AluaSoul Ibiza - Adults Only

“Fantastic! Wish we could have stayed longer”

It took us just over a year to pay for this holiday and when I say I was anxious after reading the negative reviews, I almost cancelled and chose somewhere else! I am so glad I didn't!! We had the best time and can hand on heart say this was the best holiday we have had so far. I keep checking pric… more

It took us just over a year to pay for this holiday and when I say I was anxious after reading the negative reviews, I almost cancelled and chose somewhere else! I am so glad I didn't!! We had the best time and can hand on heart say this was the best holiday we have had so far. I keep checking prices to hopefully visit again next year. My partner and I stayed here from 28th Sept to 5th Oct but wished we had booked longer. We arrived at the hotel at approx 2pm. The flight was straightforward with no delays. Transfer to the hotel was longer than expected but this was due to a lot of road closures, so we had to take a long detour. At least we got to see some scenery! Reception: Upon arrival, we were greeted by some lovely receptionists who offered everyone a glass of Cava and fresh orange. Jasmin who checked us in was so friendly. She explained that our room wasn't quite ready so gave us our wristbands and advised it would be ready once we had we some lunch. There was a section behind reception for us to leave our cases. As stated, our room was ready when we went back to reception. Room: We booked a Double Pool View Room (room 2222). We were offered an upgrade to the next room type for a reduced fee but we happily declined. We were on the first floor at the end of the corridor. This part of the building only had two floors and we were over the gym so we were very happy to only have one neighbour. The room was a good size, HUGE bed (the mattress was a little too hard for our liking but we just got on with it. Only thought of asking reception if they had a mattress topper towards the end of our stay, so didn't end up bothering. The open-plan bathroom didn't bother us at all. The door to the shower and toilet were frosted. You could still see a little through the shower door but the toilet was far enough away from the door that you couldn't see anything, you could hear (lol), but couldn't see. The TV had a selection of English channels to choose from (BBC1 & 2, channel 5, 5USA, 5Star). Our balcony was quite small due to being at the end of the building but we hardly used it so not a big deal. It had enough room for two chairs and a table. We just used these to dry our towels on. But the view over the pool was great, worth the initial extra. The balcony wall was glass too so you could see everything. There was a sewage smell that we mainly had when we ran the tap to the wash basin and flushed the toilet. Could smell it when in the shower. I believe this is something that happens in most places so not really the hotel's fault. But, if they have a full refurb at some point, hopefully it's something they can try to address. Pool: Wow. Three pools. One large main pool that had the water aerobics class, a second smaller pool (still big enough to swim lengths) and a third small pool in the superior area. The superior area was practically empty, maybe it was the time of year. But I don't think it was worth the extra cost (you get access when you pay for the superior/junior suite rooms). The other two pool areas were much better in my opinion. Plenty of sun loungers to choose from, the ones right by the pools were the first to go I'd say nearly all of them were in a good spot for the sun. I think there were either 7 or 8 Bali beds around the two main pools. You'd book and pay for these at reception. Don't try to sneak on these without paying as the lifeguard immediately comes over to see your receipt. A few people got caught out). He doesn't embarrass you though, he is quite discreet. It was also nice to watch him put complementary towels down on the Bali beds as he rolled them up and decoratively placed them. So simple, but showed he cared. The pools are cleaned each morning and pool areas are swept and tidied in the evenings. Entertainment: Valentina is such a friendly woman. She does both the daytime AND early evening entertainment! You can tell she loves her job, she speaks to as many people as she can. She doesn't push you to join in either. We enjoyed the quiz and bingo nights (shakey shakey). One or two of the acts in the evening are little questionable but the Tina Turner night and Bruno Mars night were amazing. They got you up on your feet dancing and singing along. Buffet Restaurant/Food: This is where we don't understand the negative reviews at all. We thought the food was excellent. Plenty of choice and the hot food was hot. We thought those who complained the food was cold/awful were the late diners. We tried lots of different things each night and there was still a lot we didn't get the chance to try. Everything we put on our plates was eaten, nothing was wasted. Snack Van: We didn't get anything from here but what we saw people have looked delicious. Half Board guests could order first (12:30 I think), then All Inclusive guests could order from around 3pm. Drinks: Good choice on the All Inclusive, a couple of my favourite cocktails weren't included but cost less than if you were on Half Board. Yes, some of the cocktails are pre-made but with how busy it can get, I don't blame them. They still tasted delicious. Lots of drinks to choose from (see photos) Spa: Maria Jose is amazing at her job. I'm not sure if she's the only one but we would definitely recommend her. My partner had a Sports Massage and I had a general massage. We only booked the 25min sessions each but they well worth it. My partner has some trouble with his shoulder, Maria managed to hit the spot and released some of the tension. She probably would have been able to get rid of more of it if she had longer but he felt great afterwards. Mine was so relaxing I felt like I'd been there for hours! Highly recommend! Housekeeping: The housekeeping staff have such an enormous job to do. Our room, when we invited them in was cleaned well. Some areas were missed but as we aren't messy people, it didn't bother us too much. The bed was always made and any towels we left on the floor were replaced. Behind the door wasn't swept all week as they keep the door propped open whilst they are inside so we assumed they forgot. If you want your bed sheets changed, there is a laminated card to place on your bed. If you don't put this on the bed, they will not change them. I have read some previous reviews complaining their sheets weren't changed. Did you put the card on your bed??! Also, for those complaining not much was done in your room, how messy did you leave your room each day? They aren't paid to tidy your stuff up or even move them out of the way to do their job! Have a little courtesy and just tidy up a little before leaving your room for the day. The mini bar you have to pay for. On the TUI/First Choice site, it didn't state it's something you pay for. You only have one small bottle of water per person. This will only be replenished daily if you let the housekeepers in. As we didn't have them in every day, we just took our empties to the pool bar and filled them up there. Charlie's Bar: Great night out, but expensive drinks!! €20 for 2 drinks!! Overall: Amazing hotel. Fantastic week's stay. We highly recommend it to anyone.

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