Apartments Oro Playa

Having spent our second year at the Oro Playa, I can honestly say that this is a truly superb place to stay. From the overall setting of the apartment blocks around a great pool area, to the friendly and energetic local staff.
The entertainment was great, ranging from a parrot show to a Wild west trio, who we suspect are the Guys from The Wacky Wild west water park attraction. There is a structured and varied selection of daily games and activities from 10.30 am until 3.30 PM, including Rifle shooting, Pool, "Javalot", killer darts etc. We also got to try Scuba diving in the pool, and my 6-year old had a great time pony riding, on Wednesdays. Franka and Sonja, the hotels "animacion" (entertainment) team were lovely, and really seemed to enjoy their jobs!
The apartments are basic in as much as you don’t get a microwave or freezer, but the two-ring cooker and fridge with spacious freezer compartment served our family of four well. There is sleeping for two in the sitting room, which is, comfortable, and there is a pull out bed that can be put up in either the sitting room, or the bedroom. The bedroom has adequate wardrobe space and there is a dresser and two bedside cabinets too. I recommend spending a few Euros and getting a key for the room safe, however, crime is not an issue, but your insurance small print insists on it!
The on-site shop is OK for topping up your basics, but if you want to get a "main shop" walk to the Caprabo Hypermarket (Along the sea front and turn down the side of the Burger King restaurant, follow to the top and turn left and your there!)
For some great days out try a trip into Pollensa Old town, a bus ride from the harbour will set you back 1 euro each and is a return ticket. In pollensa there are many lovely cafes and restaurants to choose from. For the energetic, try walking the 365 steps up to the top o Calvary hill. The views from here are spectacular!
Also try the bus to Formentor beach, its 1 euro each way, but again the views on the way back are spectacular! The Beach at formentor of great, but catch the 10.30 bus as it does get crowded early. You can always try coming to or from the beach by catamaran from the harbour, but it’s about 20 euros. Direct Holidays have a wide selection of trips out and there include the caves do Drach, the best caves system I have ever seen, its finale is a classical music recital on the underground lake. If you want to go further a field, try going solo to Palma by bus and catching the old train to Soller. From there you can catch a tram down to the Port of Soller.
My kids loved this and we found it was cheaper going solo, with more time to spend there. For a great evening out (if a bit expensive) try Pirates! a nightly dinner show that Direct Holidays organise. At over 50 euros a head for adults, it can be expensive for a large family. Although we didn’t try it they tell me the Son Amar diner show is better for older kids and adults.
Literally across the road and down a passageway lies the back and the beautiful Pines walk. Kids and adults alike will be thrilled by the lovely clear waters and the laid back atmosphere of this stretch of the bay. If you want more hustle and bustle, go into Alcudia, where its a bit more in your face!
In the evening along the pines walks and the main front to the harbour the cafes and restaurants come alive. Most people start to eat out from about 7.30 onwards, so if you have young ones it’s ideal to get them fed before this time. The street entertainers include a juggler, unicyclist, who also does a great 20 minute show along by the Hotel Diana. Look out also for the sand sculptors, who are amazing! On the downside you do get the odd street seller trying to push the fake watches, DVD’s and sunglasses on you.
All in all, if you do decide to stay at the Oro Playa, I would be surprised if you don’t enjoy your self. I can honestly say that in the two years we have been there we haven’t heard a wrong word said that was of any significance. If you want any advice, email me at mwisecomputers@hotmail.com HAPPY HOLI