This summer we had the wonderful opportunity to share our vacation with our daughter and grandsons in Mallorca, Spain. We all experienced exceptional hospitality in an atmosphere where kindness and warmth were freely offered at every turn. Our time enriched our bond with our grandsons and left us with cherished memories that we will treasure for a lifetime.
Rise of the All-Inclusive Luxury Retreat
In the ever-evolving landscape of the travel industry, there has been a notable shift towards the increasing popularity of all-inclusive luxury resorts, particularly among women and young families. All-inclusive also serves as a haven for retirees and the grandparent demographic.
This trend speaks to the changing needs and preferences of these demographic groups, who are seeking a seamless, hassle-free vacation experience that caters to their unique requirement.
For women, the appeal of an all-inclusive luxury resort like those operated by Zafiro Hotels in Mallorca lies in the opportunity to truly unwind and recharge. We chose the Zafiro Palace Andratx, located in the southwest of this gorgeous Balearic Island.
Often times women bear the brunt of the day-to-day responsibilities in the home, juggling work and childcare. The resort provides a chance to escape into a world of pampering spa treatments, recreational activities and world-class dining which can allow them to prioritize their own self-care and wellbeing. Moreover, the safety and security offers are particularly appealing.
In recognition of Zafiro Hotels’ exceptional services catered toward women’s groups, the resort was honored with the prestigious She Travel Club Award for “Best Resort 2024”.
This accolade underscores the resorts; dedication to crafting a truly transformative and empowering experience for female guests, setting a new standard for the industry.
The Unexpected Delight: A Personal Concierge at Your Service
Our dedicated concierge, Julie, was on hand to attend to all our airport transfers, restaurant & spa reservations, and insider tips on local attractions. We were able to navigate the island, beach, and the old town of Palma for the duration of our visit thanks to this personalized service.
Highlight for the boys: The boys squealed with delight when they spotted the horse and carriage ride. Their eyes grew wide and round as we made our way to ‘La Seu” Cathedral of Palma.
The boys listened eagerly to the rich history of Palma, soaking in the stories. They were good sports while exploring the street artists and showed genuine interest in all the sights, posing for pictures, and staying together. Excited about the journey, they eagerly bought knickknacks to take back to school, sharing stories of their adventures with friends.
I enjoyed talking to them about our previous visit to Mallorca, three years ago. They were intrigued by where we stayed, the Cap Rocat Hotel, which is located in a fortress built for the surveillance of the Bay of Palma. This building is declared a Heritage Asset and listed as a National Monument. We chose this location to finish the last chapter of my book, Seva: the Art of Hospitality.
The surroundings are part of a Protected Natural Area, blending perfectly into the landscape. it was an inspiring setting for my writing, filled with fond memories of the magic of staying in a fortified citadel! Cap Rocat served not just as a backdrop but as an active participant in the creative process, enhancing both the thematic and emotional resonance of the final chapters.
Our grandsons loved the childrens’ activities, inclusive of arts and crafts, at Zafiro, and made some friends very quickly, I may secretly have enjoyed watching them and listening to their sweet conversation exchanges! Of course, the beach and swimming in the sea as well as the pool in our penthouse, were favorites as well.
Enjoying healthy savor from the private poolside food truck or the sweet varietal toppings on crepes at the family pool.
And the views!
Breathtaking views all-around of the Mallorca coastline, featuring yachts and boats gliding across the crystal-clear turquoise Mediterranean sea. Situated adjacent to the esteemed Andratx Golf Course, an 18 -hole championship golf course.
We were fortunate to stay in one of many Private Penthouse suites peppered around the property. The top floor suites feature roof top plunge pools and hydromassage bathtubs with enchanting views.
Gastronomy
Eight different food and drink venues, wet bars, live music, and entertainment.
La Veranda presents reinvented Italian classics. Lucy serves a la carte breakfast with a warm smile that brightens our mornings. She receives numerous compliments from her patrons, always going the extra mile to ensure we have hot coffee and a table with a view! In the evening, La Veranda offers fine Italian fare.
My dietary restrictions card- a clever concept, very helpful - was presented to me upon my arrival at the resort. As a safety measure, I was advised to show this card to the restaurants I visited even though they had my information in their system. The assistant manager provided excellent service recovery!
The Market presents a daily breakfast buffet with an extensive array of hot and cold items, along with various action station. The vibrant colors, healthy selections, and morning sea views all contribute to a sense of well-being.
It switches to an a la carte lunch and a buffet dinner offering Mediterranean cuisine during the course of the day. We were unable to try this out due to the proximity of the food trucks by the pools!
Tastes & Sushi - Nikkei cuisine is a fusion of Peruvian elements shaped by Japanese techniques. The chef took special care in curating an appetizer for me that even my grandsons loved!
Mare Nostrum features signature Mediterranean cuisine. My grandson’s favorite was crystal prawns, lovely selection of fruit de mer. It was interesting to note a red legged partridge and ox tail bon bons with black olive meringue on the menu. Not to mention the cutting-edge culinary techniques such as black garlic air and smoked chocolate.
One particularly noteworthy aspect of the Zafiro experience is the dedication to creating a sophisticated and healthy menu for their youngest guests. Recognizing that today’s children are savvy travelers with refined palates, the chefs have prioritized nutritional value and sustainability.
Caliu Steakhouse highlights grilled flavors. Our sommelier and photographer, Jonathan, takes his role seriously. He recommended a wonderful wine, charmed the boys, and remembered my dietary restrictions. Jonathan loves photography, speaks perfect English, and proudly claims that aioli originates from Catalonia!
Jonathan presented the ‘Whole Sea Bass en croute de sel’, table-side and deftly unveiled the fillets with a side sauce.
In a world that often demands our constant attention, the power of family travel cannot be overstated. It is a chance to pause, rejuvenate, and create memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. With Zafiro Hotels as a trusted partner, families can rest assured that their Mallorca getaway will be on of a truly unforgettable timeless escape!
Hospitality is a sacred bond that demands respect for guests and fosters solidarity across generations. This reverence is especially strong in Mediterranean cultures, where altruism is seen as a moral obligation. Their warmth invites us to feel like family, creating cherished memories through shared stories and meals- food becomes the heartfelt expression of love.
This sense of hospitality transforms gatherings into meaningful experiences, weaving lasting connections and emotions. Ultimately, food remains a beloved medium that makes people feel welcomed and valued. Zafiro Palace Andratx delivered on all fronts.