Our Family Escape to Universal Grand León in Mallorca

A few weeks ago, my husband, our daughter, and I swapped grey UK skies for the sparkling coastline of Universal Grand León for what turned out to be one of our favourite family holidays in Majorca.

I booked with Jet2, and honestly, I don’t think I can go back to doing it any other way. They took care of everything, from the flights, to transfers and hotel. It was all wrapped up in one smooth booking which was a change for me as I literally plan holidays for a career. We took flights from London Luton Airport and flew direct to Palma in Mallorca. 

Normally, I’m knee-deep in tabs comparing prices, mapping out transfer times, and stressing over whether I’ve remembered to sort luggage allowances. This time? I just packed our bags, grabbed our passports, and off we went.

We also decided to opt for the Jet2 Indulgent Escapes category to add that extra ‘wow-factor’ to our summ holiday. Indulgent Escapes by Jet2holidays presents a hand-picked selection of five-star hotels in exclusive locations, with superior service and attention to detail. And by booking this catgory you also get to benefit from: return flights, 25kg baggage and private transfers^, plus we add indulgent little extras along the way, such as a priority lane passes and complimentary in-flight drinks.

From the moment we landed, it was stress-free. The transfer was waiting, the bags were whisked away, and before we knew it, we were pulling up to what would be our base for the next few days — the Universal Grand León & Spa in Colonia de Sant Jordi.

Universal Grand León & Spa

Our Universal Grand León & Spa review can be summed up in one word: wow.

This isn’t just any five-star hotel — it’s one of Universal Beach Hotels’ most ambitious projects, recently renovated and designed to blend Mediterranean elegance with total comfort. The architecture and interiors feel stylish yet natural, with spaces that seem to flow seamlessly into the stunning sea views.

Our room was airy, modern, and the kind of place you just know you’ll sleep well in. Now that our daughter is 13 years old, we had always found it hard to find a balance between the child-centric/kids club/play park hotels and the adults-only hotels. We wanted sleek design, incredible service and a safe environment but somewhere our teenager would also feel at home. 

The hotel sits right on the seafront, and one of the highlights for us was the direct access to the water. We were in and out of the sea multiple times a day — a quick morning dip, a splash after lunch, and one last paddle as the sun dipped low. It felt magical to have that just steps from our door. Plus, Es Trenc beach — famous for its soft white sand and turquoise waters — is only a short stroll away, perfect if you’re planning a family beach holiday in Spain. This has to be one of the best hotels in Majorca.

• On the seafront
• 200m from a small beach
• 700m from a sandy beach
• Located in the resort centre.
• Approximate transfer time to resort 1 hour 15 minutes

Our favourite facilities:

• Swimming pools – There’s a large outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool in the AQUA Spa & Wellness, and (for those staying in certain suites) 17 private pools. Our daughter loved hanging out by the main pool with a book, whilst me and Theo regulary snuck away for a quiet swim indoors and at the spa/

• Restaurants & bars – The food was incredible, with dishes created from fresh, locally sourced produce. Think Mediterranean flavours done to perfection. We enjoyed long, lazy breakfasts and evening cocktails watching the sky turn pink.

• AQUA Spa & Wellness – Pure bliss. I had never thought of a spa being something of a priority of a summer holiday but now things are different! We both regulary spend time at the spa and wellness space, and it was like pressing reset. Calming interiors, serene pools, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you breathe a little deeper. Complete with a sensory wellness path, sauna, steam room, cold plunge and relaxation zone – it’s no wonder it’s so fantastic for wellbeing.

• Unique experiences – There’s something for everyone, from family-friendly activities to live music at sunset. We loved the mix of energy and relaxation — you can do as much or as little as you like.

What about the town of Colonia de Sant Jordi?

This charming coastal town quickly won us over – it felt local – something we love when we travel. Colonia de Sant Jordi has a laid-back, welcoming vibe, with pretty harbour views, a scattering of cafés and restaurants serving fresh seafood and tapas, and easy access to some of Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches. It’s also a great base for exploring and you can hop on a boat trip to Cabrera Island, stroll along the coastal paths, or simply wander the town and enjoy an ice cream by the water.

Things to do in Colonia de Sant Jordi

• Es Trenc
• Cala S’Almonia
• Santanyi
• Parc Nacional de Cabrera
• Arab Baths, Palma City
• La Seu Cathedral, Palma City
• Bunyola
• Castell d’Alaro
• Coves de Campanet

Overview

In a heartbeat. The Universal Grand León & Spa gave us everything we could have wanted from family holidays in Mallorca — beautiful surroundings, incredible food, warm service, and the Mediterranean right on our doorstep. And booking with Jet2 made it all so easy, letting me switch off from the usual pre-holiday planning stress and just enjoy being there. We left feeling rested, sun-kissed, and already plotting our return.