Melia Cala d'Or Boutique Hotel

True to its classification as a boutique, the Meliá Cala D'Or attracts a well-heeled crowd that enjoys the serenity of the hotel and appreciates its finer touches. Richly upholstered navy blue furniture, a grandfather clock, a wooden bar with leather-topped stools, and a glistening piano all give the lobby a certain air of elegance. The reception desk is tiny -- a reflection of the very personalized service offered by the hotel -- and like the hotel itself, feels very select. Detached from the building that houses reception, the rooms of the Meliá Cala D'Or are mainly spread out over several white cottages that contrast beautifully with their surrounding lush green gardens punctuated with vibrant tropical flowers. Navigating between the cottages and other common areas of the hotel is done via garden paths, which add a touch of whimsy to the hotel's overall feel.    

Cala D'Or was once a favored haunt of Mallorca's hippies, though few elements of their influence are still present. A three-minute walk from the hotel is an area filled with restaurants of the fish and chip variety, shops, bars, and a few karaoke spots. The area is populated with other hotels that aren't of the same caliber as the Meliá, so finer dining and entertainment options are harder to find. While the beach can get far too crowded, its waters are clear and calm. Overall, the hotel feels like a quiet haven surrounded by pines in an otherwise noisy and slightly over-developed resort town. Central Palma and the Palma Airport are both an hour away by car, but the lovely towns of Satanyí, Porto Colom, and Porto Cristo can all be reached in roughly 30 minutes. There is a car rental agency located a five-minute walk from the hotel. 

The nicest thing about the rooms at the Meliá is that they are spread out across several different white cottages. Plentiful pairs of loungers are on the lawns just outside the rooms, which are thoughtfully divided with hedges to offer privacy. Decor wise, the rooms are elegant -- terra-cotta tiled floors contrast with elaborately carved dark wood headboards. The modern bathrooms offer a shower/tub combo, quality toiletries, fluffy robes, and cheerfully painted accent walls that pick up the color scheme from the bedroom. The Junior Suite has the convenience of a kitchenette stocked with a full-set of pots, pans, knives, and a cutting board. The granite countertop is a nice touch, though the cabinets are dated.

This hotel has a well-equipped fitness center and a small spa (treatment options are limited). There is a bright, sunny indoor pool plus an outdoor pool with trellises full of bright pink flowers. Surrounded with loungers, it seems reserved for adults keen to engage in quiet leisurely reading. The kids' pool is located in a separate area flanked by a playground, which cuts down on some of the noise and splashing in the main pool area. Among the hotel's finest features are its variety of dining options, which include a restaurant, a snack bar, and a piano bar. Guests of the hotel can also enjoy discounts at the nearby Golf Vall d'Or.