TUI Family Life Sirenis Aura

From the outside, the Sirenis Hotel Club Aura looks plain and impersonal. A short set of long steps leads to a boxy building with sliding glass doors that open onto a plain, dated lobby. Large windows let in lots of sunlight, but the rest of the reception feels like it’s well past its prime with dated terrazzo floors, and bland white and red flower-printed couches around simple white tables. The outdoor areas, however, have more charm and personality. Designed to resemble a small village, the property comprises about a dozen low, pale yellow buildings connected by cute paths lined with trees, plants, and rocks. And small, sunny squares give the resort a relaxing vibe.

This hotel is located on a quiet cul-de-sac in Port d’es Torrent, a small beach town on the outskirts of hopping Sant Antoni de Portmany. The nearest beach is a small sandy cove a two-minute walk from the property, where guests can find a couple of restaurants and a diving center. Those looking to explore other beaches can either drive or take a bus, which stops right outside the hotel's main entrance. The ferry landing is also within walking distance. Sant Antoni is a 15-minute drive away, and Ibiza Town and the airport can be reached in about 25 minutes. Most guests choose to stay on-site and take advantage of the many kid-friendly amenities.

The hotel has 204 rooms, including Double Standard Rooms and Junior Suites. Decor is dated and bland throughout, with basic wooden furniture, blue bed runners with geometric patterns, and matching pillows. Pale yellow walls, beige tiling, and generic artwork don’t help either. However, units are thoroughly cleaned six times a week and all have balconies, some with sea views. Amenities include flat-screen TVs (although some rooms still have old tube TVs), free Wi-Fi (but the signal seems to be weak in the rooms), air-conditioning, and empty mini-fridges. Safes are available for an extra fee. Junior Suites have a separate living area with two daybeds, and some have a small kitchenette equipped with a sink and two hot plates. Bathrooms are clean and nice, but only shower gel is provided and in wall-mounted dispensers. 

With winding slides, lots of fun water features, and several pools for children of all ages, the huge water park is the hotel’s most striking feature. The bi-level seafront pool is large and pleasant, with a wooden bridge, three different sections, and palm trees, but loungers around it have seen better days and the deck is showing some wear and tear. For colder or rainy days, the heated indoor pool can be a welcome perk, as there is little going on on-site otherwise. The hotel also offers an aging gym, a kids’ club complete with a playground, evening shows, and a multi-sports court for outdoor team games. The main restaurant serves a decent buffet for all three meals, but it can get repetitive after a few days. The Japanese restaurant is a great alternative, though there is an extra fee for eating there even for all-inclusive guests. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.