If you’re planning a family holiday in Mallorca, Iberostar Waves Club Cala Barca is a resort that comes up again and again – and for good reason. After spending two weeks there, we experienced everything from the food and pools to activities, kids’ clubs, and entertainment. It was a brilliant holiday and we are really excited to try another Iberostar hotel in the future.
To help you decide if this is the right hotel for your next trip, here’s a full guide answering the most popular questions families ask before booking (taken from the Facebook Group).
How do you get from the resort to the pathway that leads to Cala Mondragó beach?
There’s a pathway from the resort that leads into Mondragó Natural Park. It’s about a 20-minute walk and clearly signposted from the hotel grounds, make sure you do not venture on to private land as there are also private pathways around the area. Once you’re on the pathway, it takes you to Cala Mondragó beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. If you walk along the road, from the main entrance, to the right on the map, it takes you to the path…
What’s in the kids’ clubs (including teens)?
Iberostar runs age-specific clubs:
- Star Camp (younger kids) – with crafts, games, sports, treasure hunts and water fun.
- Teen programme – a brilliant schedule with sports, music, gaming, water activities and social events designed for teenagers. It gives them independence while parents can relax. The kids enjoyed football, waterpolo, snorkelling, volleyball, hide and seek, dry clay creating and they loved every one of the team too!
What excursions can you do from the hotel?
Popular excursions include:
- Boat trips to explore the coast and nearby coves (the boat picks you up directly on the beach)
- Day trips to Palma for shopping and sightseeing
- Visits to local markets and villages
- Family days out at Aqualand El Arenal water park (we did this and it was BRILLIANT)
You can book via the hotel or through the holiday reps.
Is the tourist tax payable at check in by card?
Yes – the tourist tax is payable at check in and you can pay it by card.
What do you need cash for?
The only time we needed cash was for a deposit on padel equipment. Everything else is card-friendly.
Can you use your own bottles / Stanley cups around the site?
Yes! Guests were regularly filling reusable bottles in the restaurants. Iberostar actively encourages reusables to cut down on plastic.
What time does the all inclusive finish?
You can use the facilities until your transfer, even after check out (11am). That includes the restaurants, bars, pools and showers. There’s also a luggage room and lockers available. We had to use this as we checked out at 11am and did not get collected until 7pm, it was a seamless transition.
Did they have vegan options?
Yes – there were labelled vegan dishes at every buffet, including salads, grains, cooked vegetables and hot dishes. The vegan lasagne was delicious!
Did they have vegetarian options?
Absolutely – pasta stations, pizzas, salads, cheeses and veggie hot meals were available daily. I am vegetarian and had lots of choice at all restaurants at all mealtimes. The restaurant that was most limited was the beach house for evening meals as it was more of a bbq, lots of meat and fish options.
Are the football games on at the hotel?
Yes – big games are shown in the sports bar on a big screen. Noah and Hubby enjoyed watching the Liverpool game!
Are inflatables allowed in the pools?
Small inflatables are allowed, but not large pool floats. We saw children with rings, noodles and smaller inflatables without issue in all of the pools.
How much are the kayaks from the hotel?
Kayaks cost €30 for one hour and fit 2 adults + 2 children – a great family activity. We needed 2 kayaks with the teens, but they did a good deal for us!
Can you watch the sunset?
Not really – the resort is on the wrong side of the island for sunset views. Mornings and daytime views are beautiful, and the view you get of the setting sun is still very beautiful. Full orange skies on view!
What type of high chairs are in the restaurant?
The restaurants have sturdy, modern high chairs with safety straps. They were clean and readily available in all restaurants.
What time can you grab your sun loungers?
The pool areas open for sun loungers at 8:30am. Pools are open from 10am–6pm (lifeguards finish at 6, but people still swam after this).
What time does the gym open?
The gym opens daily from 8am.
What sort of snacks do they have throughout the day?
Between meals, you’ll find:
- Sandwiches
- Fruit
- Ice cream
- Pizza
- Cakes and pastries
- Drinks and smoothies
These are all included as part of the all inclusive package.
From the food and pools to the activities and staff, Iberostar Waves Club Cala Barca is one of the most family-friendly resorts we’ve ever stayed in. If you’re looking for an all inclusive Mallorca hotel with plenty for kids and teens, this is a fantastic choice. If you want to book your stay at this fabulous all inclusive hotel, don’t forget you can grab a great deal with TUI.
Related post – Hotel facilities at Iberostar Waves Club Cala Barca.
