Hotel Santo Tomas

Opened in 1965, the Hotel Santo Tomas was one of first hotels in the resort, and its blocky, low-rise architecture certainly reflects the era. Stepping inside, however, beyond its beige-brown marble floors, little evidence of its 60s origins remain thanks to a major renovation completed in 2008. The look is breezy, bright, and mostly modern, and welcome cava, plush seating, and cheerful beach-themed artworks add to the relaxing and upscale vibe. With fewer than 100 guest rooms, it's a relatively small property, spread over two buildings and set in open, sunny gardens of manicured lawns scattered with loungers and dotted with palm trees. Its position overlooking a long, picturesque beach completes an impressive and attractive setting. While not adults-only (expect a few kids splashing around the pool over the school breaks) the laid-back and peaceful atmosphere draws older couples. British make up the bulk, with Italian and Spanish tourist making up the rest -- the hotel also has the endorsement of attracting plenty of repeat customers.  

The Hotel Santo Tomas is built on a low promontory in the small village of the same name -- a purpose-built though laid-back resort area with a handful of hotels, a few dozen vacation homes, and two unspoiled beaches. The hotel is one of two that sit between these two stretches of sand, and there are several eateries within a short stroll, though most nightlife is subdued and hotel-based. Guests have direct access to a seafront promenade that runs the full length of the resort and takes just 15 minutes to walk from one end to the other. Located halfway up the island's south coast, the property is about a 30-minute drive to Minorca's capital, Mahon, and 35 minutes by car to the island's other city Ciutadella. Ferries are available to both Majorca and to mainland Spain, while Menorca International Airport is just 25 minutes by car.

The hotel has 99 guest rooms and junior suites, most of which are done up in bright yet cozy decor that combines wood-effect flooring, coordinating patterned fabrics, and simple modern furniture. While all are clean and well-maintained, some entry-level rooms are awaiting a makeover and feel a little dated. All open to balconies or terraces, with the majority offering lovely sea views -- some panoramic, and others partial. Non-sea-view rooms overlook the hotel's parking lot and quiet street. Ground-floor Superior rooms have spacious terraces with comfy loungers and direct garden access. Most suites are treated to sea-view balconies with large whirlpool tubs; some have sea views within eyeshot of beds. 

Standard amenities also impress, with mini-fridges, free safes, and coffee- and tea-making facilities in all rooms. Flat-screen TVs measure 32 inches and come with a good selection of UK-based channels. In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge and works well. Suites add larger TVs, bathrobes and slippers, Bluetooth speakers, and espresso machines; the top-end apartment-style Beach Suites also have kitchenettes (with ranges and microwaves), separate lounges (with extra TVs), and small gardens or private terraces with whirlpool tubs. While suites have updated bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers, many in standard-level rooms are dated and have shower-tub combos; all come with wall-mounted hairdryers and a mix of generic dispenser and bottled toiletries. 

With no noisy animation program and practically no sports facilities, the Hotel Santo Tomas is geared more to peaceful relaxation. There's free entry to a downstairs wellness area, which is a highlight of the hotel, though it overlooks the parking lot. It has a heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, massage treatments, and a whirlpool tub, plus a small, modern gym. Kids are only permitted entry in the morning (a bonus for most). The outdoor saltwater pool has ramp entry, a separate kids' section, and it's more than large enough for the size of the property, though it's too shallow for swimming laps. The surrounding lawns have a genuine abundance of loungers and umbrellas, and there's direct access to a lovely, long sandy beach. 

Most meals take place in the hotel's bright and spacious dining room, which extends to a covered sea-view terrace that opens up during warmer months. Half-board comes as standard, with a substantial breakfast buffet of cold and precooked items, plus cooked-to-order eggs and pancakes. Tea and coffee are served at the table (which remains the same throughout guests' stay). Dinner is a 14-day rotating buffet with weekly "gala" nights and daily show cooking; while the consensus suggests food quality is good, some have been disappointed. An extensive a la carte menu is available all day at the beachfront chiringuito-style eatery, which also hosts evening entertainment several times a week. The hotel offers room service until late in the evening (fee). Wi-Fi is free of charge, with a good signal throughout the complex, and on-site parking is also free for guests.