Hotel Riu La Mola

On an island typically scattered with small, independent hotels, the Riu La Mola stands out as one of the few large chain properties. Though this isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's composed of two long, four-story buildings -- one directly overlooking the beach and the other set back further uphill, each with its own reception area -- separated by clusters of boxy, whitewashed bungalows that make up most of the accommodation. While interiors are hardly inspiring (and lacking a certain polish in places for an upscale hotel) they are clean, modern, and well-maintained. A series of terra-cotta tile footpaths connect the complex, while well-tended gardens dotted with cacti, palm trees, and shrubbery slope down to the sea via plenty of steps. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, attracting a mix of couples and families with kids (it's one of the more child-friendly hotels on the island) mostly hailing from Italy, Spain, and German, plus some Brits.

The hotel features a superb location set in a gentle hillside surrounded by pine forests towards the east end of the long Migjorn Beach that stretches along Formentera's south coast. Besides the lovely sandy and rocky beach, there are a few bars and restaurants that line the seafront and are accessible within five to 10 minutes on foot, though there's little else to see or do. The island's only real resort of Es Pujols is a 15-minute drive away, while Ses Illetas -- named best beach in Europe by TripAdvisor in 2016 -- is around 25 minutes by road. There's also a bus stop right in front of hotel that connects to the ferry terminal in La Sabina, or it's a 20-minute taxi ride. There's no airport on Formentera, and the only access via ferry crossing from Ibiza takes around an hour.

The hotel has 328 singles, doubles, junior suites, suites, and bungalows sleeping up to six guests. Most guest rooms were renovated in 2015 and are finished with smart contemporary decor in neutral tones with simple lightwood furniture and tile floors; lumpy textured walls detract slightly from the modern feel and some rooms are generally dated. All rooms open to balconies or terraces, with only suites and higher-level rooms guaranteeing some kind of sea view. Rooms in building one are closer to the beach, meaning there's some noise during the day and it's quieter at night, while building two is nearer the bar and restaurant. Bungalows have two bedrooms plus separate lounges. Standard amenities include minibars (stocked with just soft drinks), flat-screen TVs (with limited English-speaking channels), and old-style safes (for a fee). In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge and has a decent speed. Bathrooms in the renovated rooms feature walk-in showers, while older bathrooms have shower/tub combos. Suites add whirlpool tubs and separate showers. All bathrooms include bidets, wall-mounted hairdryers, and hotel brand  toiletries.

Features here are kid-friendly and convenient. The hotel's main restaurant is located in building two and serves buffet breakfast and dinner (both included in the rate) and opens to an outdoor terrace. Food for both meals is varied and high quality, while it's not outstanding, it's consistently good. Over busier months, a second a la carte restaurant opens directly overlooking the beach. There are also two bars, one poolside serving snacks and drinks all day and the Sarganta chill-out bar features a spacious and stylish seating area and excellent cocktails.   The main outdoor pool is big enough for a swim and overlooks the beach, while the second pool is smaller and located in the bungalow section of the complex. Poolside loungers are plentiful, and can even be used on the beach free of charge. Child-friendly facilities include a splash pool, playground, and kids' clubs divided between ages 4 to 7 and 8 to 12. Relatively rare for the island, is a spa with a full range of massage treatments, plus a steam room and indoor whirlpool. Other leisure facilities include tennis courts, mini-golf, and two gyms.