Melia South Beach

Arrivals to the ME Mallorca are met with a bright and welcoming reception area featuring polished marble floors, swish contemporary furnishings, and industrial-chic concrete ceilings. The atmosphere is young, stylish, and sexy, with Balearic beats providing an almost constant musical backdrop (which some might find trying) and the chain's signature melon and cucumber scent wafting through the air. Formerly Beach House, the property received the full ME makeover in 2014, transforming it into one of the chicest and hippest places to stay and be seen in the area. The look is similar to that of an Ibiza beach club, with most of the action happening on the terraces, which are lined with crisp white loungers and extend to a beachfront restaurant. The neighboring (and practically adjoining) Nikki Beach Club provides an overspill of party vibe, while the family pool area -- tucked away at the opposite side of the hotel -- offers more relaxing light jazz and Latin rhythms. Unsurprisingly, clientele is mostly young couples and groups, though there are the occasional families with young kids.

Most likely to distance the hotel's chic image from Magaluf's notorious reputation, the infamous party town isn't mentioned in any of its marketing (preferring to call the location Calvia Beach Resort). The property is, however, firmly set at the south end of Magaluf's undeniably impressive sweeping beach and somewhat outside of the area's raucous, booze-fueled nightlife. There are still numerous lively bars, restaurant, and clubs within a short stroll, as well as a supermarket just across the street. Next door is the upmarket Nikki Beach, while more family-oriented fun can be had at the Katmandu Park fairground and theme park -- 10 minutes away on foot. The charming medieval streets of Palma's Old Town are a 15 to 20 minute drive, while getting to Mallorca Airport takes around half an hour by car.

The hotel's 252 rooms are spread between two blocks: The main 11-floor building that houses most of the suites and the six-story annex that holds many of the rooms. Room decor is fresh and contemporary, characterized by cool white furniture, black-and-gray striped bed linens, and splashes of purple in couches and vases. The minimalist furnishings include open wardrobes and large drawers (some of which can feel a little Ikea-like), plus blackout curtains over the floor-to-ceiling windows. All rooms come with Bluetooth speakers and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with plenty of UK channels (though no movies-on-demand). Cabinet minibars include an extensive range of drinks, though kettles aren't provided. Suites add espresso machines. Most room types (with the exception of entry-level Mode and Vibe Rooms) extend to spacious balconies or terraces with funky plastic seating and glass panels to make the most of the views. Those facing the front overlook Magaluf and the mountain range beyond, while the others have at least partial sea views. Some ground-floor suites open to small lawns. Rooms overlooking the rear terraces are prone to loud music from the hotel bar, which usually continues until around midnight. All rooms and suites feature semi-open plan bathrooms, with large sinks in the main sections and toilets and walk-in showers (with rainfall and directional heads) behind frosted glass. Toiletries include luxury Apivita organic products, plus dental and shaving kits; also provided are quality hairdryers, slippers and waffle-comb robes, and hair straighteners are available on request. Suites add romantic terrazzo-style tubs next to sea-facing windows, with ample space for two.

The hotel's breakfast buffet, while not included in room rates, is plentiful and varied, consisting of local produce (such as sobrasada sausage and ensaimada pastries) plus fresh juices and a cooked-to-order egg and pancake station. Seating is either indoors or on an outdoor covered terrace. Bar snacks and light meals are available throughout the day, though past guests have complained that the inconsistent food quality doesn't justify the high prices. The swish, expensive Pez Playa restaurant offers high-end tapas and seafood with views over the bay from its alfresco terrace. Room service is available around the clock.The adult-only, square-shaped pool is surrounded by daybeds with butler service (for a fee) along with a few rows of lounge chairs. Continuous dance music adds to the beach club vibe, and past guests have noted they could hear dance jams from the trendy Nikki Beach next door. There's also a peaceful family pool with plenty of lounge chairs, a separate splash pool, and a small seasonal poolside bar. Direct access to the wide sandy beach is through a keycard-protected door, and the hotel has an exclusive seafront terrace with lounge chairs and daybeds -- but these require a fee -- plus waiter service. A small spa offers personalized skin treatments in all-white, somewhat clinical surrounds. There's also a spacious and modern fitness room (where guests can receive a free personal trainer consultation), small saunas, and steam rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and fast enough to stream videos, and it even stretches as far as the beach.