A Magical Menorca Itinerary: How To Plan The Perfect Vacation

Emerging from rolling farmlands at the end of a dusty track, Vestige Son Vell rises resplendent as a pastel-hued 18th-century Menorcan palace. With an elegant aesthetic that marries laid-back Mediterranean minimalism with characterful furnishings, antique pieces and artworks, rooms and suites are found in both the grand main house and across the grounds, some with their own terraces. Among the beautifully tended gardens, filled with butterflies and birdsong (particularly magical as the sun melts on the horizon and the sky becomes starlit), the estate boasts two spectacular swimming pools. One overlooks the expanse of fields, dotted with traditional Menorcan farm buildings, and the other is amid a lush, flower-filled lawn. Enjoy lunch alfresco at Sa Clarisa, and then live music and a rich Menorcan menu at Vermell after dusk. And don’t miss a visit to Cala Vell, a secluded nearby cove that is easily reached by foot, bike – or horseback.

Later this year, two more sublime openings are set to arrive on the island under the Vestige umbrella. Son Ermità and Binidufà are sister hotels, both boutique 11-bedroom properties that share a verdant and tranquil 800-acre farm estate. The former, elegant in white sandstone, sits hilltop, with panoramic vistas, while the latter is a reddish-stone, stylishly rustic finca tucked in the valley. Between them, guests can make the most of three swimming pools, two restaurants, two bars and impressive gym facilities and treatment rooms.

At night, the port of Es Castell on the southwest coast twinkles with dancing light from illuminated houses in the surrounding hills and the dozen or so small open-air restaurants that spill out onto the path, creating a lively atmosphere for a casual dinner. Pintarroja is open for its second season this year, letting fresh, straightforward seafood take center stage. The catch of the day is often a must-try.

Vivacious Ciutadella is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, historic buildings and charming piazzas. A deserving city-break destination itself, there is unlimited beauty to discover from a wander around the old quarter, chancing upon tiny bars and artisan stores. The harbor, sitting beneath the main square, brings together a thronging flotilla of small fishing boats and more imposing vessels, and makes for a lovely stroll at any time of day. After aperitivos (Moriarty has a palatial courtyard and well-curated cocktail list), head for dinner at a rooftop restaurant to soak up the city from a privileged vantage point (a particularly magnificent view across the port can be found at Flamante, alongside a menu of Menorcan specialties and local wines).

There is a plethora of breathtaking coves and stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters carved into Menorca’s coastline – more than 100 bays in total. Some are found at the foot of jagged cliffs, others at the end of pine-forest paths or wild, earthy tracks. Cala Mitjana is especially popular for its meeting point of powder-white sands and verdant cliffs, while Cala Trebalúger nearby is a quieter alternative. It’s only an hour by car to get across the island, so it’s easy to explore several in a day, driving through bucolic farmlands on the way. Don’t miss a stop in the whitewashed village of Fornells (and lobster stew at the unassuming Es Cranc). A boat trip is an especially enchanting way to appreciate the landscape, and the famous Cami de Cavalls is a 115-mile coastal path around the whole island for more adventurous travelers.

There is a distinct creative heart and appreciation of art and design on Menorca. That status was cemented by the opening of Hauser & Wirth on the incredible setting of Illa del Rei, an island in Mahon harbor. A highlight of Menorca’s cultural offering, the program of exhibitions and events celebrates the local creative scene and brings international artists to a tranquil and inspiring backdrop. Allow time to browse the gift shop to pick up pieces from artisans of the island, and to eat at Cantina, the outdoor restaurant serving seasonal Menorcan cuisine in a canopy of olive trees. The eatery is tied to the Binifadet winery, which is well worth a visit of its own to taste the island’s wares among sprawling vineyards.