Wonderfully unspoiled with ancient farmland and verdant hillsides, virgin beaches and pretty towns, Menorca is the hidden jewel of the Balearic Islands. A rich archeological heritage and fierce traditions combine with a slow, calm pace of life.
LessA lovingly restored 18th century Italianate manor near Ciutadella on the south coast, the hotel is built from a burnt toffee stone that glows in the early evening light. An old avenue leads down to Cala Son Vells, where you can swim alone in the early morning, and meets the Cami de Cavalls, an ancient rocky path. It’s a place that feels beautifully connected to its land — it’s a working farm after all — with a distinct sense of place that roots you firmly in Menorca.
A whitewashed 19th-century finca, its Dorothée Meilichzon-designed interiors nod to surrealists such as Dali with LRNCE blankets and ceramics. We prefer the rooms outside of the main finca, especially those with private terraces and dipping pools. Outside, the lengthy infinity pool (get up early to enjoy solo laps) enjoys the all-day sun and is bordered with comfy double-day beds, plus has its casual restaurant and bar. If you want a sea dip, take the Cami de Cavallas path down to the beach.
A farm-to-fork gastronomic experience, Nonna Bazaar is set just outside Ciutadella on a 400-acre working farm. Part restaurant, part events venue and part farm shop, it’s a dynamic spot to book in for lunch or dinner — just leave time to check out its boutique.
Reached by its distinctive yellow boat or private water taxi, Hauser & Wirth Menorca combines Piet Oudolf gardens, exhibition spaces, and performances in dialogue with the art — think flamenco through the gallery spaces — events and education that try to connect to their local environment and community. During our visit, there was an excellent exhibition of experimental artist Christina Quarles who plays with pattern and texture to exquisite effect.
Sitting pretty in Ciutadella port, S’Amarador is considered one of the best restaurants on the island, so book ahead. Sit waterside or in the pretty courtyard and order what it’s known for: seafood. Start with red prawn croquetas and share steaming bowls of ‘fisherman’s rice’ served in traditional pans. Washed down, of course, with the local Menorcan white, Binifadet.
A fantastic ‘sea bistro’, Cantina, where diners sit under the shade of olive trees and look out over the water. Sharing plates of veg, seafood, fish, and grilled meats are accompanied by local wines from H&W’s own vineyard on Menorca, while it often hosts pop-up chef residencies too. During our visit, a tasting menu included a lobster stew and a standout octopus brioche ‘hotdog’ with onions and mustard.
A cute French-style bakery in Mahon old town, Pigalle is the place to fuel up with fresh pastries and bread before a day exploring the capital.
Sister to the London showroom, Dorian Caffot de Fawes is an antique and decorative arts gallery in Mahon’s old town. Run by Dorian’s sister Isolde, it’s a treasure trove of pieces from all over Europe across different styles and periods. A must for interior designers and collectors.