Galdana Gardens

While there's not very much to Galdana Gardens, this compact, unfussy, and unpretentious apartment hotel certainly provides the basics for a perfectly pleasant vacation. At one end is reception -- a small wood hut -- that isn't open around the clock, but late arrivals are always guaranteed access to their accommodations. The complex has a central pool terrace with four adjoining four-story blocks on one side (with no elevators) and two long low-rise buildings on the other. Terra-cotta tile walkways line simple, carefully tended gardens filled with small trees, flowering bushes, and neatly sculpted shrubbery. Built in the mid-eighties, the complex is hardly modern though well-maintained, with a sunny, serene, and semi-secluded atmosphere. Clientele are an even split between vacationing couples and families with kids, the majority by far hailing from the UK. 

The complex is set behind a row of tourist shops and restaurants in the picturesque and laid-back resort of Cala Galdana, with the beach just a few minutes' walk away. It's a lovely, wide crescent of white sand, with calm crystal-clear waters that slope gently out, making it perfect -- and particularly popular -- with families with young children. While there are several restaurants dotted around the immediate area, any local nightlife is very low-key and tends to be limited to the hotels. There's also a small supermarket just steps aways. Located just over halfway up the island's south coast, it's about a 35-minute drive to Minorca's capital, Mahon, and 25 minutes by car to Ciutadella. Ferries are available from both cities to Majorca and to mainland Spain, while Menorca International Airport is 30 minutes away by car.

Sleeping up to four guests, the 50 one-bedroom apartments are largely identical, with a cheerful though lightly dated combination of pastel pink walls, tiled floors, and knotty pine furniture. While showing some signs of light wear, apartments are clean and well-maintained. Access to the upper-level units in the four-story blocks is via lockable side doors that connect directly onto the balconies, with the top level offering partial sea views. Low-rise apartments have balconies to the rear overlooking the generally quiet street, while ground-level units directly overlook the pool area.

All apartments have fairly small living areas, with two sofa beds, coffee tables, and dining furniture, plus modern kitchenettes with electric ranges, toasters, and fridges (though no microwaves and old-fashioned kettles). The 20-inch flat-screen TVs have a few English-speaking channels, and Wi-Fi is free of charge -- though can be a little hit and miss. Key-operated safes are available for a fee, and there are remote controlled air-conditioning units in both the lounge and bedroom areas. Traditionally styled tiled bathrooms all come with small shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and decent enough toiletries. 

The central swimming pool is the only real feature at Galdana Garden Apartments. While not huge, the triangle-shaped pool is large enough to never feel crowded -- especially with the beach so near. The pool also has a separate section for kids, and it's surrounded by plentiful loungers and umbrellas. The property's free Wi-Fi covers the whole complex, though the signal can be spotty. There's no fitness room or dining options on-site, though the hotel has a half-board offer with the local (and very child-friendly) Tobogan restaurant opposite, which covers a simple breakfast and set dinner.