A luxury family resort that’s the epitome of the easy life? Overseas Product Executive Charlotte Wild explores Zafiro Palace Alcudia 5* in Mallorca…

First impressions

With 300 rooms, Zafiro Palace Alcudia 5* is a large resort where everything is included. While it’s very family focused, it’s also got a high touch of luxury with everything you need for a relaxed holiday. Style wise it’s very modern; simple in its design and everything is laid out for your convenience. The reception is enormous so there’s an instant sense of grandeur when you arrive; as you go through the gates you know it’s going to be good.

The hotel

The layout of the accommodation is in blocks that surround the pool and look inwards in a courtyard style. On the top floors they have the penthouse suites; I was upgraded to a Junior Penthouse Suite and it was wonderful. As you go in the bathroom is on your left and then it’s all open plan into the bedroom, divided by wood, glass and mirrors. In a family oriented resort, the suites are a very romantic environment that are the ideal option for couples. There is a lounge area, desk, and the bed looks out onto the balcony. The main balcony has a cushioned sun bed to relax on and a table and chairs, as well as stairs taking you to the roof where there’s a big Bali bed, a cushioned area and a private hot tub.

The spa

The spa is quite small with three treatment rooms including a double room. The pool in the spa is very much a relaxation pool alongside a sauna and a steam room, there are also three experience showers. It’s very much the environment to prepare you for your treatment and then there is an outdoor area to relax in afterwards, again with Bali beds to sunbathe on. You can spend the whole time wandering around in your dressing gown in the spa.

Next to the spa there’s small gym as well as space for fitness classes including yoga. IThe pools for swimming in are around the resort. It is popular with very young families but they manage it really well and separate things out so one has a pirate ship and that is obviously where children mostly congregate. There are rooms with swim up suites and there’s an adult only area in the middle of the resort where you can swim and separate yourself from the rest of the hotel.

The restaurants

There’s a buffet breakfast and an outside seating area with plenty of space to sit and relax. Fresh fruit and fresh smoothies are readily available alongside English breakfasts and cooked requests. There’s pretty much anything you could ask for. In the evening there are four restaurants that you can book ranging from sushi to Italian and Mediterranean food. I went to the Japanese restaurant and had a variety of sushi rolls which was perfect. I sat in the outside area which is very modern and high up and looks out over the hotel grounds towards the beach. By the pool there’s space for light lunches and there’s also a bar within the resort which is open in the evening and also provides plenty of entertainment.

The location

A five minute stroll will take you out of the hotel grounds and towards nearby restaurants and the marina area. It’s a particularly popular option with couples who want to get out and explore a little. It’s a 20 minute walk to the old town or a cheap taxi ride where there are the old city walls and markets to walk round. There’s a beach five minutes from the hotel, which does get busy but it goes on a long way so you can walk along the white sand and find a quiet spot.

The verdict

The resort is very much a luxury family destination with kids clubs available while parents relax. That said, it is lovely for couples as well thanks to the luxury environment.

Top tips

• Go to the old town for a day of cultural exploration - it’s really pretty.
• Go for a walk on the beach because it’s really close and a lovely way to spend the day.
• If you are a couple visiting for a few days, go out for dinner on at least one evening to explore a bit more.

VISIT ZAFIRO PALACE ALCUDIA 5*