We stayed at the Cala Esmeralda Park apartments which were perfect for our family holiday (5 kids between 3 and 10). About an hour private transfer from the airport.

Check in was brilliant - the staff all over the resort are so efficient, friendly, helpful and speak several languages. The apartments were well equipped, clean and comfortable with air conditioning and balcony.

There are several pools but you are also right on the beach (no matter which accommodation you choose really) which is great for the kids although too hot in the height of the season to sit. The pool bar serves drinks and good food all day (table service) and the seating overlooks the beach.

The bar in the evening is nice but you are also only 2 minutes from several bars, restaurants and supermarkets if you prefer to venture out or self cater (avoid the mexican restaurant just off the roundabout - the food was disgusting). The entertainment was ok. It's a very large complex and as such they accommodate a very large crowd - but very well. Plenty of outdoor seating and table service for drinks if you prefer. There's a games room for the kids so have euros to spare.

Not what you would call a budget break (flights were the biggest expense though) but excellent value for money. Would definitely recommend it and would definitely return.

Stayed here in September. Of all the places I have ever stayed, this has got to be the best ever. Absolutely brilliant. Nothing more I can add. Will go back again and again and again.

We booked with Thomson for the Esmeralda park self catering, the journey from the airport was by minibus and although we had a rep with us he didnt speak a word, we were not given any information about a welcoming party or any details whatsoever. We were told to book in at the Esmeralda park hotel, but like other reviews we were re-directed to the Cala Azul gardens approx. 250 yards up a hill. There were a young couple with 2 buggies and suitcases and got no help whatsoever from Thomson reps or anybody, so my wife and I helped them.
We did not see any rep at all the complete week, or receive any details, we had to rely on other holiday makers to tell us what time to get the coach on our return journey, once again with no rep. Well done Thomson, you get a big fat ZERO.
The Cala azul gardens were excellent, the 1 bed apartment was very roomy with balcony accessed from both bedroom and main room, there was adequate equipment in the kitchen for light meals, the TV had BBC1 and ITV and the free air conditioning was a bonus. The pool and surrounding areas were kept spotlessly clean as was the rooms, there was never any problems finding a sun lounger as any towells on them were removed. Guests could use all the facilities of the other 2 hotels in the complex plus the nearby beach.
It was an easy 10 min walk to the centre with all the restaurants and bars, and another 5 mins to the marina were we walked every day to lunch at the Jolly Roger pub for lunch overlooking the boats in the marina.
It was an excellent holiday, and my wife an I will certainly return ( not sure about booking with Thomson again)

Visited this complex in August for 11 nights, as a family with 2 early teenagers. On arrival we had to wait 2hrs for our room to be ready, this wasn't a good start, and when we went to our room which was in L block I was a little disappointed as our view from the balcony was right into the block opposite. However, after a few days this wasn't a problem as it was nice and quiet and more relaxing than if we had been looking out onto the very busy pool area, or the entertainment area.
We were half board and really enjoyed the food in the restaurant, it was a little busy at certain times i.e between 7.15pm and 7.45pm, so we just avoided that time. Although the food was very good, if we went back I would take the self catering option as there were so many nice places in Cala dor to eat.
We never had a problem getting 4 sunbeds together, even after 10am, I think if you wanted beds by the pool then you had to get there early, but we were happy to use the ones on the grass. You can also use the pools in the 3 other areas of the complex (Esmeralda Gardens and Azul Park and gardens. So plenty choice.
I can't really add much more, as I think the past few reviews have covered it, other than to say I would return to the Esmeralda in the next few years, and I would recommend it to family and friends.