Cabot Pollensa Park Spa

While the broad, imposingly symmetrical facade of the Fergus Style Pollensa Park doesn't make for the most welcoming of introductions, things inside immediately lighten up. Much of the hotel was renovated in 2015, and the bright and airy reception area is tricked out with purple backlit columns, white cube tables, and sharp contemporary seating. Certainly much of the original features have been retained, including a superb sweeping staircase, carved wood trim, and plenty of polished gray marble; a collection of oil paintings are hung around gallery-white walls. Clean and well-kept, though slightly dated-looking hallways and landings, however, also do betray the hotel's early-seventies origins. The large Y-shaped property stands alone in manicured lawns dotted with palm, pine, and olive trees. Vacationing mature couples and cyclists are frequent guests in low season, when the vibe is relaxed. However, families with kids descend over the summer months bringing with them more noise and hubbub. 

The hotel is situated with scrubland to one side and a semi-residential neighborhood on the other, at the south end of Majorca's popular town of Port de Pollensa. It's just one block (a three-minute walk) from the wide strip of sandy beach along Pollensa Bay. While there are a few eateries in the immediate area, the town's center and beachfront promenade -- which is lined with most of numerous restaurants -- is a good 15-minute walk away. Unspoiled Formentor Beach, which has stunning views from its headland, is a 20-minute drive from the property. Palma's beautiful old town can be reached in just under an hour by car, while Palma de Mallorca Airport is around the same distance.

The hotel has 316 rooms, all of which also benefitted from 2015 renovations and are finished in clean, modern styling with back-lit headboards, minimalist IKEA-style furnishings, and muted fabrics. Some Junior Suites replace tile floors with warm hardwood flooring. Most (but not all) rooms open to balconies with rattan seating and views of the gardens, surrounding mountains, or picturesque Pollensa Bay; some corner rooms and suites feature dual-aspect balconies. In-room amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with plenty of English channels), mini-fridges, and electronic safes (for a fee); suites add espresso machines. Wi-Fi is free of charge, though can be spotty. Unfortunately, bathrooms are dated. They include old-fashioned tiling, limited counter space, shower/tub combos (with flimsy curtains), wall-mounted hairdryers, and bottled toiletries. Junior Suites have separate tubs and showers. It's worth noting that entertainment at night can be noisy, making it hard for those heading to bed early to sleep. 

There's certainly no shortage of leisure and relaxation facilities at the hotel. A suitably large outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by swathes of sun terrace lined with loungers and tiki-style parasols. There's a separate pool for kids. Children are generally well catered for, with the addition of a splash area, playground, and kids' activities.There's also tennis, basketball, archery, and activities like rifle shooting. Animation teams are also on hand throughout the day in high season. The on-site spa has a heated indoor pool, water circuit, sauna, and steam bath, as well as the usual massage and body treatments. Most meals are served in the buffet restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with live cooking in bright modern surrounds. There's also a Tex Mex restaurant (open during busier periods) and a poolside bar serving snacks. All-inclusive and half-board rates are available. A lounge bar is also bright and modern, with occasional live piano music, while further entertainment continues on the stage with tribute acts (which some complain can be noisy and go on late). Wi-Fi and parking are both free at the hotel.

The optional all-inclusive plan covers the buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with show cooking and late breakfast served at the bar. Dinners at the Tex Mex restaurant are also included, but reservations are required. Snacks are served at selected times between meals from the poolside bar. Domestic alcohol (with some select international brands and cocktails) and international soft drinks are also covered. All entertainment, the kids' club, and spa entry are also included, as is use of the tennis court and bikes. Keep in mind, though, that the rate is not effective 24 hours a day.