H10 Blue Mar Boutique Hotel

Previously the Lido Palace, the Blue Mar has a futuristic though weather-worn facade that's borne its new name since its takeover in 2011 by the H10 chain. Several giant cacti mark a glass entrance that leads directly into the lobby -- a bright and spacious area characterized by polished marble floors, slated backlit pillars, and a bamboo-panel ceiling. High-backed, half-cage chairs and trompe l'oeil stacked-luggage wallpaper also add playful and quirky elements to the relaxed, beach-club atmosphere. To the rear, zigzagging balconies overlook the wooden sun terrace, oval swimming pool, and beach beyond. The boutique-style hotel is for adults (16 and over) only, meaning it appeals almost exclusively to couples looking for a quiet break, as well as the odd single and group booking. 

The hotel is located in the small and relatively peaceful Majorcan resort of Camp de Mar. This is the southwest corner of the island -- once made famous for hosting Claudia Schiffer's vacation villa. Its main draw is the sandy beach -- directly accessible from the hotel -- overlooking turquoise waters and featuring a rocky islet occupied by a restaurant. There are several more eateries and a couple bars within walking distance, though generally not much in the way of nightlife. It's also just a couple minutes' walk from the Golf de Andratx course, featuring the longest hole in Spain. Bustling Palma -- with its charming Old Town -- is about a 25 to 30 minute drive away, as is Palma de Mallorca Airport. 

Decor in most of the 101 rooms is a simple combination of white and blues, basic furniture, and incongruous terra-cotta tile floors. Chill-Out Rooms have more contemporary touches such as curved wooden headboards, while Junior Suites add seating areas with dated furnishings. Rooms are mostly on the small side, though all open to balconies or terraces with sea views (standard-level rooms have partial views). Chill-Out Rooms are located on the ground floor and open to a terrace with exclusive use of Bali beds. All rooms have minibars and Nespresso coffeemakers, plus in-room tech includes iPod docks (iPhone 4 only) and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with a good selection of English-language channels. Wi-Fi is free, but can be slow and intermittent. Safes are old-fashioned and require a fee. Bathrooms are finished in traditional tile and outfitted with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and chain-brand toiletries. Robes and slippers also come standard.

A decent buffet breakfast with cooked-to-order omelets is served (and included in the rate) in the Sa Calma restaurant, which has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pool. Snacks and light meals are available during the day, and an a la carte menu is offered in the evening. Although the bar is advertised as providing live music most nights, that's not always the case, according to some guests. The bar does open to a poolside terrace which adds a pleasantly airy feel. Meanwhile, the pool itself isn't huge, but the surrounding terrace provides loungers and umbrellas. The beach is also just steps away and dotted with blue loungers and straw palapas. A fifth-floor terrace is lined with sunbeds and has panoramic views. Health facilities include a modern fitness room, though it has only a limited selection of equipment. Guests have free access to a small spa with a whirlpool tub, sauna, and steam rooms, while the usual massage and body treatments are available for a price.