Zafiro Mallorca

Built in 2004, the Zafiro Mallorca (formerly the Viva Mallorca) is one of the newer kids on the block and a renovation completed four years later has kept the place adequately up-to-date. The set up, however, will be familiar to anyone who has previously stayed at other Viva/Zafiro apartment complexes -- a collection of low-rise accommodation blocks set in extensive grounds brimming with facilities. The gardens are also particularly attractive, with terra-cotta tiled walkways meandering through manicured lawns peppered with mature palms, ancient olives trees, and scented pines. A fun and friendly atmosphere prevails, with upbeat energy provided by an enthusiastic animation team around the main pool, and plenty of quieter shady spots around the over two-acre grounds in which to relax. Guests are almost exclusively families, and with the setup geared toward entertaining kids over adults, expect plenty of raucousness over peak season. Couples and groups, even outside the busier school breaks, may want to look elsewhere.

The hotel is set on the edge of the small and relatively low-key resort of Ca'n Picafort, part of Alcudia Bay on the northeast coast of Majorca. The location isn't ideal, with nothing of interest in the immediate area and resort center at least 10 minutes away on foot. The long, sandy beach is the same distance, as is the beachfront promenade lined with restaurants, boutiques, and tourist shops. The fairly narrow beach can get busy over peak season, though the quieter and more picturesque Playa de Muro is 15 minutes' walk away. Those looking for a little more nightlife can take a 20-minute cab journey to the Port d'Alcudia, while nature-lovers are a 10-minute drive from the Alcudia Nature Reserve and bird sanctuary. Sightseeing can be enjoyed at the lovely Alcudia old town and nearby Roman ruins of Pollentia, both a 20-minute drive away. The capital of Palma and Palma de Mallorca Airport can take up to an hour to reach by car.

The vast majority of the hotel's 252 air-conditioned units are one-bedroom apartments sleeping up to families of four, with the rest either studios (sleeping two) or double apartments (sleeping up to six). Accommodations are spacious though decor is approaching dated, with tiled floors, striped fabrics, and textured cream walls. All standard units open to balconies or terraces with plastic patio furniture either overlooking the gardens and pools, or the surrounding residential streets. Upgraded apartment extend to private gardens with loungers, and top-end units have spacious terraces with Bali beds and whirlpool tubs.

Most apartments have roomy living areas with sofa beds, dining furniture, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with a good selection of UK-based channels. Separate kitchenettes come with fridges, microwaves, electric ranges, toasters, and kettles. Digital safes are available for a fee, and Wi-Fi is free of charge and fairly reliable, though not particularly fast. Bathrooms are clean and functional, and come with shower/tub combos, generic toiletries, and wall-mounted hairdryers. While external noise is rarely an issue, hard floors and thin walls means sound travels easily between rooms.

Pools are a highlight at the Zafiro Mallorca. There's a large freeform pool lined with plentiful loungers, an adults-only pool surrounded by daybeds, and splash pool with pirate ship and waterslides. A fourth heated pool can be found indoors in the spa, which also has a whirlpool tub, sauna, and steam room; entry is free of charge and massage treatments are available for extra. There's also a small gym with modern equipment. Younger guests are kept entertained by a mini-waterpark, and there's a supervised kids' club with an impressive-looking playground and full program of animation. Nightly entertainment ranges from live music to magicians to dancing, with quality not always consistent.

Most meals take place in the vast and airy restaurant, which opens for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with long and varied buffets and some live cooking stations. Breakfast is not included as standard, though various plans are available up to all-inclusive. An a al carte menu of the usual burgers, sandwiches, and pasta can be found at the La Palapa pool bar. Consensus points to the quality of food being more than adequate, though not outstanding. Self-caterers can buy products from the on-site supermarket, though some complain prices are a little high. Wi-Fi is offered free of charge throughout, though it can be spotty in places.