SENTIDO Cala Vinas

Opened in the early '70s as just the Cala Viñas, this was the first hotel to be built overlooking the picturesque cove from which it took its name. Stepping inside the 12-story property and passing through its polished marble and carved stone reception area, it's immediately evident why the spot was chosen, with wraparound windows providing stunning expansive views over the sea and surrounding coastline. Visitors enter on the 4th floor of the hotel, and five elevators ferry guests to rooms and to the spacious waterfront pool terrace. Despite occasional remnants of its '70s origins, regular updates have kept the interiors generally fresh and well-maintained throughout. The hotel also has the more laid-back and less boisterous atmosphere you expect from an adults-only (over 18) hotel, attracting mostly couples from the UK, some vacationing groups, and the occasional bachelor or bachelorette party. Although various options are available, most guests pick the hotel's all-inclusive plan. 

The hotel features a particularly enviable setting perched on the side of a cliff overlooking the bay of Cala Viñas, on Majorca's southwest coast. On one side along a short path directly accessible from the hotel is the small sandy beach -- which inevitably gets busy over the summer -- and to the other, a wide expanse of Mediterranean Sea. There's very little else of interest in the immediate area and certainly nothing in the way of nightlife, however it's only a five-minute drive to the notorious party town of Magaluf. Ferry service operates from a small quay next to the hotel's pool terrace, connecting to a various spots along the coast. There are two golf courses within 15 minutes by car, and the charming island capital of Palma is about 30 minutes away (and a little farther to its main airport).

Like the property as a whole, the 240 guest rooms tend to be a mixture of slightly dated elements with contemporary updates, such as natural wood-effect furnishings and glowing bedside fixtures. All units open to balconies, with most providing wonderful panoramic views sweeping from the beach out to sea; some views are side-on or partial, while a handful (two per floor) are likely to disappoint, with no sight of the water at all. A decent set of in-room amenities include 32-inch TVs (with a few English-speaking channels), kettles, mini-fridges, and free digital safes, plus the added perk of pillow menus. Marble bathrooms come with shower/tub combos (minus five that have walk-in showers), wall-mounted hairdryers, and -- oddly for a hotel of this level -- soap/shampoo dispensers. A single suite adds extras such as a whirlpool tub, bathrobes, and two balconies featuring the best views in the hotel.

The hotel has a solid lineup of leisure and relaxation facilities, starting with a large outdoor pool overlooking the sea and surrounded by comfy-looking loungers (while not all were occupied during our summer 2017 visit, the area did still feel a little crowded). To get away from the crowds there are a couple relatively secluded sun terraces with cushioned loungers or Bali beds available for a daily fee that can include drinks packages. A daily animation program includes archery, mini-golf, and dance lessons, plus (mostly non-professional) evening entertainment. The spa is impressive, with a comprehensive range of features that includes a large heated pool, essential oil showers, whirlpool tub, sauna, steam room, and thermal loungers; the only snag is there's a fee for entry, albeit reasonable, though using the pool is free. There's also a modern fitness center, but it's small and poorly equipped.The main dining room is a long and modern space filled with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows that also provide superb sea views. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served here buffet style, with cooked-to-order pancakes and eggs in the morning and show cooking for other meals. Most guest choose the all-inclusive plan, but bed-and-breakfast and half-board options are also available; buffet food is varied and decent enough quality, plus there's a separate section offering an a la carte menu that's a good value. A poolside bar serves snacks, and the hotel's Blue Bar is a genuinely unique feature, set in a natural cave. With mood lighting in the evening, this chilled-out bar is a particularly atmospheric place to enjoy a drink (with half-price discounts for all guests). Parking is also available for a reasonable daily fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.