BQ Aguamarina Boutique Hotel

Formerly the Hotel Anfora, this property was totally transformed with a top-to-toe renovation in 2016 revamping its drab and dated facade. Now a sparkling whitewashed and glass-panel exterior fronts the BQ Aguamarina Boutique Hotel. Inside, the revamp has erased any traces of the property's 1970s origins, with a fresh and breezy combination of minimalist wood paneling, modern-design seating, and light uncluttered spaces. Interiors are impeccably presented throughout, from the sunlight-flooded ground floor restaurant, through all six floors, and to the boutique hotel's crowning glory, a double-tiered rooftop pool terrace with views over the bay. A subtle marine theme also permeates the public spaces in the form of jellyfish lampshades, sea-themed photo-murals, and playful vintage bather figurines. The atmosphere is relaxed, contemporary, and boutique, with a quiet yet buzzy vibe. Guests lean toward vacationing couples, mostly British though Germans and Spanish are well represented. It's particularly popular with travelers on short breaks due to proximity of the airport and so is busiest at weekends. 

The hotel has a prime spot overlooking the sweeping sandy beach and marina in the laid-back Majorcan resort of Can Pastilla. While this small seaside town has no shortage of decent bars and restaurants, including the uber-cool PuroBeach beach club a five-minute walk away, those looking for nightlife should book elsewhere. The start of the long Playa de Palma beach is just minutes away on foot and stretches several miles to the livelier resort of El Arenal. In the other direction is the buzzing island's capital, Palma, 10 to 15 minutes away by car -- alternatively a cycle path right outside the hotel connects there in under 30 minutes. Can Pastilla is literally the nearest resort to Palma de Mallorca Airport, with transfers taking around 10 minutes, though expect frequent airplane noise overhead. 

Decor in the hotel's 56 guest rooms and suites carries over the chic design of the public spaces, with a pristine combination of contemporary wood paneling, simple minimalist furnishings, and recessed lighting. While all rooms open to furnished balconies, it's the front-facing ones that are treated to superb views over the bay. Superior Rooms -- of which there are just three -- feature spacious rooftop terraces with sea-view whirlpool tubs and pairs of loungers. Others either overlook the street and (not particularly attractive) neighboring buildings with lateral views of the bay. All balconies can be prone to airplane noise, though once double-glazed doors are shut rooms themselves are well soundproofed. Junior Suites have separate lounges connected by sliding doors with extra TVs and double sofabeds.Amenities match the hotel's upscale status, with 32- or 42-inch flat-screen TVs (with some UK-based channels), mini-fridges, and coffee- and tea-making facilities that include Illy espresso machines (coffee capsules are free for the first day then a small fee to replace). Electronic safes and speedy Wi-Fi are both free of charge and pillow menus offer a little extra comfort. Most bathrooms are semi open-plan with walk-in showers -- with rainfall and handheld heads -- and toiletries are quality Rituals brand. Hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers also come as standard.

For a boutique-size property, the hotel certainly manages to squeeze a lot in. A buffet breakfast provides a good spread of hot and cold items, plus a live cooking station offers a choice of eggs, omelets, freshly fried bacon, and pancakes; it is served in a bright modern dining room with bay views and always included in the rate. Optional half-board rates also cover a quality dinner from an a la carte menu. Set between the lobby and breakfast room, the hotel bar provides an excellent range of drinks -- with gin and tonics a particular specialty -- as well as opening to a pleasant street terrace overlooking the beachfront promenade (which is also popular with locals).Drinks can also be enjoyed from the superb vantage point of the hotel's rooftop terrace, complete with a trio of daybeds, plenty of loungers, and an infinity-edge pool -- designed for soaking rather than swimming. Either side of the summer months it can be a little windy, though you won't find better sea-view panoramas in the area. Back inside, guests have free entry to the basement spa area with a whirlpool tub (for up to two at a time), sauna, and steam rooms, plus a small gym and massage treatment room. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.