The main pool at Jardin del Sol Suites where every sunbed has a view to die for.
So where exactly in Mallorca is this?
We spent a week at the Iberostar Selection Jardín del Sol Suites. It's in Santa Ponça, on the Costa de la Calmia about 25 minutes outside Palma. The adult only hotel has 260 rooms, all of which have glorious sea views. We were here for sun, sea and a good old go at the hotel's all-inclusive package.
The VIP bit
By far the best way to get the most out of the hotel and its facilities is to upgrade to Star Prestige. This is a little like opting for business over economy when flying. Not only do you get a superior room with a rather fancy spa bath, but you also get access to a parts of the hotel you wouldn't otherwise, like extra pools and an exclusive bar. It's also a good idea, if budget allows, to go for all inclusive too so you don't have a care in the world as you say 'Oh go on then' to another glass of Cava.
How fancy is the room?
Our room was a Star Prestige suite which had a separate bedroom at the back and quite a large lounge area facing the sea along with a balcony. As we were all inclusive, all the drinks in the minibar were also included, like local beers and mini bottles of Freixenet along with soft drinks. We also liked the occasional snacks that appeared in the room over the course of the week including chocolate-covered strawberries, pretzels and cookies.
Waiting for us, along with all Star Prestige guests, was a welcoming bottle of Cava on ice. So we went straight out on to our balcony to enjoy it.
What's the pool scene like?
There are three pools at the hotel - the main one that's accessible to everyone, along with a long shady pool with hammocks and beds in it and an infinity pool, both of which are for Star Prestige guests only. We ensconced ourselves mainly at the infinity pool which had its own bar and large double sunbeds and cabanas. The views over the Cala de Santa Ponca are gorgeous and we loved the odd free boozy smoothie that staff would wander round with in the afternoons.
The inifinity pool (which also has a very handy poolside bar open during the day).
We love a good hotel buffet - what's the one like here?
A quick glance at Tripadvisor before we booked showed that there was a lot of love from previous guests for the hotel's buffet and it didn't disappoint. In addition to a permanent chef ready at the plancha to cook up everything from breakfast omelettes to fresh hake and steaks at dinner, there was a particularly good selection of salads, cheeses and desserts. Throughout the week the buffet had certain 'themes'. Seafood night included as much fresh lobster, prawns and crayfish as you could manage to pile on your plate, there was a sushi night too and we really enjoyed the Spanish night which focused on pintxos and homemade empanadas.
All manner of seafood delights at the hotel buffet.
No better way to start the day than fresh churros (and fruit salad to make you feel better about the churros).
Was there a nice spot for a post-dinner drink?
There was a main bar down by the pool, but we loved the Star Prestige bar up on the fourth floor overlooking the sea.
The Star Prestige Bar was beautifully done out and the perfect spot for a sundowner.
Any tips for trips out of the hotel?
Santa Ponca itself isn't the most salubrious of resorts, but it is really well connected. A regular, cheap bus service gets you into either the island's capital, Palma or the bouji harbourside spot of Port Andratx, in about 30 minutes.
In Palma, the food market of Mercat de l'Olivar is right in the heart of the city. A good place to perch up at the counter is Can Jaume for a spot of Russian salad, tortilla and particularly good sobrasada (the owner also has a butcher's stall in the market).
For dinner, there's so much to choose from, but this time we fulfilled a long-held wish to try out El Camino owned by Eddie Hart of the same family that runs Barrafina in London. This gorgeous bar in the old district is pretty much all counter dining with a strong Mallorcan wine list and great seafood specials.
Book early to make sure you get a counter seat at El Camino
Queenie scallops from the daily specials board
After dinner, mid down Palma seemed pretty quiet compared to London. You'll want to head to Santa Catalina where the action is, where we can recommend Agabar for a range of well made Mexican style cocktails.
Our other favourite spot to spend a night is Port Andratx. The harbour here is lined with great restaurants and bars but we have a particular fondness for the old school charms of Miramar at the quieter end where the fish trawlers tie up.
Tim's Bar in Port Andratx is usually the liveliest spot on the harbour.
Overall thoughts
If you're looking for a really easy, laid-back holiday where you can load up your Kindle with poolside reads and turn off from London life for a while, we can't recommend Jardín del Sol Suites enough. The staff were universally lovely, standards of service were high and the food was great. All that, and a whole load more reliable sunshine than you'll get in London, so you can't really go wrong.
More about Iberostar Selection Jardín del Sol Suites
Where is it? Huguet de's Far, s/n, 07180 Calvià, Spain
How much? Star Prestige suites at the Iberostar Jardin Del Sol Suites start at £1,127 for 7 nights, subject to availability.
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @iberostarhotels
Hot Dinners were guests of Iberostar. Prices correct at time of publication.
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