Holiday World Polynesia Review: Our First Family Holiday in Benalmádena, Spain
If you're looking for a hotel in Benalmádena, Spain, that combines beautiful surroundings, spacious accommodation, plenty of activities and a lovely family-friendly atmosphere, Holiday World Polynesia might just be worth adding to your holiday shortlist!
My husband, our seven-month-old daughter and I have just returned from our first family holiday together, and we stayed at Holiday World Polynesia on the beautiful Costa del Sol. We had such an amazing time, and honestly, this has been one of the nicest hotels we've stayed in so far.
From our spacious apartment-style room and stunning sea views to the friendly staff, delicious food, swimming pool, bowling alley and beautiful tropical-inspired surroundings, there was so much to enjoy during our stay.
One thing that really stood out to me was how welcoming the staff were, particularly when it came to helping my husband with his food allergies. Travelling with a baby also meant that having a comfortable room, convenient facilities and plenty of things to do made a real difference to our experience.
So, if you're considering booking Holiday World Polynesia, I'm going to share our honest experience, what we loved, a few practical things worth knowing before you go, and why we'd happily recommend this hotel to other travellers.
Whether you're planning your first family holiday, travelling as a couple or looking for an all-inclusive resort in Costa del Sol, hopefully this review will help you decide whether Holiday World Polynesia is the right choice for you.
Where Is Holiday World Polynesia?
Holiday World Polynesia is located in Benalmádena, along Spain's popular Costa del Sol coastline in southern Spain.
Benalmádena is a lovely area to consider if you're looking for a mixture of beaches, sunshine, restaurants, attractions and opportunities to explore. It's also a great base for discovering more of the Costa del Sol if you fancy venturing beyond your hotel during your stay.
One thing worth mentioning is that Holiday World Polynesia is located very close to Holiday World Village Hotel, where my husband and I stayed on a previous trip. Both hotels form part of the wider Holiday World resort complex, and guests have access to Holiday World Beach Club.
Having stayed at both hotels now, it's been lovely to experience them separately and discover what each has to offer.
The location also has some beautiful scenery. As soon as you're outside the hotel, you'll notice the palm trees, surrounding mountains and colourful tropical plants. It creates a lovely atmosphere and makes the resort feel quite different from some of the more traditional hotels you might come across.
We hired a car from Rahul Rent a Car in Benalmádena, which gave us the flexibility to explore the area during our stay. However, even if you don't plan to hire a car, there are transport options available, and I'll talk a little more about getting to and from the hotel further down.
Our First Impressions of Holiday World Polynesia
Our first family holiday was always going to be a special one, and I was really hoping we'd chosen somewhere that would make travelling with our little girl comfortable and enjoyable.
Thankfully, Holiday World Polynesia exceeded our expectations!
One of the first things that caught my attention was the hotel's unique design. Inside, there was a beautiful water feature, tall trees and striking architecture that gave the hotel a tropical feel.
I thought this was such a lovely feature because it made the hotel stand out from the moment you walked in. Rather than feeling like a standard hotel lobby, the interior had character, with greenery and decorative features that added to the overall atmosphere.
The scenery around the hotel was just as beautiful. With palm trees, mountains and colourful plants surrounding the area, it felt like a lovely place to spend a holiday.
The staff also made a fantastic first impression. Everyone we passed seemed happy to say hello, and we found them incredibly friendly throughout our stay. I always think these little interactions make a difference. When you're staying somewhere for several days, it's lovely to feel welcomed rather than simply being another room number. The hotel was also clean, and we felt comfortable settling in with our daughter. Overall, it had a really positive atmosphere, and we quickly felt at home.
Our Room: Spacious Apartment-Style Accommodation With Beautiful Sea Views
One of my favourite things about Holiday World Polynesia was our room.
We had a sea-view room again, and the view from our balcony was absolutely beautiful. I think having a balcony overlooking the ocean adds something special to a holiday, especially when you can sit outside, enjoy the scenery and have a little moment to yourself.
The room itself was spacious, clean and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
Similar to our previous experience at Holiday World Village Hotel, the accommodation had an apartment-style layout, with a kitchen, living room, dining area, separate bedroom and bathroom.
I really like this style of accommodation because it gives you so much more flexibility than a standard hotel bedroom. Having a separate living space is particularly useful when you're travelling with a baby. It gives you more room to organise your belongings, relax together and make yourself comfortable during your stay. The kitchen and dining area were also practical features, even if you're staying on an all-inclusive basis. Having that extra space can be useful for keeping drinks, snacks and everyday essentials close at hand.
And, of course, there was our balcony! We spent time enjoying the beautiful sea view, and it was one of those features that made the room feel even more special.
When booking your own stay, I'd recommend checking the available room categories carefully if having a sea view is important to you. The exact view will depend on the room type you select and availability.
Overall, I thought the accommodation was a real highlight. It was comfortable, spacious and well suited to the three of us, and it gave us a lovely place to return to after a day of exploring the hotel and surrounding area.
The Staff: One of Our Favourite Things About the Hotel
If I had to pick one thing that really made our stay stand out, it would be the staff.
We found everyone incredibly friendly, and something I noticed throughout our holiday was how staff would say hello whenever they passed us.
It might seem like a small thing, but those little interactions helped create such a welcoming atmosphere. We felt comfortable asking for help when we needed it, and the staff were consistently pleasant.
However, what really stood out was the service we received in the restaurant.
My husband has food allergies, and eating out can sometimes be a little stressful when you're unsure which dishes are suitable or whether staff will take your concerns seriously.
Thankfully, the restaurant staff at Holiday World Polynesia were fantastic. They took his allergies seriously and helped us with the food options so he could enjoy his meals with greater confidence.
This was particularly appreciated because food is such a big part of an all-inclusive holiday. You want to be able to sit down, enjoy your meal and feel that your concerns are being listened to.
Their willingness to help made a real difference to our experience, and it's something we'll remember about our stay.
For anyone travelling with food allergies, I'd always recommend contacting the hotel in advance, explaining your requirements clearly and checking ingredients and cross-contamination precautions directly with the restaurant team. Although our experience was very positive, individual dietary needs require careful checking at every meal.
For us, the friendly service and the way the restaurant staff helped my husband were definite highlights. It was lovely to see that level of care during our first family holiday.
Food at Holiday World Polynesia: Variety, Sea Views and All-Inclusive Dining
Now, let's talk about the food! We found the food at Holiday World Polynesia to be pretty good, with lots of different options available. Having a variety of dishes to choose from was a real bonus, particularly because everyone has different preferences when it comes to food.
For us, the restaurant was a positive part of the stay, and we enjoyed having plenty of choice at mealtimes.
One of my favourite things was that there was the option to sit outside and eat.
The outdoor seating area had a beautiful view of the ocean, which made mealtimes feel even more enjoyable. There's something lovely about sitting outside in the sunshine, enjoying your food and looking out towards the sea.
It's the kind of setting that makes you want to take your time rather than rush through your meal!
We also appreciated that the main restaurant was included as part of our all-inclusive arrangement, so we could enjoy our meals there without paying separately for each one.
There was another restaurant within the hotel as well, although my understanding is that this operates differently from the main all-inclusive restaurant and requires a reservation, with an additional charge potentially applying.
I'd recommend checking the current arrangements with the hotel before booking, as restaurant access and package inclusions can change.
For us, the combination of food variety, friendly service and the option to dine outside with those lovely sea views made the dining experience particularly enjoyable.
And, as someone who loves a good holiday meal, having plenty of options is always a positive!
Things to Do at Holiday World Polynesia
One thing that really surprised me about Holiday World Polynesia was just how much there was to do within the hotel.
Sometimes when you book a resort, you expect the main activities to revolve around the swimming pool and restaurant. While those facilities were certainly part of the experience here, there were plenty of other things to discover.
Whether you're travelling with children, as a couple or with friends, there are different ways to spend your time without necessarily needing to leave the resort.
The Arcade and Bowling Alley
One of the activities my husband and I tried was the arcade, which had a bowling alley.
We decided to play a couple of games and have a go at bowling, and we had such a laugh!
My husband ended up winning, while I unfortunately lost. I'll have to practise before our next trip!
I thought this was a great addition to the hotel because it gave us something fun to do together away from the pool.
It's also a useful option for families with older children or groups of friends looking for a little friendly competition. If you're travelling with a mixture of ages, having activities like this can help everyone find something enjoyable to do. We didn't spend all our time in the arcade, but we were glad we gave it a go. It was a fun little part of our holiday and gave us another memory to take home with us.
Mini Golf Near the Pool
Another activity we noticed was the mini golf course near the swimming pool.
To play, you collect the pucks from reception, which is useful to know if you want to give it a go during your stay.
Mini golf is one of those activities that can be enjoyable for couples, families and groups alike. It gives you something to do between relaxing by the pool and heading off for your next meal.
I also liked that it was located near the pool area, so it was easy to combine a little activity with the usual poolside holiday atmosphere. We didn't get around to trying every activity available at the hotel, but the mini golf course was another example of the variety of things guests can enjoy.
The Children's Playground
There was also a small playground for children, which was a lovely addition to the family-friendly facilities. As we were travelling with our seven-month-old daughter, we were particularly interested in seeing what the hotel offered for families. Although she was still very young, it was nice to see that there was a dedicated space for children to play.
For families travelling with toddlers and older children, having a playground alongside the pools and other activities can be useful when you want to mix up your day. As always, check age suitability and supervise children according to the playground's safety guidance.
The Outdoor Entertainment Stage
The hotel also had an outdoor entertainment stage, with entertainment taking place throughout the day. This helped create a lively holiday atmosphere around the resort and gave guests another option when deciding how to spend their time.
I think entertainment is a useful feature for people who enjoy having activities planned for them, especially if you're staying all-inclusive and want to make the most of the hotel facilities. We didn't personally experience every activity or performance, so I can't give a detailed review of the entertainment programme. However, it was nice to see that there were activities taking place throughout the day.
I'd recommend checking the current programme when you arrive, as the entertainment schedule can vary depending on the season.
The Swimming Pool and Poolside Snack Bar
The outdoor swimming pool was another lovely feature of the hotel. There was a large pool with a snack bar and seating area right next to it, making it a convenient place to spend time during the day.
I like resorts where you can settle into a comfortable routine: enjoy the pool, take a break for something to eat or drink, and then return to relaxing without having to walk too far.
Having seating nearby was also useful for anyone who wanted to sit and enjoy the atmosphere without being in the water all the time. For families, couples and groups, this type of poolside setup can make a difference to the overall holiday experience.
And if you're someone who loves spending most of your holiday in the sunshine, having a large pool area with refreshments close by is definitely worth considering. As we visited with our baby, we appreciated having different spaces around the hotel where we could relax together. It was nice to have the option of spending time by the pool while also exploring the other facilities available.
Holiday World Beach Club: More Pools, Slides and Activities
One of the great advantages of staying at Holiday World Polynesia is access to Holiday World Beach Club. As with our previous stay at Holiday World Village Hotel, we had access to the beach club, which is located opposite the Holiday World hotels. This gives guests another area to explore and adds even more variety to the resort experience.
Holiday World Beach Club offers pools, water slides and activities, alongside facilities such as a snack bar and arcade games. There are also additional activities available, including hair braiding. For families with children who love the water, having access to a dedicated beach club can be a real bonus. Instead of spending every day around the same pool, you have the option of heading over to enjoy different facilities and activities.
I also think this is useful for groups where everyone wants something slightly different from their holiday. Some people might want to enjoy the slides, others may prefer relaxing beside the pool, and others might enjoy exploring the additional activities.
Although we were staying at Holiday World Polynesia, it was nice knowing we had access to the wider resort facilities too.
If you're considering booking, I'd recommend checking the beach club's seasonal opening dates, operating hours, age or height restrictions and any additional charges before travelling. Facilities and access arrangements may vary depending on the time of year and your package.
Overall, I think access to Holiday World Beach Club is a strong selling point for the resort and adds another reason to consider Holiday World Polynesia for your next Costa del Sol holiday.
The Spa: A Little Time to Relax
If you're someone who likes to include a little relaxation in your holiday, Holiday World Polynesia also has a spa. My husband made use of the spa during our stay, and one detail we were told was that guests received a complimentary hour of spa access. My understanding was that subsequent visits would be chargeable.
This is worth confirming directly with the hotel before your visit, including which facilities are included in the complimentary session, whether advance booking is required and what the current charges are for additional access.
I thought it was a nice extra to have available, particularly if you're looking for a balance between activities and relaxation.
While the hotel has plenty of things to do, it's also lovely to have the opportunity to slow down and enjoy some quieter time during your holiday.
For couples, in particular, a spa visit can be a welcome break from the busier parts of the resort. We didn't use every spa facility ourselves, but having the option available was another positive feature of the hotel.
The Gym: For Those Who Like to Keep Active
The hotel also had a gym, although we didn't use it during our stay. I wanted to mention it because it's another facility that may appeal to guests who like to keep up with their usual fitness routine while travelling. Some people enjoy taking a break from exercise on holiday, while others appreciate being able to fit in a workout before breakfast or after a day of exploring.
Having a gym available gives guests that option without needing to find an external fitness centre. As we didn't personally use the gym, I can't comment on the equipment or facilities in detail, but it's worth checking the current opening hours and access arrangements if this is important to you.
The Hotel Shop: So Handy When Travelling With a Baby!
One of the facilities I appreciated most was the on-site shop.
We found it particularly useful when we ran out of baby wipes or wanted to pick up a little snack or some water. When you're travelling with a baby, you quickly realise just how many everyday essentials you need to keep stocked up. Having somewhere nearby to buy something you've run out of can be a real lifesaver.
Rather than having to leave the hotel and search for a supermarket, we could pick up a few bits when we needed them. It's also handy for those little holiday extras, whether that's a drink, a snack or something you've forgotten to pack. Of course, if you're travelling on a budget, you may find it cheaper to buy certain essentials from a supermarket outside the resort. However, for convenience, having a shop on-site was definitely a positive for us.
For families travelling with younger children, I'd say this is one of those practical details worth knowing about before booking.
The Beauty Salon and Other Unique Hotel Features
While exploring the hotel, we also noticed a beauty salon next to the shop.
Unfortunately, it wasn't open during our stay, so we didn't get the chance to find out more about the treatments or services available.
However, it's another facility that could be useful for guests who enjoy booking beauty treatments while on holiday. One of the other things that made Holiday World Polynesia stand out was the hotel's unusual design and tropical-inspired features.
As I mentioned earlier, the water feature, tall trees and architecture inside the hotel gave the space a distinctive character.
There were also some lovely animal features that caught our attention.
On one side of the hotel, there was a large bird enclosure with birds flying around. On the other side, on the same floor as reception, we spotted turtles, which were really cute!
These little details made exploring the hotel more interesting and added to the tropical atmosphere.
If you're visiting with children, these features may be something they'll enjoy noticing as they explore the public areas. I'd recommend following any signs or staff guidance regarding animal areas and respecting the animals' space. For me, it was these unusual details, alongside the facilities and friendly staff, that helped make the hotel feel memorable rather than just another place to stay.
Getting to and From Holiday World Polynesia: What About the Hill?
One practical thing I'd mention to anyone considering Holiday World Polynesia is the hill leading up to the hotel. The walk up can be quite steep, so it's something worth being aware of before you arrive.
However, there are buses that run from outside the hotel and can take guests to and from the hotel, which is useful if you don't fancy walking the hill or would find it difficult.
This is particularly worth knowing if you're travelling with young children, using a pushchair or simply want to save your energy for enjoying the holiday.
We had hired a car from Rahul Rent a Car in Benalmádena, which gave us flexibility during our stay. However, we also enjoyed getting out for walks after meals and sometimes chose to walk up and down the hill ourselves.
I didn't mind it too much, but it is definitely something I'd consider when planning your stay, particularly if walking uphill isn't your preference. The important thing is that there are options. You don't necessarily have to walk the hill every time you want to get around, so I'd recommend asking the hotel about the current bus service and where it operates before travelling. If you're planning to hire a car as we did, you can also use it to explore more of Benalmádena and the wider Costa del Sol.
What Is the Surrounding Area Like?
One of the things I loved about staying at Holiday World Polynesia was the scenery around the hotel.
The area was beautiful, with palm trees, mountains and colourful tropical plants creating a lovely backdrop. I think this is one of the things that makes the Costa del Sol such an appealing destination. You can enjoy the sunshine and resort facilities while also having beautiful scenery around you. We hired a car, which allowed us to explore beyond the hotel and enjoy some of the surrounding area.
Having a car isn't essential for everyone, especially if your main plan is to relax at the resort, but it can be useful if you want to visit different attractions, explore other towns or discover more of the coastline.
If you do plan to venture out, I'd recommend researching the places you'd like to visit before travelling and considering whether hiring a car, using public transport or booking excursions works best for your plans. For us, it was lovely having the flexibility to enjoy the hotel while also being able to get out and explore.
Is Holiday World Polynesia Good for Families With Babies and Young Children?
After staying here with our seven-month-old daughter, I'd say Holiday World Polynesia is definitely worth considering for families looking for a resort holiday.
For us, having spacious accommodation made a real difference. The separate living area, kitchen and dining space gave us room to settle in and make ourselves comfortable.
The on-site shop was also incredibly handy when we needed baby wipes, snacks or water, and the hotel's friendly staff helped make our stay feel welcoming.
There were also plenty of facilities for families to enjoy, including the swimming pool, playground, mini golf and access to Holiday World Beach Club. Of course, every family has different needs, and what works well for one baby may not work for another. I'd recommend checking whether the hotel can provide any baby equipment you need, such as a cot, and confirming availability before you arrive.
If you're travelling with a pushchair, it's also worth asking about the most convenient routes around the hotel and the current transport arrangements for the hill. For families with older children, the bowling alley, arcade games, mini golf, swimming pools and beach club provide even more options for keeping everyone entertained. Overall, I thought the hotel offered a lovely combination of comfort, convenience and activities for a family holiday.
Is Holiday World Polynesia Good for Couples?
Absolutely! Although we visited with our daughter, I could easily see Holiday World Polynesia appealing to couples too. The spacious rooms, beautiful sea views, outdoor dining area, spa and variety of activities give couples plenty of ways to spend their could spend the day relaxing by the pool, enjoy a game of bowling, head to the beach club or simply sit outside with a drink and enjoy the scenery.
The hotel also has enough facilities to keep you occupied without needing to leave the resort every day. For couples who enjoy a mixture of relaxation and activities, I think it's a good option to look into. And if you're celebrating a special occasion, I'd recommend checking the available room options and any additional experiences the hotel may offer during your travel dates.
What We Loved Most About Holiday World Polynesia
Looking back on our first family holiday, there were so many things we enjoyed about our stay.
Here are the highlights that stood out most to us:
The friendly staff: Everyone was welcoming, and the restaurant staff went above and beyond to help my husband with his food allergies.
The spacious room: The apartment-style layout gave us plenty of room to relax and made travelling with our baby more comfortable.
The beautiful sea view: Our balcony view was stunning and added something special to our stay.
The food: We enjoyed the variety available at the main restaurant, and being able to eat outside with a view of the ocean was a lovely bonus.
The activities: The bowling alley, arcade, mini golf, playground and entertainment meant there was plenty to explore.
The swimming pool: The large pool area, snack bar and nearby seating created a lovely place to spend time.
The spa: Having access to spa facilities was a nice extra for some relaxation.
The on-site shop: It was particularly helpful when we needed baby wipes, snacks and water.
The tropical atmosphere: The water feature, tall trees, architecture, birds and turtles gave the hotel a distinctive character.
The surrounding scenery: The palm trees, mountains and colourful plants made the area beautiful to explore.
The beach club access: Having access to additional pools, water slides and activities gave us even more options during our stay.
For me, it was the combination of these things that made the hotel such a lovely place to stay.
Is There Anything You Should Know Before Booking?
Although we had a fantastic stay, there are a few practical things I'd recommend checking before booking Holiday World Polynesia.
1. Consider the hill. The walk up to the hotel can be steep, so check the current shuttle or bus arrangements if you'd prefer not to walk.
2. Choose your room carefully. If a sea view is important to you, check the room category and what's included before making your reservation.
3. Check the restaurant arrangements. Confirm what's included in your all-inclusive package and whether the additional restaurant requires a reservation or payment.
4. Ask about the spa. We were told that guests had a complimentary hour of spa access, with further visits potentially chargeable. Confirm the current policy directly with the hotel.
5. Check seasonal facilities. Pool areas, beach club access, entertainment schedules and other facilities can vary by season, so check what's operating during your stay.
6. Plan for dietary requirements. We had a very positive experience with the restaurant team and my husband's allergies, but always contact the hotel in advance and verify ingredients and cross-contamination precautions directly with staff.
7. Think about what you need for your children. If you're travelling with a baby, confirm the availability of cots, high chairs and any other equipment you may need.
These are all straightforward things to check, but they can help make your holiday planning easier and ensure the hotel meets your expectations.
Would We Recommend Holiday World Polynesia?
Yes, absolutely!
Holiday World Polynesia was one of the nicest hotels we've stayed in so far, and we came away with some lovely memories from our first family holiday.
The spacious accommodation, beautiful sea views, friendly staff, variety of food and range of facilities all contributed to a really enjoyable stay.
What stood out most to me was how welcoming the hotel felt. The staff were friendly throughout our visit, and the way the restaurant team took my husband's allergies seriously made a real difference to our experience.
I also loved the unique tropical-inspired design, the beautiful scenery around the hotel and the fact that there was so much to explore without needing to leave the resort.
Having a seven-month-old with us meant that comfort and convenience were particularly important, and we felt that the hotel worked really well for our family.
There were also plenty of activities that would appeal to couples, groups of friends and families with older children, from the bowling alley and mini golf to the swimming pool and beach club.
While there are practical things to consider, such as the steep hill and checking which facilities are available during your dates, these wouldn't put me off recommending the hotel based on our experience.
Final Thoughts: Is Holiday World Polynesia Worth Booking for Your Next Costa del Sol Holiday?
If you're searching for a hotel in Benalmádena that offers spacious accommodation, beautiful views, friendly service and plenty of things to do, Holiday World Polynesia is definitely one I'd recommend looking into.
Our first family holiday was such a special experience, and I'm really pleased we chose to stay here.
I loved our sea-view room, the food, the atmosphere and the range of activities available. Most importantly, we felt welcomed throughout our stay, and having staff who were so helpful made the experience even better.
Whether you're planning your first holiday with a baby, a family trip with older children or a getaway as a couple, I think Holiday World Polynesia has plenty to offer.
Would we stay here again? Definitely! It's a hotel that has left us with lovely memories, and we'd happily recommend it to anyone considering a holiday in Costa del Sol.
If you're planning your own trip to Benalmádena, I hope this review has helped you get a better idea of what to expect.
Have you stayed at Holiday World Polynesia, or are you thinking of booking? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments!
For more honest hotel reviews, family travel experiences, destination guides and holiday inspiration, explore more here on Wanderllust365.
Happy travels! ✈️🌴
Disclaimer: This review is based on our personal experience staying at Holiday World Polynesia in October 2026. Our opinions reflect our own stay, and we did not use every facility available. Hotel facilities, entertainment, prices, opening times, transport arrangements and package inclusions may change, so please confirm current details directly with the hotel before booking.
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