FERGUS Bermudas

A polished stainless steel sign set against a crisp, whitewashed facade immediately gives the Hotel Fergus Bermudas a certain edge over many of the more dated looking hotels in the area. It is set back from the road in almost 10,000 square feet of gardens -- dotted with palms, pine trees, and giant sculptural urns -- and there's also a pleasant sense of space compared to surrounding properties. Formerly Ola Club Bermudas, the hotel joined the Fergus chain in 2016, which has modernized the public spaces such as the reception and bar area. One side of the hotel looks onto its swimming pool, surrounded by a (not particularly large) terra-cotta tiled sun terrace and balustrade balcony overlooking the grounds. The vibe is relaxed and friendly, drawing a mixture of couples, families with kids, and some vacationing groups. The hotel is particularly popular with the British and French. 

The hotel is located just around the corner -- or a couple of minutes' walk -- from the middle of three of Palmanova's sandy beaches. There are numerous bars, restaurants, and shops within a short stroll, many of them catering specifically to the overwhelmingly British holiday makers who descend here each year. The wild nightlife of neighboring Magaluf is within walking distance (15 minutes), or a five-minute cab journey. Magaluf is where families can find kid-friendly Katmandu Park. The charming cobbled streets of Palma's Old Town are about a 30-minute drive away, and Palma de Mallorca Airport is around the same distance.

The hotel updated all 116 of its guest rooms between 2015 and 2016. Decor is minimal but clean and modern, with back-lit panels, gray wood-effect flooring, and simple contemporary furnishings that lean towards IKEA-esque. Twin beds are pushed together to make double beds. All rooms open to spacious balconies or terraces, many of which overlook the pool. The outdoor spaces are furnished with white plastic chairs and a small table. Other rooms give direct access to the hotel gardens, though none are sea-view and some are prone to noise from nearby bars. Rooms are air conditioned and include flat-screen TVs. Wi-Fi, safes, and mini-fridges cost extra. Bathrooms are clean and contemporary with walk-in showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and chain-brand toiletries. 

Hotel Fergus Bermudas has few of the amenities you'd expect to find at a resort hotel, though what's on offer is well done. Buffet meals are served in the dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Breakfast is always included, while half-board packages cover dinner, and all-inclusive packages add lunch. There's also a poolside bar with an alfresco terrace serving drinks and snacks, plus a swanky cocktail bar. The hotel's swimming pool gets plenty of sun throughout the day, though is not particularly big and limited  terrace space can get crowded with loungers. The pool has a separate section for children, and the little ones are also kept entertained with a kids' club and mini-disco. Sports facilities are limited to a beach volleyball court, and there's nothing in the way of spa or fitness facilities.

The optional all-inclusive plan covers the buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also includes show cooking and themed nights. Snacks in the form of sandwiches, cake, and fruit are served at set times from the restaurant, while ice cream is available most of the day. National brand beer, wine, and spirits, and international soft drinks are also covered, plus afternoon coffee and tea. Premium-brand alcohol, including most cocktails, are charged extra.