Sotavento Club Apartments

Even before entering Sotavento Apartments, its swish, funky signage and low throb of dance music beyond emanates a youthful, beach-club vibe from the street. A short staircase leads directly into the hotel's hub, a bright and laid-back patio where bikini-clad girls and tattooed lads soak up the rays on loungers lining a freeform swimming pool. While this relatively small, family-owned property opened in the early millennium, renovations completed in 2016 have really given the place vibrant, buzzy interiors that combine plush exotic touches with a fun vacation vibe and saucy boudoir aesthetic. Edgy neon artworks and Balearic-chic graphics share the space with promotions for cocktail towers and hangover-cure breakfasts, while a glass display in the lobby proffers condoms and edible bras. 

On our visit, no one looked under 25 -- it's super-popular with first-time vacationers and hen/stag parties -- while Brits account for 90 percent of the clientele. During shoulder season, expect a few older guests, but as an adults-only (17-plus) hotel it's a strictly child-free zone. Boasting some of the best pool parties in Magaluf and a friendly atmosphere that encourages fun and frolicking over drunken rowdiness, it's deservedly one of the most popular picks in the area.

The hotel is located on the south side of Torrenova, a peninsula that separates the resort towns of Palmanova and Magaluf. The area is a fairly relaxed collection of bars, tourist shops, and eateries, and it's within a 10-minute walk of two fine stretches of sandy beach. The neighborhood is set on a steep hill, however, which can make getting to and from the hotel tiring and even tricky for those with limited mobility. The island's most boisterous partying takes place along Magaluf's main strip of bars and clubs, which is little more than five minutes' walk from the hotel. About 10 minutes in the other direction, Palmanova offers less raucous nightlife and plenty of dining options. Buses also run into Palma, with its gothic Cathedral and lovely Old Town, taking about 30 minutes (plus a 10-minute walk to the bus stop); cabs to Palma de Mallorca Airport take roughly the same time.

The Sotavento's one-bedroom apartments are largely identical in layout -- the main difference is that some add bunk beds to accommodate up to six guests (from four). Decor is modern and minimal white-on-gray, with splashes of the hotel's signature turquoise and simple wooden furniture. While clean and well-maintained, units still feel like they've been the scene of more than a few parties. Living areas include sofa beds, dining areas, and kitchenettes with microwaves, fridge-freezers, cooktops, toasters, and kettles. Modern bathrooms have walk-in showers, hairdryers, and shampoo/shower gel. 

Other amenities include wall-mounted flat-screen TVs (with a good selection of UK-based channels) while safes and Wi-Fi are available for a fee (the signal is generally strong).  All apartments open to balconies with all four-person units overlooking the pool (with some partial sea views) and six-person units have views of the parking lot and surrounding buildings. Somewhat surprisingly, most past guests report that apartments are surprisingly quiet at night. 

While hardly brimming with facilities, the hotel does the important things brilliantly, with a particularly impressive pool area that includes a poolside bar, live DJs, and plenty of loungers, plus two whirlpool tubs (one of which replaced the gym). Another more recent addition is a chill-out area around the side of the hotel, with comfy single and double daybeds for those wanting a quieter space to relax -- or recover from the previous night. 

The hotel's bar-cafe offers a good range of unfussy food, such as sandwiches, wraps, salads, and sharing combos, as well as their popular all-day Full English breakfast, all of which can be enjoyed on a covered terrace overlooking the pool. Lively pool parties are held twice weekly during summer, with a Sunday chill-out session with live music that's also open to non-guests. There's event space for private parties, featuring a pole-dancing pole and DJ desk. Guests wearing the hotel's wristband also receive various offers on drinks in select local bars. Expect to be asked for a hefty deposit at check-in to cover damages.