As the Menorcan sun sets against the shoreline of Santo Tomás Beach, you'd be hard-pushed to find a better viewing spot than poolside at Villa Le Blanc, a 5-star luxury resort operated by Melia Hotels International, and part of the company’s Gran Meliá portfolio.
Villa Le Blanc, a Gran Meliá hotel, is the first Grand Luxury hotel in Menorca, belonging to the exclusive collection of Leading Hotels of the World, which basically means it's been selected as one of the most prestigious hotels in the world. And as soon as you arrive at the white stone building, which overlooks the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, you begin to understand what all the fuss is about.
For the most part, holidays are tactically scheduled into wedges of annual leave or booked last-minute after a particularly strenuous week at work, offering us a transient escape from the banalities of day-to-day life. Villa Le Blanc, however, is attempting to provide something a little bit different. It poses the question: What's stopping you from living a life you don't need respite from? By the end of your stay – whether it's a weekend getaway or a much-anticipated fortnight in the sun – it's likely that Villa Le Blanc will gently lead you towards the answer.
Understated elegance is at the core of the Gran Meliá brand – which, despite being the largest hotel company in Spain, is family-owned – and it shines through every detail in Villa Le Blanc, from the Mediterranean-style architecture (designed by architect Alvaro Sans) to the locally-sourced, fresh food on offer at the hotel's restaurants. And it's not just about aesthetics; the Villa Le Blanc experience invites you to broaden your understanding of wellness, offering a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a luxury spa by Anne Semonin, and – perhaps most importantly of all – some peace and quiet.
Is the Villa Le Blanc sustainable?
Villa Le Blanc's holistic approach to wellness encompasses a refreshing commitment to sustainability. It's currently working to achieve a carbon-neutral footprint by reducing its emissions by 87% – as well as exploring alternatives to offset the remaining emissions.
It may seem like a lofty goal, but when you consider that Meliá Hotels International has been recognised as “the most sustainable hotel company in Spain and Europe for the third consecutive year,” its potential to be carbon neutral doesn't seem so far away.
What is there to do near the Villa Le Blanc?
Although Villa Le Blanc itself is an exceptionally luxurious place to stay, what really makes it special is the location. The hotel offers a llaut sailboat experience and a private visit/tour of Hauser & Wirth – an art centre located on Illa del Rei, an island in Mahon harbour. The centre was converted from a naval hospital into an exhibition space with eight galleries and an outdoor sculpture trail featuring works by Martin Creed, Camille Henrot, Louise Bourgeois, Eduardo Chillida, Joan Miró and Franz West.
Waiting for you after you've taken in the evocative artwork is the Cantina, run by the local vineyard and restaurant Binifadet. With an emphasis on fresh, Mediterranean recipes and local produce, you enjoy tasting seasonal vegetables and sharing plates of fresh fish and seafood, including mussels farmed in the port of Mahon.
Another unique, once-in-a-lifetime dining experience can be found at Nonna Bazaar – a 45-minute drive away from Villa Le Blanc. This century-old Menorcan farmhouse-turned-restaurant combines dining, music, and a festive atmosphere for a truly magical experience. Choose from several sharing-style dishes, which showcase Mediterranean flavours, including traditional cochinillo asado, paella valenciana, linguine alle vongole and shakshuka.
How much does it cost to stay at the Villa Le Blanc?
Average price: From £646 /€750 euros per night.
Price of the suites: From 1,035 / €1,200 euros per night.
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