.....to continue......
As this was our first visit to the island, we had to use other peoples information for planning, and then judge for ourselves when we got there.
I will try not to criticize much, as I dont want to upset anybody, but this will be as truthful for a family of 4 with kidz under 7.
5. We were in the residential area of CM, which apart from the early morning traffic noise, was perfect for us. Bit of doggy poo to jump over now and then.
6. Area geared up mainly for the German tourist, along with their Dutch and Plish friends! though there were enough Brits to keep things going, and the locals were willing to accomodate everyone.
7. We ate out everynight, nothing to write home about, but only had 1 bad meal (Texas grill on front, avoid at all costs) General ratings:
a, Cheers, Weatherspoons, British Bulldog, Rose & Crown....all serve the Britfood thing so you wont go wrong. All offer something to their public.

b. Italian, Indian, Chinese....these offer the same as over here at approx same price.....Big up to El Nino, great homemade Italian though slow service at dearer prices.
c. German oriented restaurants, some with guest 1 man bands! Offer everything you can think of, without any being a speciallity......Top being La Sangria (very friendly, good portions, excellant ice cream)
d, Spanish & Tapas....though didnt do Tapas coz kids wouldnt go in, must rate Toni's and Ses Canyes as almost excellant.

I actually spent 3 days with Spanish tummy whilst away, so somebody wasnt doing something right, but hey, sh happens!!

Furthermore.................................
Cala Millor, was a well kept place, neat, tidy with little grafitti etc.
Nobody tried to pull you into their restaurants or shops, and even the African immigrants selling there wares up n down the precinct dint harrass you.
The beach was lovely fine sand, with clear waters. Only problem is that August is packed out, and you learn to know why sardines are all inbread!
The kids liked the pool, so this wasnt a problem, and most hotels will allow you to use there facilities providing you eat/drink there.
Cala Bona on the Landtrain (Wallybus) was lovely. Harbour area has had a lot of money spent on it, and you could quiet easily spend time people watching ( or spot the Cormorant in the Bay). Didnt manage an evening there to sample the entertainment, but looked much better than CM who only had German singsong or Brit kareoke!!
Beach was minimal and shingle, but not crowded, and had a couple of hours next to the Levante.

Wallytrain the other way to Sa Coma which looked like Skegness but with sunshine!!.......not putting it down, but it wasnt a patch on any of the areas, though as only passed through and it was a dreary cloudy day.
Looked like plenty to do, but not my kettle of fish.....sorry!
S'Illot wsa quiet quaint, and spent an afternoon there, but think it would die in the evening, with people disappearing off to Sa Coma.

Overall, Cala Millor is marketted as a family destination, which I would disagree with. Though nice, unless you are in a hotel complex, there is little to do but laze about! Great if you are a couple or have older kids, ie Teenagers.
Entertainment is almost non existant, even in the hotels, and if you are not into bingo or kareoke to keep the young uns happy, you need to travel out to other areas.
CM can be a good base, away from the mega crowds of Magaluf etc, and many trips can be done. Pirates a must, Western waterpark a great day out, Caves,boats, Minigolf but just a few.
You need to budget, as many excursions can hit the pocket, but if planned will definately make the holiday......
We wont be going back to CM for a holiday again, but may go around the surrounding areas....We have already booked in May for Cales de Mallorca

Hope I have not offended anybody, as that wasnt meant to be.
The holiday overall was good, and by booking well in advance, saved a packet, though unfortunately, due to the lack of things I could do with my young children spoilt it slightly.
Maybe it was my thought for not booking a hotel with facilities, who knows? All inclusive booked for a weeks break in May half term. Due to kids holidays plus Mrs works at school, am limited to dates.
But hey, lets parrrrrrrrtay and make the most of things coz we are British, we can stand the heat, we queue for everything, and say please and thankyou in the language of our hosts.
Hola!!

Mark

Mark - glad you had a good time and thanks for the indepth review.

I think the key thing to remember is that different places suit different people - for us it's absolutely perfect and something about it all that makes us go back year after year. If we all liked the same places the world would no doubt be a very boring place.

I think the bottom end of Cala Millor is VERY German orientated (haven't stayed in Sa Coma other than to visit for the day so can't really comment on what it's like there) but I think the Northern end of Cala Millor into Cala Bona is slightly more British. What was it like where you were in the California Apts?

There isn't the entertainment in resorts that you get in the Palma/Magulluf area (waterparks etc) which I think would do well if built nearer, that said it's only an hour away.

Garry - have a GREAT time also to CBG and Iluvspain! I wish it was me going again but number didn't come up last night....stilll there's always tonite!

Tisx

Anyway,

I'm still here just waiting for my friend to take us to the airport, if you look on Bens webcam Santa Ponsa I'll promise to wave to you all! give my love to Cala Bona . I will try and get on internet and let you all know how the fiestas are going.Take care everyone .
CBG

Tis, Mark, CBG,

Had an absolutely fantastic time, thanks, so much so booked the same apartment for May next year. It is just so central for everything, the harbour the hotels, all the entertainment, everything! Did you say you went to the London Inn, I can't remember, the entertainment there is absolutely tremendous. It really is better than a lot of the hotels around Cala Bona, they really have cut back!
Never saw a carousel on the harbour, isn't that boathouse something else? WOW, I remember seeing it in May under construction, never thought it would turn out quite so grand.

Garry