and cold dishes for breakfast, plus live cooking for freshly made eggs and bacon. Coffee machines are bean-to-cup, Cava is chilled, and heated plates keep food warm. Dinner is also served here; a trio of chefs man the cooking stations and there's a regular rotation of buffet themes. Rates always include breakfast and there's an optional half-board plan. For lunch there's a poolside bar and restaurant serving above average fare that includes Asian, Italian, and vegan options, plus a kids' menu. It also makes for a pleasant evening venue with guest DJs and live jazz. A lobby bar/cafe is open until late with regular live music and a street front terrace. 

Relaxation facilities include a lovely long garden pool with both whirlpool and splash pool sections. There are plenty of loungers, but the pool is prone to shade in the morning. Opposite the detached fitness room is a sunny outdoor spa pool with massage jets. The manicured lawn provides an ideal space for regular yoga sessions. A four-lane training pool is adult-only and heated for much of the year. The hotel's super-contemporary spa features a heated pool, three treatment rooms, sauna and steam rooms, and wall-to-wall windows providing natural light. The hotel's bike center offers free storage, water, and bananas for cyclists, plus a workshop and cleaning corner. Free parking is available, but spaces are limited to 12 cars. Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the property.