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.