The concept of all-inclusive is so often synonymous with Benidorm-esque hotels, inebriated dads and below-par buffets, right? However, thanks to a roster of luxury hotels keen to accommodate families without an eye-watering bill at the end of the trip, the all-inclusive has had a much-welcomed modern makeover. In fact, most of my friends who have children will only stay in an all-inclusive now - and as someone who has usually avoided them, I was keen to see what all the fuss was about.
For a very last-minute family holiday in August, we decamped to the trusty Spanish island of Mallorca; with a two-hour flight, sensational weather and plenty of family-friendly activities, you really can’t go wrong.
With an incredibly hyperactive toddler in tow, who requires constant stimulation, snacks and attention between the hours of 5am and 7pm, we knew we had to plump for an all-inclusive that offered a plethora of toddler activities, kid-friendly dining hours and plenty of water for emulating baby shark in. Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa offered all of that and then some.
The family paradise is situated in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by pine trees on the Playa de Muro beach, which, according to recent analysis of TripAdvisor reviews, is hailed as ‘the best beach in the world’ - and the amount of questions I got after posting an Insta snap of it would attest to that.
As well as the prime location, the newly-revamped Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa has come up with a winning formula for family holidays by blending exactly what kids want with a luxurious touch for the adults in tow. We were delighted to discover that the hotel is a ‘two-in-one’ concept, meaning guests can use the facilities across Albufera Park and Albufera Playa - that’s seven pools, ten restaurants and bars, a kids’ club, and spa with plenty of space to roam around and keep fickle youngsters engaged.
We were staying in Albufera Playa, which was the more ‘adult’ hotel, but spent the majority of our time over in Albufera Park - simply because it was a kiddy haven where little ones can let loose without the risk of ruining a honeymooning couples’ holiday.
There are plenty of different room types depending on your preference but if you’re travelling with children, the most sanity-preserving space has to be the Family Room. Spacious and modern, you’ll have a private terrace or balcony to relax on during nap time, as well as a separate living room so you and your partner can actually enjoy some alone time after the kids have gone to bed. There’s also two bathrooms, meaning you don’t need to interrupt snoozing little ones. If you’re travelling without kids, some of the traditional double rooms and suites have access to an adults-only rooftop pool and terrace on the beachfront which will make you feel miles away from the excitable children below. Want the best of both worlds? There’s also an incredible Instagrammable rooftop infinity pool that also welcomes children.
We spent very little time in our room - simply because there is so much to do downstairs. The hotel is a kids’ paradise from the moment you step in - the indoor slide from reception that transports children to the kids’ club below is quite the welcome. The kids club, Star Camp, is divided into three groups: Monkey (from 4 to 7 years old), Dolphin (from 8 to 12 years old) and Eagle (from 13 to 17 years old), which is run like a slick nursery or school operation with a better staff to children ratio than our nursery in London boasts.
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Our two-year-old was too young to partake but it didn’t matter because there were so many other child-friendly activities on offer (which is no mean feat in a hotel with such an extensive kids club). We made great use of the children’s pool areas with epic water slides that my husband enjoyed far too much, as well as the children’s playground in the shade of the pine trees, the built-in trampoline and the unlimited ice cream parlour. If you can tear your little ones away from the mini water parks, the hotel also has direct beach access, which we enjoyed at 7am before the sun came out. There’s also a daily schedule of activities (helpfully listed on the hotel’s phone app) which include everything from water aerobics and poker night to childrens’ discos and full-blown Frozen performances on the sprawling main stage.
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Foodwise, we were, at first, dubious. After a few bad all-inclusive experiences we weren’t holding out much hope but the culinary offerings here blew us away. A firm favourite was Tamarindos, a beach grill buffet, where chefs conjure up a delicious selection of BBQ meats and fresh catch of the day straight to your plate. Spanish restaurant, Martinete, was also a highlight and I relished being able to order as many patatas bravas as I could physically devour. Greek restaurant, Kyknos, and Mexican restaurant, Nopal, were also great and the themed element of the restaurants kept things interesting because who really wants a buffet meal after meal? The buffet breakfast, however, was hugely welcome. With its blindingly-colourful fruit corner, a patisserie stand, a counter where fresh pancakes and waffles were being made, an open kitchen specifically for every variety of eggs, and a dedicated kids station, it was the perfect way to start our day.
As a publication that champions sustainability, we were delighted to hear how the resort itself has been recently transformed to make sustainable practices a priority. In fact, it was renovated using circular economy principles, with recycled and environmentally friendly material, and the staff make it clear they are extremely proud of the hotel's eco-friendly credentials. The hotel has banished single-use plastic bottles (hooray!) and reusable cups can be placed in wooden troughs throughout the resort to be washed and replaced. There’s also water coolers dotted around the hotel with empty glass carafes in your room to top up with. The hotel is currently working toward not generating any landfill-bound waste by 2025 and becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Major.
Combining a sustainable approach with unrivalled kids activities, luxury elements for adults, great food and an epic beach-front location is no mean feat for an all-inclusive but Iberostar Selection Albufera Park manages to do it in style. We’ll absolutely be returning again - even if it’s just to witness the sheer joy on my daughter (and husband’s) faces as they slide down that water slide they've been reminiscing on every day for the past month.
Room prices start from £165, to book please visit: www.iberostar.com/uk
