Eix Alcudia Hotel

Built with all the charm of a traditional Majorcan country home -- with wood-slat windows, stone arches, and a crisp whitewashed facade -- its hard to believe this purpose-built hotel dates from the '60s. A full renovation project in 2014 updated the lobby into a swish, contemporary space where vibrant modern artworks pop against a background of muted tones and wood-effect flooring. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide plenty of natural light, while behind front desk is the first of numerous black-and-white photos of old Alcudia and its surrounds; pieces of hand-blown Majorcan glass also add some local color. Despite the hotel's location on a busy road, once inside there's an air of peace and calm, also thanks in no small part to the hotel's adult-only policy. The four-story building is built in a U-shape enclosing the main pool terrace -- lined with artificial grass and dotted with a few palm trees -- on three sides. The result is a fairly intimate, grown-up atmosphere that attracts couples of varying ages, mostly from the U.K., Germany, and Scandinavia. 

The hotel is set on one of the main roads that runs though the popular tourist resort of Port d'Alcudia, and just a block from its center. The start of the resort's strikingly wide sandy beach -- also famed for its calm and particularly shallow waters -- is no more than five minutes away on foot. The marina and port district is also around a five-minute walk away, while the pretty medieval town of Alcudia is a five-minute drive. Also accessible by car is the pretty town of Pollensa, a 15- to 20-minute drive, while the island's capital Palma de Mallorca and the main airport can be reached in around 45 minutes. 

The 210 rooms and suites all benefitted from the hotel's 2014 makeover and are finished in fresh, simple contemporary styling with minimalist furniture, wood-veneer flooring, and original black-and-white photos of the local scenes above the bed. Original wood-shuttered doors all open to balconies overlooking the pool or street; road noise doesn't tend to be an issue and higher-floors also get some views of the mountains. Junior Suites have larger pool-view terraces with two sun loungers and parasols. Amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs (there are around 50 channels, a few U.K.-based), mini-fridges (stocked on request), and free, generally speedy Wi-Fi (though some report it can be spotty in places); suites also add bathrobes and kettles. Old-fashioned keyed safes are available for a fee, and coffee- and tea-facilities are also charged and only available upon request. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, all with walk-in showers, proper hairdryers, and generic toiletries.

An abundant breakfast buffet is laid out each morning in the bright and spacious dining room, which also includes a live cooking station serving up pancakes and eggs to order. Breakfast is always covered in the rate, and there's also a half-board plan that includes a buffet that changes daily, plus a weekly barbecue by the pool; drinks are extra. Lunch can be taken on the poolside terrace from an a la carte menu including pasta, burgers, and sandwiches from the main bar. There's also a second cozy bar with a fireplace and soft seating. The hub of the hotel is its main decent-size pool, large enough for a swim and lined with plenty of loungers and parasols. Guests can also order drinks poolside, though the area is prone to shade. A second semi-circular pool and terrace are located down some steps; both pools overlook neighboring buildings. The hotel spa is downstairs, a rather sterile and bright area that lacks somewhat in ambience though offers sauna, steam bath, whirlpool tub, and massage treatments; there's also a small modern gym. While there's no parking on-site, there's a large and free car park just opposite the hotel.