Alua Calvia: Hyatt All-Inclusive in Mallorca
A traveler used Hyatt points to book a week at the all-inclusive Alua Calvia resort in Mallorca, formerly Dreams Calvia, during the summer eclipse season.
A traveler and his wife spent a week at the Alua Calvia resort in Mallorca, booking their stay with Hyatt points. The all-inclusive property, formerly known as Dreams Calvia, was the only Hyatt all-inclusive on the island available for points redemption during their dates.
The trip was planned around viewing a total solar eclipse on the island. The couple flew from the UK using British Airways Avios for their award flights, though operational issues led to a cancellation and rebooking on Vueling via Barcelona. They subsequently received UK261 compensation of £220 each.
Hotel Stay and Experience
The Alua Calvia is located about a 30-minute drive from Palma airport on the southwest coast of Mallorca. According to the traveler's account, the food quality exceeded expectations and the air conditioning in their room worked well. They also enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at the My Favorite Club swimming pool.
However, the stay had notable drawbacks. The air conditioning in the hotel's main buildings was largely ineffective. A Suite Upgrade Award redemption did not result in the expected suite upgrade. The nearest beach is a 10-minute walk from the property.
Travel Logistics and Costs
Getting to the island involved award bookings and last-minute changes. The initial plan was a nonstop British Airways flight from Gatwick, but a cancellation led to a rebooking on Vueling with a layover. The traveler highlighted the use of loyalty programs and credit card benefits to manage costs.
| Cost Element | Method / Provider | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Flights to PMI | British Airways Avios | Award booking; flight cancelled and rebooked on Vueling |
| Airport Hotel | Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport East | Booked via Chase Travel for $91.08, using Sapphire Preferred credit |
| Car Rental | Alamo via Costco Travel | Booked for free additional driver benefit |
| Flight Delay Compensation | UK261 Claim | £220 (~$300) each received |
Airport Lounge Access
Throughout the journey, the couple used Priority Pass memberships for lounge access. At London Gatwick's South Terminal, they visited the Club Aspire lounge, which they described as having a decent food selection and plenty of seating. During their layover in Barcelona, they used the highly-rated Sala VIP Pau Casals lounge in Terminal 1.
Upon departure from Mallorca, they chose the Sala VIP Valldemossa lounge at Palma airport specifically because online research indicated it had shower facilities, which the traveler's wife used after a day exploring in the heat.
On-Island Transportation and Eclipse Viewing
A car was essential for their stay, rented through Costco Travel for the free additional driver benefit. Driving in Mallorca was noted as easy, though with many roundabouts. Parking in Palma often involves underground lots with small, European-sized spaces.
The primary activity was viewing the solar eclipse at sunset. To ensure a clear view, they drove to the official viewing area for the Calvia region, Platja de Santa Ponça, about 20 minutes from the hotel. They arrived early to secure a spot in a free public parking lot and purchased umbrellas for shade on the 97°F (36°C) day. The beach grew crowded by the evening as the 8:31 pm totality approached.
