Hoposa Hotel & Apartments Villaconcha

Passing through a relatively featureless, whitewashed entrance and into its bright streamlined lobby, the Hoposa Villaconcha doesn't win any awards for warm and welcoming. All clean lines, dark-wood paneling, and polished stone, the decor (and vibe) is more modern sports center than hotel, even down to the faint whiff of chlorine. Along a short corridor opposite the front desk is the source -- a large training pool that's one of the property's main distinguishing features. Other hallways off reception lead to several facilities dedicated to the many cyclists who stay at the property. It's not all about sports, however, with the complex centered around extensive sun terraces dotted with palm trees and surrounding a series of pools -- including one with waterslides -- adding a fun resort-hotel feel. Renovations in 2015 and 2016 have lent most of the three-floor property a fresh, clean, and contemporary vibe, while a scattering of modern art does help counter the slightly clinical interiors. The all-apartment complex attracts mostly families over the peak summer months (mainly from the UK), while the rest of the year tends towards couples, cycling groups, and even the occasional professional athlete. 

The hotel is located in Majorca's popular resort town of Port de Pollensa, in the northeast of the island at the end of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. The largely residential neighborhood where the property sits is a particularly peaceful part of town with a wide swathe of lovely sandy beach just five minutes' walk away. There's little in the way of dining and nightlife in the immediate surrounds, though the resort center and its seafront promenade lined with numerous restaurants is within 10 minutes on foot. Around 15 minutes' walk is the main square, lined with cafes and hosting a weekly market. About 20 minutes' drive away is the unspoiled beach of Formentor, and stunning views from the headland beyond. Palma, and its beautiful Old Town, can be reached in just under an hour by car, as can the Palma de Mallorca Airport.

Of the hotel's 119 units, 99 are one-bedroom apartments and the rest studio-style layout. Having benefitted from 2015 renovations, all feel smart and modern, combining stylish furniture with contemporary light fixtures, clean lines, and back-lit tiling. All open to furnished balconies or terraces, either overlooking the pool, a patch of garden, or the (generally quiet) road -- though no sea views. Clever lighting also provides a chic, moody vibe in the evening. The top-floor studios have high ceilings and feel roomier. One-bedroom apartments have separate lounge areas with double sofa beds, while all units have 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with a range of British channels) and steel-topped kitchenettes with up-to-date electric hobs, coffeemakers, microwaves, and mini-fridges with freezer compartments. One-bed units also have second TVs in their bedrooms. Bathrooms continue the swish, modern feel through spacious walk-in showers (with good water pressure), wall-mounted hairdryers, and heated towel rails; some have basins in the bedroom area. Wi-Fi is free and good strength in most rooms, though reports suggest this isn't the case in all.

You'd be hard pressed to find another hotel on the island that combines such impressive swimming and cycling facilities. The 82-foot (25 meter), six-lane training pool is kept to an ideal 80 degrees Fahrenheit (28C) and even offers video analysis to help improve swimming technique. There's a nominal fee to use the pool and kids are only allowed during specific times. Biking facilities include a large secure garage complete with tools and lockers, an outdoor cycle wash area, high-end bike rental, and a cycle shop providing free servicing and basic repairs (parts extra). Other fitness amenities include a modern gym (opened 2016) and a lovely spa with heated therapy pool, cold plunge pool, and sauna and steam bath (entry is charged). There's ping-pong tables but no tennis courts, though a high-tech hypoxic chamber is available for heights training. More family-focused facilities come in the form of the pool complex which, as a good-size freeform pool, includes two child-friendly pools and one that includes a splash pool with waterslides. A playground, bouncy castle, and supervised mini-club complete kids' amenities. Wi-Fi is free throughout.A buffet breakfast with cooked-to-order omelets, bean-to-cup coffeemakers, and local produce is served in the bright and spacious restaurant; not all rates include breakfast though half-board and all-inclusive rates are available. Most guests take meals on the poolside terrace, and there's also a bar offering regular live shows, including flamenco.