The biggest of Spain's Balearic Islands, Mallorca (also known as Majorca) has long been a holiday hotspot for British travellers. Famed for its sandy beaches, sunny skies, turquoise waters and rich pine forests, the attraction is clear to see. And with flights from the UK averaging just over 2 hours, it’s easy to reach – something which is great news for parents searching for a fuss-free foreign adventure with little ones in tow.

Advertisement

When you first think of Mallorca, the neon-lit streets of Magaluf and Palma Nova might spring to mind but it is much more than a party island. Families regularly flock to the seaside resorts of Alcudia, Ca’n Picafort, Cala Bona and Playa de Muro, which are brimming with shops, cafés and restaurants, all with a family-friendly vibe.

The warm, clear waters are a big pull for families and you can take advantage of boat trips, water sports and snorkelling in most of the big seaside resorts.

The capital, Palma, where you’ll find the airport, is a slick Spanish city full of high-end shops and restaurants. It’s also full of historic architecture – Palma Cathedral, the Almudaina Palace, the Lonja fish market and Plaza Mayor are just some of the highlights.

The island is very popular with British tourists so you will find a lot of English-language menus and bilingual staff in touristy areas, making navigating your way around easy too.

More like this

10 of the best family hotels in Majorca at a glance

  • Best family hotel in Majorca for large family groups: Holiday Village Mallorca, Cala Millor, from £796
  • Best family hotel in Majorca for ocean views: Alua Calas de Mallorca Resort, Calas de Mallorca, from £662
  • Best family hotel in Majorca for young families: TUI BLUE Alcudia Pins, Playa de Muro, from £429
  • Best family hotel in Majorca for a city-style break: Hotel Bon Sol, Illetas, from £997
  • Best family hotel in Majorca for a luxury stay: Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, Soller, from £1889
  • Best family hotel in Majorca for a budget holiday: Blau Punta Reina Family Resort, Cala Mandia, from £489
  • Best family hotel in Majorca for kids of all ages: Zafiro Mallorca, Ca’n Picafort, from £515
  • Best family hotel in Majorca for thrill-seekers: Sol Katmandu Park & Resort, Magaluf, from £520
  • Best family hotel in Majorca for beach access: Iberostar Selection Albufera Park, Playa de Muro, from £823
  • Best family hotel in Majorca for accessibility/disabled guests: Pirates Village, Santa Ponsa, from £589

And although Majorca was among the Balearics put on extreme alert of wildfires in 2023 when temperatures soared in the region, Spanish officials have reassured holidaymakers the island is well prepared. It's worth keeping an eye on the weather, and checking out latest government advice or visiting the Spanish Met Office website for up to date information.

To help you choose the best holiday for you and your family we have included distance from the nearest airport, an example price for the accommodation for a week in August 2024, and all the important details and added extras you should know about before booking your holiday.

For more holiday inspiration, take a look at our roundup of the best family hotels in Crete, best family holidays in Ibiza, or best family hotels in Gran Canaria. Waterbabies and outdoorsy types should also take a look at our pick of the best family-friendly campsites in France with waterparks. Or, if you're staying in the UK this year, we also have a roundup of the best Devon family hotels.

When is the best time of year to visit Mallorca?

The Mediterranean climate makes for mild winters and hot summers – summer temperatures in Mallorca average around 30 degrees but have been known to hit 40 in extreme circumstances. If you are not bound by school holidays and can travel during the shoulder season, you’ll find May and September temperatures can still be in the high 20s but beaches and hotels will be less crowded.

What is the flight time to Mallorca from the UK?

Average flight times from the UK to Palma are around 2 hours 15 minutes and there is a 1-hour time difference.

Is it worth going all-inclusive?

When travelling as a family, staying within your allotted budget is often top of everyone’s list. Going all-inclusive – where all meals, drinks and snacks are included – can help you to do this as there shouldn’t be any nasty surprise bills upon checkout. It’s also a good way of ensuring your children have access to the constant stream of snacks required on a daily basis!

ABTA’s recent research into expected travel trends in 2023 found that 29% of people are planning to take an all-inclusive holiday in 2023 to help them manage their finances – this figure rises to 57% among young families. And TUI’s commercial director, Richard Sofer, said: “All-inclusive bookings where there are no hidden extras have seen a marked increased accounting for nearly 70% of our holiday bookings for next year.”

All-inclusive tends to involve a lot of buffet meals, something most kids love as they enjoy making choices for themselves. But try to remember that mass catering is exactly that – there are likely to be some bland, repetitive meals on the menu.

If your family has very specific dietary requirements or are fussy eaters, however, you might prefer the self-catered or breakfast only option.

Here’s our pick of the 10 best family hotels in Mallorca with pools

1. Holiday Village Majorca, Calla Millor

— Best for large family groups

Holiday Village Mallorca, Cala Millor

Star rating: 4-star | Price: 1-bedroom apartment from £4,088 for 4 in August 2024 (All-inclusive inc. flights) | Number of bedrooms 329 | Board All-inclusive | No. of swimming pools 6 | Kids club for 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 years plus crèche and teen-only activities | Palma Airport 45 miles | Free shuttle bus to nearby Cala Millor beach

With a choice of 6 swimming pools, 4 restaurants and a range of room options – including swim-up apartments and duplex suites with private roof terrace – this all-inclusive resort is ideal for larger families with a range of ages to please. There is a toddler splash pool for the youngest family members and a waterpark-style pool with fountains, jets and cannons, although some reviews point out these aren’t always heated.

With an average Trip Advisor rating of 4/5, guests consistently highlight the cleanliness and size of the rooms and the enthusiasm of the entertainment staff. Parents whose children suffer from food allergies also praised the choice of food and knowledge of restaurant staff.

The free shuttle bus to nearby Cala Millor beach makes for easy days out and the apartment-style accommodation gives parents a separate lounge area to use in the evenings, without the fear of disturbing sleeping youngsters.

Pros: Multiple pools, apartment-style accommodation, wide choice of accommodation to suit different budgets, good choice of food, free shuttle to beach, close to town with restaurants

Cons: Gets very busy in peak season, outdoor pools not always heated

Book at: TUI or First Choice

2. Alua Calas de Mallorca Resort, Calas de Majorca

— Best for ocean views

Alua Calas de Mallorca Resort, Calas de Mallorca

Star rating: 4-star | Price: Superior seaview room from £2,258 for 4 in August 2024 (All-inclusive) | Number of rooms: 483 | Board All-inclusive | No. of swimming pools 5 (including 2 designated kids pools and 1 indoor pool) | Kids club for 4-12 and 12-16| Palma Airport 40 miles | Seafront setting with great views and a short walk from a sandy cove for beach days

Located on the island's south-east coast, perched on cliffs overlooking the ocean, Alua Calas de Mallorca offers beautiful views alongside family-friendly activities. The 5 pools include 2 designated kids ones, while the indoor pool is a warmer option during the cooler months at the start and end of the season.

Previous guests rave about the location as it’s easy to walk to nearby pubs and restaurants as well as the sandy cove/beach, meaning you can easily explore beyond the resort without having to worry about catching buses or trains.

The main pool here is huge, meaning it’s possible to find a sunbed even during peak times. All-inclusive guests have access to a hot snack bar with child-pleasing goodies such as pizzas and burgers – helping you to avoid any ‘need feeding now’ tantrums.

Pros: Multiple pools, choice of accommodation to suit different budgets, beach and restaurants in walking distance, beautiful coastal views, ‘Gold’ packages available for branded drinks

Cons: Outdoor pools not always heated, restaurant areas can become crowded

Book at: TUI, On The Beach, or Hyatt

3. TUI BLUE Alcudia Pins, Alcudia

— Best for young families

TUI BLUE Alcudia Pins

Star rating: 4-star | Price: 1-bedroom apartment from £2,700 for 4 in August 2024 (All-inclusive) | Number of rooms 598 | Board All-inclusive, half-board, B&B or room only | No. of swimming pools 5 (including kids pool with slide and shaded baby pool) | Kids club for 3-5 and 6-11 plus bookable Baby Club and designated teen hang out | Palma Airport 40 miles | Located on a stretch of sandy beach with direct access

Food and fun are firmly on the menu at the Alcudia Pins. With 5 on-site restaurants, regular pool-side barbecues and a designated kids’ zone in the main buffet restaurant, rumbling tummies won’t be a problem – something anyone who has been on the receiving end of a hangry toddler tantrum will be grateful for.

Parents with babies are particularly well catered for thanks to a shaded baby pool and an air conditioned Baby Lounge, where you will find bottle warmers, microwaves and changing facilities. You can also hire cots, pushchairs and sterilisers from the hotel – meaning you can travel a bit lighter.

The beach can be accessed directly from the resort via a gate which is locked at night – but can be opened by room card keys. This is a reassuring feature for families and Trip Advisor reviews praise the 2 taps either side of the beach gate that give you the opportunity to wash sandy feet before returning to the resort.

As not all guests are all-inclusive at this resort, the poolside bar becomes payment-only at night with all-inclusive guests forced to use the main bar in the entertainment area. While this may suit some families, those with younger children might find it a little loud.

Pros: Good value, cots and pushchairs available to hire, multiple pools, great choice of restaurants, caters to various dietary requirements, direct access to beach

Cons: Outdoor pools not always heated, restaurant areas can become crowded, pool bar becomes cash only in evenings

Book at: TUI or Grupotel

4. Hotel BonSol, Illetas

— Best for city-style break

Hotel Bon Sol, Illetas

Star rating: 4-star | Price: Family suite from £4,396 for 4 in August 2024 (Full board) | Number of rooms: 73 | Board: Full board, half board or B&B | Number of swimming pools: 4 including children’s pool | Kids club: July-August only | Palma Airport 5 miles | Family owned and with access to private beach

Family-owned, the BonSol is a small property that is full of character and charm, separating it from the usual uniform holiday resorts. There’s a lift (or steps) directly to the hotel’s beautiful, private beach that’s ideal for snorkelling.

A great feature of this hotel is it’s very close to Palma so you only have a short transfer time from the airport – ideal when you have kids in tow. Another family-friendly feature are the palm trees dotted around the resort which provide natural shade from the summer sun. And there are plenty of activities to keep children busy – including a crazy golf course and roof-top tennis courts.

Another stand out feature here is the beach-front restaurant with stunning views and live entertainment. Rated an average of 4.5/5 on Trip Advisor, guests praise the à la carte menus, well-maintained surroundings, friendly welcome and overall luxury feel of BonSol.

Being a smaller, less commercial property, all-inclusive is not an option at this resort so you’ll need to factor that into your budget – but you can upgrade to full-board so that all meals are taken on-site. It’s also worth noting that the kids club only runs throughout July and August.

Pros: Multiple pools, private beach (with playground), less crowded than bigger resorts, fun facilities, high quality food, short transfer from airport

Cons: Expensive, no all-inclusive option, kids club only available in July and August

Book at: TUI, Expedia or Hotel Bon Sol

5. Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, Port de Soller

— Best luxury family break

Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa

Star rating: 5-star | Price: Premium room from £6,558 for 4 in August 2024 (B&B) | Number of rooms: 121 | Board B&B | No. of swimming pools 2 (including one with kids’ area) | Kids club 4-12 years | Palma Airport 22 miles | Luxurious resort with 5-star spa facilities and an infinity pool

Located on a cliff overlooking the fishing village of Port de Soller on Mallorca’s northwest coast, this exclusive resort is part of the luxury hotel chain The Jumeirah Group. With a dedicated children’s area in the pool and an on-site kids club, you can enjoy a family-focussed break but within the luxurious surroundings of a 5-star hotel – including an award-winning spa.

Many of the rooms enjoy views of the Tramuntana mountains and you can choose from premium and deluxe rooms or a junior suite with more space to spread out. All rooms come with a fridge – great if you need to keep milk or snacks cold – and coffee-making facilities, something most parents can’t live without. All rooms have a terrace or balcony too, giving grown-ups a safe place to sit in the evening and enjoy a drink and a chat without the fear of waking up the kids.

Foodies will love the 3 à la carte restaurants and 4 bars that will elevate your family holiday experience above the usual buffets and burgers, however the kids’ menu does include old favourites like pasta, chicken nuggets and fish fingers (with a fancy twist). Reviewers on Trip Advisor – where more than 1,000 guests have rated Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel Excellent – note the “faultless service”, “stunning design” and “upmarket menus”.

Pros: Multiple pools, excellent food, award-winning spa, free shuttle bus to town, luxurious, short transfer from airport

Cons: Very expensive, only B&B option available

Book at: Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa or Expedia

MadeForMums tip: How can I save on airport parking?

If you’re flying from the UK, and plan to drive to the airport, it’s worth checking to see if you can save on parking costs as these can take a significant chunk out of your holiday budget. Consider booking in advance where you can, and look out for special offers and discounts:
  • Purple Parking offer discounted airport parking as well as other extras such as hotels and airport lounges.
  • APH have multiple offers including airport hotel and parking packages.
  • You can check Holiday Extras for a selection of airport parking and hotel deals.

6. Blau Punta Reina Family Resort, Porto Cristo

— Best for a budget holiday

Blau Punta Reina Family Resort

Star rating: 4-star | Price: Family deluxe room from £2,589 for 4 in August 2024 (All-inclusive) | Number of rooms: 812 | Board All-inclusive or half-board | No. of swimming pools 4 (including 2 outdoor pool with kids areas, a splash park and water park) | Kids club age 4-6, 7-12 and 13-17 | Palma Airport 40 miles| Action-packed resort with on-site water park, slides, soft play and sports

If you’re holidaying with active youngsters who never slow down, then Blau Punta Reina Family Resort has got you covered. Wear out toddlers and pre-schoolers in the indoor soft play or outdoor splash zone, hit the playground or sign up older children for sports including football, table tennis and volleyball during the peak summer season.

Kids clubs cater for all ages but a nice feature of this hotel is that the youngest kids are kept in a separate group just for 4-6-year-olds which feels reassuring as you know the activities will be age-appropriate.

This is a classic all-inclusive resort that is designed so you don’t need to leave but there are 2 beaches within walking distance if you want to get out and about without having to risk public transport (although one is only accessible by steps). This is a great option if you want everything in one place so you can fully relax and enjoy the break. It’s also great value for money.

Guests reviewing Blau Punta Reina on Trip Advisor also note that despite being an all-inclusive resort, bedrooms do have fridges where you can keep your own drinks cool.

Pros: Good value, multiple pools, dedicated kids’ buffet in restaurant, on-site spa, apartment-style accommodation available, choice of accommodation to suit different budgets, lot of activities for children

Cons: Gets very busy in peak season, beach only accessible by steps, some restaurant facilities closed outside of peak season

Book at: Jet2 Holidays, Love Holidays or Blau Punta Reina

7. Zafiro Mallorca, Ca’n Picafort

— Best for kids of all ages

Zafio Mallorca pool

Star rating: 4-star | Price: 1-bedroom suite from £2,655 for 4 in August 2024 (All-inclusive) | Number of rooms: 252 | Board All-inclusive, half-board, B&B or self catering | No. of swimming pools 4 (including kids pirate-themed pool, indoor pool and an adults only pool)| Kids club age 4-15 | Palma Airport 40 miles| A laidback resort with giant main pool area and dedicated adults-only zone

If you’re trying to please a range of family members, Zafiro Mallorca may just be the answer to your holiday prayers. The kids’ pool features pirate-themed slides to keep the little ones amused while any over 18s looking for a bit of peace and quiet can head for the Oasis Chill-out zone, surrounded by Balinese day beds.

With more than 1,500 Excellent ratings on Trip Advisor, past guests consistently highlight the staff and cleanliness with one reviewer stating: “I can’t rate this hotel highly enough”. Even in peak season prices remain fair, making it ideal for a good value break.

Due to the coastal location, many guests do complain of mosquito bites so be sure to pack spray and cream (take a look at our roundup of the best insect repellent for kids). Others recommend booking a private transfer from the airport as coach journeys to the hotel can take up to 2 hours – not something you want to deal with after a stressful flight with young children.

Pros: Multiple pools, dedicated kids’ buffet in restaurant, good value whatever season, choice of accommodation to suit different budgets, lot of activities for children, walking distance to a Blue Flag beach

Cons: Limited restaurants close by for self-catering guests

Book at: TUI, On The Beach or Zafiro Hotels

8. Sol Katmandu Park & Resort, Magaluf

— Best for thrill-seekers

Sol Katmandu Park & Resort, Magaluf

Star rating: 4-star | Price: Family suite from £2,203 for 4 in August 2024 (All-inclusive) | Number of rooms: 396 | Board All-inclusive or half board | No. of swimming pools 3 (including kids pool and splash park) | Kids club age 8 months-4 years, 5-8 and 9+ | Palma Airport 20 miles| A family-orientated resort located in the grounds of a theme park

For a fun-packed family holiday, you can’t beat staying within the grounds of a popular theme park – which is exactly where you will find the Sol Katmandu Park & Resort. Katmandu Park entry comes included with your stay and the park’s right next door so it’s an easy day out – not a phrase usually associated with children and theme parks!

Rated Excellent by more than 1,200 Trip Advisor users, guests consistently praise the kids’ disco, cleanliness of the resort and the high quality of the attractions at the theme park. It is worth noting that not all rides are included in the Play Pass hotel guests are given – but it does include a daily dose of indoor soft play for up to 90 minutes.

The kids club here takes children from as young as 8 months which is ideal for young families. Also great tip from one parent via Trip Advisor is that while floats/inflatables are allowed in the main pool, there are some size restrictions due to the space – so don’t splash out on a giant flamingo if you don’t want to be disappointed!

The transfer time from Palma is under an hour too – ideal if you have elderly family members travelling with you or kids who suffer from car sickness.

Pros: Multiple pools, choice of accommodation to suit different budgets, lot of activities for children, free access to many theme park rides, on-site water park, close to beach, bars, shops and restaurants, short transfer from airport

Cons: Not all rides are included in free theme park pass, many areas of the theme park are closed outside peak season, can get very busy during peak season

Book at: TUI, On The Beach or Melia

9. Iberostar Selection Albufera Park, Playa de Muro

— Best for beach access

Iberostar Playa de Muro

Star rating: 4-star | Price: Family room from £3,134 for 4 in August 2024 (All-inclusive) | Number of rooms: 250 | Board All-inclusive | No. of swimming pools 4 (including kids’ pool and infinity pool) | Kids club age 4-7, 8-12, 13-17 years | Palma Airport 40 miles| A classic family-friendly resort located on a blue flag beach that shares some facilities with the neighbouring hotel, Albufera Playa

If you’re looking for a traditional, all-inclusive resort holiday then Albufera Park should tick all your boxes. Guests have access to 4 restaurants – 2 of them in the neighbouring hotel – 3 pools and a Blue Flag beach alongside sports and social facilities, kids clubs to suit varying ages and sun loungers galore.

Rooms come with a living area and a balcony or terrace so you can have a bit of down time in the evening once the kids are in bed.

According to Trip Advisor reviews, the resort is one of the last on some of the coach transfers meaning you can be on the bus for up to 2 hours – if you can stretch to a private transfer, you’ll save a lot of time and hassle.

A real selling point for this hotel is its beach-side location – guests have direct access to Playa de Muro beach, a long stretch of golden sand with warm, shallow waters. While it is a public beach (meaning it can get busy in the summer months), many previous guests describe it as “gorgeous” and an absolute must-do for holidaymakers. You will need to pay for sun loungers there but at around 15 euros a day for 2, it’s not too expensive.

If you upgrade to the Star Prestige package, you’ll get access to a quieter rooftop VIP area with Balinese beds, small infinity pool, Jacuzzis and bar.

Pros: Multiple pools, choice of accommodation to suit different budgets, lot of activities for children, direct access to the Blue Flag beach

Cons: Beach can get busy during peak season, resort can get busy during the summer, infinity pool only open to Star Prestige guests

Book at: TUI, Iberostar, or Expedia

10. Pirates Village, Santa Ponsa

— Best for accessibility/disabled guests

Pirates Village Santa Ponsa

Star rating: 3-star | Price: Family deluxe room from £2,109 for 4 in August 2024 (All-inclusive) | Number of rooms: 143 | Board All-inclusive or self-catering | No. of swimming pools 2 (including outdoor pool with children's section and splash park) | Kids club age 3-14 | Palma Airport 20 miles| A novel pirate-themed hotel with an emphasis on fun and entertainment

This pirate-themed hotel puts kids front and centre of the holiday experience – something most parents will be keen to take advantage of as the happier the kids, the happier everyone else!

While it’s not the biggest resort, there’s enough to do on-site thanks to the pools, play park and kids clubs. The rooms are in-keeping with the pirate theme without taking it too far – although some previous guests note that they are a little small. It’s also super close to the beach and the resort of Santa Ponsa with restaurants and bars in walking distance.

Trip Advisor guests all say the same thing – that the entertainment is outstanding and that kids love every second of the shows and activities. The resort also scores highly for cleanliness with multiple reviewers also complementing the staff for their helpful attitudes and constant enthusiasm.

According to Trip Advisor, the hotel is well set up for guests with mobility issues with wheelchair access, reduced mobility rooms and toilet facilities for disabled guests. Jet2, who offer packages to the hotel, also state that there is a wheelchair hoist available at the main pool. The Pirate’s Village website, however, does not confirm this so if you are travelling with a disabled guest it might be worth calling to confirm exactly what is available.

Pros: Multiple pools, splash park, good accessibility, close to beach and town, great entertainment

Cons: Smaller resort so may feel crowded, gets busy during peak months, rooms on the smaller side

Book at: Jet2 Holidays, Love Holidays or Pirates Village

Advertisement

How we tested

When selecting these hotels, we looked at location, price and facilities on offer to families travelling with young children. Our 10 of the Best lists are compiled by qualified and experienced parenting journalists. Information has been collated from a number of sources, via research, hotel and travel agent websites, guest reviews and feedback provided by previous guests on hotel websites and booking platforms to ensure we’re bringing you honest and true reviews and recommendations. The writer has not visited any of these properties in person.

Our list is not an ordered ranking from 1-10, instead it is a carefully selected group of hotels, each of which we believe is best for different reasons. We don’t just tell you what is best, we help you discover what is best for your family.

About the author

Amy Burns is a senior journalist with more than 15 years’ experience in writing and editing lifestyle content including travel features. She is a mum of 1 and writes regular family travel reviews, days out guides and destination features for the national newspaper The i.

Read more...

Authors

Amy Burns is a senior journalist with more than 15 years’ experience in writing and editing lifestyle content including travel features. She is a mum of 1 and writes regular family travel reviews, days out guides and destination features for the national newspaper The i.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement