Suntrap Holidays Rating:    9/10

The three-star, all-inclusive Club Santa Ponsa Apartments are actually private apartments with all the amenities of a hotel – an aparthotel – let’s take a look how that works:

Well, for start, the place is a firm favourite among Santa Ponsa hotels if the many customer reviews are anything to go by.

Of 88 reviewers on Trip Advisor, 72% described it as “excellent” or “very good”, with 82% prepared to recommend it to others – these numbers are considerably higher than the average for hotels in Santa Ponsa or anywhere else for that matter.  On Holiday Watchdog, it’s a similar story – at the time of writing there are only five reviews on that site – but the average score is 8/10.  OK so now we know it’s a popular place – read on to find out why:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is it?

The aparthotel is located just up a hill at the right-hand end of the main bay of Santa Ponsa as you face the sea, in an elevated position that means it is away from the hustle and bustle of the centre of the resort.  So basically it’s not as central as some of the other Santa Ponsa hotels, and it will suit you if you want the amenities of the resort but perhaps without that “in your face” feel!

Santa Ponsa Hotels - Club Santa Ponsa Terrace

It’s near enough that you can walk to the main beach in about 20 minutes, and the shops, bars and restaurants of the resort are within about a 15 minute stroll.  Being on top of a small but steep hill means you would probably need a taxi if you have mobility issues (about four euros) – but having said that, the hotel does offer free transport to the beach in a minibus up to eight times a day.

Reception and the main amenities including the restaurant are at the top of the complex, and then the apartments and studios cascade down the hillside on three levels.

At about 31km from the airport, your transfer time will be short, especially by taxi where you will not be calling at other drop-off points.

Is there a bar?

Cutting to the chase already I see..  Yes, there is a bar, near to reception and the restaurant.  You can get a drink any time from 10am to midnight, and there is a wide array of beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, sangria and soft drinks on offer – so go easy now!

What about food?

At the Club Santa Ponsa you will find an air-conditioned restaurant with some of the most spectacular views over the bay that you will find anywhere.  All-inclusive buffet-style service starts with – now are you ready for this – breakfast from 7:45 till 10am; then snacks from 11am till 1pm such as burgers and chips, in case your kids get an attack of the

Santa Ponsa Hotels - Club Santa Ponsa Dining

munchies; next comes the full-on buffet lunch from 1pm to 3pm; top up with cakes and coffee at 4pm – and the grand finale – dinner from 6pm until 8:30pm!  And if you get through that lot, you deserve a medal!

The chefs clearly know their stuff here – the choice and quality of the food comes in for a lot of praise.  At breakfast you can go for the full English or save yourself till later and choose the healthier options such as cereals, toast or fresh fruit.  At dinner, there is a good variety of meat and fish dishes, rice and pasta dishes, vegetables, salads and an array of desserts.

How do the rooms compare to other Santa Ponsa hotels?

There are 44 studios and 93 apartments here, in blocks of two or three floors, and they are clean and spacious.  Each apartment and studio has a kitchenette including a fridge.  There is also central heating, a TV, lounge area, phone and a private bathroom and shower.  The apartments are bigger, and have a separate bedroom.

All rooms have a terrace or balcony; some of them are huge and many of them have a great view across the tree tops and over the bay because of the hotel’s elevated position.

One minor gripe was that the TVs in the rooms had only one English channel – but come on people, TV?  You are on holiday!

What’s outside?

There are two swimming pools with a designated children’s area.  One is more lively, where activities are laid on, and

Santa Ponsa Hotels - Club Santa Ponsa Pool

one is quieter.  But what makes the gardens, terraces and pools so special here is the absolutely spectacular view over the bay and sandy beach of Santa Ponsa – as you can see from the pic.  How many Santa Ponsa hotels can offer you a view like that?

You will also find a children’s playground and tennis courts here.

Further afield, apart from the obvious draw of the sandy beach of Santa Ponsa with all its water sports, in the other direction the main Santa Ponsa golf course is just 900 metres away.

Are the staff friendly?

One reviewer says that the staff here always seem to have a smile on their faces, and the entertainment team also comes in for a good mention or two as do the friendly reception staff.

Is there Internet access?

PCs are available in the public area but there is no WIFI in the rooms here.

What leisure facilities are on offer?

There’s a young animation team here, and they do a great job keeping the kids entertained by the sound of it.  The hotel also offers quite an array of activities – table tennis, a gym, archery, air rifle shooting(!), snooker, basketball and miniature golf.  Phew, worn me out just thinking about that lot.  Now where was that sun bed?

The hotel’s website also mentions an activity that I must confess I have never seen offered at any other Santa Ponsa hotel – ask them at reception, if you dare, for a game of “French Balls”!

Reception can also organise mountain bike hire for you, which is worth it if you fancy a day in the fresh air exploring the pretty lanes that wind up through the wooded hills in countryside that most people who come to Santa Ponsa will never see.

In the evenings there is…  now look, forget about being cool for a moment and let your hair down – because at the Club Santa Ponsa there is… bingo!  If you really are too cool for skool, as my nephew says, and can’t be doing with the bingo, there is plenty of other entertainment here including some great shows and dancing – sometimes provided by the same team that does the kids’ entertainment in the daytime, and sometimes professional acts.

If you fancy an evening of live entertainment away from the hotel, you can walk for 10 minutes or so to reach an area known as “The Square” where there is free live music and acts in the evenings – including a kids’ disco early on.  The open-air square is surrounded by bars that are very popular with families.  Just watch out for “Rod Stewart” – that’s all I’m saying..

Verdict

The Club Santa Ponsa has a particularly good all-inclusive deal for the money – great value.  It’s up and out of the main resort area, so yes, there are steps, but there are also fantastic views and tranquillity that you will not get in the resort centre.  I give it 9/10.

You can find the best deals and check live availability on the Club Santa Ponsa Apartments and other hotels in Santa Ponsa here: Santa Ponsa Hotels

The Casablanca is one of the most popular of all Santa Ponsa hotels according to the main review sites and on this page you can find out why.

On Trip Advisor, out of 31 reviewers, 87% rated it excellent or very good, and an incredible 93% would recommend the hotel.  It’s the same story on Holiday Watchdog, where the average score given is 8.5 out of ten, so we had better take a look at the reasons for these high scores:

The hotel was completely renovated in 2008 and people describe it using words like “clean” and “well-run”.  It’s a quiet and relaxing place, despite its central location.  This makes it good for families, who are made to feel very welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the options for board basis?

You can stay on either a bed and breakfast or half-board basis.

Where is it?

The hotel is about as convenient as you could want, located just behind the main sandy beach of Santa Ponsa – about 200 metres away from the sand.  It’s in an elevated position so the sea views are excellent.  The resort centre is only 500 metres away and the nearest bar just a 150 metre stagger!  However, although it’s central, the hotel is not too close to the night-life, so it’s not rowdy here.

Santa Ponsa hotels - Casablanca

Note that the hotel may not be suitable for those with walking difficulties, because there are some steps to negotiate – six up to the entrance, and about 40 to the pool – and the hotel is on a steep slope.

Like all hotels in Santa Ponsa, the Casablanca is within easy reach of Palma airport which is 31 kilometres away.

What’s the food like?

The food here is said to be plentiful and with a fair amount of variety considering this is a three-star Santa Ponsa hotel rather than a more expensive four-star.  Hot and cold dishes are served at breakfast from 8am until 9:45am.  In the evening you can expect a good choice of well-prepared food on offer between 7pm and 9pm, including fish, meat and pasta dishes.  One reviewer describes the salad displays as the best they had ever seen or tasted!

Evening meals and breakfast is served in the immaculate main buffet restaurant, with the lounge bar and pool bar serving very good snacks during the day.  There is also a weekly “gala dinner”.

One complaint was that tables in the restaurant seat four people, so if there are two of you, a table will be allocated to you at the start of your stay and you are expected to share it with another two people.  This could be interesting or an annoyance, depending on how you hit it off with the other couple!

How do the rooms compare to other Santa Ponsa hotels?

The Casablanca Hotel has 66 twin rooms and 21 single rooms in its main building of five floors, and in addition there

Santa Ponsa Hotels Casablanca Dining

are 23 apartments of one or two bedrooms in a separate building.  The hotel was refurbished in 2008.

All of the rooms have air conditioning or heating depending on the season, and are equipped with a private bathroom with shower; satellite TV; a telephone, and a safe (for a small charge).  There is no hair-dryer as standard as this is a three-star hotel, so if you want one you will need to bring one or hire one.  Most rooms have a balcony or terrace, but some of the singles don’t, so check this at the time of booking.  Also, note that although most rooms have a sea view, some don’t so if this is important to you, it might be worth requesting it when you book.  If you go for one of the apartments, these have a kitchen/lounge as well as the bedrooms.

The thing that so many reviewers keep mentioning about the Casablanca is the cleanliness of the rooms.  The management clearly take this very seriously and I wish this were true at all Santa Ponsa hotels.  No worries at all here when it comes to cleanliness.  Fresh towels every day too.

What’s outside?

There is a large pool, larger than you will find in many Santa Ponsa hotels, and plenty of sunbeds and parasols to choose from on the extensive terraces and gardens.  There is also a dedicated children’s section in the pool.

Do they have Internet access?

I can find no evidence of internet facilities at the this hotel.  Please contact Suntrap Holidays if you know different..

Are the staff friendly?

Reviewers tend to describe the staff using words like “friendly” and “polite”, and there are tales of the chef going out of his way to accommodate requests from those who have special dietary needs or preferences.

What leisure facilities are on offer?

You can enjoy live entertainment at this hotel twice a week, which is not as often as at some of the larger Santa Ponsa hotels, but you have to bear in mind that this is three star and you are getting very good value here.  Watch out for what one customer described as the “Margarita Pracatan-style sing-alongs”!!  Table tennis and video games are also on offer.

Verdict

The Casablanca is a friendly, clean, honest-to-goodness three-star Santa Ponsa hotel.  You get very full value here – it’s certainly one of the best in its class in my opinion.  If you want the few extras that a four-star might have, such as a kids’ club, you might like to look at the Punta del Mar instead – but of course you will be spending a little more on your accommodation there.

If you want to stay in a relaxing, quiet hotel just a stone’s throw from the lovely sandy beach, at a great price, the Casablanca could be just the hotel for you.  I rate it 8.5/10.

You can book at the best prices on this and other hotels in Santa Ponsa here: Santa Ponsa Hotels

Suntrap Holidays Rating:    9/10

If you are on a tight budget and want a spotlessly clean hotel in the middle of Santa Ponsa offering real value and friendly service, the Hotel Golf Beach is the one for you.

Santa Ponsa Hotels - Hotel Golf Beach Pool

This hotel is loved by just about everyone who stays here – families, couples and singles.

If the many reviews on independent web sites are anything to go by, despite its two-star rating, the Hotel Golf Beach is one of the most popular of all Santa Ponsa hotels.  Of 62 customers who reviewed this hotel on Trip Advisor, a staggering 90% rated it excellent or very good – and 96% would recommend it!  They currently rate it the 2nd most popular hotel in the whole of Santa Ponsa – and the others in the top three are both four-star places!

Let’s take a closer look:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is it?

The hotel is about 100 metres back from the main beach in Santa Ponsa, in the Avinguda del Rei Jaume I, which is very handy for the many shops, bars and restaurants but not too close to any late-night clubs so it won’t be too noisy.

It’s an easy 20-mile journey from the airport too.

Santa Ponsa Hotels - Hotel Golf Beach Bar

Is there a bar?

There is a 24-hour restaurant/bar with satellite TV.  Some of the seating is outside too, for those warm summer evenings.

What about food?

You can get snacks from the hotel bar throughout the day and evening, which are very popular with guests, especially the famous toasties that must be the envy of so many other Santa Ponsa hotels!

The breakfast here is just about the only thing that some guests were not too keen on, and it’s true to say that the standard breakfast is fairly basic – toast, cereals, juice, tea & coffee – but you have to remember that you’re paying two-star prices here.  A cooked breakfast is on offer for around £5 as an extra, so you only pay when you need it, and there are loads of places to have a cheap fry-up just down the road.

How do the rooms compare to other Santa Ponsa hotels?

Santa Ponsa Hotels - Hotel Golf Beach Rooms

The rooms are better than you will get in most 2-star Santa Ponsa hotels.  Just about everyone who stays here comments on how clean they are – spotless!  Bright and cheerful, rooms are kitted out with light wood furniture and comfortable beds.  All rooms have a private bathroom with bath and shower, and a balcony.  There is also a ceiling fan; telephone and safe.

What’s outside?

There’s a 40-square-metre garden at the back – and what a surprise – despite being two-star, there’s a lovely big swimming pool where you will have no trouble getting a sunbed because let’s face it, most people head straight for the beach a few yards down the road.

Are the staff friendly?

Peter, Tony and the team get loads of compliments from people who stay here – they are a very friendly bunch and really go out of their way to make you feel welcome.  Many of the guests come back time and time again – once you’ve been here once, you might just become a regular too!

What leisure facilities are on offer?

Being right in the centre of the resort, you have easy access to the huge range of facilities that Santa Ponsa has to offer – in fact this hotel is better placed than many of the more expensive Santa Ponsa hotels.  In the day time you have the fantastic sandy beach, with all kinds of water sports on offer, and the huge selection of shops.  At night you’ve got the Irish bars, karaoke, and loads of live music especially in “The Square” – take a look at our Santa Ponsa Resort Guide and see for yourself.

If you’re into golf, the golf course which gives the hotel its name is just 700 metres away, and you’re 15 minutes drive from nearby Bendinat golf, Ponent, Son Vida and Andratx golf courses.

Insider Tips

“Get a room at the front of the hotel and you get a nice big juicy balcony that gets sun til 8pm”

“find the kebab shop/bar about 2 minutes walk away and they have free internet use (so long as you buy a beer/wine/delicious great value kebab)”

Verdict

The Hotel Golf Beach is great for couples and families looking for a relaxing beach-based holiday in Majorca – at a price that won’t break the bank.  The great value, the friendly service.. let’s add it up..  yes, I reckon it’s got to be 9/10.

You can check out the best deals and live availability on the Hotel Golf Beach and other hotels in Santa Ponsa here: Santa Ponsa Hotels

At around 50 miles away, this is one of the longer excursions I would recommend if you are staying in one of the Santa Ponsa hotels, but it’s well worth the journey:

Santa Ponsa hotels - Excursions - Cuevas del Drac

The Cuevas del Drac are a set of stunning underground caves that will get your kids wide-eyed with wonder.  The name means “Caves of the Dragon”, and according to an ancient myth a dragon used to live deep in the cave – so you never know what you might find around the next corner!

Each one-hour tour of the cave starts off with a fascinating journey downwards into the cave, past literally thousands of spectacular stalactites (holding on “tite” to the ceiling) and stalagmites (pushing up from the floor with all their “mite”)!

Then, you reach a vast underground lake, first discovered in the year 1896, called Lake Martel.  Although it was discovered in 1896, the lake is many thousands of years old – in fact, it’s been here even longer than the towels on the sunbeds at some Santa Ponsa hotels.  You have a choice here – you can take a little gondola trip across the lake, or walk across a bridge instead.  The kids will probably want to go on the gondola – leave them to it if I were you, or you’ll only get soaked!

The icing on the cake is something very unusual – musicians play a short 10-minute set of live music against the backdrop of a natural amphitheatre right in the depths of the cave.  The acoustics make this an amazing experience that’s a nice change from the usual evening entertainment on offer in most Santa Ponsa hotels, and if your kids normally listen to Westlife or Dizzee Rascal, the live violins might just inspire them.  Well, we can hope..

When you finally come up into the bright sunlight once more, it’s just a short 500 metre hop to the very pretty Porto Cristo – ideal for a refreshment stop or a bit of sunbathing on the sandy beach in this quaint little resort before heading back to your Santa Ponsa Hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is it?

The Cuevas del Drac are just south of Porto Cristo, on Majorca’s east coast.  To get there from Santa Ponsa, you could take an organised excursion, details of which can be obtained from reception in most of the main Santa Ponsa hotels.

Alternatively, and this would be my preference, hire a car for the day and make your own way there.  It’s about an hour in the car, and you then have the advantage that you can stop for a break or explore the hidden beach that you happen to spot from the car.

From Santa Ponsa, take the main to Palma, go round the ring road and look for signs to Manacor – directly east.  At Manacor, look for the MA4015 to Porto Cristo, and then join the MA4014.  The caves are on this road less than a mile before you reach Porto Cristo.  There is a large car park.

How much does it cost?

The entrance fee is 10.50 euros, but children under eight go free.  If you go on an arranged excursion where the transport is all included, expect to pay around 30-35 euros but then of course you can just sit back and enjoy it without having to worry about driving.

When is it open?

You are taken into the caves on one of several tours that take place at these times:

1 April to 30 October: tours at 10am, 11am, 12:00 noon, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm.
1 November to 31 March: tours at 10:45am, 12:00noon, 2pm, 3:30pm.

Top Tips

• It’s a popular place, so arrive early to get your tickets or you may need to wait for a later tour.
• In high season, the tours at 10am, 4pm and 5pm are the least busy.
• Pushchairs are not recommended in the cave because of narrow paths and steps.
• Photographs are not allowed in the cave, because the flashing would spoil the enjoyment of other visitors.
• The temperature in the cave is ALWAYS 20 degrees C, so you won’t need to wrap up.

Hope your kids like the caves!  Thanks for reading.

If you are about to book a holiday to Santa Ponsa, you can get the best deals and check availability here: Santa Ponsa hotels and holidays.

BBC weather for Santa Ponsa

]]> http://suntrapholidays.co.uk/majorca/santa-ponsa-hotels/santa-ponsa-hotels-dragon-cavern-adventure/feed 0 http://suntrapholidays.co.uk/majorca/santa-ponsa-hotels/santa-ponsa-hotels-resort-guide http://suntrapholidays.co.uk/majorca/santa-ponsa-hotels/santa-ponsa-hotels-resort-guide#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:21:30 +0000 admin http://suntrapholidays.co.uk/?p=99 Santa Ponsa or Santa Ponça is a safe resort with a relaxed feel.

Santa Ponsa Hotels Panorama by wikipedia.org user: Cyclejakob

Kids of all ages will love building sandcastles in the clean white sand of its main beach, backed by pine trees at one end and within an easy stroll of a great choice of shops, café/bars and restaurants.

You really can just sit back and unwind here.  There are no waiters trying to usher you into their restaurants; no time-share salesmen.  The people here are not pushy – just friendly and welcoming.  Santa Ponsa is a well-established family resort – they know what to do here, and they do it well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few of the questions that we often get asked at Suntrap Holidays about Santa Ponsa:

Where is it?

Santa Ponsa is on the south-west coast of Majorca, between Paguera and Palma Nova.  It’s about 12 miles west of Majorca’s capital, Palma.

At about 20 miles from Palma airport, getting to most Santa Ponsa hotels will take about 40 minutes.  If you are paying for your own transfer, a shuttle bus costs under £10 per person, and a taxi about £70 – both are return prices.

What are Santa Ponsa hotels like?

When it comes to hotels, Santa Ponsa has a lot of choice and a lot of quality at very good prices.  Hotels in Santa Ponsa often offer all-inclusive or half-board deals where the food is excellent and well worth the small amount extra that you will pay compared to B&B or self-catering.

By the way, I have written no-holds-barred reviews of some of the best hotels in Santa Ponsa – check them out before you book.  You can find them here: Santa Ponsa hotels

What’s the beach like?

The main bay is shaped like three sides of a rectangle, with rocky headlands on each side stretching about ¾ mile

Santa Ponsa hotels - beach, by flickr.com user: wiros

straight out to sea, and a lovely beach in the middle, almost half a mile of clean, white sand, perfect for Dad to build sandcastles – er, for the kids of course!

At the back of the beach is a mini-wood with pine trees – great for a little shade and a picturesque backdrop to the Santa Ponsa hotels, shops, café/bars and restaurants that are within easy walking distance of the beach.  Watch out for the pretty little green parrots who  like to fly amongst the trees.

The sea here is generally safe for swimming, but if the red flag is up, which is rare in summer, paddling is as deep as you should go.  A great variety of water sports are on offer here – the humble pedalo, the sausage thing, water-skiing, para-gliding, sailing – basically you name it, they probably do it!

What can you do in and around Santa Ponsa?

Well, because this is a well-established family resort, there is a great choice of activities here – it’s one of Santa Ponsa’s strengths – something for everyone.  Here are a few examples:

You can take a boat trip from the beach in Santa Ponsa and get a closer look at this area of the coastline.  At about £10 a head they are very good value compared to other resorts, especially bearing in mind that the boats here are modern and many have a bar and toilet facilities on board.

If you fancy a change from the main beach of Santa Ponsa, there is a smaller sandy bay known as “Little Beach” to the south about 15 minutes’ walk away.  This sandy cove is less developed, although sunbeds and umbrellas are usually on hire.  There is a little shade from the pine trees that line the beach, and the sea is shallow for quite a way so it’s good for safe swimming.  This cute little place is popular with the locals at weekends – which says something about its charm.

To get to Little Beach from most of the Santa Ponsa hotels, head for the southern end of the main beach (the left end as you face the sea), then get up onto the road called “Avinguda del Rei Jaume I” and follow it to the right.  It runs along the south side of Santa Ponsa bay just behind a line of houses.  After five minutes or so, fork right onto the road called “Via de la Cruz” and carry on until the road comes back out from behind the houses – and you will be at the Little Beach!

Antratx is a lovely place to spend half a day or even a day if you fancy a change of scenery. This working port is about eight miles North of most Santa Ponsa hotels and apartments, and is well worth a visit.  The port itself has a tempting Mallorcagold jewellery shop, and Andratx market, the largest in the area, is famous for lace tablecloths and leather goods such as handbags.  If you are planning a day out in Andratx, the market is held on Wednesday mornings so that could well be the best day to go as you can start with the market and then explore the port and the town.

Santa Ponsa hotels - sunrise by flickr.com user: wiros

Palma, the capital of Majorca, is a great day out.  Just hop on a bus from the bus station, within easy walking distance of the main Santa Ponsa hotels, and off you go on the 10 mile trip to the city.  Take a taxi if you want a little more comfort and speed, or even hire a car for the day if you can cope with finding your way to one of the many central underground car parks in the city, which I managed OK last time I went there.  Palma is a great place for a “city day out” from your base in Santa Ponsa.  I can’t do it justice here, but suffice to say that as Spanish cities go, it has a heck of a lot to offer in terms of shops, history, architecture, vibrancy and sheer beauty.  Mind you, I was quite pleased to lie down in the sun on the beach the day after, for a rest!

Golf – “Santa Ponsa I” is open to visitors and can be found North of the beach, but the club house is at the far end so you may prefer to take a taxi or go by car.  It’s a par 72 course at 6.106 metres.  The green fees, in line with the rest of Majorca, are on the pricey side, at 78 euros for a round and 40 euros for nine holes.

What attractions for kids are within reach of Santa Ponsa hotels?

They’ll love the beach of course, but there are plenty of other things to do.  You can go to Marineland near Palma Nova, just a few miles away, and see the dolphin show, or how about the famous Pirates Adventure Show down the road in Magaluf?  Locally, the square just to the north side of the bay holds a children’s show and junior disco in the early evening most nights throughout the summer – Maria who runs it is a real star.

What’s going on at night?

Unlike Magaluf, which seems to me like some sort of disco heaven (or hell – depending which side of 30 you are on), things are more family-orientated in Santa Ponsa.  Live entertainment can be found in the bars, as can karaoke, but much of the live music and shows take place in the main Santa Ponsa hotels.  The exception is The Square, a modern outdoor plaza surrounded by café/bars just to the north of the main bay about 10 minutes’ walk from the resort centre.  Here, there is live music every night in the middle of the square – it’s free too – just take a seat at one of the surrounding bars and enjoy the show!

You will also find a good number of Irish and Scottish bars here, where you can have a great pub night out surrounded by some real characters.  You might even remember some of them the next day!

What’s the food like?

Food here is less expensive than in some other resorts, probably because there are restaurants and snack bars of all kinds competing for your euros.  You’ll find the main cuisines of the world here – Chinese, Italian, Indian, English.  Oh, and Spanish of course!  Even if you are on a half-board or all-inclusive deal at one of the main Santa Ponsa hotels, it’s nice to treat yourself to a meal out, and if you take your time, have a look around and find something you like the look of, you won’t be disappointed.  The Rendezvous in Calle de Ramon and the No. 8 bar and grill in Avenida Rey Jaime I are favourites with Santa Ponsa holidaymakers.

Well, that’s my quick intro to Santa Ponsa – a great Spanish family resort.  Thanks for reading.

If you are considering a holiday to Santa Ponsa, you can check out the latest deals and availability here: Santa Ponsa hotels and holidays.

BBC weather for hotels in Santa Ponsa

The Punta del Mar hotel is THE landmark hotel on a headland at the end of Santa Ponsa bay, famed for its expansive views of the ocean from all rooms.

It’s an overwhelmingly popular hotel and you are not going to go far wrong spending your holiday here.  Designated three-star, it’s a real hit with the many people who have written glowing reviews of it.  For example, on Trip Advisor a massive 83% of customer would recommend it, and out of 209 reviews, 149 rate it excellent or very good.  It is ranked top three in popularity out of 40 Santa Ponsa hotels at the time of writing.

Board basis tends to be half-board – and offers excellent value – more of that later.

Santa Ponsa hotels - Punta del Mar

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is it?

The hotel almost floats like a giant cruise liner at the furthest point of the bay of Santa Ponsa, away from the hustle and bustle and in probably the most stunning location of any of the Santa Ponsa hotels.  It’s still near enough to the sandy beach and the centre of the resort too, so you can take the pleasant 15-minute walk initially down the little road in the quiet suburb where the hotel sits, then along the coastal path until you reach the centre.  All very civilised.

Set into the cliff-side, the hotel has an “upside-down” feel!  What I mean is that you enter reception from the road on one of the top floors, and then go down to your room!  Striding into the hotel to check in on my visit a year or so ago, before I got anywhere near the desk I was stopped dead in my tracks by the stunning panoramic ocean views from the picture windows.

It’s not just reception that enjoys such views – the hotel is entirely facing out to sea, so everybody gets a truly breathtaking sea view from their rooms – seeing it for the first time as you walk into your room is a tonic in itself after the flight and transfer.

Incidentally, the airport transfer is quite short as the hotel is about 31km from Palma airport.

What’s the food like?

There is a snack bar for the day-time and a buffet-style restaurant for breakfast and dinner, the dining room being a light and airy room with plenty of windows making the most of that superb sea view.  Breakfast has all of the things that you would expect to find in a decent Spanish four star hotel (but remember, this one is three star!).  You’ll find a good variety of hot and cold dishes – fruit, cereals, full English including eggs cooked to order, croissants and pastries.  In the evening, there is a roast at the carvery and a choice of hot meat and fish dishes, soups, salads, vegetables, pasta dishes vegetarian dishes and a good choice of gateaux and ice creams for dessert to round off your meal.

How do the rooms compare to other Santa Ponsa hotels?

There are 186 rooms here, all with that great sea view.  Each has a balcony (there’s a great “insider tip” on that subject later), heating, air conditioning, a bath and shower, a telephone, and for a small charge you can use the safe and satellite TV.  Note that, being a three rather than four star hotel, things like hair dryers don’t come as standard as you are paying far less for the room, but you can hire one for a small charge – otherwise remember to bring one with you.

What’s outside?

Santa Ponsa hotels - Punta del Mar Views

There is a lovely swimming pool right on the edge of the sea, split into two individual pools on different levels and separated by a waterfall.  There is also a children’s pool.  Go for one of the sunbeds on the far side of the pool and you will be able to relax with a drink from the bar while reading your holiday novel, undisturbed by anything apart from the gentle lapping of the waves on the rocks below.  Needless to say, this ambience is not something that all Santa Ponsa hotels can provide.

Walk down from the hotel and across the rocks and you can take a quick dip in the crystal-clear waters of the bay, especially good the the morning and evening when it is quiet and atmospheric.

Do they have Internet access?

There are two internet terminals in the hall which are on a pay-as-you-surf basis.  There is no wireless internet access in the rooms.  If this is something that you must have, you can try one of the other Santa Ponsa hotels that has this facility, such as this one: Hotel Jardin del Sol, just next door!

Are the hotel staff friendly?

This hotel is not just another run-of-the-mill three-star hotel – it has character, and this is mainly because of the excellent team that runs it.  Reviewers describe the staff here using words like courteous, friendly and hard-working.  Bar staff are said to be up-beat and welcoming, and everyone from the manager to the cleaning staff get a good mention.  Customer service is clearly higher on the agenda here than in many Santa Ponsa hotels, which is a good reflection on this one rather than a bad reflection on the others.

What leisure facilities are on offer?

There is an indoor heated pool and solarium that is open in the winter months, from the start of October until the end of May.

There’s also a decent games room and if you are feeling energetic you can hire a bicycle and go exploring – and around Santa Ponsa there are some lovely little wooded lanes and secluded bays just out of the resort.  Children will be happy to learn that the hotel runs a kids’ club – parents even more so!

There is live entertainment here in the evenings – usually singers and pretty good and easy to relax to.  If you want something a bit more lively, walk down to the square, about five minutes away, where there are free tribute bands on most evenings throughout the summer, and plenty of seating in the café/bars around the edges.  If you take the children earlier in the evening, there is a kids’ disco there, run by a girl called Maria who is a star.

Mysteriously, one guest said that massage and reflexology is available “under the gazebo” – but I have to tell you that I never managed to find even the gazebo when I was there, let alone what was under it!

Insider Tip

“The balconies on the top floor are very private and sheltered, because each one it set into a sloping tiled roof that borders each side of it.  This makes a sloping wall on each side of the balcony, starting at about shoulder-height next to the room and as you walk outwards, getting lower.  If you visit outside the main summer months, this sheltered effect makes the balconies here usable when the guests at other hotels have long ago abandoned their more exposed outdoor areas.  So, for a very private, sheltered balcony, ask for a room at the top!”

Verdict

The overwhelming features of this hotel are its views and its great staff.  Both will add something very special to your holiday and are not on offer in many of the three star Santa Ponsa hotels.  Being three star, it’s priced lower than its four-star competitors, and in many respects if you pay more, you will get more.  However, the Punta del Mar is easily on a par with four star Santa Ponsa hotels when it comes to superb location and excellent staff, and because of this, I’m giving it 9/10.

You can check out the best deals and live availability on this and other hotels in Santa Ponsa here: Santa Ponsa Hotels

This hotel is beats many of the other Santa Ponsa hotels hands-down, if the reviews are anything to go by.

At the time of writing, the hotel is rated first out of 40 Santa Ponsa hotels over on Trip Advisor, with 86% rating it excellent or very good out of a total of 93 reviews, and a whopping 85% recommending it, which means basically that you are extremely likely to enjoy your stay here.

Note that this is an adult-only hotel – all guests need to have a minimum age of 14.  Of course, this means no noise from children, so it may suit you better if you are looking for a bit of peace and quiet.

Board basis here can be anything – choose room only, B&B, half-board – all the way up to all-inclusive.  My advice as usual is to get at least dinner included as it offers such good value when compared to room-only or B&B, even if you eat out sometimes.

Santa Ponsa hotels Jardin del Sol

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is it?

The hotel is an an outstanding location, built into the cliff side so that every room gets a panoramic view over Santa Ponsa bay.  Thanks to some steps and a rope handrail, you can clamber down the rocks quite easily to go for a dip in the wonderfully clear waters of the bay – especially refreshing in the early morning, to give you an appetite or perhaps an excuse for that lavish cooked breakfast!

The main sandy beach and town centre of Santa Ponsa is about a 10-minute walk away – you can walk down the quiet road from the hotel for a few minutes and then cut down to the path than runs along the side of the bay to get there, which is a very pleasant walk.

Being just 31km from Palma airport, transfer time is nice and short.

What’s the food like?

The standard and choice of dishes is very much up to the standard you would expect from a four-star Iberostar hotel – and by that, I mean pretty bloomin’ good!  Iberostar always know how to run a good buffet-style restaurant and this one is no exception.  Don’t go thinking you will get this standard of food at all of the other Santa Ponsa hotels!

Dinner is served on a buffet basis from 6:45 pm to 9:30 pm in the Restaurante Panorámico Bellevue, where you will find a massive salad bar, plenty of freshly-cooked meat and fish including steak, a good choice for vegetarians and some local cuisine for good measure.  Don’t be surprised if one or two unexpected celebrity dishes show up either – fresh lobster has been known to make a guest appearance, for example, and I have it on good authority that if you are really well-behaved you get to see the famous “chocolate fountain”!

The same dining room is used for a breakfast service that is just as impressive as the dinner, available from 7:45 am to 10:30 am.

The pool bar serves snacks during the day, by the pool as its name suggests, and is more than enough to keep you satisfied between the massive breakfast and dinner services.

How do the rooms compare to other Santa Ponsa hotels?

Santa Ponsa Hotels Jardin del Sol Room

The hotel has 261 rooms, renovated in 2007, arranged in two linked buildings, and I have to tell you that the hotel’s customers really rave about the accommodation here.

There are four classes of room:

60 Junior Suites
19 Junior Suites “Honey Moon”
114 Senior Suites
27 Senior Suites “Panorama”

Even the bright and spacious Junior Suites at this hotel, the least expensive rooms, look significantly better than you get in most other Santa Ponsa hotels, judging by the many very complimentary reviews.

The rooms are well-equipped, having a safe (for a small charge), a flat screen TV with satellite channels, air conditioning, a minibar.  Every room is fitted with a luxurious double-size jacuzzi in the bathroom.  Mmmmm..

Oh, and watch out in the bathroom – one guest said the “power shower nearly gave me whiplash”.

The Junior Suites “Honeymoon” and the Senior Suites “Panorama” have an unusual feature of a Balinese canopied bed on the balcony, so you can take a nap in the cool shade on those hot summer afternoons. Just don’t make a habit of it, OK – your holiday will be over soon enough and you don’t want to say that all you did was eat and sleep.  Do you?

What’s outside?

In front of the hotel buildings, right on the edge of the sea, you will find a good sized swimming pool, well heated according to one customer, and furnished with with plenty of sunbeds so there really is NO need to reserve your spot – just relax and enjoy.

Like several other Santa Ponsa hotels built into the cliff on this side of the bay, the Jardin del Sol actually does not have much actual “jardin”, because of the terrain – but what it lacks in palm-covered terraces it makes up for in sheer panoramic views and direct access to the crystal-clear waters of the bay – there is nothing between the hotel and the rocky coastline.

Do they have Internet access?

Yes.  Unlike many Santa Ponsa hotels, rooms at the Jardin del Sol have wireless internet access available, on a pre-paid basis.  There is also free WIFI in the hall and a cyber café where you can use the PCs, for a charge paid at the terminal.

Are the staff friendly?

The people working in Santa Ponsa hotels are, I would say, a friendly bunch on the whole, but the team at the Jardin del Sol really do seem to be able and very willing to go that extra mile and reach that point where people actually remember them as friends when they get home. In the restaurant, the charming Veten and the lovely Katerina, “who always had a smile on her face”, seem to have made a real difference.  Patricia and Carmen on reception also get a fond mention.

What leisure facilities are on offer?

Entertainment in the hotel is lower key than in some of the other Santa Ponsa hotels, featuring duo singers rather than full-on shows.  If you want something livelier, there is a square just down the road where there is live (free) entertainment each evening in the summer and you can sit watching it at one of the many bars surrounding the square.  The tribute bands are pretty good there, with the “Rod Stewart” being a particular favourite!

Back to the hotel, there is an excellent spa offering massages and health treatments, which, although a little on the expensive side, are said by reviewers who tried them to be well worth the money.  A sauna, solarium, steam room and gym are also on offer here, and for the more sporty, free kayaking and scuba diving activities are available.  The hotel also works with local guides offering walking and cycling tours – the hotel is well-known for this.

Overall, the leisure package on offer here seems pretty good when compared with other similar class Santa Ponsa hotels.

Insider Tips

“The senior suites have a separate bedroom, so if you prefer one big open-plan room, which can seem more spacious, stick with a junior suite.”
“A coach from the airport can stop at a lot of hotels on the way and take a long time – if you want to get here faster, a taxi will cost 40 euros and get you there in 30 minutes.”

Verdict

This has to be one of the most impressive of the Santa Ponsa hotels, certainly amongst the top of its class and offering an awful lot for the money – more than you will get for the same money elsewhere.  In line with most of the customer reviews, I rate this hotel highly – nine out of ten.

You’ll find the best deals and live availability on this and other hotels in Santa Ponsa here: Santa Ponsa Hotels