The Viva Bahia is located on the northern coast of Majorca, just steps away from a lovely beach, Playa Muro, in the Bay of Alcudia. This is a large hotel, more a resort really, and we were there for only three days, not nearly enough time to sample all the goodies on offer. That said, we did have a good look about and really enjoyed our stay. Cat didn’t want to leave. Kids have a lot to do with that. Goat kids, that is.
The apartments
Viva Bahia has 266 spacious apartments, decorated in a Scandinavian style: light, airy, functional and slightly minimalistic. The large sitting room comes with a flat-screen TV and a well-equipped kitchenette – in case you feel like cooking on holiday. (I always sorta kinda mean to, but never do. I fill up the fridge, and then quickly forget about it). The bedroom has a large comfortable bed and no TV, I’m happy to report (a pet peeve of mine, they just don’t belong). We were there in April, early in the season, and evenings were a bit chilly. But no worries, plenty of blankets in the cupboard.
The sitting room and the bedroom have a lovely balcony each, with ocean and pool views. Very convenient if you have children old enough to be in the pool by themselves, but you want to keep an eye on things without actually being in the middle of the bedlam.
Free wifi is available thrughout most of the hotel: in the rooms, the common areas and around the pool.
The food
Viva Bahia has several restaurants. We were out and about so much, we only had time to try two of them: the pool bar La Palapa (sandwiches, pizzas, salads, meat, fish – and wonderful views!) and the buffet restaurant Caprice, offering just about anything you can imagine, including a pasta chef whipping up just the pasta sauce you want. And the desserts… ooh lala!
Of course since it’s a family restaurant – and a buffet – there will be kids back and forth. Could have been just luck, but when we were there, all the children were well behaved: no yelling, no running.
For kids
The Viva Bahia is for children. Playgrounds are creative and colourful, on dry land and in the shallow splash pool. There’s even a pirate ship (but no Captain Jack Sparrow, I’m sad to say)
Play clubs and a wide selection of entertainment and excursions are available for kids 4 – 17. Cat’s favourite was an animal enclosure, home to ducks, swans and adorable kids. In fact, she insisted I make the baby goats a major feature of the review, hence three photos.
Sports and gardens
Viva Bahia has an extensive, lovely garden, a gymnasium and outdoor courts for a variety of sports, including tennis. A small minigolf course, ping-pong and billiards, petanque and beach volleyball are also on offer. Bicycles can be hired at reception (as well as motorbikes and cars). Really, I can’t think of anything missing.
Ready for the pièce de résistance?
Viva Bahia has treats for grown-ups too. There’s an indoor jacuzzi, sauna, spa and massage service. But here’s my favourite:
I absolutely loved this beautiful chill-out pool/jacuzzi with Balinese beds, reserved for adults; the perfect place for parents’ private time, say when the kids are on an excursion with the play club.
Convinced?
Disclosure: In Majorca, we were guests of Viva hoteles and No Frills Excursions. As always, we’re free to write about anything we want and retain full editorial control.
wow this likes the place to stay. I must say we always book “apartments” with cooking facilities – but like you always intend to cook but never quite get around to it. However it does make getting breakfast for children easier – and if you want to heat up a bought pizza or make a light lunch it is easy.
The pool looks devine – I want to go there now! Have a wonderful week.
Definitely an advantage, especially if all you want is a quick breakfast before heading out.
Hi Sophie, I’m so so ready for that pièce de résistance! Those Balinese beds by the pool and the massage service – I’m signed up! Love the kids section, too, though. I think I would enjoy hanging out with Cat and the goat. Haven’t been to Majorca. Will definitely keep this place in mind when I go.
Definitely something for everyone here.
I’m with Cat – Goats rule. I am also with you – love that chill out pool. How does that work? Do you hire a bed for a certain amount of time, and do they have change the sheets each time?
You know, I don’t know – I just threw a towel down on the bed and lied down. But then there weren’t many people there (a bit early in the season). Not sure how they organise it during busier times.
Please can I also go to the pool jacuzzi with Balinese style beds Right Now! What a lovely place for a break away 🙂
Lovely indeed that chill-out pool 🙂
Must keep this place in mind. Certainly looks like our kind of place! (especially the pool area)
When you’re in Majorca…
I’d love to be on one of those Balinese beds right this minute (after a massage). After that, I’d have lunch at Caprice.
Good plan.
Thanks for the review. It sounds like a great privilege to be the guest of such a diverse complex.
The apartments look very appealing and I’m always glad to hear of complimentary wifi, it is virtually a must now for any traveller.
I’m not a big fan of crowded pools but that area for some adult pampering looks wonderful.
Know what you mean – big pools with lots of kids running around can be trying, but something one has to endure with children along. That’s why I loved the chill-out pool/kids’ activities idea.
Thumbs up! I would love to relax in the Balinese beds. Looks so luxurious. Great spot. I like staying in apartments and apartment-style hotels — it’s a great convenience and I appreciate the space!
The space was definitely a bonus.
Yes please!! 🙂
🙂
Yup – baby animals always do it for me too!
They really were adorable.
Your photos do justice to the beautiful resort, and I’ve wanted to go to Majorca for a long time, but big places like this are just not my thing.
Viva Bahia is definitely best for families travelling with children.
What a lovely looking resort! I’d like to spend hours on one of those Balinese beds but I’m pretty sure that my daughter would be bugging me to see the goats!
Luckily, my daughter is 11 so she went to visit the goats by herself. 🙂
Oh my God that pool surrounded with those balinese beds looks really breathtaking. I think all the hotels should have a separate place for adults, and not a disco or a usual lounge/cocktail bar, those beds look much more comfortable:)
Agree completely.
I would not want to take my kids — but please don’t tell them 🙂
Looks like a great place for a getaway with my husband… for our 25th anniversary in two years. Don’t you agree?
Well, those Balinese beds…
looks like a great place to kick back and relax. when traveling with kids the simplest things matter; i love it when a hotel has a playground.
A must.
This place looks divine and exactly the type of hotel that I’d choose. I can definitely see my kids enjoying the pool and playground, although my daughter is currently of the opinion that “goats are mean.” This resort looks like the perfect place to chillax.
These goats were just babies, and totally adorable.
Convinced. Looks like an overall paradise no matter what your age.
True that.
After doing all the hard walking and trekking, etc, this looks like just the place to be for a while!