After 34 years in the travel industry, I thought I knew Majorca well. I have visited the south and Palma many times for long weekends, but I had never made it up to the north of the island. I will admit, I had always imagined it was “too far”. A recent week at the Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa completely changed my perspective: it is only around 50 minutes in a private transfer and absolutely worth the journey.

Set on the beautiful white sands of Playa de Muro, this stylish beachfront hotel turned out to be a fantastic option for couples, friends and families. I stayed in a Star Prestige room, which gave the whole holiday a lovely touch of luxury.

The Star Prestige Experience

If you enjoy a little extra comfort and exclusivity on holiday, the Star Prestige upgrade at Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa is well worth considering.

Star Prestige gives access to a separate adults‑only rooftop area, which quickly became my favourite place to unwind. Up here you will find:

·       Comfortable cabana beds and loungers

·       A calm plunge pool

·       A snack area and bar

·       Wonderful elevated views over the coastline

It is a lovely, quiet space with a cool, relaxing vibe, ideal for escaping the bustle for a few hours with a book or a drink in hand. There is also a separate Star Prestige area in the buffet restaurant, which feels more peaceful and exclusive.

A Resort For Couples, Friends And Families

While the overall atmosphere feels slightly more adult‑orientated, families are very well catered for too.

·       Star Camp kids’ club offers activities and entertainment for younger guests.

·       Smaller children have shallow kids’ pools to splash around in.

·       There is a great choice of pools overall, so it is easy to find a spot that suits the mood of the day.

Right next door is Iberostar Selection Albufera Park. Each hotel has its own reception, but they share many of the same facilities and you can move between the two. Albufera Park has family rooms and a more family‑focused pool scene, including:

·       A splash park for children

·       A huge shallow pool that is perfect for little ones

If you prefer bigger rooms and lots going on for children, Albufera Park is ideal. If a quieter experience with a slightly more refined feel sounds more your style, Albufera Playa is the better fit. The beauty is that, wherever you stay, you can enjoy the facilities of both.

Food, Glorious Food

Food is a real highlight at Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa.

The main buffet restaurant offers:

·       Plenty of choice at every meal

·       Show cooking stations

·       Freshly made pasta and pizza

·       Grilled fish and meats

·       A wide range of additional hot and cold options

The desserts deserve a special mention: they were excellent and very tempting every evening.

In addition to the buffet, there are three speciality restaurants: Mexican, Spanish and Greek. All three offer a different atmosphere and menu, and I would particularly recommend the Greek restaurant, which was my favourite.

Beachfront Bliss at Playa de Muro

One of the biggest draws here is the setting. The hotel is located directly on Playa de Muro’s beach, which offers:

·       Soft white sand

·       Calm, clear seas

·       Sunbeds that make it very easy to settle in for long, lazy days by the water

Step away from the sand and you are just a short walk from a supermarket and a couple of local shops, handy for picking up bits and pieces during your stay.

There is also a bus stop close by where you can hop on the 324 bus that links Playa de Muro’s resort centre, Alcudia Port and Alcudia Old Town. It is very simple to pay using contactless with your debit or credit card, tapping in and out.

A Morning In Alcudia Old Town

A particular highlight of the week was a morning in Alcudia Old Town, around 30 minutes by bus from the hotel and very easy to reach.

The old town is surrounded by historic walls and has charming cobbled streets lined with:

·       Small independent shops

·       Cafés and restaurants

·       Characterful little squares and corners to explore

I found a lovely café and gelato shop serving fantastic ice creams and crepes, the perfect treat after a gentle wander. It is a pretty, atmospheric place and well worth a half‑day visit.

Discovering Northern Majorca

This trip really changed my view of northern Majorca. The area offers:

·       Beautiful landscapes and coastline

·       Long, sandy beaches

·       A more relaxed, natural feel compared to the busier south

It is also very popular with cyclists. If you love cycling, this is an excellent base to hire a bike and head off to explore, or even to bring your own bike for a more dedicated cycling holiday. The combination of good roads, scenery and coastal routes makes it an appealing choice for active travellers.

Who Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa Is Perfect For

After a week here, these are the travellers I think will feel most at home:

Families: Especially those who like the idea of using both Albufera Playa and Albufera Park. The splash areas, shallow pools and Star Camp work very well for children of different ages.

Couples: Star Prestige in particular is ideal if you would like a quiet, adults‑only zone to retreat to, while still enjoying a beachfront setting and plenty of dining options.

Friends: Groups of friends looking for a relaxed base with good food, a beautiful beach and easy access to Alcudia and the surrounding area will find a lot to love here.

With its combination of beachfront location, great food, flexible accommodation options and that lovely Star Prestige rooftop, Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa is a fantastic choice for a sunshine break in Majorca.