Hotel R2 Río Calma Spa Wellness & Conference

We had plenty to do, with activities and entertainment for both children and adults. We joined pilates and dance classes, and especially liked having both an indoor and outdoor gym. We also treated ourselves to relaxing spa treatments. The food was delicious, varied and well prepared. The location made it easy to explore the surrounding area, and staff were consistently polite, welcoming and attentive. A wonderful hotel with something for everyone. We’d gladly return and recommend it.

We came away from our ten days at R2 Rio Calma in April feeling relaxed. It’s a peaceful place for couples or anyone wanting to slow down, rather than a party hotel. The pools were a highlight, especially the lagoon-style swimming area with its little man-made beach, and even in April the weather was lovely for lounging without the place feeling too crowded. The hotel has a spa, gym, several restaurants and bars, so you can stay on site. Breakfast and buffet meals had plenty of choice, though the food could be hit-or-miss from one day to another. The resort is a little isolated, around a 20-30 minute walk from the main beach and town, so you may need a taxi to explore. Some areas felt dated, and service was occasionally uneven when it was busy. Our room was comfortable, clean and spacious, with a balcony for fresh air and views. The building has a distinctive colonial style, with impressive interiors and tiered gardens full of palms and fountains overlooking the ocean. Walking those grounds was one of the best parts of our stay. It’s a great fit if you care most about beautiful surroundings, restful days and the pools, rather than a central location or ultra-modern luxury.

The beach club costs extra even if you’re all inclusive, and along with the buffet restaurant it was one of the only parts that didn’t feel dated. You also have to pay €4 a day for the in-room safe, which felt cheeky. The thing that puts me off coming back is that all-inclusive ends at 12:00pm, even though our transfer wasn’t until 6:30pm. After noon we couldn’t get anything to eat or drink, not even water. You have to tap a wristband each time you want food or a drink, and I really didn’t like that setup. If you want a very relaxing, cheap holiday, this could suit you. If you want more going on inside or outside the hotel, I wouldn’t choose it. Costa Calma wasn’t very pretty when we went exploring, though it does have a cute outdoor market with a bar in the middle. The hotel wasn’t bad, but it needs a refresh. All-inclusive holidays in Turkey, Greece and other places have been much better for me.

The Christmas meal was amazing, and we had a great festive break overall. Our Jet2 Holidays package was just right for 4nights 5 days all inclusive, with lots of food choices, although vegetarian options were limited. The resort was spectacular, with friendly staff, a welcoming crowd and beautifully kept grounds. The private lagoon was extra, but worth paying for, and the infinity pool took our breath away. There was an open gym, plenty of tea and coffee areas with lovely sea-facing views, a yoga centre, badminton and tennis courts, and 4 large swimming pools. We really didn’t want to leave.