Hotel Rural Binigaus Vell

Set on a former cheese farm surrounded by open countryside, Hotel Rural Binigaus Vell offers travelers an inviting glimpse of agrarian Minorcan life. Rustic whitewashed buildings and rough stone walls are combined with smart decor, highlighting the property’s charming pastoral character without feeling stuffy or old fashioned. Run by the Triay Barber family, the hotel is split between the main farmhouse, former stables, and barn, while the outdoor pool and walking trails running through the grounds offer languid diversions.

With the closest beaches and towns, lengthy (though pleasant) walks away, the property attracts guests looking for serene countryside getaways. Couples are drawn by the intimate setting and outdoorsy activities, while large junior suites, a great pool, and kid menus enhance the property’s appeal for families.

Hotel Rural Binigaus Vell is set in an elevated countryside location, with distant views of the south coast. It’s an excellent base for walking and horse riding, with numerous scenic paths found both on the property and in the surrounding area. The quaint town of Es Migorn Gran is a 10-minute drive away. A low-key town where few tourists venture, Es Migorn Gran has some authentic Minorcan bars and restaurants.

Beautiful Binigaus beach is around a 15-minute drive away, as is the slightly busier Santo Tomas beach. Mahon and Minorca Airport can be reached in 30 minutes by car. Guests who enjoy long walks may find they can manage to get around by foot, but other guests may find the location too isolated.

Guest rooms at Hotel Rural Binigaus Vell are bright and cheerful, featuring white stucco walls, elegant floral linens, and warm wood accents. Exposed beams and, in some rooms, rough stone walls add agrarian charm. Contemporary white chairs rest against long wooden tables, which double as work desks. Wall-mounted flat-screen TVs are found above the tables, while minibars stocked with soda, water, miniature bottles of liquor, and wine are tucked underneath. Free WI-Fi is standard, but the connection isn’t always strong. Junior Suites add sunken living areas with sofa beds. 

Superior Rooms have large terraces with pleasant countryside views. Standard rooms lack terraces, but some have distant sea views. Modern bathrooms feature bidets and shower/tub combos. Sink configurations vary from room to room (Junior Suites have twin sinks), with some offering limited counterspace -- but all have magnifying mirrors and a selection of hotel-branded bath products. 

The focal point of the property is a large, lagoon-style pool, which is designed to evoke the beaches of Minorca with its curving silhouette. Lined with stylish white loungers and bordered by the property’s low stone garden walls, the pool’s aesthetic is rustic yet chic. 

The restaurant is divided into a cheery dining room with polished stone wall tiles and a tree-shaded terrace. A buffet breakfast of fruits, cheeses, and homemade cakes is included in the room rate. The venue isn’t open for lunch, but guests have the option of ordering a picnic basket during the day (for an extra fee). For dinner, the restaurant serves simple, Mediterranean fare -- most guests enjoy the food but some say service can be slow. There’s also a lounge area with honor bar where guests can help themselves to drinks between the restaurant’s opening hours. 

The hotel has its own stables and offers guided horse riding for an extra fee. Staff can also arrange car rentals, sailboat tours, and other activities and services. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, although the connection can be unreliable. Self-parking is another freebie. Other perks include a free welcome basket of fruit on arrival.