My first Just You excursion - a very positive experience and I will be looking to go on other trips.
Circumstances meant this tour was based at the Be Live Costa Palma hotel at Cala Major just outside Palma and not Port de Pollenca as advertised. This did disappoint some members of the group - I chose the original destination as I have good memories of family holidays in the area.
I have to say I was more than happy with the accommodation and would recommend it to other visitors. Yes Cala Major does not have the visual appeal of the bay of Pollenca and the surroundings. It is a pretty standard resort but pleasant enough and not noisy or rowdy. The beach is in a small cove and serves very well. Cala Major does have the advantage of being close to Palma which is a short €1.50 journey on the regular excellent bus service very close to the hotel. A taxi would cost around €10.
My hotel room was spacious and comfortable as well as clean. I was on the first floor just above the entrance - I wasn't troubled by noise. A good balcony - the view of the bay would have been better on a higher floor (top floor is the sixth) but no matter. We were on an all inclusive basis, the food I found to be excellent. Buffet service with chefs on hand to cook on demand - for example omelette for breakfast and meat at the evening meal. All drinks were all inclusive including bottled water. Some beer and spirits invoked a cost which for all inclusive customers were at half the marked price.
The buffet lunch was at the adjacent Be Live Marivent as was the evening entertainment which means the Costa Palma is pleasantly quiet in the evening. The hotel is an adult only hotel which makes a big difference. No rowdiness or excess drinking from other guests. As with all hotels I've been to they fight a losing battle with towels on pool loungers but that isn't an issue for me. Snacks are available lunch time and afternoons at the Costa Palma - also on all inclusive.
The hotel staff I found friendly and helpful. The rooms have safes at reasonable daily cost with €10 deposit. I used the hotel wifi which was very good. Cost was €20 for the week - we had a discount, normally €30 per week.
The Just You experience was excellent - down to the services of our representative George Wales. Other members of our group had met him before and rightly sung his praises, some had done their research and knew he was to accompany us on this tour. I cannot emphasise enough what a difference he made to making this tour run smoothly and his local knowledge was invaluable as well as comprehensive. He stayed at the hotel and ate and drank (soft drink only, his choice!) which meant he became a friend rather that just 'our representative'.
Our party numbered just 19 which made it a friendly and cohesive group. I like to think I got on well with the other members (I certainly thought so) though clearly it is for them to say. I went on all the organised tours which I thoroughly enjoyed and explored new areas (to me) in Majorca including Soller and Valdemossa which were charming.
The free days I explored the local area and Palma. In Cala Major I went to the Miro art gallery which is worth a look. I also walked three miles to the monument which overlooks the resort near to Genova and affords an excellent view over Palma and much of Majorca. In Palma I found the excellent Lorien bar - which if, like me, you like craft beer is a great find.
I think that just about covers my experience. Majorca is a great place and was happy to revisit. Staying at Cala Major rather than Port de Pollenca did not detract for me - the hotel offers excellent accommodation and service. I wouldn't suggest being based at Cala Major rather than Port de Pollenca should put anyone off going on the tour to Majorca. A tour was arranged to Port de Pollenca and the surrounding area - so I was able to go on my own little 'memory lane' trip.
I have really enjoyed travelling with Just You and would recommend the Majorca tour whether based at Cala Major or Port de Pollenca.
Did I mention the excellent George Wales, our representative? Thank you George - hope we meet again.