Globales Mediterrani

A polished metallic sign, tidy row of terra-cotta flowerpots, and crisp whitewashed facade certainly add up to a well-presented property upon first arrival. And stepping inside, thanks to a pretty thorough makeover in 2016, the reception area is also smart, bright, and modern. White minimalist couches and back-lit artwork even add a touch of contemporary style, with only the beige marble flooring betraying the hotel's early-80s origins. Hallways have also been updated, with landings bathed in blue light from tinted windows on each floor leading to spotless white hallways. While this all-inclusive chain hotel lacks a little in character, the Globales Mediterrani manages to distinguish itself from the typical more dated variety, with a generally fresher and brighter feel throughout. Also at fewer than 200 guest rooms, it tends to suffer less from feeling overcrowded, with plenty of space around the extensive and sunny gardens and an extra sun terrace area added 2017. The pool itself, however, can fill up quickly during high season. Brits on package deals dominate, with families with children making up much of the summer crowd, and mostly older couples either side of the hotter months.

The Globales Mediterrani is located in the corner of the relaxed and low-key Cala Blanca development on Minorca's west coast. There are a handful of restaurants, bars, and tourist shops within easy walking distance, with most lining the pretty Cala Blanca cove a few minutes' walk away. Although very small, the water is calm and clear so great for younger kids and snorkeling. A little larger is the beach at Cala Santandria, at less than five minutes by car, or there's one at Cala'n Bosch 10 minutes away. The lovely old town of Minorca's second city, Ciutadella, is a 15-minute drive and well worth a visit; a bus connects directly from outside the hotel. It's around 45 minutes by car to the island's capital, Mahón while Menorca International Airport is roughly the same distance (though transfers can take a lot longer). 

All 192 of the hotel's guest rooms are basically identical, with a partial update in 2015 adding simple contemporary furniture and wood-effect paneling to the existing gray tile flooring, white walls, and coordinating striped fabrics. Rooms only really differ when it comes to views, with about 40 top-floor rooms offering partial sea views and sunsets from balconies. Higher-level rooms pointing the other way have pretty panoramic countryside views that stretch as far as Ciutadella; lower levels however overlook the pool or parking lot. With extra beds, rooms sleep up to three guests.

In-room amenities impress, with 50-inch TVs (with a good selection of English-speaking channels), mini-fridges with daily free water, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Both air-conditioning and fans (with bedside controls) provide cooling. Basic Wi-Fi is free of charge, with a premium connection available for a fee; safes also incur a charge. Aside from new hairdryers, bathrooms appear to have missed out on the renovations, with shower/tub combos and some tired-looking tiling; toiletries are both wall-mounted dispensers and bottle sets. All rooms also come with free beach bags and pool towels. 

While not offering a huge range of facilities, there's still more than enough to keep most guests happy. The swimming pool is certainly a highlight, fringed with palm trees with ramp entry and a separate section for kids; it is not huge, however, and it can get busy at peak season. All replaced in 2016, the surrounding sun loungers are in abundance with an additional sun terrace area that catches the early morning rays (much of the pool area starts the day in shade). An animation program includes pool activities like aquarobics and water polo, plus archery and rifle shooting. While there's no spa facilities, a small fitness room opened in 2017.   Bikes are available to rent and there's a tennis court for guests' use. Child-focused facilities are limited, with no kids' clubs and a very basic playground, though there is a daily mini-disco. After dark entertainment involves live music and dancing on the outside stage. 

Most meals are served in the main buffet hall, a bright and modern space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gardens. Breakfast is the usual mix of cold continental and pre-cooked dishes likes eggs and bacon, plus some simple live cooking; there were some lines for hot food on our visit. Lunch and dinner tend to be typical Mediterranean dishes, plus salads, pastas, and grilled meats; quality is generally fine though there's not much daily variation. A second small poolside dining room opened in 2017, offering buffets throughout the day, including decent pizza. Self-service drinks machines offer juice, beer, soda, and wine. A poolside bar also offers drinks and occasional snacks. The hotel has free basic Wi-Fi throughout, with faster service available for a fee. 

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets are covered in the plan, with drinks such as water, soft drinks, local beer, and wines also covered during meals. A bar also offers house spirits, sangria, and pre-made cocktails, with premium brands and freshly-made cocktails for an extra charge. Snacks are available throughout the day, including pizza, burgers, and ice-cream. Not covered are in-room safes, Wi-Fi upgrades, and bicycle hire.