Looking for an all-inclusive retreat for you and your other half? One that’s not overrun with screaming kids and instead reinvents the all-inclusive experience? Look no further than the Zafiro Palace Alcudia…
In recent years Mallorca has had a bit of a revamp. While it’s always been known for its sandy beaches, it’s also held a rep for budget all-inclusive package holidays with little substance. The island itself has been undermined and accommodations under-par, doing this majestic Balearic island little justice. An influx in new luxurious accommodations have helped peel back the tacky reputation and allow the real island to shine through – and one such place is Zafiro Palace Alcudia. A true piece of luxury on the North of the Island, it is the ideal destination for exploring Majorca, while also providing a haven to relax and rejuvenate away from a hectic life in the city. There are exclusive adult-only areas with sumptuous white day beds where you can sip an ice-cold strawberry daiquiri poolside and a spa where you can indulge in a couples massage with your other half. It has so much to offer, allowing you to experience so much, while also not having to do too much. It reinvents the traditional all-inclusive stereotypes and shows you can head to an all-inclusive with your partner and receive a holiday that is romantic, luxurious and has some of the most delicious gastronomy you’ll ever experience. Here is why we fell in love with Zafiro Palace Alcudia…
The Hotel
As you arrive at Zafiro Palace Alcudia, you drive through a gated entrance before being led to a cool marble lobby area. Check-in is smooth and efficient and if you arrive late in the evening as we did, they will lay on a buffet dinner with wine so you can shake off the hours of travelling and instantly wind into holiday mode. When you’re satisfyingly full, take yourself to your room where you can wash the plane smell off and instantly feel your stress melt away in a large bubble bath, before wrapping yourself in a sumptuously soft dressing gown and falling asleep on a bed that feels so comfortable you’ll be hard-pressed to drag yourself out of it in the morning.
At Zafiro Palace Alcudia each and every room in the Hotel is a suite, meaning they are all beautifully spacious, airy and luxurious. Decor is contemporary and sophisticated, with creme walls and light wooden flooring. Dashes of colour are infused by modern art on the walls, mint green cushions on the sofa and flowers on the table. The space is calming and beautiful and while holiday beckons for you to spend hours relaxing in the sun, it’s a space you want to be in whenever you can. A large balcony through french doors calls for relaxed sunbathes away from the main pool areas, while a table and chairs make for the perfect spot to enjoy a gin and tonic with your other half and play a game of cards in the evening. Enjoy the sumptuous bath and rain shower as well as a pillow menu for the best nights sleep, and free premium wifi.
The Hotel features a total of eleven pools so you and your other half are guaranteed to find one you love. There is the main pool set in spectacular gardens which is the perfect spot to recline on one of the lounges and make access of the nearby pool bar. There are six swim-up pools to use – these also have direct access from the ground floor suites. There is a kids pool which is great for families and there are two indoor pools within the spa. The final pool – and our favourite – was the Oasis 18+ pool with a chill-out zone. This is smaller than the main pool but feels a lot more exclusive. Tucked in a more hidden spot above the pool bar and restaurant, it has large cabanas for sunbathing on and is far quieter and more intimate. The pool is the perfect size to dip in when the weather gets hot and there is shade available if needed. Be sure to take time to go to the spa for a treatment – we recommend their signature massage – you will leave feeling as though all tensions have left your body. Why not book into a couples massage so you and your other half can both relax together? It’s also a great spot to get out of the sun for a while and relax in their hot tub or sauna.
Dining wise Zafiro Palace Alcudia prides themselves in providing a gourmet experience unlike any other. Head to the buffet for a breakfast of freshly made pancakes, omelettes and waffles drizzled in sauce and topped with fruit, warm-baked breads, cereals and all elements to create a delicious full-English. Enjoy a cold glass of cava or freshly brewed coffee and sit outside while the birds’ cheep and the weak morning sun rises over the resort. Head here any time of the day for a variety of hot and cold dishes and be sure to watch the chefs show their expertise at the live cooking stations. There are four a la carte restaurants to also choose from during your stay.
El Olivo serves delicious fresh, Meditteranean cuisine in a stylish and elegant setting – ideal for a romantic night for two. El Portico is your choice if you are into Italian food and here you can find the most delicious pasta, meat and fresh fish dishes and Tastes & Sushi Bar is the ideal location for international dishes and Japanese specialities. Lose yourself in the intricate flavours from all over the globe as you share a bottle of local wine and relax into the evening. The fourth a la carte restaurant is La Veranda which is open for lunch, snacks through the day and dinner. Situated pool-side you can enjoy an open-air dinner under the stars, watching the beautifully lit pool. Dishes here include barbecued meat, pizzas, pastas, salads and much more. Once you have finished your dinner, be sure to head to the entertainment area where you can order a cocktail from the bar and sit and watch a variety of live shows, music and acts into the evening.
The Area
Alcudia itself is a real gem of a town located on the north of the island. There are beaches just begging for you to wiggle your toes beneath the toasty, white sands and crystal clear waters that break languidly against the shore. The air is thick with the scent of fresh fruits and vegetables and the landscape is peppered with luscious greenery and small lakes, making for majestic sunset scenes. And Zafiro Palace Alcudia is near enough in the thick of it that you can take a leisurely stroll and be right where you want to be, but far enough off the main roads that you feel entwined in your own little slice of paradise. Be sure to head to Alcudia Old Town for a wander in the local shops and boutiques as well as to try some of the local tapas – this is great both in the day and the evening too. Head to Alcudia’s beach for sunbathing or water sports and take a boat trip from the marina around the harbour. It’s a beautiful area with so much to do, it’s worth checking out local excursions too.
Zafiro Palace Alcudia is everything you could want in a romantic break destination and so much more. It makes it so you don’t even need to leave the resort during your stay, but there is also so much to do beyond the Hotel if you so desire. It offers all the ingredients to craft the perfect holiday and leaves you to make of it what you would like. From the rooms to the pool to the food and the staff, you would be hard-pressed to find fault with Zafiro Palace Alcudia. The worst part? Packing to go home. But don’t worry, this is the sort of Hotel you can return to time and time again. It’s a real hidden gem in a beautiful part of Majorca that you and your other half will fall in love with day after day.