Hotel de Mar Gran Melia

The sea views from the balcony were a real highlight, and the room was clean, spacious and nicely designed. De Mar Gran Meliá Mallorca has a calm, upscale feel, with a pool, bar and wellness centre that made it easy to unwind. The staff were attentive and ready to help. Some items, including toiletries, an iron and a table, had to be requested instead of being in the room. The minibar was included, which was handy. It was a bit overpriced, but I felt it was worth every penny.

The little gestures from the team are what we'll remember most. Everyone we met made us feel welcome, even the friendly man making omelettes each morning, whose name we unfortunately didn't catch. Barbara from Guest Experience was especially thoughtful, and Nuno made the wine tasting memorable. Blanca greeted us warmly at breakfast every morning, and Cynthia, Flor and Ramon were just as kind. We wanted to thank the whole team for the care and attention they gave us, especially for my dad. It made our stay at the Gran Meliá de Mar in Illetas very special, and we'll remember it for a long time.

We visited before Easter while the season was just getting started, so the team included both experienced staff and some new faces. The staff at breakfast were friendly, and the chef would happily make whatever you wanted. Breakfast was extensive, and the local wines and cheeses made for a nice taste of the island. The rooms were spacious. There were plenty of garden, beach and terrace loungers, and getting into the city was easy by bus 4, taxi or Uber. Renting a boat was another nice option. We hope to return when it's a little warmer.

Illetes is quiet and residential, a welcome change from central Palma, though the old town, restaurants and harbour are only 15-20 minutes away by taxi. This suited us well for a relaxed break, and we'd return. The outdoor areas have room to breathe, with lavender, shaped hedges and mature pines in well-kept gardens. Instead of one crowded pool, there are several: a dark-tiled lap pool by the facade, a main pool with cabanas, and a natural rock pool along the coast, with loungers by the water. The Alberta Ferretti sunbeds were a nice detail. The hotel sits right on the sea, among rocky coves and palms, with that deep Mediterranean blue all around. Our renovated room had warm oak floors, a sculptural ceiling fan and Scandinavian-Mediterranean styling. The bed faced the terrace and sea, so we could wake to the sunrise over the water. The fitted bar cabinet had wine glasses, Nespresso, a Krups kettle, local snacks and a minibar. There was a large stone-tiled bathroom with double sinks and a generous rainfall shower, plus daily turndown and complimentary bottled water. Breakfast was an extensive, good-quality Spanish buffet, best enjoyed at a terrace table overlooking the sea. Bombon by Alberta Ferretti was a nice spot for evening desserts and drinks on the balcony. The spa and gym were solid, with different shower experiences, a steam room, sauna and hot tubs. The Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá is a calm, well-run adults-only property with direct sea access and thoughtful interiors.