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Mallorca, Spain is a European island hot spot. People around the world appreciate its breathtaking shoreline, exquisite, peaceful beauty and average 300 days of sunshine a year. From Germany, getting to Mallorca is a quick two-hour plane ride away. The sumptuous hotels and all-inclusive resorts around the island are also convenient for those who require little planning and have a travel agent on speed dial. Protur Safari Park is part of Sa Coma Resort, one of the largest resorts in Mallorca. For my little boy and me, it was hard to surpass the beautiful weather and family-friendly atmosphere and service of our resort.
Getting to Protur Safari Park
Our all-inclusive package included round-trip airfare, a free shuttle to and from the hotel, all-you-can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at a variety of themed restaurants, a water park, access to all the indoor and outdoor pools, specialty alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, entertainment, daycare programs, fitness classes — shall I go on?
Things to Do
The next morning it was time to focus on priorities: a beach, child-friendly activities and relaxation. My toddler forced me to wake up at 8 a.m., which was to our benefit – first come first served at the breakfast buffet. The fresh eggs, fruit, meat and cheese variety was well worth it. Starting your day around noon won’t get you the egg breakfast, so take my advice and get an early start. After a steamy cappuccino for me and a smiley face pancake for my little guy, it was time to put our toes in the sand.
Beach
The beach was only a 10-minute walk from the resort. Even better, we rented a bike along the boulevard and peddled to the shore. The snack huts and shops along the boulevard made it easy to grab a souvenir and have a quick bite to eat before watching my little boy enjoy the beach for the first time. Sit underneath one of the shady umbrellas, and a waiter or waitress working at the small snack hut may come by and ask if you would like a Corona.
Child-Friendly Activities
Protur Safari Park is loved by families and I learned why quickly — dance parties for the children, an outdoor water park, a putt-putt golf course, tennis courts and paddle boats are enough to keep everyone busy for a day or two. Letting my little boy take a dip in one of the kiddie pools while I soaked up some sun was a relaxing start to a long day ahead. Afterward we grabbed a snack at one of the themed restaurants and got ready for the Kinder Dance Disco party. The next day we ventured to the paddle boats.
Relaxation
If parents want to enjoy an adult dinner for an hour or two, the resort offers childcare for 3- to 11-year-olds divided into age groups. The clubs are also separated by country (including Germany and England) so you can avoid a language barrier. Licensed and first aid certified employees in the Thomson Kids Club take your children outside to play so the little ones can have a relaxing day, too. For longer stays at the resort, mom and dad can also join in on one of the parent-toddler play sessions offered three days a week from May to October.
What’s Outside the Resorts
If you’re more of the exploring type, some extra planning and budgeting can lead you over and beyond Mallorca’s resorts to discover the island’s natural beauty in a peaceful atmosphere. Go hiking along Mallorca’s coastal coves, such as Parc Natural de la Peninsula de Llevant. Get romantic and sleep outside at one of the island’s ranches or farmhouses, fincas or agriturism, and do some stargazing at the Mallorca Planetarium or on your own.
