Zafiro Palmanova

The Viva Palmanova is built into the sloping hillside, meaning guests step into a reception area located on the top floors of the main building. Thanks to a glass pyramid skylight, the octagonal atrium space is filled with sunlight that illuminates the polished travertine stone floors and reception desk. Abundant greenery that includes cascading ivy and plump cacti prevent the area from feeling too sterile, while a stairway sweeps down to a small circular indoor garden guarded by a pair of carved samurai statues. 

Built in the late '80s, the hotel saw its last major renovations completed in 2007, though plenty has also been updated since then, including a sleek spa. The property feels well-maintained and contemporary throughout. As well as the main building, the property comprises four, four-story apartment blocks centered around a freeform pool and spacious sun terraces lined with tropical plants, ancient olive trees, and bougainvillea-covered shaded walkways. Families with kids make up the bulk of the clientele, mostly hailing from Scandinavia and the British Isles.

The hotel is located on a hill that slopes down toward the beach of Son Matias in Majorca's popular Palmanova resort. This stretch of sandy coastline is just a few minutes away on foot and lined with plentiful bars, restaurants, mini-markets, and souvenir shops. In the other direction -- a five- to 10-minute walk away -- is Magaluf's main strip of bars and clubs, infamous for its wild partying and raucous nightlife. More family-oriented fun can be found at the Katmandu Park, five minutes' walk away. Nearby buses run into Palma, with its gothic Cathedral and lovely Old Town, taking about 30 minutes; cabs to Palma de Mallorca Airport take around the same time.

All 198 apartments were given an update in 2015, which resulted in a fresh and modern design in muted tones, with understated contemporary furnishings and accents in natural wood. All apartments include one or two bedrooms with separate living areas that feature lounges and kitchenettes. Glass doors slide open to furnished balconies overlooking the pool, gardens, or road -- the road is generally quiet at night, though poolside activities can be noisy. Also don't expect any to have sea views. 

Clean and contemporary bathrooms come with walk-in showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and quality toiletries. Standard amenities include two flat-screen TVs (32-inch in bedrooms and 40-inch in lounges) and free Wi-Fi (mostly good depending on location). Cooking facilities include mini-fridges with freezer compartments, electric hobs, coffeemakers, toasters, and updated cookware. Privilege Apartments add bathrobes, as well as small private gardens with two loungers and hammocks. Top-notch accommodation are the Royal Terrace Apartments, which open to spacious terraces with large whirlpool tubs, couches, and loungers; some are duplex-layout and not ideal for those with limited mobility.

Totaling five in all, the hotel certainly features an impressive number of pools. These include the main central freeform pools (separated by a small rock waterfall); an adult-only pool surrounded by canopied daybeds; a mini pirate-themed water park with slides; plus a long indoor pool ideal for laps. As well as plenty of splash-related fun for children, there are also a supervised kids' club with daily animation program, a playground, and a bouncy castle. Opened in 2012, a lovely spa area features a heated indoor pool with aqua-massage and whirlpool sections, as well as sauna, steam bath, and a leafy enclosed outdoor terrace; a range of massage treatments are also available. 

The hotel's main dining room is bright and spacious, offering a good choice of buffet breakfast with a cooked-to-order egg station (though not always included in the room rate). A half-board plan also covers dinner buffets which includes four themed meals each fortnight. For lunch, there's an a la carte menu offered in the Bistro eatery, which features an outdoor seating under parasols. Additionally, there are a poolside bar and an indoor bar providing drinks accompanied by evening entertainment of live music and dance. A supermarket is also attached to the hotel providing all the usual groceries.

The optional all-inclusive plan covers the buffet breakfast and dinner (including two themed meals per week) as well as a wide selection of hot and cold dishes from the lunchtime a la carte menu at the Bistro. It also covers a long list of soft and alcoholic drinks, including plenty of branded spirits, quality wines, and cocktails. Snack including ice cream, fruit, and sandwiches are also covered and served throughout the day (except during mealtimes). Some top-shelf brands and speciality cocktails are not included.