I don’t know that I ever had a deep desire to visit Menorca, especially after visiting Mallorca a few years back and not only not loving it, but not feeling a connection to it. By word of mouth I’d heard Menorca was the smaller, more quiet, authentic feeling of the two sister islands; through social media I saw that Menorca seemed wellness oriented, serene, and artistic. I will admit, I usually pride myself for visiting a place pre the chaos, crowds, and social media discovery, both destination and even hotels, so I hoped that was what I was working with, but also had some reservations that perhaps the island wasn’t what it was portrayed to be (social media has a way of doing that).
Though obviously different islands, people often cluster Mallorca and Menorca together, the latter of the two which is flatter and from what I observed, less lush and definitely less developed than Mallorca in the sense of the “luxury” hotel/villa scene. In part, it’s said that this is due to the island being protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve which makes such a small island quite extensive to make your way around given the lack of direct roadways. You also won’t find nightlife and tourists pouring in by the masses (even flights in and out of Menorca were limited, although the airport was a quite lovely experience for a small island!).
To be honest, I find that even the Mallorca luxury hotel scene isn’t up to snuff. La Residencia by Belmond in Deià is known as the most luxurious but is quite tired looking IMO, not as pristine as other Belmond properties, and keeps its entry gates open to anyone and everyone who wants to walk in and poke around (which I personally dislike for a luxury property.) The Four Seasons has a property there (they redid an already existing non-associated hotel) though it’s a completely different vibe than staying in the foothills of Deià, and frankly, the photos don’t blow me away.
For truly luxury stays, Mallorca, nor Menorca, are really not the place (villas excluded) but instead for discovery, culture, and experience. When such is the case, similar to certain islands in Greece, one hopes to find properties that really bring the essence of the island’s culture and energy, that are thoughtful, creative, are comfortable and cute, and have beautiful properties. Also a lot more quiet and relaxed. That is what I figured I would find in Menorca.
Here’s what I found, what I learned, what I wore, and where I can recommend for you to go (and not go). Let’s start with fashion…
Menorca is super laid back and casual so wearing even a kitten heel would look a bit much but also, being a bit tone deaf to what the environment really is. The restaurants are not that vibe nor is the island. You can still dress and have fun of course, just not to the same level you might elsewhere (again, similar to a lot of the greek islands!) otherwise it looks over-the-top with way too much effort.
For Menorca skip the long silky dresses and opt for more playful yet simple looks, light fabric pants, scarf tops, flowing linen, and comfortable fits. Flats only.
Before we get into the “guide” based on my own experience and visits, here are some styled looks to take you through dinners, shopping, lunch, and poolside.
SHOP (Ciutadella)
Etesian: Part art gallery, part boutique, the owner Bettina curates a unique and outstanding collection ranging from ceramics to silver to wall art set in side-by-side spaces.
Villa Soleil: Super cute boutique with a mix of contemporary, one-of-a-kind, and Spanish designed clothing and accessories.
The Room: Cute boutique with some cute clothing and accessories.
La Purissima de Menorca: Lots of flowy clothing in all tones, accessories, and housewares.
The gift shop at Hotel Rural Sant Ignasi: Not really a “shop” but the small selection of goods in the lobby of the hotel had me smitten when I popped in looking for the restaurant. I still think about a mini tote bag I passed on.
Skip: The artisanal night market in Ciutadella
Also to do…
Mao: Hauser and Wirth art gallery
Shopping in MAO (I didn’t go to Mao—too far from where I stayed and not the most recommended either).
FOOD
Son Blanc Farmhouse: A hotel set on a nature reserve and working farm, the restaurant uses much of the properties own produce and local protein suppliers. The design is intentional, classic yet modern, and the space offers beautiful views, even a sliver of ocean. Service and food was excellent. Go early for a drink at their lookout point, just don’t forget your sunnies. (Photos below).
Smoix: A simple restaurant set amongst the trees in a historic 18th-century estate at Hotel Rural Sant Ignasi. They emphasize seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients, have a sharable menu, offer a petit wine list, and good service.
Restaurant S’Amarador: Set further into the port of Ciutadella, S’Amarador serves a fish-filled menu, much of which is locally caught. The paella looked excellent. I had local prawns which were melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The restaurant felt a bit more refined than Cafe Balear, which delivers an almost identical menu just a few steps down the port (it also has great reviews).
Other places on my list:
Menorca Experimental, Pecado, Coral, Aquiara. Cafe Balear
Skip: The restaurants at Vestige properties, Katu by Smoix
WELLNESS
This will be a short section…I didn’t find wellness here (mind, body, soul, or food). There is one hotel listed below that has a greater focus on wellness, but overall, the island itself was not wellness oriented and instead is a hosting ground for people to simply hold retreats.
Of course there is hiking and ATVing around the island, especially to some beautiful beach coves like Cala Macarella, Cala Mitjaneta, and Cala en Turqueta when it’s not roasting hot!
STAY
Allow me to reiterate that Menorca is not a luxury island and does not provide luxury stays despite what might be advertised. Visiting means living much more simply and without the usual luxury comforts. If I were to visit again given what is currently available hotel wise, I would choose either:
Son Blanc Farmhouse: This is a hotel set on a nature reserve and working farm that offers organic and fresh farm-grown food, a daily movement schedule with multiple classes, and weekly visiting residents ranging from artists to healers. The grounds are lush, there is a sliver of ocean view, onsite pool and pool bar, and one main restaurant. Rooms are tiny and there is no A/C.
Sant Ignasi: Low-budget stay that’s cute and extremely intentional. Small property with a pool, restaurant, and lush grounds. Rooms are very small and basic. Close to Ciutadella.
Also for some to consider: Mallorca Experimental (Lower budget with specific style rooms. Known more for their food.) Torre Vella (Part of Relaix and Chateau. I heard the concierge is excellent here). Santa Posa (Sister property to Torre Vella).
Where I actually stayed: Vestige Son Vel. The hotel group also has Vestige Son Emrita and Vestige Binidufà on the island. I don’t want to get into all the details as the list of issues is extensive but Son Vel was not what I had expected. The service was absolutely terrible, below average food, property expansive but not well done, rooms basic and thoughtless, customer experience horrible. I had a lot of issues during my time here as did several other guests.
The other guests and I all seemed to be in the same boat in thinking that this hotel was going to be some level of luxury (for Menorca), especially as we were told it was the best on the island surpassing even the newer Vestige properties (which through word of mouth on the island I also heard not great things about). Of course I knew not to expect excellence, but what is portrayed online vs reality is vastly different.
What I will say is that in the end, given my gravely disappointing experience, they made it right for me—still, I cannot recommend the hotel nor the Vestige group at all. A hotel is a destination, an experience, a fantasy, a place to surrender, and unfortunately not all hotel owners understand this. It takes a lot more than throwing a bunch of furniture in a historic home.
Would I visit Menorca again? I don’t know. Probably not, but who really knows? I think it will develop more over the next few years. I can see that it’s already gaining traction and all it takes is one really good hotel to shift things. Should you visit? If you’re curious about it go for a long weekend—that’s what I can recommend at this time.
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