Blanco Hotel Formentera

Opened in 2014, this bright and modern hotel is family-run by a family with decades of experience in the hospitality business. With its sexy white sign, immaculate front gardens, and curved glass fronted facade, there's no denying that Blanco Hotel is one swish player. Once inside, the sleek, minimalist vibe pervades with a white-on-white palette, cloud-shaped seating, and a trio of elegant white statue figures presiding over the check-in desks set with Mac computers. A sculptural glass-lined winding staircase adds some drama to the space. It all combines for a dreamy effect. Photo murals depict beautiful young things and most of the guests are couples towards the younger end of the scale (including a fair share of honeymooners), though the property also attracts some families in the summer months. The vibe is relentlessly laid-back Balearic chic, and most of the low-rise complex is built around the pool -- very much the chilled-out heart of the hotel where low-levels lights and relaxing music make the poolside bar a popular evening hangout. 

The hotel is just a couple minutes' walk from one of the busiest spots on the island -- the center of Es Pujols resort -- but since it's surrounded by pine trees, the hotel remains an oasis of calm. A lovely stretch of sandy beach is a few minutes away on foot, together with a collection of restaurants, bars, and cafes. Ses Illetes -- named best beach in Europe by TripAdvisor in 2016 -- is around a 10-minute drive, and the ferry port of La Sabina is a few minutes farther down the road. There's no airport on Formentera; the only access is via ferry crossing from Ibiza, which takes around an hour.

The hotel has 78 rooms that include Standard Doubles, Superior Rooms, Junior Suites, Garden Suites, and Suites. All share the same sleek interiors with hardwood flooring, glowing bedside tables, and canopied or four-poster beds. The crisp palette of whites even extends to the in-room amenities, which include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and minibars stocked with gourmet snacks and cold drinks. Suites include Nespresso machines and Bluetooth stereos. In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge and reliable. All rooms have balconies or terraces. Top-floor Superior Rooms feature double tiered balconies. Garden Suites add whirlpool tubs. Junior Suites have large terraces with pine forest views. Suites also add two tiered terraces with the addition of whirlpool tubs; all top-floor rooms also feature sea views. Enlarged photos of random couples in some suites might not appeal to all guests, and past reports suggest there's poor soundproofing between rooms.Bathrooms are clean and contemporary and incorporate windows that look into the bedroom. The bathrooms have double sinks, large walk-in rainfall showers, slippers and robes, and a good selection of nice hotel branded toiletries.

An excellent buffet breakfast that includes fresh juice, smoked salmon, and homemade bread is always included in the rate and is served in the hotel's bright and modern (though slightly canteen-like) restaurant. Breakfast is served until late, though it doesn't start early enough for some guests. An a la carte menu of Mediterranean inspired dishes is served for lunch and dinner, with the option of dining on an alfresco terrace. A bubble-walled lounge bar and poolside bar (that lights up at night) provide a range of well-mixed cocktails and a relaxed ambience for afternoon and evening drinks. The hotel's outdoor saltwater pool is a good size and has a small section for kids (though there are no other child-friendly facilities). The pool is surrounded by a mixture of molded and reclinable loungers, plus parasols and double daybeds. There's also a modern gym with cardio and weight machines. The all-white spa provides massages. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.