We had been looking forward to our holiday to Mallorca for such a long time we thought it was never going to arrive. After a hard year full of ups and downs we were more than ready for the break and had built up the trip into something that had to be the perfect getaway. Of course, a vital part of our holiday would be how good the hotel was so it is with some trepidation that we arrived at the Barcelo Cala Vinas on June 14th 2008.

However, as a hotel for families with children just looking for a relaxing break the Barcelo Cala Vinas is nigh on perfect. Recently refurbished this three to four star hotel (depending on the tour operator's rating system) is a large open plan complex with both self-catering and boarding rooms. We booked half-board and arrived on our coach a little weary. Entering the expansive high ceilings of the reception any fears we might have had about the hotel immediately evaporated. Booking in was very straightforward with all our details already on the computer with electronic key cards and safe deposit keys for our rooms. We asked for adjoining rooms as there were six of us (two adults and four children) and although we did not get this on arrival, we asked at reception if the rooms could be changed and were accomodated quickly and with little fuss. Despite being a predominantly Spanish speaking hotel the level of English from reception staff was more than good enough for ignorant visitors such as ourselves.

As we were half-board we spent large portions of our day in the excellent "Ses Voltes" buffet style restaurant. Now I am usually hugely cynical of anything buffet but the food was superb throughout our fortnights stay. Breakfast was very much a free for all but food was absolutely overflowing in terms of quantity and variety. Whether it was pastries, cereals, fresh fruit, yoghurts or a good old fry up the choice was endless. Fruit juices, tea and coffee are all included and the waiting staff are incredibly efficient clearing up after you. We also found they were polite to a fault and would often play with the youngest two children. Evening meals were more formal and you are served your drinks although we were surprised at a charge for this despite being half-board. The food is truly amazing however, with show cooking and pasta, salads and seafood. Refreshingly, the Spanish style of the hotel means that although they have the usual pizzas etc they also have a "featured" traditional Mallorcean section with classics such as Paella,Tumbet and Ensaimada on offer. Perhaps, our only criticism would be the desserts which although again were plentiful, were definitely mainly "bought in" and as a result an uninspired selection of gateauxs and tarts. Despite this it is a testament to the quality and variety of the food that in two weeks we never got bored of it.

We had an affection for the hotels entertainment team as despite being undoubtedly overstretched (I don't think they have days off!) they went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and involved. Despite being one of only two English families there we were made to feel included and perhaps even had special treatment as a result as we were adopted as native Mallorceans for Euro 2008. The entertainment was all outside which was lovely in the cool air of the evening and the bar had a good variety of cheap local ales and speciality cocktails for adults and children. The entertainment only went on till half eleven so if you are one of those people who want an all nighter this perhaps is not the hotel for you. On the other hand,we quite liked the fact we could function in the morning!