Iberostar Jardin del Sol

The Iberostar Jardin del Sol is an adults-​only suites resort hotel right on Santa Ponsa Bay. The hotel has a prime spot on the water and is walking distance to many shops, bars and restaurants in town. Be aware that there isn’t any beachfront near the hotel property; rocky outcroppings line this side of the bay. However, the beach is just to the east of the hotel. There is access to the ocean for swimming via two ladders built into the cliff. I highly recommend taking a dip; the temperature is perfect (at least in August).
I spent a little over 3 days there and, overall, enjoyed my experience. It is far different than the resort I had just come from, the spectacular (if pricey) La Residencia in Deia. However, I suspect my personal experience at Jardin del Sol may also be somewhat different from many. I opted for the all-​inclusive add-​on to my room rate, which entitles me to breakfast and lunch buffets, as well as free drinks at the hotel’s two bars. Premium wine, spirits and cocktails can be had for a supplemental charge (basically the regular list price minus one’s all-​inclusive credit). Additionally, I was upgraded to Star Prestige, which included a bump to Junior Suite Prestige and access to an exclusive pool area, bar and free WiFi.
The good:
–Outstanding location, offering truly stunning views of the bay. From bed, you can gaze out onto the water. This is a view that would never get old.
–The pool facilities are excellent. Everything is clean and well maintained. The Star Prestige pool, itself, is nothing special. It’s designed more for cooling off and lounges than it is for actual swimming. However, the environment there is far nicer than the standard pool area, with upgraded sun beds and lounge chairs.
–The value proposition is very good. For 180 Euros per day, I get a comfortable room with a gorgeous view, 2 meals and all the drinks one could want. The quality of the food is generally quite high, although with any buffet settings things can be a little hit or miss.
The not-​so-​good:
–Quite a lot of hustle and bustle there. This is a busy resort with tons of vacationers from the cooler parts of Europe. It is definitely more crowded feeling than I’d prefer.
–The room quality could use some attention. Iberostar has remodeled the entire Star Prestige section, but the rooms themselves are merely «refurbished». While nice enough, the furniture is quite outdated, mattress and linens not terribly comfortable and signs of mold in the Jacuzzi bath and shower.
–Service can be a little impersonal. One gets the feeling that many of the staff are performing their duties in a perfunctory manner.
On the whole, though, I had a very nice stay at the Jardin del Sol and would recommend it for anyone staying on this part of the island.