Melia Villaitana

Designed to look like a traditional Mediterranean village -- complete with a lovely church, 25 buildings with coffered ceilings, and even piazzas with gurgling fountains -- the Melia Villaitana wows at first sight. The grounds are stunning, with manicured gardens, huge pools (including one with beach sand), a low wall with watchtowers, and cobblestone paths. The bright, airy lobby is located in the the central patio of a charming building with whitewashed walls. Its contemporary decor in blues and blacks stands out against the off-white walls, columns, and arches that line the reception area, while a central fountain adds charm and elegance. The rest of the common spaces are equally elegant, with exposed stone walls, clay tiles, marble surfaces, and fountains. Rooms are spread out, but there are buggies used to transport guests throughout the grounds.

Due to its location in a rural area outside bustling Benidorm, the atmosphere here is mostly serene, though it can get a little loud with kids running around the pool areas in the busiest months. Those looking to spend some quiet days in the sun may want to opt for a room at The Level, the higher-end, adult-only section of the hotel. It's housed in a separate building and offers access to two private pools and a restaurant as well as to the rest of the hotel’s facilities. 

The resort is located in a quiet area away from bustling central Benidorm. Aside from two 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses (both owned by the hotel) and a luxury resort nearby there little within walking distance. Popular theme park Terra Mítica is a five-minute drive away, and the nearest beaches are in Benidorm, about 10 minutes from the property by car. The nearest airport -- located in Alicante -- can be reached in about 40 minutes. 

Rooms at the Melia Villaitana are bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows and off-white walls that help create a feeling of spaciousness. All units have flat-screen TVs, minibars, wooden ceiling fans, safes, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and desks with several power sockets. Decor is elegant, with traditional wood furniture and cute bed runners with pink flowers and matching curtains.

The smallest units are the Melia Rooms, and some of these units show signs of wear and tear, with scuff marks on furniture and reports of maintenance issues. Deluxe and Premium Rooms are larger, and Junior Suites have separate living areas with sofa beds. Two-bedroom Family Suites come with two bathrooms and two LCD TVs. Adult-only Level units offer robes and slippers, pillow menus, turndown service, and stylish decor in earth tones and purple accents. Balconies in all rooms have at least two wicker chairs and a table, and Suite balconies have lounge chairs as well. 

Although the hotel is not on the beach, it does offer several immense pools. Two of these are in the private Level section, while there are another two in the main area. One of these has beach sand and the other has bridges, islands, and palm trees. The resort also offers two 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf courses with sea views: Levante, a 72-par course, and Poniente, which is par 62. 

On-site dining options are plenty, though food gets mixed reviews. Restaurants include an international buffet, a snack bar, and a tapas restaurant. The Level has its own Mediterranean restaurant, located adjacent to the private heated pool. 

The on-site YHI Spa is an upscale wellness center with 13 treatment cabins (including two outdoor ones), a hydrotherapy area, a sauna, and a cafe. Next door is the fitness center, equipped with cardio and strength-training machines. Personal trainers are available and there are regular group classes, including yoga, tai chi, Pilates, and spinning. Those looking to get a full workout outdoors can reserve a tennis or paddle court at front desk. 

Entertainment for all ages is available seasonally, and there's a kids’ club offering activities during the summer months. The hotel is also known for its elegant events space, which includes 17 fully equipped meeting rooms. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, although there have been complaints of spotty service. There is a fee for on-site parking.