HSM Sandalo Beach

Previously the HSM Sunset Beach (and before that the HSM Torrenova Playa) this boutique-size property underwent a total transformation in 2016 to be reopened as the HSM Sandalo Beach. A crisp, whitewashed facade with jazzy splashes of aquamarine create a fun and informal feel from the start, albeit overlooking a rather empty front terrace. The reception area is compact but welcoming, with sandalwood providing a pleasant background scent to a space with pine paneling, frosted glass, and a fish-motif mural that continues throughout the hotel. Built into the cliff cascading down pyramid-like toward the sea, guests enter on the ninth floor where pair of modern elevators swiftly connect the property's other 11 floors. While outside space is limited, the hub of the hotel is an attractive sun terrace found on the lowest level, featuring expansive views over the Mediterranean and the neighboring sweeping bay of Magaluf. The weekday vibe is chilled-out beach club, with a light throb of background house music, while weekends ramp up a bit with afternoon pool parties and live DJs. The partying rarely gets raucous, though, and unlike many surrounding hotels Sandalo Beach mixes some families into the usual clientele of vacationing friends and couples. 

The hotel is located on the south side of Torrenova, a peninsula that separates the resort towns of Palmanova and Magaluf. The area is a fairly relaxed collection of bars, tourist shops, and eateries, and it's within a 10-minute walk of two fine stretches of sandy beach. The neighborhood is set on a steep hill, however, which can make getting to the hotel tiring and even tricky for those with mobility issues. The island's most boisterous partying takes place along Magaluf's main strip of bars and clubs, which is little more than five minutes' walk from the hotel. Around 10 minutes in the other direction, Palmanova offers less wild nightlife and plenty of dining options. Buses also run into Palma, with its gothic Cathedral and lovely Old Town, taking about 30 minutes (plus a 10-minute walk to the bus stop); cabs to Palma de Mallorca Airport take about the same time.

The HSM Sandalo Beach has just 78 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, all fresh, bright, and contemporary. Expect wood-effect flooring, simple, modern furniture, and the hotel's signature aquamarine accents set against white walls. Sliding doors open to spacious balconies with superb full-sea-view panoramas from all apartments. Units are surprisingly roomy, with living areas that include sofa beds, dining tables, and well-equipped kitchenettes with microwaves, fridges, ranges, toasters, and coffeemakers. Air-conditioning is individually controlled, flat-screen TVs are 32-inch (with a decent selection of English-language channels), and in-room Wi-Fi is free and reliable. Digital safes, however, are an extra charge. Modern bathrooms are finished in smart gray tiling, with walk-in showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and a modest set of generic toiletries. For extra comfort, mattresses can be flipped between softer and harder sides, and beds all have adjustable bedside reading lights, plugs, and light switches within easy reach. 

While facilities are limited by most standards, what the Sandalo Beach does have, it does well. Outside the apartments, the main area is the lower-level sun terrace, which includes an L-shaped pool and spacious whirlpool tub with sea-view panoramas. Comfy loungers and umbrellas are plentiful, plus there's cushioned seating around the elevated DJ booth. On Fridays and Sundays, the hotel hosts chilled-out afternoon pool parties, with everything from inflatable flamingos to stilted dancers and fire-breathers. While there's no real restaurant on-site, the bar has an indoor seating area where a buffet breakfast is served each morning together with freshly brewed coffee and a choice of freshly cooked full English breakfasts and other options. Breakfast is not included as standard. There's also an all-day a la carte menu with items such as pizza, burgers, and salads, plus a great range of drinks and cocktails (though these can be pricey). A mini-market for basics is located by reception. There's no fitness center on-site but (reputedly excellent) massages are available in a treatment room, or on guests' private terrace. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.