Dunas de Formentera, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World

Dunas excels with friendly staff, a beautiful setting, and easy beach access. However, my inconsistent room condition and issues with hotel management created major inconveniences. Positives - The staff stood out, especially at the bar and the pool. Every interaction there was warm and helpful - The location is fantastic, great pool (and drinks) and a quick walk to the beach. Areas That Need Improvement - My stay unfortunately involved multiple unplanned interactions with the front desk, the maintenance team, and eventually the hotel manager, which was not what l expected or wanted while on holiday: - Upon check-in, there was no electricity in the room. Once power was restored, I encountered a major insect infestation all over the room including the bed. Over my objections, Dunas would not offer a room switch and instead sent housekeeping to clean. This experience was far from an ideal first impression. - My rooms air conditioning was not working properly for the first half of my visit; the room would not cool below 80°F (27°C) including overnight. After learning from friends in other rooms that this was not their experience, I escalated on day 3 to the front desk and maintenance but it impacted my overall experience. My issues may have been isolated, but those seeking a trouble-free experience should be aware as they were not resolved as satisfactorily as I would have expected at their prices.

My experience with Dunas de Formentera was so spectacular, we added another day to our trip there. Our room #91 was located closest to the beach. Lovely porch, very comfortable bed and pillows. Clean and comfortable. Our welcome bag and throws from them was sweet. The rooms and baths are spotless and the staff beyond accommodating. Breakfast was always fresh and delightful at the poolside. Johanna and the whole staff spent every minute making sure our needs were met. Our scooter delivered and picked up with no stress. Their golf cart just a phone request away to zip you up and down the dunes from your room to restaurant. They provide beach chairs, towels and umbrella as well as lovely poolside towels. You always have more than what you need here. The beach can be walked to many cafes and restaurants. We will be back. The most peaceful and beautiful vacation. I have traveled for 50 years all over the world. Dunas de Formentera is very special.

Our visit was end July and the resort was only opened for a month so not sure if some of this will be corrected as the season goes on. Pros Location Great cocktails and food - breakfast and lunch was delicious Cons Rooms are not as advertised and it was met with denial when first raised. The floor plans online did NOT represent what we got (I see now the website has removed the floor plans). A challenging way to start a vacation at a resort of this calibre when you feel ripped off. We booked a junior suite, it had no double sink, large robe or outdoor day bed on a spacious terrace as advertised and paid for. We finally got half a nights discount after much discussion with management (and this ended up being Euro 150 less than promised - in writing! - unfortunately not surprising as we had already had multiple disagreements around what was said and offered as compensation initially with Duty Manager). We learnt is that there is a huge variance in rooms in each type - with some of the Junior Suites being 30% smaller than others - this is listed on the site. I have attached photos from website when we booked and visited and what we got. Rubbish - cigarettes butts and plastic around pool and main walkway to beach from restaurant. Disappointing for a resort that promotes itself as eco and sustainable, particularly as more than saw at any beaches we visited on the island. Restaurant staff using headsets - with only three tables to serve… it completely kills the vibe when someone is opening your wine and loudly and abruptly instructing into the headset to clean the next table. Embarrassing for this size of restaurant to even need this, as was the dynamic between staff heirachy. Based on the room issues I would not return to this hotel, I know this region is expensive and you pay premium for location and the beautiful environment, but the false advertising and attitude we got when challenged it is not acceptable. For average Euro 1500 + per night during Summer season it is not worth it.

We had the Junior Suite Sea View room and paid €1550 per night. It was a small room with hardly any sea view as in picture below, it was very overpriced. The room smelt of damp when you entered. The breakfast was so slow and so badly timed. Overcooked eggs and then half an hour later a small piece of toasted bread on a plate. Noone even thought of having a bread basket. Overall, do not go this hotel and do not be fooled by the images on the website, the hotel is badly managed. Also, it is nice that it’s natural but all the sand comes into the rooms and not easy to go from reception to the rooms with the sand unless the room is close.

“I just enjoyed a magnificent vacation at this incredible hotel nestled in nature. The experience was fantastic from the moment we arrived, thanks to the friendly and professional reception staff. I especially want to commend Sandra, the head of reception, who made us feel welcome and well taken care of with her professionalism and warmth. We know that you have just started, but we are certain that this place will become our favorite getaway destination. We will definitely be back!”

First off, worst value for money. The quality of rooms, facilities and service for the price is disproportionately poor. Website doesn’t reflect the reality at all. Service at restaurant is at the mercy of one or two hosts. They may or may not take your order depending on their mood for the day. Some rooms don’t have safes installed, some rooms only run boiling hot water in shower, some rooms lack curtains in bathrooms exposing you to passers by, etc. Overall, it’s a terrible rebranding exercise. Buy an existing hotel with a good location, do a few touch ups, hire PR, get a few reviews and charge way too much…. I doubt will have any repeat clients.