Steigenberger Golf & Spa Resort Camp de Mar

Stepping through the grand Spanish mansion-like entrance, guests enter a high-ceilinged foyer set with pebble floors, hanging wrought-iron chandelier, and Neoclassical touches that include a Roman-style fresco and pointed pediment. Just beyond the foyer is the main lobby -- a bright and elegant space combining polished marble floors and exposed wood-beam ceilings with smart seating options. Originally built in 2001, this hotel is a sprawling golf-focused property full of Moorish and Mediterranean-inspired touches, such as the many columned archways throughout. Spruced up in 2013, the impressive public areas are certainly a standout feature, characterized by grand, stylish decor with a relaxed classic-yet-contemporary atmosphere. External walkways lead under vibrant orange arches and manicured gardens brim with carefully sculpted shrubbery, palm and pine trees, and carpet-like lawns. The hotel attracts a mix of families, couples, and of course golfing groups, heavily leaning toward German clientele.

The hotel overlooks the greens of the 18-hole Andratx Golf Club (featuring the longest hole in Spain) and is set in the small and relatively peaceful Majorcan resort of Camp de Mar, in the southwest corner of the island. Its main draw is the sandy beach -- a 10-minute walk from the hotel -- overlooking turquoise waters and featuring a rocky islet occupied by a restaurant. There are several more eateries and a couple of bars within walking distance, though generally there's not much in the way of nightlife. Bustling Palma, with its charming Old Town and Gothic cathedral, is about 25 minutes' drive away. The Palma de Mallorca Airport is around a 30-minute drive.

The hotel has 164 rooms and suites, all of which extend to furnished balconies with views of the pool, the mountains, or the sea. The 93 rooms renovated in 2016 are light and contemporary with a muted palette of beige and browns, while other guest rooms are more dated in style due to blue-patterned carpets and dowdy furnishings. All rooms are spacious and include sofas and work desks. Amenities include minibars, coffee machines, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with pay-per-view movies (though mostly German channels). In-room Wi-Fi is free, fast, and reliable. Bathrooms generally have rustic-style tiling, wall-mounted hairdryers, separate showers and tubs, plus robes and slippers. 

Deluxe ground level rooms with private terraces (adults only) include two sun loungers and direct access to the pool and gardens. Family rooms are considerably larger with living and sleeping areas on separate floors. Suites have large balconies with a whirlpool tub, two bedrooms, two bathrooms (one with a jetted tub), living areas with fireplaces, and small kitchenettes.

Features here are luxurious and convenient, much like the resort itself. A decent buffet breakfast including chilled Cava and cooked-to-order eggs is served in a large, bright dining room with outdoor seating (which can get very busy during high season). Breakfast is always included in the rate. There's also a poolside snack bar and El Mallorquin restaurant opens to a small outdoor terrace that serves traditional Spanish food for dinner. The elegant Atrium Bar is open day and night, serving coffee beverages and a solid drinks menu. 

One of the hotel's main attractions is its elegant spa, which has a gym, large indoor pool, whirlpool tub, mosaic-tiled steam room, and an extensive list of massage and body treatments. Reports suggest the water in the indoor pool can be a little chilly in the winter months. The outdoor pool is a large lagoon-style pool with plentiful sunbeds on a lawn and two poolside showers. Guests also have direct access to golfing facilities at the adjoining golf club, with the use of golf carts to ferry them between (fee). Wi-Fi is free of charge and speedy throughout.