Five-star 'daycations' help save the tourism industry this summer

Enjoying the pool, the bar, the spa, the restaurants and the terrace for a day at a four- or five-star hotel, just as if you were a guest, but without having to book a room can come in at an average price of €45, typically less than the cost of booking an overnight stay.

The scheme, run by the Spanish start-up Hotelbreak, is proving to be one of the saviours of this summer's tourism industry – although it runs year-round – along with residents in Spain taking 'staycations' instead of going abroad.

So far, 150 hotels and resort complexes have signed up with Hotelbreak – in the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Andalucía, Catalunya, and over the border in Lisbon, Portugal.

Most of them are based on the coast.

Hotelbreak 'daycations' are even possible for those who are already on holiday in the area and staying in much cheaper accommodation, allowing them to take advantage of five-star facilities without paying five-star prices.

One example where the scheme is thriving is in Magaluf, the coastal district of Calvià, Mallorca – currently almost completely deserted and with barely a single British holidaymaker, as a result of the UK's 14-day quarantine requirements for anyone travelling from Spain, including returning tourists – the Hotel Innside Calvià Beach is shut to guests, but its sixth-floor terrace with some of Europe's largest 'hanging' swimming pools remains open.

Mallorca residents, and visitors from elsewhere in Spain, have been paying to use the terrace and pools and other facilities, such as the bars, and are among over 1,500 customers nationwide who have been on 'daycations' via the Hotelbreak scheme.

Those interviewed say the cleaning, disinfecting, general hygiene and safety measures taken by Hotelbreak hotels is extremely rigorous, making 'daycations' even more secure than being at the beach.

This is because hotels are required by law to follow much stricter health and safety protocol than public areas such as beaches and local pools, or even private pools hired out to individuals and families, explains Maxime Renaudin, co-founder of Hotelbreak.

The other co-founder, Cristián Alcoba, says: “This year has seen a significant increase in bookings via Hotelbreak – over 30% more – despite fewer hotels being open due to the current situation.”

As well as Hotel Innside Calvià Beach, other Balearic resorts involved in the scheme include Hotel Hospes Maricel & Spa (Palma de Mallorca), Mhares Sea Club (Llucmajor), and Hotel Nobu Ibiza (pictured above).