Sol Beach House Mallorca

Previously the Sol Cala Blanca, this '60s-built hotel relaunched in 2016, not only fresh from a fresh round of renovations, but with a shiny new "beach house" concept. And most guests seem to enjoy the combination of hippy, shabby-chic styling, ubiquitous life-affirming quotes, and upcycled furniture that now characterize the interiors of the hotel. An emphasis on creating a particularly relaxed and customer-focused experience is clearly part of the new ethos, helped by a genuinely friendly rapport between the staff and guests; with 180 guest rooms, it's not a small property, though the hotel manages to foster an intimate vibe that even gets fellow guests interacting. The calming vibe that pervades the hotel is certainly aided by its adult-only policy (16 to 17 years are allowed with an 18-year-old and up), which means no noisy kids splashing around the pool. While some of the older guests (many who have been coming here for years) might take a little adjusting, the changes are attracting a younger mix of vacationing couples, as well as families with grown-up kids.

The hotel boasts a particularly prime location set right on the middle of three of Palmanova's sandy beaches. There are numerous bars, restaurants, and shops within a short stroll, many of them catering specifically to the overwhelmingly British holiday-makers who descend each year. The wild nightlife of neighboring Magaluf is also just about within walking distance (25 minutes), or a five-minute cab journey; there families can also find the more kid-friendly Katmandu Park. The charming cobbled streets of Palma's Old Town are about a 30-minute drive away, and Palma de Mallorca Airport is around the same distance.

The beach-house vibe continues into the hotel's 180 guest rooms, thanks to colorful fabrics in teal, green, and pink, and white- and natural-wood furnishings set against a simple background of wooden or beige-tile floors and white walls. Renovations in 2017 included redesigned XTRA Beach House rooms and suites, which have weathered wood headboards, freestanding soaking tubs and walk-in glass showers, and mid-century modern furniture. Rooms are generally bright and spacious (320 square feet) and guests are welcomed by cheerful messages chalked on blackboards. Sliding doors open to furnished terraces or balconies with quality patio seating; most are treated to lovely sea views, though those to the rear overlook the road, which can be noisy when balcony doors are open. Amenities include minibars (with soft drinks and beer), safes, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels that include a few U.K.-based. Wi-Fi is free of charge, though it can be slow and some guests complain it's non-existent in some. Bathrooms are clean and modern, featuring shower/tub combos (with clingy curtains), decent toiletries, and weak wall-mounted hose hairdryers. Renovated peek-a-boo bathrooms have separate walk-in glass showers and soaking tubs, some of which are located in-room. Main gripes are the lack of tea- and coffee-making facilities and drawer space. As well as being almost double the size of standard rooms, suites add bathrobes and slippers, Nespresso coffee machines, free welcome minibars, and beach bags.

With its huge floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beach, the hotel's bright and airy renovated dining room is where most meals are served. There's an almost dizzying selection of items for its free buffet breakfast, which includes omelets and pancakes cooked-to-order. Half-board option includes a buffet dinner, while lunch is a la carte and available both in the main restaurant and the poolside Sol Shack Beach Bar (which can get busy at peak times). There's also a lounge bar with a good selection of premium spirits and cocktails, and live music most evenings. Though the pool isn't huge, it is large enough for swimming laps and because the beach is right there, it doesn't tend to get crowded. Some guests have complained, however, that there's not enough sunbeds and the hotel building casts a shade in the afternoon (meaning some early-morning grabs for choice positions). The space received new wooden flooring and fresh loungers after our visit.There's also a outdoor whirlpool tub, plus an indoor pool which is heated over the winter. 2016 also saw the introduction of a fitness room with up-to-date equipment, as well as a simple spa area offering massage treatments. Yoga classes are also offered.