Viva Blue & Spa

Some hotels just get it right, and Viva Blue is one of them. From first stepping into the bright and spotless lobby -- all clad in swathes of travertine stone with airy exposed beam roof -- and throughout this large apartment complex there's an air of quiet and friendly efficiency and attention to detail. It's situated on more than an acre of gardens with an immaculate mixture of palm trees, well-tended shrubbery, and footpaths lined with lawns and rows of colorful flowers. The property opened in 1998, it is one of the newer hotels in the area with modern, Mediterranean-style architecture that is more functional than attractive. A partial renovation in 2016 however has kept its extensive facilities and four, four-story accommodation blocks excellently maintained. The hotel certainly knows its customer, and caters for the distinctive seasons -- families with kids over the summer months, with more athletic guests -- particularly cyclists -- on either side. Clientele hail mostly from the UK and Germany, and the Viva Blue only closes for the two coldest months over the winter.

The Viva Blue is located in the relatively quiet Playa de Muro resort part of the huge Alcudia Bay on the northeastern coast of Majorca. The main shortcoming compared to many nearby hotels is lack of beachfront setting, being positioned the other side of the main road that runs up the coast. It is only a five minute stroll, however, to this particularly picturesque and family-friendly stretch of sandy beach and the road is rarely busy (unless you count cyclists). While light on local nightlife, there are a few tourist restaurants nearby, as well as supermarkets for supplies. A 10-minute cab ride takes you to livelier Port d'Alcudia, while nature-lovers are within walking distance (15 minutes) of the Alcudia Nature Reserve. Sightseers also have the lovely Alcudia old town and the nearby Roman ruins of Pollentia 15 minutes' drive from the hotel. The capital Palma and its Palma de Mallorca Airport are up to an hour away by car. 

The hotel has 265 units varying from regular double rooms up to two-bedroom apartments sleeping up to six. A partial renovation in 2016 spruced up most accommodations with a fresh, bright look that combines light-wood paneling, simple contemporary furniture, and colorful artworks against a background of beige. All extend to spacious balconies, private gardens, or terraces with rattan seating, most of which overlook the pretty grounds and pool areas while others are treated to lovely views over the neighboring nature reserve (if you discount a distant power station). Mosquitos can also be an issue at certain times of the year. Higher-grade units add outside hot tubs, with top-notch apartments also offering panoramic rooftop terraces. 

All apartments have separate living areas with sofa beds, dining furniture, and kitchenettes with fridges, microwaves, electric ranges, toasters, and kettles. Upgraded perks also include Nespresso machines. All come with 32-inch flat-screen TVs, though international channels are limited. Wi-Fi is free of charge with good signal strength. Bathrooms are generally spacious, clean, and well-maintained, mostly with shower/tub combos (with some walk-in showers), plus wall-mounted hairdryers, and chain-branded toiletries.

There's truly an extensive range of facilities for all types of visitors at Viva Blue. The pools alone impress, with a choice of five in all including the large main pool, adults-only pool with Bali beds, and the heated six-lane, semi-Olympic pool popular with training triathletes (though filled with children's inflatables over the summer). Kids' also have the use of a pirate-themed splash pool with slides, which is heated at the start of season. For younger guests there's a kids' club and playground with trampoline and bouncy castle. An animation program too caters for all ages. Cyclists have one of the best equipped bike centers on the island, and there's also a well-equipped modern gym. For recovery and relaxation, there's free entry to a spa, with three areas that include heated pool, saunas, and outdoor whirlpool tubs. 

The hotel is also no slouch in the dining department, either. The main buffet restaurant opens for breakfast, with freshly made smoothies and cooked-to-order omelets, as well as lunch and dinner with regular themed buffets and a particularly wide selection of healthy and vegetarian options. Guests agree that food quality is consistently good. A la carte menus of snacks and light meals are available from a bar-restaurant and poolside bar, both with outside terraces, plus there's an indoor sports bar showing live sports on a large flat-screen TV. While breakfast is not always included in the rate, bed-and-breakfast, half-board, and all-inclusive plans are available.