Melia Cala Galdana

It's difficult to tell how enormous the Melia Cala Galdana is from the driveway that sweeps through its attractive front gardens to a low-rise entrance. Attentive bellhops greet and usher guests into a serene reception area combining chunky rattan furniture with patterned rugs and driftwood sculptures. Passing through the lobby, the open-plan space morphs into a roomy lounge whose floor-to-ceiling windows provide the first glimpse of the hotel's showstopper -- stunning panoramas of the gorgeous Cala Galdana bay. Echoing the surrounding limestone cliffs into which the hotel is built, the whitewashed, glass-balconied facade drops 11 floors down towards alfresco terraces and the white-sand beach below. 

Previously the Sol Gavilanes, the '60s-era property underwent a major transformation in 2015 into this unmistakably luxurious incarnation. Mediterranean-tinged interiors are characterized by tasteful muted tones and understated chic throughout. An extra level of luxury is provided by The Level, with exclusive access to special service and areas (for guests who pay extra). Despite its laid-back sophisticated atmosphere, the property remains family-friendly -- especially for those with younger children. Vacationing couples still make up most of the clientele, mostly split between visitors from Spain and the United Kingdom. 

Set into the limestone cliffs and dominating the beautiful Cala Galdana bay, the hotel features a truly impressive setting. The beach is a lovely wide crescent of white sand with calm crystal-clear waters that slope gently out, making for calm conditions that are particularly popular with families with young children. There's direct access from the hotel to the beachfront promenade via steps and a ramp, though its steep enough to prove a challenge for those with strollers and would be difficult for wheelchairs. There are several eateries dotted along the footpath, plus more dining options are about five minutes' walk away across the marina, including the super child-friendly Tobogán restaurant with waterslides and splash pool. The hotel is about a 35-minute drive to Minorca's capital, Mahón, and 25 minutes by road to Ciutadella. Ferries are available to both Majorca and mainland Spain, and Menorca International Airport is 30 minutes by car.

Certainly one of the larger hotels on the island, the Melia Cala Galdana has a total of 341 guest rooms and suites -- each one featuring sea views. Updated with the rest of the property in 2015, rooms are bright and fresh with chic, understated styling that combines wood floors, minimalist contemporary furniture, and a muted cream-to-brown color scheme. All rooms open to furnished glass-fronted balconies while some top-level rooms extend to spacious decked terraces with loungers and the most impressive panoramic views. Some guests have found entry level rooms to be on the small side.

Most of the in-room amenities are tidily contained within cabinets, including minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and electronic safes. Flat-screen TVs start at 42-inches and include a good range of English-speaking channels. Air-conditioning is digitally controlled via bedside panels. Wi-Fi is free of charge and was reliable and fast during our stay. Suites feature additional TVs, comfy lounge areas, and freestanding tubs. Renovated in 2017, the top-end Grand Suites are particularly deluxe with higher-quality furniture, twin rainfall showers, and jetted tubs. These units open to huge sun terraces with circular whirlpool tubs, soft seating, and Bali-style beds -- all with stunning bay panoramas.

Bathrooms are all clean and smart, with walk-in rainfall showers, fluffy towels, and hairdryers; upgraded rooms add Loewe toiletries. Kids are provided with a child-friendly toiletry set that includes a cute rubber duck. Family Suites have the added benefit of an extra bathroom and sleeping area.

Extras that come with The Level Rooms and Suites include Nespresso machines, pillow menus, and Bluetooth speakers. 

The Melia Cala Galdana successfully juggles luxe high-end features and child-focused facilities with aplomb. Located just off reception, the main pool area was refitted in 2016/17 and includes a deep pool with waterfall feature and a series of sun terraces with a kids' splash pool and two whirlpool tubs; one tub provides partial sea views. The space gets sun all day and is scattered with modern comfy loungers, though umbrellas were in short supply on our visit and there isn't a poolside bar. 

The hotel's main buffet restaurant is bright and spacious, and provides bay views from most tables. Breakfast is always included in rates and consists of a spread of hot eggs, bacon, and sausages, plus cereals, breads, yogurt, and fresh fruit. There's a buffet dinner with a Mediterranean leaning and rotating theme menus for half-board guests. The excellent Cosa Nostra restaurant also offers an a la carte menu of rustic Italian cooking, which can be enjoyed by candlelight on the alfresco sea-view terrace. The open-air Cape Nao terrace restaurant opens for lunch and dinner (in summer), and turns into a funky cocktail bar with live DJs and music shows in the evening.

Families with children have free use of an excellent summer kids' club, though it's in a slightly awkward location opposite the front parking lot. Parents can leave kids as young as eight months and up to 12 years for morning, afternoon, and even evening sessions. Adults have use of an artificial grass area for twice-daily spinning, Pilates, and yoga classes, plus a modern gym opened in 2017. One thing lacking from the hotel is a spa. 

Guests who book Level Rooms pay extra and have access to exclusive and luxurious extras. Breakfast for The Level guests is a serene affair with an a la carte menu of dishes that includes the likes of poached quail eggs and freshly-squeezed juice. Another perk is a comfy lounge with a daily open-bar hour. On the beachside of the hotel is the adult-only Cape Nao infinity-edge pool with waiter service, Bali beds (mostly for a fee), and free water, sunscreen, and fruit kebabs.

Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the hotel.