Zafiro Bahía

Tucked away from the main road is the relatively unassuming entrance that barely hints at the size of the Hotel Zafiro Bahia. A wide, shaded walkway leads to the lobby -- a bright, clean, and modern space that exudes more smart functionality than character. Farther inside, some bursts of foliage and artworks add welcome color against the otherwise sober, beige backdrop. Previously the Hotel Viva Bahía, this apartment complex has four, four-story buildings positioned around a long pool terrace that stretches toward dune-backed beach. The property opened in 1993 and was partially renovated in 2012, with upscale -- if not particularly stylish or contemporary -- decor throughout. A wealth of facilities and multiple pools, together with apartment accommodation as standard, make this hotel a very popular choice for families with kids. Despite this, the vibe is mostly relaxed, and there's more than an acre for guests to spread out. A healthy mix of British, German, and Scandinavian clientele creates an international atmosphere.

The Hotel Zafiro Bahia is located just off a quiet strip lined with other hotels, tourist shops, and restaurants that runs parallel with the main road that skirts Alcudia Bay. The setting is laid-back, and the hotel has direct access to the beautiful sands and clear waters of Playa de Muro beach. Those looking for a little more action can take a 10-minute cab ride to bustling Port d'Alcudia. Nature-lovers will find themselves within walking distance (15 minutes) of the Alcudia Nature Reserve. For those interested in sightseeing, there's the lovely Alcudia old town and the Roman ruins of Pollentia just a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The capital city of Palma and Palma de Mallorca Airport are up to an hour away by car. 

The hotel has 289 units that vary in size from studios, to one- and two-bedroom apartments, and sleep from two to six guests. Interiors were partially updated in 2012, with simple, modern decor, parquet floors, and contemporary lighting that creates a bright and airy feel, but guests will notice that more dated elements remain. All rooms open to balconies or terraces, most either overlooking a quiet street or the pool, and some offer lovely sea views. Premium apartments extend to private gardens (some with hot tubs and direct pool access), while top-end units all feature spacious sea-view terraces with whirlpool tubs and Bali beds. Beside the studio units, all have separate living rooms with lounge areas, dining furniture, and kitchenettes with electric ranges, microwaves, fridges, toasters, and coffeemakers. Wi-Fi is free of charge and the signal is generally good, though strength can be inconsistent across the complex. There's also 32-inch flat-screen TVs with limited English-speaking channels, and safes are available for a fee. Bathrooms tend to be clean and spacious, with walk-in showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and chain-branded toiletries.

While there's certainly no shortage of leisure and sports facilities at the Zafiro Bahia, it's the pools that really stand out. There are four in total: the main recreational pool surrounded by loungers and umbrellas with kids' section; an adult-only chill-out pool with sea-view daybeds; a pirate-themed splash pool with water slides; and small heated indoor pool where you can also find a sauna and whirlpool tub. An animation program caters to both children and adults, with a mixture of sports activities and entertainment for all ages, plus there's a supervised kids' club. There's also tennis courts, a mini-golf course, and beach volleyball, and the hotel can organize a range of water sports, including windsurfing and sea kayaking. There's no full-service spa on-site, but there's a bright gym with LifeFitness equipment. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served buffet-style in the hotel's main restaurant, which offers a varied spread of good quality food and regular theme buffets in the evening. For lunch, an outdoor terrace restaurant has a decent a la carte menu that includes pizza, tapas, salads, and pasta, plus there's a beach bar with a similar selection of dishes and a kids' menu. Breakfast is not included as standard, though available plans range from room-only to all-inclusive. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the complex, and there's a supermarket located right next door to the hotel.