Globales Binimar Apartments

With two huge signs and jaunty striped awning marking its entrance, it's hard to miss the Globales Binimar Apartments. In contrast, the reception is small and unassuming, with a simple front desk overseen by -- on our arrival, at least -- friendly, smiling staff. This buzzy and cheerful apartment complex is loosely built in the style of a Mediterranean village, with row upon row of two-story, sunshine-yellow blocks dotted with traditional green shuttered windows and topped with terra-cotta tiles. Footpaths lined with lawns and palm trees connect three main pool areas, with varying degrees of hubbub. It's overwhelmingly a child-friendly property, and with more than four hundred units housing roughly 1,500 guests during peak months the atmosphere can get lively -- especially over school vacations -- which can mean long lines at times. While spread over a wide area, the complex is fairly easy to navigate with regular maps and a simple layout. Some buildings of this 80s-built property are showing signs of wear, though a 2016 makeover did spruce up much of the public areas and accommodation. The property draws families with kids of varying ages (and mostly from the UK); it's not a property recommended for couples, especially those wanting a relaxing break. 

The complex is located on the edge of the Los Delfines purpose-built development on the far western coast just outside Ciutadella -- Minorca's second city. While there's very little in the immediate area beyond vacation homes, villas, and other hotels, less than 10 minutes' walk away is the slightly run-down resort center with tourist-friendly bars, restaurants, shops, and car rental agencies. A footpath connects directly from the hotel to the scenic Cales Piques cove and to a small beach bar in just two minutes on foot, though the beach is tiny and the walk is steep. A larger beach with better facilities is Cala en Blanes, a 25-minute walk or five-minute drive. For day trips, Ciutadella's beautiful old town is just 10 minutes' drive away, and it's almost an hour to Minorca's capital, Mahon. Ferries are available to both Majorca and to mainland Spain, and Menorca International Airport is up to an hour's drive (though transfers can take a lot longer). 

Partially updated in 2016, all 404 one-bedroom apartments are pretty much identical, with a mix of smart contemporary and older knotty pine furniture, tiled floors, and modern lighting fixtures. Although they can sleep up to four guests (two adults and two kids) apartments can feel a little cramped at capacity, especially for self-catering guests. All units open to furnished balconies or terraces (with terraces slightly larger), with a few dozen balconies offering partial sea views. 

Most amenities have been updated, with 42-inch flat-screen TVs and kitchenettes with up-to-date ranges, fridges, microwaves, kettles, and toasters. There are air-conditioning units in both lounges and bedrooms. Safes are still key-operated and are charged. English-speaking TV channels are very limited, and free Wi-Fi is restricted to one hour per day (full service is available for a per-device fee, though don't expect speedy connections). Bathrooms are functional but starting to show their age, and they contain showers with small tubs and flimsy curtains, bidets, and wall-mounted hairdryers. 

Most important for a complex of this size is a good collection of swimming pools, and Binimar Apartments has three. The largest (and loudest on our visit) is spanned by a bridge, with a separate splash section and poolside bar; the middle pool is more of a mini-waterpark with colorful splash features, slides, and very shallow water. The third and farthest from reception tends to be the quieter (though still lively by most standards) with ramp access and a separate pool for kids. There's also a large, sandy playground area next to a kids' club for four- to 12-year-olds (offering activities such as chocolate painting parties). More adult-oriented activities include archery, rifle shooting, and sangria-making demonstrations. 

The main dining room is downstairs from reception and serves buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner (bed-and-breakfast, half-board, and all-inclusive plans are optional). Food quality looked good during our visit, and most guests agree, though the main complaint is long lines and the space does feel too small for the size of the complex. A second dining area opens up during high season, however, with an alfresco terrace, regular themed buffets, and a takeaway pizza station. Poolside bars serve ice cream and snacks during busier months. There's a daily mini-disco, and an outside stage puts on evening entertainment, mostly professional music and dance acts, with the occasional less than thrilling in-house show. A mini supermarket sells plenty of grocery, deli, and sundries. Sports facilities are limited to a shabby-looking tennis and multi-use court (balls and racquets available for deposit). Practical amenities include laundry and free on-site parking.