Magic Natura Animal, Water Park & Polynesian Lodge Resort

The name says it all, as this property is a Polynesian-themed property that is connected to and gives free access to the Aqua Natura water park and Terra Natura zoo. Travelers here are mostly families enticed with the array of kid-friendly features, who are content to spend time in the pool and watching animals -- elephants, tigers, and sea lions, to name a few. However, the caged animals may upset some visitors. The faintly Polynesian design includes ornate wooden carvings and thatched roofs. Given the numerous facilities here, many guests opt for one of the free golf carts and minibuses to reach their room and various points of interest. During the day, travelers can typically be found at one of the multiple pools, while nighttime generally draws them to the Rapanui Bar, an open space that hosts events and entertainment at night -- though this receives mixed reviews. Travelers specifically wanting to spend their days at the pool and zoo will be happy here, but those wanting beach time or to explore Benidorm may prefer somewhere closer to the center of town.

Guests staying at Magic Natura are likely to be staying there for one reason: free entry to the Aqua Natura water park and Terra Natura zoo. The parks are just next to the hotel complex, and the resort provides free transportation between them. Benidorm and the beach, however, are farther away. Downtown Benidorm, its beach, and numerous restaurants, bars, and shops are a 15-minute drive away, though Magic Natura runs a free shuttle bus service there. This is helpful given that parking on-site requires a fee. Transfers to and from Alicante Airport take around 40 minutes by car, while Murcia-San Javier Airport is between 90 and 105 minutes, depending on the route. 

Magic Natura has 249 rooms, each of which is in its own stand-alone, chalet-style bungalow. The units are modern and airy, with light-wood floors and furniture, cream walls and sofas, and pops of red-orange in throw pillows and patterned bed runners. Photos of Polynesian beaches and overwater bungalows hang over beds. All rooms have furnished outdoor spaces, and upgrades add whirlpools. Armchairs and two single beds pushed together come standard, while larger units have sofas and additional bedrooms with either two separate single beds or bunk beds. Beige travertine-tiled bathrooms have showers, hairdryers, and basic toiletries. Also standard are air-conditioning units, flat-screen TVs, minibars, microwaves, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Note that some past guests have complained about noise reaching rooms until late at night. In-room safes require a fee, though that's standard for the area.

All guests get free access to the Aqua Natura water park, which has a wide range of pools with waterslides and found features, and the Terra Natura zoo, home to a range of animals, such as tigers, elephants, and monkeys. Magic Natura has lounger-equipped terraces that overlook the zoo’s animal enclosures. Magic Natura’s all-inclusive package also  applies to food and drink in the parks. Three restaurants include two buffet eateries, Tuvalu and its overspill, Tuvalu II, and the Tangaloa International Meat Restaurant, which offers exotic meats for dinner. There are three bars, the Rapanui Bar, which is in an outdoor space that hosts the nightly entertainment -- guests give it mixed feedback. La Pagoda Taman Ayun is a pool bar, while La Palapa is a smaller and more intimate cocktail bar. Three large outdoor pools include a two-tiered infinity pool, another round pool with a whirlpool and separate kiddy pool set in a large terrace close to the chalets, and another children’s pool that has a climbing frame with slides. A kids' club and game room are also on-site, though there's enough to keep little ones busy elsewhere. A spa offers a variety of treatments, which receive positive reviews from guests. An ill-equipped gym has a few cardio machines and free weights. Wi-Fi is free, while parking requires a fee.