THB Guya Playa

A long, low-rise building covered with ivy that overlooks a garden with exotic plants certainly makes for positive first impressions upon arrival at THB Guya Playa. Stepping inside, the lobby is bright and polished, with lots of mirrored paneling, smart soft seating, and a small tropical garden bathed in light from an atrium skylight. While its late-'80s origins are evident in much of the hotel, nothing feels dated or tired, with a clean and well-maintained look throughout. The property is spread over just two floors (though with an elevator for those who need it) with a simple layout centered around a sunny spacious pool terrace with views of the sea. While hallways are smart and modern -- last updated in 2015 -- some sections involve a few steps. The vibe during our summer 2017 visit was peaceful and relaxed, with mostly parents reclined on loungers while kids splashed around the pool. Outside school holidays the hotel attracts more couples and groups, with most of the clientele hailing from Germany. Lobby, dining room, and bar are all earmarked for a makeover in 2018.

Entrance to the THB Guya Playa is located on a quiet, unassuming road that links directly to a coastal footpath on the outskirts of Cala Ratjada. The Cala Agulla neighborhood is named after a pretty stretch of sand less than a 10-minute walk away, surrounded by scenic hills and backed by protected woodland. Just a few minutes away on foot is also Cala Lliteras, a small rocky cove with a tiny patch of sand, a bustling bar terrace, scuba center, and crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling. Just behind the hotel is a street lined with restaurants and laid-back bars, while most of the resort's nightlife is centered around the harbor, roughly 15 minutes on foot. The hotel is set on the island's most easterly point, and you can see Minorca on a clear day. Palma de Mallorca Airport is a 75 minutes away by car. 

Freshly updated in 2017, all 138 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments have a bright and contemporary finish, with gray wood-effect flooring, simple modern furniture, and cheerful aquamarine fabrics. Wall art introduces a subtle beach theme and replica Eames chairs a touch of retro design. All units are air-conditioned and open to quality furnished balconies, with around three-quarters offering lovely sea views. Studio apartments offer a glimpse of the water.Apartments deliver on amenities, with 40-inch flat-screen TVs (though just a few English-speaking channels), digital safes (for a fee), and well-equipped kitchenettes that include microwaves, fridges, coffee machines, cooktops, and kettles -- all up-to-date. Bedrooms have extra (26-inch) flat-screen TVs, with back-lit headboards, reading lights, and conveniently placed switches and sockets. Internet is offered both wired and wireless, free of charge, and generally fast and reliable. Bathrooms were all revamped in 2010 and are clean and modern, with walk-in showers, generic chain-brand toiletries, and (sometimes tiny) wall-mounted hairdryers. 

Relaxation facilities score high at the THB Guya Playa, starting with a double-tiered outdoor swimming pool with sea views and a bubbling whirlpool section. Plentiful poolside loungers are topped with comfy cushioning, plus an upper sun terrace provides extra sunbathing space. There's also free access to an impressive spa that features a heated pool, sauna and steam rooms, pebble foot-spa, and a bright gym, plus the usual list of massage and beauty treatments. It's adults-only apart from two hours a day when children are allowed in with supervision. The little ones are also well catered for with a separate splash pool, playground, and free kids' club at least five days a week, supervised for four- to 12-year-olds (under four requires parental supervision). An animation program is low-key and mainly aimed at children.There's not much to choose from, however, when it comes to dining, with breakfast and dinner served in the buffet restaurant. Breakfast includes cooked-to-order eggs and freshly brewed coffee, as well as the usual spread of hot and cold items. Dinner has a daily themed buffet from Mexican and Italian to Asian and Majorcan, plus live cooking stations. Most agree food quality is above par, though breakfast is not always included (room-only, bed-and-breakfast, and half-board plans are available). The bar offers an a la carte menu for lunch, plus there's evening entertainment on a small outdoor stage, which is usually live music. There's no parking on-site, though parking nearby is generally not a problem even in peak season. Wi-Fi is free throughout.