Isla Paraiso

Despite a traditionally styled whitewashed low-rise facade and terra-cotta tile roof, the abundance of colorful signage and car rental offices are hints that Isla Paradiso is a package-vacation hotel. Like much of the surrounding development, it was built in the 80s, with a nod to the Mediterranean village aesthetic. Originally a pair of hotels, the neighboring Apartamentos Arepar was absorbed to give the property two distinctive sections -- Paraiso One and Paraiso Two. The complex comprises the main reception, restaurant, and two long rows of apartment accommodations, between which are sunny pool terraces dotted with colorful flowerbeds and palm trees. 

The buzzy hub of the hotel is the main swimming pool, where you can expect plenty of kids splashing over the summer. Farther into the hotel, a second pool is quieter, with a more secluded feel away from noisy animation. The overall atmosphere is cheerful and unpretentious, attracting almost exclusively vacationing British couples and families. 

Isla Paraido is part of a low-key tourist development, populated by a few other hotels and vacation homes, in the small town of Arenal d'en Castell on the northern coast of Minorca. The setting is pretty special, set on the top of a low cliff overlooking a gorgeous sweeping sandy bay, which is just five away on foot -- though with a fair amount of steps. There's a decent supermarket for fresh provisions just across from the hotel, as well as a handful of touristy restaurants within strolling distance, but very little else in the way of nightlife. A bus stop with connections around the island is nearby, and visitors can also explore the area by hopping on a local tourist "train" that does the rounds. Alternatively, it's about a 30-minute drive to the capital, Mahón, which is great for day trips, and it takes roughly the same amount of time to reach the airport. 

The complex has 114 spacious one- and two-bedroom units that can sleep up to five guests. Decor varies drastically between the two sections of the hotel, with those in Paraiso One a dated and dowdy mixture of carved wood furniture, floral fabrics, and antique-style artworks. Paraiso Two apartments, however, were all updated in 2016, with unfussy contemporary furnishings and a brighter, more modern feel. Higher-level Paraiso One apartments, though, have the advantage of partial sea views, and from larger balconies. 

All units have living rooms with sofa beds, dining areas, and kitchenettes with at least microwaves, cooktops, fridges, kettles, and toasters. Some also have full-size ovens or fridge-freezers. Older apartments have tiny 18-inch flat-screen TVs, increasing to 32-inch models in renovated units, all with a good range of UK channels. Air-conditioning comes as standard, but safes and Wi-Fi both incur a fee -- internet is per-device. Bathrooms in neither section have been updated but they're well-maintained, and most have shower/tub combos (with flimsy shower curtains), soap dispensers, and wall-mounted hairdryers.

There's not a great deal to do on-site other than eating, drinking, and lounging by the pool -- which perfectly suits most guests. Both swimming pools are long enough for a swim and they're surrounded by plentiful loungers. The main pool also has a zero-entry point, separate kids' pool, and bridge leading to a small cocktail bar; much of the lively family-friendly animation happens around this pool. The area can get busy during peak season, though there's spacious sun terraces nearby for any overspill. The second pool is usually quieter, though still has a section for small children. A hotel-run kids' club caters for ages from four to 12, which includes a daily mini-disco (during high season), plus there's a playground and game room. The hotel has no gym, spa, or real sports facilities. 

Most dining takes place in the small but bright and pleasant dining room, which opens for breakfast and dinner served buffet-style. Despite lack of live cooking, the spreads score highly on both variety and quality of food, with rotating dinner mains and a weekly gala night. There's also a narrow alfresco terrace with sea views. Breakfast is not included as standard, but it's covered in the optional half-board plan. A bar extends to a spacious sea-view sun terrace, and provides an a la carte menu for lunch. There's entertainment on an outdoor stage once or twice a week, which moves inside in cooler weather. Travelers with limited mobility should be aware that the hotel doesn't have elevators or access ramps.