Zafiro Palace Palmanova
(Not to be confused with the Zafiro Palmanova which is closer to Magaluf!)
This hotel is very trendy and stylish! The internal spaces were very much about statement art features and over-sized light fittings with a really nice colour palette for the fabrics and tiles in use in the lounge, bar and restaurant areas.
ROOM – Our Suite (we stayed in a swim up suite) was very large with a king size bed and a sofa which converted into 2 single beds, the bathroom sinks were behind the bed headboard resulting in a semi open plan bathroom. There was a large rain shower and separate bath. Loads of storage space with large built in wardrobes and shelves so in my mind would house a family of four easily without feeling cramped.
The Patio door opened out onto a decked area with a day bed in the shade and then an artificial grass patch with 2 sun loungers in front of the swim up pool. The pool did have a gate that you could swing across and lock in case there were small children in the room.
The hotel features rooms in 6 blocks which all face inwards into the central landscaped gardens and pool area. Were we in block 1 which, in my opinion, was the quietest location. Blocks 2 and 3 are beside the kids play ground and splash pool, block 4 overlooks the main pool and there is music playing here all day. Block 5 & 6 overlook the main buffet restaurant – these balconies face directly onto the outdoor terrace of the buffet restaurant so can become quite noisy at their dining times. In a nutshell if booking this hotel I would ask to request block 1.
LOCATION – the hotel is a 5 minute walk from the beach with lots of bars and restaurants close by. EUR 45 in a taxi one way from the airport (approx 30 minutes). The Ola Panama Hotel is just opposite the side entrance (gate to the beach) to the hotel and Lively Majorca is next door to it. Hotel Don Bigote is on the same side of the street as the Zafiro.
FOOD – The main buffet restaurant was stunning looking inside. There was one long counter with a number of different sections for vegetarian, pizza and pasta, speciality, desserts etc. The hotel has 3 fine dining restaurants – Sushi, Mediterranean and Italian. On our last night we tried the Italian and the food was exceptionally good and as we were on half board we only paid for our drinks. The hotel operates a rota for the restaurants as they are not all opened every night but the daily planner left in your room advises opening times. Dress Code does apply to the buffet and speciality restaurants. Complimentary bottles of water were in the room and refreshed each day.
FACILITIES – Oasis Pool Area which is adults only, I took a look at the Spa which was amazing and had two heated indoor swimming pools. The Lounge Bar had a nice outdoor seating area and there was music each night. There seemed to be activities 2/3 times per day at different times for kids. Lots of different pools which never felt overcrowded but as they were fresh water pools they were, at the start, freezing cold to get into!!
Palma Nova Tip:
Max Garden – this is a new café just opened this season and less than 5 minutes’ walk away from the hotel and a great spot for lunch.
