Formentor travel guide and discussion

Another amazing day aboard the beautiful Esmeralda with her kind and generous skipper Sebastian. Activities included swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking in crystal-clear waters, along with visits to secluded beaches and coves around Formentor and Pollensa Bay. The trip concluded with a tasty lunch and plentiful soft and alcoholic drinks. It's always the highlight of our vacation, and this year we even went for the sunset tour, which was absolutely breathtaking—swimming in the warm sea as the sun set over the port was pure bliss.

We stayed here in August 2006 as a family of four with two children aged 9 and 7. The hotel is beautifully situated on the edge of the bay, with a walkway leading to Pollensia and beaches along the way. · *Pool Area** The pool area was clean, tidy, and well-maintained. The slides were perfect for children, and the main pool was spacious enough for the guests. We had no trouble finding sunbeds, though they could use slight improvements. · *Spa** The spa was excellent—modern and well-equipped with a steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, and cold plunge. It was never crowded, and children were welcome in the mornings until 2 PM. Be sure to bring a swim hat or you can buy one at reception for a small fee. I also had a wonderful massage by Diego, definitely worth the extra cost. · *Food** Breakfast was excellent, with highlights being the omelets and smoothies. For lunch, we alternated between the main restaurant, which was good, and the snack bar, which was very convenient. Dinner offered a nice variety without being overwhelming, with themed nights adding to the options. · *Drinks** The all-inclusive drinks were standard. The pre-mixed cocktails were perfectly fine for us. · *Entertainment** The entertainment team worked hard and offered a good variety. We especially enjoyed the football on the massive 3G pitch. However, better communication from the entertainment staff about activities and more activity options would be an improvement. Having football available every day would also be fantastic for the kids. · *Staff** The bar staff, particularly Marco, were excellent. Overall, the staff was very good. · *Conclusion** We would definitely recommend this hotel for families with young children.

Good location, but it's advisable to rent a car if you don’t plan to stay around the hotel. The best snorkeling spot I found on the island is right next to the hotel in Cala Antena (see photo). Nearby beaches within walking distance include Cala Antena (very close) and Cala Domingos (8-10 minutes away). With a car, it was easy to visit the stunning bays along the island’s southeastern coast (mostly west of the hotel) as well as Alcudia and Formentor in the northeast. I didn’t get to explore Serra Tramuntana with its winding roads, as it’s a 2-hour drive. I did visit Palma on the last day before my late return flight. The quality of food in the all-inclusive meals and snacks was quite good. There’s plenty of daytime entertainment around the pool, which seemed great, although I didn’t participate in it.

The hotel is stunning, with well-maintained grounds, pool, and gardens. The pool area is fantastic and suitable for all ages. The cow and toucan slides are great for smaller children, while the crab slide suits older kids. The larger pool offers both shallow and deep sections, making it ideal for everyone. Sunbeds are readily available without needing reservations; you simply pick the spot you prefer. Some feedback mentioned the pool area being dirty, but I didn’t find this to be the case, possibly thanks to staff addressing those concerns. The staff were exceptionally friendly and went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable. They made a special fuss over my nephew, which added an extra layer of joy to our holiday. Special thanks to Mante, Anthonio, and Angie for their kindness. The food was consistently good, with plenty of options to choose from. The pasta was excellent, and though all-inclusive dining can feel repetitive, the quality was commendable. Evening entertainment was well-executed, featuring impressive acts like a circus performance and Kenyan warriors, which captivated my nephew's attention. Drinks were of good quality, especially for an all-inclusive package. My only criticism is that common areas—like the dining room and evening entertainment venue—weren’t cool enough. Although the heat was extreme during our visit, I believe this issue deserves attention. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my vacation and would definitely return!

We had an amazing family stay at this beautiful hotel. The room was perfect for four people and was always well-maintained (pool view suite). The food was excellent, and I want to thank the staff who were always welcoming and cheerful. We traveled with Fram, and I sincerely want to thank Sandra, who was absolutely fantastic. Always smiling and full of energy, the trip would not have been the same without her.

This lovely adults-only retreat offered a serene experience with great food, especially at breakfast and dinner. The staff were all very friendly, and there was entertainment on most evenings. Despite previous reviews mentioning issues with sunbeds, we had no trouble finding one, even up until 9am. We rented bikes and cycled to Alcudia, which was absolutely worth it, and visited the charming old town—a definite must-see. Additionally, we hired a boat with a skipper for 4 hours and explored Formentor, which was a fantastic experience.

I loved my stay here. The staff were all so welcoming and kind, with Angie, in particular, always greeting you with the biggest smile! The room was lovely and clean, and the air conditioning was a wonderful addition. We stayed in a superior suite with breakfast, so while not all facilities were available, it was still perfectly fine. The room was slightly snug but clean and served its purpose well. I absolutely loved the pool—it was beautiful and clean, although I wish it stayed open later in the evening. The scenic walk to the town along the beachfront was delightful.

Our stay at Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor was absolutely unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, the attention to detail left us in awe. The property is stunning, the service is impeccable, and the warmth and hospitality from every staff member exceeded our expectations. What stood out the most was how personalized the experience felt. Every interaction was sincere, thoughtful, and attentive, making our family feel incredibly welcomed and cared for. Our room was a serene masterpiece—elegant, beautifully designed, and with incredible attention to detail. It became a haven we looked forward to returning to each day. We honestly didn’t want to leave. The food, the atmosphere, the natural beauty of Formentor, and the entire experience were beyond exceptional. It's rare to stay somewhere that feels truly flawless, but this resort achieved that effortlessly. When asked if there was room for improvement, we truly couldn’t think of a single thing. Everything was perfect from start to finish. We cannot wait to return. Thank you to the entire Four Seasons Mallorca team for making this one of our most special family vacations. Sincerely, The Volkmer Family

The hotel is perfectly located near the beach. Very clean. We received a warm and friendly welcome from the Fram entertainers Sandra and Alexandre. The dining experience is varied, with themed meals. Thank you, Sandra and Alexandre, for your kindness and attentiveness throughout our stay.

We just returned home after an amazing week of all-inclusive stay. The hotel is fantastic, and its location is beautiful, with the stunning pine walk as a highlight. We rented a pram for our laid-back 5-year-old as the main strip is a decent 20-minute walk and quite bumpy, making the walk less relaxing than anticipated. Renting sun loungers for snorkeling in crystal-clear water was a great choice and worth every penny. The relaxed vibe is perfect for families and older couples, though it’s not very lively, something we appreciated. The rooms were excellent, with a double bed in the living area for our daughter and two singles pushed together for us. The frosted glass door for the toilet doesn’t offer much privacy, but it was manageable. The pools were fantastic, and our daughter happily played there all day, thoroughly enjoying herself. June seemed perfect, as sun loungers were available throughout the day. The food exceeded expectations; as foodies, we loved the variety, themed nights, fresh pasta, and wood-fired pizzas. The restaurant staff works very hard, maintaining a friendly and cheerful demeanor. Although the hotel is impressive, the front entrance would benefit from some updates, and more stylish sunbeds could elevate its overall appeal. We look forward to returning.

Recently stayed at Playa Mar with my large family — myself, my partner, our two boys aged 3 & 4, plus extended family, occupying three rooms altogether. Rooms: Wonderfully spacious, featuring a separate bedroom, a second double bed, and a sofa. I appreciated not having to open and reset the sofa nightly, unlike other family rooms I’ve stayed in. Everything was clean and well kept, though our family room had a minor ant issue (likely due to crumbs left by the kids). The other two rooms didn’t have this problem. Pools: The pools were excellent and offered something for every age group. Visiting in mid-May, we noticed they were colder than expected. On previous trips to Mallorca in later months, pool temperatures were noticeably warmer. My kids hesitated to get in during the first few days, which was unusual for them. Food: Absolutely fabulous, with daily themed selections providing great variety. We easily found options to satisfy everyone’s preferences. Staff: Exceptionally attentive, welcoming, and fun. The bar staff were super friendly, remembered orders, and showed wonderful attention to the children. The kids’ entertainment was as expected, and my boys loved the energy and songs from the staff — Coco was a standout favorite! Location: The hotel’s location is a true highlight. A stunning 20-minute walk along Pine Walk leads to the center, with its shops, bars, market, and harbor. Overall, it was a fantastic stay. I wholeheartedly recommend Playa Mar for families seeking a child-friendly getaway close to beaches and amenities. Pollenca is simply breathtaking, and if you haven’t visited this area, I highly encourage you to do so!

Just returned from a fantastic 10-day stay and couldn’t be happier. The resort is smaller, with about 150 rooms, which I appreciated since everything was conveniently close. Visiting in mid-June, it was fairly quiet at first but got busier, mostly with families and babies. The pools were great—one for little ones and another 1.4m deep for adults. We had an excellent room facing the pool (room 2312) near the evening entertainment area, but there was no noise in the bedroom thanks to excellent double glazing and superb air conditioning that could stay on all the time. Beach towels were provided with a €10 refundable deposit. Don’t forget to bring Euros for the tourist tax, payable in cash. There’s an ATM just outside Reception with no additional fees. The safe required a €5 returnable deposit for the key and €4 daily usage fee, but the place felt very secure. The food was delightful, and the bar served burgers, hot dogs, and more from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., alongside a 24-hour ice cream fridge stocked with Cornettos and Magnum-style treats. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. Rooms were cleaned daily, and fresh towels provided if left on the floor. The animation team was fantastic, especially Andrea, whose daily sarcasm kept us laughing. The location was superb, at the quiet end of Pine Walk. We enjoyed an early beach swim every morning at 8 a.m., which worked up an appetite for breakfast. A 20-minute stroll took us to the ferry terminal in the middle of Pine Walk, which we didn’t mind. The bus at the back of the hotel (number 334, I believe) goes to town and Pollensa Old Town, which is worth visiting on a Sunday for the market—though taxis can be scarce. The bus also stops at the Mirador viewpoint, just five minutes from the hotel, and then continues to Formentor Beach, which gets crowded. However, we preferred the beach along Pine Walk. The buses were very convenient—you can tap a bank card to pay for up to five passengers. Just tap once per person when boarding and once when alighting. Get on at the front of the bus and off in the middle. Overall, everything exceeded our expectations.

We experienced our first family holiday as a group of three, including our 9-month-old son. From the start, the staff were absolutely incredible—their attention to our little one was heartwarming. We could mention so many names, but Olga and Mane❤️ in the restaurant were his absolute favorites. Thank you for keeping him comfortable and entertained during every meal. Your hospitality was a true joy. All the staff were so welcoming and friendly. Our premium suite was perfect, especially for our little one. It had plenty of space, was very clean, and the beds were extremely comfy. There was a kids' bath and a cot, both of which were great additions. Lina, our cleaning staff, was amazing and wonderfully accommodating. The drinking fountains in each corridor were such a smart idea—especially handy for filling bottles! The restaurant was outstanding, offering a variety of themes and cuisines that were fresh and delicious. The choices were excellent, and there was always something enjoyable for every meal, both day and night. Unfortunately, due to less-than-ideal weather, we didn’t use the pools, but they were in immaculate condition, and kids would definitely love them. Without a doubt, we plan to return again. 😀

Playa Mar and Spa is an ideal spot for families with young children, offering plenty to enjoy within the hotel and around Polenca. The hotel is impeccably clean, with the staff working tirelessly to maintain this standard. The entertainment team, led by Paul, Andrea, Sami, and Steffen, is outstanding, putting their heart into the disco and other events that our kids absolutely loved. The food is a major highlight here, with a wide variety for both adults and children, complemented by themed nights that are beautifully presented. Freddie and Angela run a well-organized operation, creating a first-class experience. The pools cater to both adults and children, and, like the rest of the hotel, are spotlessly cleaned daily. The hotel’s location is surrounded by the stunning pine walk, leading to a charming port town with warm, sandy beaches perfect for swimming or paddleboarding. For paddleboard rentals, Multi Hire is nearby and offers fair pricing and great service. Prom Am is another option for road bike rentals. These businesses added to our exceptional experience. Overall, this was a magical trip for our family, filled with opportunities to meet and connect with other great families. A heartfelt thanks to the entire Playa Team for making it so special.