I have traveled to more than 30 countries on four continents and lived in six countries across three continents.
Through my adventures, I have always sought out hotels, hostels, and other accommodations away from tourist areas so I could experience a more “authentic” trip. I typically aim to explore a new destination without a concrete itinerary and free of expectations. As an adventurous traveler, all-inclusive wasn’t even in my vocabulary.
After a handful of trips on my own with the kids, I knew I wanted to try something new.
I knew I wanted a kids’ club
During a recent trip to Spain, however, I knew I would be traveling solo with my kids and thought it might make sense to try to find a hotel that offered a kids’ club. After conducting my research, I found several along the beach and decided to try the Iberostar Selection Albufera Park, an all-inclusive resort in Playa del Muro on the island of Mallorca.
Knowing this wasn’t the type of place I typically stayed at, I really had zero expectations when we arrived at the property.
Courtesy of Ashley Franzen.
I was immediately surprised by the hospitality and thoughtful accommodations at the reception area. There was a slide from the upper level next to reception down to the lower level, so while I was checking in my kids, 4 and 7, took turns with the other children going down the slide, running up the stairs, and sliding down again. It allowed me to get us checked in smoothly. I was already impressed by the practical design and the welcome from the outset.
The surprises kept coming
Our family-friendly room had a separate sleeping space for me, with the kids’ beds being in the main living area, adjacent to the living room. There was a small seating area outside facing a grassy area where, just down from our room, there was a playground. The room had been renovated somewhat recently, and the beds were quite comfortable.
Courtesy of Ashley Franzen.
We spent the first day exploring the grounds, looking at the pools (and testing the water temperature with our toes), and walking to the beach. The windy April weather made me question whether we’d made the right choice, as swimming in the ocean or the pool seemed impossible. There were various playgrounds interspersed around the grounds, so between playing, walking along the shore, and attending some of the hotel’s musical programs, we had loads to do.
Courtesy of Ashley Franzen.
For most of our meals, we made our way to the main buffet dining hall, which offered a diverse selection of cuisines. I’m lucky, my kids will eat virtually anything, and they were always able to find something new to try.
The hotel also had separate, on-site restaurants offering Greek, Spanish, and Mexican cuisine. We were able to secure a meal in each of the three during our stay, and although they were pretty good, it would have also been sufficient to simply eat at the buffet.
In the end, I only used the kids’ club twice: the first time because I wanted to go to the gym and have a relaxing shower afterward, and the second time at the kids’ request. The staff spoke English, Spanish, German, French, and several other languages. The kids’ club was good-sized, and the kids had the opportunity to do art, play games, and participate in organized activities, which they thoroughly enjoyed
Courtesy of Ashley Franzen.
I have a new perspective on all-inclusive properties
If you had asked me five years ago if I would ever go to an all-inclusive (and I have friends who only go to them), I would have definitely said, “No way.”
These days, I’m keeping a more open mind. I was pleasantly surprised by the convenience and offerings of the all-inclusive, and the kids still talk about the trip. Although I enjoy more culturally rooted travel, I can honestly say I won’t write off all-inclusives for future family travel.
