First impressions are important. When I check into a hotel, employees who seem genuinely happy to see me are both a litmus test and a sign of the future. As a travel writer who has stayed at hundreds in hotels, you’d be surprised how rare a friendly initial greeting is. Therefore, I paid special attention to a recent visit to the Zafiro Palmanova Palace in Mallorca, Spain, where I could feel the welcome from the first time I stepped inside.
My husband and I arrived in the seaside town of Palma Nova at 7am, exhausted from our flight from NYC. It’s clear that the staff will be the special sauce that takes this holiday to the next level. They greeted us with smiles, drinks, and the news that the room was ready for us even though check-in wasn’t official until 3pm. And would we mind telling them what time we’d like to schedule our 25 minute massage, which is included in our room rate? My first thought? I think I’ll like it here.
All inclusive or not, you decide
The family behind Zafiro Palace are pioneers in bringing all-inclusive holidays to Mallorca and they have perfected the concept. While many guests, myself included, prefer the convenience of an all-inclusive package, your stay can be customized, with halfboard and bed-and-breakfast packages available.
Zafiro Palace: Important details
Room
Rooms are spacious, overlooking 11 swimming pools, landscaped grounds and a maze of tented walkways. The decor features a neutral color palette that feels breezy and contemporary. Marble and wood accents bring natural elements into the room. The floor is made of high-quality porcelain, cool on bare feet. Baby cots are available upon request.
For a luxurious experience, Zafiro Club rooms have upscale amenities including stocked mini bars, fresh flowers and wine upon arrival, daily in-room treats, and access to the pool exclusively for Zafiro Club guests, and much more.
My Zafiro Club Penthouse Junior Suite has a king bed, sofa sleeper and a two-story balcony with stairs leading to a private Jacuzzi that allows you to soak in the moonlight.
That Spa
The spa has a sauna, steam room and lap pool along with treatments including massages, facials and body wraps.
Restaurants and Buffets
As a foodie, I generally avoid hotel buffets, as I find them generally bland and boring. At Zafiro Palace, the buffet includes local and seasonal produce with fresh fruit, island-grown nuts, local honey, yogurt and cheese, plus traditional Spanish kitchen dishes such as paella swimming with seafood and tortillas filled with potatoes and caramelized onions. There is also a wide choice of food that children will love, from chicken fingers to pizza, with high chairs and pureed food for toothless children.
We also dined at the resort’s specialty restaurant every evening, enjoying Italian, Japanese, and Spanish cuisine, and enjoyed quality food with attentive service. Alcohol is included, so it’s easy to sample local wines.
Beach
Palma Nova’s chain of three public beaches is a five-minute walk from the hotel, with lifeguards and a playground situated on the clean sand. The Mediterranean is often as calm as a bathtub.
Entertainment
Around 9 p.m., the family-friendly evening entertainment begins, with kids participating in magic shows, musical performances and juggling. Adults get in on the action too; one night, my husband was taken out of the audience to dance limbo. At 10, a live pianist or harpist performs on the terrace under the stars, a beautiful way to end the day.
Heaven for little travelers
As a former early childhood educator, the little ones and I paired up like Fred and Ginger on the dance floor. Luck was on my side in September as many of the guests were under five years old. Unlike school-aged children, they do not need to return to class. Their savvy parents take advantage of low-season discounts and the lack of visitors. Locals and hotel staff told me that spring is just as quiet.
I hope to see younger guests enjoying amenities like the supervised kids’ club, playground with bouncy house, and pirate-themed splash pool. What surprised me was that the children were practically accepted anywhere. They jump around in the pool (with attentive lifeguards and a supply of toys), dine at upscale specialty restaurants, and enjoy the evening’s entertainment, whether falling asleep in strollers or dancing the night away. There are some places that don’t allow children, such as adults-only saltwater pools, indoor lap pools, and spas.
Things to do in Mallorca
Take a boat to hidden coves
We got a taste of the region’s maritime traditions on the llau, a sturdy fishing boat whose history is tied to the island. The nearly flat bottom of this 100% electric boat allows it to navigate and anchor in very shallow waters. We enjoyed a quiet, emission-free cruise into coves with crystal clear waters that our captain, Mike, shared with us. Let the staff know you are interested in seeing Mallorca by boat and they will handle the transfer and details.
See more Palma Attractions
I’m glad we forced ourselves to leave the peaceful cocoon of the resort for the 20-minute drive to Mallorca’s capital, Palma. We wandered through the Mercado Santa Catalina, taking in the beautiful produce and charcuterie before sipping a glass of local wine and enjoying tapas at one of the market stalls.
Mallorca is known for its strong cafe culture serving delicious cakes; we couldn’t stop ourselves from eating ensaimadaspiral cake sprinkled with powdered sugar, at Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo, one of the city’s most venerable restaurants.
With its flying buttresses and Gothic rose window, we enjoyed the beauty of Palma’s famous cathedral. But for me, the highlight of our visit to Palma was the Palma Aquarium, where we learned about the sea creatures that call the Balearic Islands home. Attractive and knowledgeable staff speak excellent English.
When to visit Mallorca? Shoulder season shines
Mallorca is the largest Balearic island in Spain. In summer, its stunning beaches are packed with visitors. However, in spring and autumn, temperatures drop to comfortable levels, beaches become deserted, and hotel prices plummet. Most hotels and resorts in Mallorca, including the Zafiro Palace Palmanova, close in November and reopen in early spring.
United’s new seasonal nonstop flights from Newark to Palma attract many American travelers during the spring, summer and fall.
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