Zafiro Tropic

Zafiro Tropic is tucked down a side road, and a row of mature palm trees fronting a zigzagging balconied facade lead the way to its entrance. A large revolving door delivers guests to the spacious reception area, decked out in a curious though inviting mixture of styles that include slabs of multilayered onyx marble, plush leather-effect padding, and caramel-colored soft seating. Tropical-flower lighting and a small internal garden introduce an organic theme, enhanced by cascading ivy from each level of the five-floor atrium topped by a stained-glass skylight. Off the lobby is a huge bar-lounge that opens to a covered terrace overlooking the main hub of the hotel -- a series of pools, an entertainment stage, and a palm-grass thatch poolside bar. 

Built in 1987, the property saw its last major renovation in 2010 and holds up well compared to other similarly aged hotels. The complex comprises four blocks (three with elevators) set around lush gardens brimming with subtropical plants and colorful flowers -- plus a duck pond -- and connected by terra-cotta footpaths under leafy shaded walkways. The vibe is super family-friendly, with plenty of kids squealing and splashing about during our visit, which -- despite the adult-only section -- can be hard to escape.  

The hotel is surrounded by scrubland and other hotels, and a five-minute walk from the main road that runs parallel with the sweeping bay of the popular resort town of Port d'Alcudia. While not quite as upmarket as the nearby Port de Pollenca, the town is a pleasantly laid-back mix of tourist restaurants, bars, and hotels. The resort center and the majority of its dining and nightlife is about 10 minutes away on foot, and the strikingly wide sandy beach -- also famed for its calm and particularly shallow waters -- is around five. The town's port and marina are also within walking distance, while the Hidropark waterpark is a five-minute drive away. Also accessible by car is the pretty town of Pollenca, a 15- to 20-minute drive, while the island's capital Palma de Mallorca and the main airport are at least 45 minutes away. 

The hotel has 340 units comprising studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and the top-level duplexes. Most apartments were renovated in 2009 and 2010, and decor -- while not particularly interesting -- is neat and modern, with plenty of wood veneer (floor and furniture), textured beige walls, and the odd piece of modern art; we noticed a few signs of wear during our visit. One new accommodation block (number four) was finished in 2015, and features similar but smarter and more contemporary interiors. All apartments open to balconies or terraces. Privilege Apartments also have small gardens, Swim Up Apartments have direct pool access, and Royal Terrace Apartments have spacious rooftop or garden terraces with daybeds and whirlpool tubs (some even have distant sea views).

Standard amenities include kitchenettes (with electric hobs, fridges, kettles, and toasters), 32- or 42-inch flat-screen TVs (with around 90 channels), and free Wi-Fi (mostly strong enough for video streaming). Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, all with walk-in showers, walk-mounted hairdryers, and quality toiletries featuring exotic scents. Repeat guests are often treated to a free welcome bottle of wine and fruit.

The number of pools at the hotel certainly impresses. There are six: the main central freeform pools (separated by a small waterfall), one with a large rubber dome and water jets, a long narrow pool with separate kids' section; an adult-only pool with canopied daybeds and relaxing music, a mini pirate-themed water park; and a quiet pool tucked away from any hubbub large enough for a swim. Some have complained, however, that noise from the water park easily reaches the adjacent adult-only pool. A spa also has a heated indoor pool with whirlpool sections, as well as sauna, steam bath, and two massage rooms. 

Served in the hotel's main dining room, an extensive buffet breakfast includes plenty of hot and cold dishes as well as two live cooking stations, one offering cooked-to-order eggs and pancakes, the other healthy fruit- and vegetable-based options. Breakfast is always included in the rate, while a half-board plan includes a dinner buffet with twice-weekly themes. For lunch, the poolside bar and terrace offers an a la carte menu of around 50 dishes, many of them covered by an optional all-inclusive plan. There's also a spacious indoor cafe-bar with dozens of tables, and a stage for entertainment during inclement weather. Regular live shows take place on the poolside stage, and there's also a busy animation program and supervised kids' club. A supermarket is also attached to the hotel (with direct access from the lobby) providing all the usual groceries and essential vacation items.

The optional all-inclusive plan is certainly one of the more impressive. As well as covering the usual buffet breakfast and dinner, it includes a wide selection of dishes from the lunchtime a la carte menu. It also includes a long list of soft and alcoholic drinks, including plenty of branded spirits, wines, and cocktails; top-shelf beverages are also offered at around half-price discount for all-inclusive guests. Fruit and sandwiches are also covered and served throughout the day (except mealtimes).