Gran Melia de Mar

The Gran Melia de Mar's 1960s building has a striking orange-tiled facade that rises seven stories. The adult-only property is set amid lovely gardens and slender Mediterranean pine trees. The property underwent extensive renovations in late 2015 and early 2016, resulting in chic interiors and grounds filled with wood planks, shiny metal decor, and striped accent pieces. The atmosphere has an elegant Cote d’Azur feel that is immediately inviting and relaxing, thanks to dozens of cabanas and loungers, two pools with sea views, and outdoor seating areas with bar and restaurant service. During the day the property is mostly quiet, with couples lounging by the pool or at the on-site cove. At night, live jazz and guitar performances draw guests to the lobby bar, which has outdoor seating and a long cocktail menu.

The hotel is located in a quiet area just outside of Illetas, an upscale area known for its fine sand beaches. There are a few restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance of the hotel, but the immediate vicinity is mostly residential. The main road running parallel to the coast is just down the street, which offers easy access by car to all the surrounding towns and beaches. The hotel has its own tiny private cove, but there are also a couple of other larger beaches within a 15- to 20-minute walk of the hotel. Buses to Palma stop right outside the property, and take about 40 minutes to reach the historic center. The Palma Mallorca Airport is a 25-minute drive away. 

The hotel has 142 bright rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto balconies with either partial or full sea views. All units were renovated in late 2015 and have a stylish design that consists of dark wood furniture with clean lines and beige tile floors. The neutral-tone palette is livened up with pops of soft green in the bedding and occasionally bright-red seating and light fixtures. In-room amenities are on par with other luxe hotels, and include free Wi-Fi, large flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, and minibars. 

Each room is also equipped with robes and slippers, several types of pillows, and safes. Stylish marble bathrooms have separate rain showers and deep soaking tubs, as well as high-end Clarins toiletries and heated towel racks. Aside from access to a private lounge with free drinks and snacks, RedLevel units feature a few other great extras, including signature Dreamax mattresses, free access to the spa, and panoramic sea views. Royal Suites add living areas and some have whirlpool tubs.

The luxury hotel has ample features geared toward a relaxing getaway. The private sandy cove is tiny, with just a handful of loungers and umbrellas, and it has bar service throughout the day. There are two outdoor pools, including one on a stone deck with sea views, and the other on a grass lawn shaded by tall pine trees. Both have plenty of loungers and cabanas around them, though the daybeds require a fee. 

The Spa by Clarins offers several massage cabins -- including one for couples and one outdoors -- a hydrotherapy area, and a relaxation room. Access to the facilities also cost a fee. The fitness center offers several cardio and strength-training machines in a light room with large windows and sea views. The hotel also features six meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.

The poolside restaurant and bar serves drinks and food on a chic deck with umbrellas and comfy seating. Arrels Restaurant has excellent tasting menus of five to seven regional dishes, and the lobby bar is known for its extensive list of excellent cocktails. Guests staying in RedLevel rooms have access to a private lounge that offers free continental breakfast, snacks and drinks during the day, and open bar with hors d’oeuvres in the evening. They also receive free access to the spa and one day's use of a Bali bed at the pool.