Ocean Drive Port Portals ★★★★

To be honest, I had slightly less than flattering ideas about Magaluf, the infamous party town in Mallorca. It was synonymous with plane loads of rowdy twenty somethings, whose prime objective was to put away as much beer as humanly possible over the course of a week. Portals Nouse however, despite being only a ten minute car ride away from this lively centre, is also separated by a whole world of affinity. The harbour at Puerto Portals is the most exclusive on the island, a place of gin palaces and expensive yachts, rather than screeching yahoos being dragged around on giant inflatable bananas. The newly built OD Port Portals **** is more than reflective of the growing reputation this area is receiving.

One of the best things about holidaying in a place with a golf course is that my husband is away most of the day… so I get plenty of 'me time' to indulge in those activities that he's not the best company for: spa time, shopping in little boutiques and whiling away time under the sun, with a good book. The Lindner Golf Course was a five minute drive away, and though I didn't see it, my husband says it was very good. We would have breakfast together, sometimes ordering it up to our room so we could stay wrapped in our fluffy bathrobes a bit longer, or going down to the airy breakfast room to absorb the convivial atmosphere. The modern design has created spacious rooms with high ceilings and large windows to let in plenty of natural light and views of the grounds. The furniture has a creative twist, with unusual shapes, but keeping the tones earthy and neutral. The hotel utilises natural materials, wood, white canvas, stone and glass giving an understated elegance. Bright splashes of colour – blues and yellow, the colour of the sunshine, the sand and the sea, with artistic features and a playful design created a truly modern atmosphere.

Our room was similar, with a softness and relaxation afforded by the natural elements and the simplicity of the design. The wall over the bed was covered in parquet wood panelling and the bed covers were a rich caramel brown. We went for a deluxe room with a terrace to give us that chance to sit outside with a sea view in privacy. There's nothing else that can sooth your cares so effortlessly than the sea breeze and a panoramic view, except perhaps the additional help of a sundowner. The Sky Bar was a gorgeous space to spend the evening, up on the hotel's roof, with private little corners for couples and friends made from sculptural dividing walls, and an overall sociable and friendly atmosphere. At sunset the sky would come alive and my husband and I would share stories of our day. OD Port Portals is the kind of place that can enfold anyone in the exact tranquillity or activity that their character and mood requires. Like my husband and me, the needs may be different, but the end result is the same, a deep sense of relaxation and rejuvenation!