Calle del Signe Aries, 2, Urb. Sa Caleta, Ciutadella, Spain | (937) 315-4602
Within walking distance of two picturesque sandy beaches
Three swimming pool areas, each with a separate kids' pool
All apartments have kitchenettes and balconies or terraces
Some units have been given a stylish modern updates
Optional all-inclusive plan covering buffets, snacks, and drinks
Good animation program and evening entertainment
Basic spa facilities and fitness room
Small on-site supermarket
Most apartments feel dated and tired
Cleanliness can be patchy
Wi-Fi slow and spotty at best
Flies an issue at certain times
The Vacances Menorca Resort is a mid-range, family-friendly apartment complex located in a purpose-built development just outside the Minorcan city of Ciutadella. Although it offers little in the way of local nightlife or dining, there are two pretty beaches within walking distance and the city center is a short drive away. Its 322 apartments are spread around three sections, all with simple cooking facilities and outside space; most look dated, though some have been nicely modernized. Typical resort hotel facilities include swimming pools and lively animation programs, however, dining is limited to buffets -- covered in an optional all-inclusive plan. As an alternative, the similarly cheap-and-cheerful apartment complex Globales Binimar Apartments also has a mini-waterpark and kids' clubs.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Large all-inclusive complex with lively atmosphere and mix of nationalities
Formerly the Blanc Palace, Vacances Menorca Resort is your standard, mid-range all-inclusive hotel spread over three distinct sections -- Blanc Cottage, Blanc Palace, and Sa Caleta. Each has its own set of three-story apartment blocks, plus swimming pools and dining facilities. An enthusiastic animation team ensures a buzzy vibe around the pool areas, as do the gaggles of excitable kids fueled on unlimited soda. The low-rise complex has a vaguely traditional Mediterranean village look, with balustrade balconies overlooking swathes of (occasionally patchy) lawns dotted with palm trees and connected by a network of footpaths. With so many guests -- mostly all-inclusive ones at that -- cleanliness can be spotty in places, though general upkeep is good considering the property's sprawling size. Expect a bit of a trek from reception if allocated a room the far side of the resort. Probably the hotel's most distinguishing feature is its healthy spread of various nationalities among its clientele, including Brits, Spanish, French, and Italians -- although zones are often divided by tour operator, so there isn't as much mingling between groups.
Location
Set in quiet purpose-built tourist development, a few minutes' walk from pretty beach
The hotel has a relatively remote location in the purpose-built tourist development of Santandria, on Minorca's western coast. There's very little life in the immediate surroundings, beyond vacation homes, villa rentals, and other resort hotels. The small and pretty Sa Caleta beach, however, is just a six-minute walk away, and the slightly bigger and buzzier Strand Cala Santandria beach is a bit farther at 16 minutes on foot. A bus stop just outside the hotel connects to the picturesque city of Ciutadella in around 10 minutes or to the Cala en Bosc resort area, which has a water park, in about 20. The capital Mahón and Minorca Airport are located at the other end of the island, or around 45 minutes' drive.
Rooms
Mix of dated and revamped apartments, all with kitchenettes and balconies/terraces
The vast majority of Vacances Menorca's 322 apartments are one-bedroom units, though a handful of two-bedroom apartments are also available. Decor can vary between the three sections, but it's mostly a dated combination of tile floors, old-fashioned wood furniture, and patterned fabrics. Some accommodations in the Blanc Cottage section have been updated with a fresher more modern feel and contemporary furniture, such as Eames chairs and streamlined wood-veneer surfaces. All apartments include living spaces with lounges, dining areas, and kitchenettes with electric burners, fridges, and basic cookware (kettles and toasters are available on request).
Units open to furnished balconies or terraces, mostly overlooking the garden and pool areas though some overlook the quiet surrounding streets. Air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs come as standard (though with no English-speaking channels), and paid Wi-Fi is very poor or non-existent in most units. Most bathrooms are looking dated, with shower/tub combos, weak wall-mounted hairdryers, and basic toiletries; some, however, have been updated with a smart, clean-lined look and walk-in showers.
Features
Buffet dining with all-inclusive meal plans available, poolside snacking, and nightly entertainment
Each of the three areas of the complex has its own buffet restaurant, which opens for breakfast, lunch, and dinner offering a good range of cold and pre-cooked options, plus some live cooking stations. Most agree the quality of food is decent for an all-inclusive, however flies can be a problem at certain times of year. Each zone also has a bar and snacks around the pool at designated times, including fruit, cake, and ice-cream. Evening entertainment includes the likes of magic shows and live music, with a nightly mini-disco for kids.
All three pools are a decent size with plentiful loungers, plus there are separate splash pools for kids and plenty of poolside animation (though not all areas have their own kids' club). Children can also enjoy playgrounds, and simple sports facilities are available. Basic spa facilities include a whirlpool tub and sauna, plus there's a tiny gym with a handful of cardio and weight-lifting machines. Free Wi-Fi is available around the reception, although it costs a fee to connect elsewhere and most guests find the connection very slow. A small supermarket can be found on site selling basic supplies and vacation items.
