LABRANDA Tahona Garden

Part of the Labranda resort chain, this all-inclusive makes a fresh first impression, done up in creamy white and celeste blue tones; it's a breezy counterpoint to other nearby resorts. White slipcovered seats by the reception desk offer a soft landing to arriving guests, and little details like driftwood-style coffee tables and potted cacti add a sense of place. The heart of the hotel is its freshwater pools, looping around the courtyard, and the resort's rooms and apartment units fan out from here in two-story buildings. The restaurant is equally inviting, with floor-to-ceiling windows and white-on-white decor that creates and open-air impression (though the prints on chair cushions feels a bit dated). Unfortunately, this clean and stylish look doesn't permeate the guest rooms completely. 

The majority of guests are older couples in their fifties, fine with exchanging some big-resort features for a more intimately sized property. It's a crowd that lends itself to a quiet, calm vibe, and evening entertainment is limited to bingo games or live music. But some younger couples and families are also drawn into the mix, and the property does cater to the latter with a kiddy pool and high chairs in the restaurant, though the all-out kid-centric features in neighboring resorts won't be found here.

This Labranda outpost is set on a pleasantly quiet street surrounded by other hotels and vacation rentals, but it's a bit apart from the towering mega resorts and the beach, giving it a more residential feel. Caleta de Fuste's public beach is a short 10-minute walk away, and several bars and restaurants are within an easy stroll as well, including a curry restaurant that's a minute's walk away. A shopping complex is a nine-minute walk away, holding more dining and drinking options, plus a few convenient extras like a pharmacy and a supermarket (helpful for those staying in the apartment units with kitchenettes). The airport is a quick nine-minute drive north, and traffic tends to be minimal. There's no parking on the premises, though free parking can be located on the surrounding streets.

Unfortunately, this Labranda loses a bit of its luster when it comes to guest rooms. Decor attempts to carry forward the same breezy aesthetic found in the hotel's public spaces. But several details spoil the effect, such as drab yellow bedspreads and navy blue towels that clash with the robin's egg blue on walls or the '80s patterns on some curtains and cushions. That said, rooms are still bright and spacious, especially compared to other mid-range and budget resorts in the area. Bathrooms throughout are done in basic beige or white tiling, and either have shower/tub combos or narrow walk-in showers. Toiletries are limited, pared down to just bars of soap tucked into washcloths.

Categories range from simple standard rooms with balconies or patios to One- and Two-Bedroom Apartments with sitting areas and tiny kitchenettes. The latter have burners, mini-fridges, and sinks. Cookware and dishware are provided on request. All have outdoor spaces furnished with white plastic patio sets, though none of these offer waterfront views. The choice is between overlooking the pool or garden. Flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi come standard across all categories, but air-conditioning isn't offered.

Don't be fooled by the all-inclusive label, as this Labranda isn't a property with multiple restaurants or tons of activities. In fact, there's a pretty short list that covers the basics of what's expected, but little else. The highlights are the resort's three pools, including a kiddy pool. These freeform bodies of water make a pretty, peaceful centerpiece, surrounded by loungers and a few palm trees. Another Solarium deck, which is set apart from the pool, is a calmer spot to sunbathe away from the splashing. 

This area is served by a poolside drink/snackbar. There's also a little lobby bar providing drinks (a good place to hole up if the weather turns rainy). All meals are served in the buffet restaurant, an airy dining room with a full salad bar and plenty of fresh fruit to accompany the standard Spanish, British, and American dishes on offer.

On-site entertainment is rather limited to local music and a few relaxed rounds of bingo or similar games. Apart from the kiddy pool, there are no facilities for children (no playgrounds, kids' clubs, or water features). Still, cribs and cots are available on request, and high chairs are on offer in the dining room. 

There are no fitness facilities, though a pool table and a bocce court offer a little fun and games. Reception provides both luggage storage and a luggage scale. Staff can also help with arranging laundry service or car rentals, and an on-site excursions desk can arrange tours. The lobby's computer workstation provides a spot to check email, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.