The best villas in Menorca for a magical getaway
Menorca is traditionally less traversed than its more popular neighbours: bigger sister Mallorca, or glitzy honeypot Ibiza. It's sought out for its more tranquil vibe, and the best villas in Menorca are a great way to experience its calm. Despite the island’s comparatively sleepier rhythm, there’s still plenty to discover. From seemingly infinite stretches of sandy and rocky coastline dotted with cosy calas, and lapped by waters that look like a colour chart of blues, to a burgeoning art scene encompassing both local and international talent, there’s more than enough to see and do for a memorable visit. The hotel scene has seen a welcome refresh from leading designers and hoteliers, but for deeper immersion into island life, a villa is just the ticket. Here are some of the best villas in Menorca.
Finca Galdana
Best for: an active break
Built in the 18th century, Finca Galdana’s whitewashed façade and arched stonework are framed with tumbling bougainvillaea and centuries-old olive trees. Step inside and you’ll uncover myriad historical touches, including pretty vaulted ceilings, ancient stonework and even an original chapel; an unusual authentic touch rarely seen in a holiday home. Earthy, stylish interiors bring the space up to date, with thoughtful details including handcrafted wooden benches and sculptural ceramics. Outside, a terrace leads to a fragrant herb garden, and there’s a refreshing saltwater pool for midday dips, next to an outdoor bar. Start your day with a sea swim at Cala Mitjana, just over a mile away, then return for a game of pétanque on the courts, before finishing off with a relaxing massage in the in-house massage room.
Sleeps: 12
Price: From around £1,328, with a four-night minimum
Wild Tortuga
Best for: Agritourism
This nicely-restored 250-year-old farmhouse provides a slice of rural Spanish life for those looking to get away, but you’ve the best of both worlds here – pretty Alaior, Menorca’s third-largest city, is just a few miles away. The space has recently gained its agrotourism licence, and the owners have painstakingly rewilded this 160-acre farm estate and the grounds now burst with native flora and fauna. Spend a while outdoors and you’ll soon spot a red kite or a happy wild tortoise. The interiors are a picture of country charm, with six beautiful bedrooms with wooden beams and excellent views, while outside there’s a glassy saltwater pool, barbecue and more than enough seats for all the gang. An outdoor well has been purified into safe drinking water, and solar panels provide all the hot water, too, as an eco-friendly perk.
Sleeps: 12
Price: From around £1,095 per night with a seven-night minimum
Bohemian villa
Best for: A city break
For a seriously smart stay, look to this tranquil holiday villa in Menorca, just five minutes’ walk from the city centre. This is a striking space with dark wood beams contrasting with gleaming white walls, and a slew of contemporary art and furniture upping the elevated feel. There’s plenty of gathering spaces, including a stylish chill-out zone, two lounges and a large modern kitchen. The best part of the home is a toss-up between the roof terrace with its views and the garden with its hot tub –both which are perfect for sundowners. It’s a great option for groups travelling with kids – little ones will love hunkering down with each other in the spacious dorm room.
Sleeps: 12
Price: From around £1,328 per night, with a four-night minimum
Ses Milans Villa
Best for: A big celebratory getaway
A veritable estate, this colossal villa is completely surrounded by dense countryside, offering both seclusion and intimacy with nature. There’s more than enough room for everyone in your party to spread out, from the spacious upper terrace circling the house to the rows of poolside loungers to shaded L-shaped relaxation corners and swinging rattan chairs. The outdoor bar calls for any keen mixologists, and you’ll enjoy your sippable creations looking out to incredible panoramic views of the neighbouring wild scenery. If you can bear to leave your bougainvillaea-decorated walls, some of the island’s prettiest beaches are a 10-minute drive away.
Sleeps: 10
Price: £545 per night, with a five-night minimum
Beach House, Punta Prima
Best for: Seafront living
Pristine, bright and airy, this home is right on the shoreline. Here you’ll ease into mornings soundtracked by gently lapping waves, and with the huge windows framing mesmerising sea views, you’ll feel like you’re living within an art installation. The uncomplicated interiors are full of character, for a ‘real home’ feel. Even though crystalline natural waters are only steps away, there’s still a private pool should you wish to take a dip right in your back garden. You’ll be close to the town centre and the seafront promenade, where dinner and drinks come with views of the ocean filtered by the warm glow of sunset.
Sleeps: four
Price: £423 per night
Villa Bohème Chic, Binibeca
Best for: Beach club chic
Whether it's the huge terrace decorated with rows of proudly standing cacti, the rooftop patio facing the sea, or the cushioned double beds by the pool, you’re spoilt for choice for relaxation spots across this majestic property. Though expansive, the space is unified by a curated palette of earthy hues and wood and rattan furniture, complementing basket light shades. It’s the inviting aesthetics of a contemporary beach club but without the outside guests. As well as being visually striking, there are sustainable elements to the property’s design too; for instance, water is partially solar-heated, and filtered water is available from the kitchen to reduce the need for plastic water bottles. A sheltered al fresco dining table awaits for tearing into your seafood haul (you can purchase fresh lobsters nearby), and if your private pool isn’t enough, there are natural rock pools around a five-minute walk away, and Binibeca Beach is about 10 minutes away on foot.
Sleeps: 12
Price: £388 per night, with a five-night minimum
MigueVilla Elena Mar
Best for: traditional charm
You’ll find this radiant traditional house just a six-minute stroll away from Cala en Brut - one of the island’s nicest spots for swimming and snorkelling. Its charming facade, sectioned by chestnut brown shutters and a romantic central balconette, exudes a pastoral character. This country feel is mirrored inside the house too, where you’ll sleep under exposed timber beams and intricately woven wall baskets. The shaded arcade adjacent to the house is a lovely setting for your group's meals, looking onto the pool, and the outdoor areas are brightened with patches of green lawn and rambling trees.
Sleeps: seven
Price: £205, with a three-night minimum
Ludovica's Sea View Villa
Best for: Lovely views
Spread across two floors, this whitewashed house is welcoming in its cute, nautical-themed interiors and light, breezy ambience. Its star feature is undoubtedly the large sea-facing terrace, where you’ll watch the sky take on waves of colour throughout the day, from marigold to amethyst, above the endless reams of crinkled waters. You’ll be able to quickly reach those waters, with Son Bou Beach only a 10-minute walk away. Local eateries and watering holes are equally accessible, so you can expect an easygoing stay where the days plan themselves. The pool also enjoys calming views of the surrounding seascape, so you can relax in the water whilst watching it, too.
Sleeps: six
Price: £284 with a five-night minimum
Casa Arenisca, Menorca
Best for: Contemporary design
The modernity of this smart and swanky house contrasts with the medieval backdrop of Ciutadella. However, the property’s entrance, on a salmon pink wall, is an arched double wooden door framed with large stones that are perfectly camouflaged within an old-fashioned, narrow cobblestoned street. With two dining sets, the open-plan kitchen and dining area are perfect for lively gatherings and laughter-filled nights. Black-bordered floor-to-ceiling windows invite plenty of natural light into the property, which is pleasingly eccentric, drawing on a range of architectural and visual styles. The living areas are sheltered under ecclesiastical-style arched ceilings, whilst in other spaces, you’ll find exposed timberwork. Similarly, floorings range from artistic brickwork to clean, satiny marble. From the rooftop patios, you can scan the coral-tiled roofs of neighbouring houses whilst savouring your morning brew or look down onto the central courtyard of the house. The courtyard is defined by the crystal blue pool, secluded by the property’s walls. The villa’s central location means that Ciutadella’s historic landmarks are within easy reach, such as the imposing Gothic cathedral that was built over an ancient Arab mosque. Head to Plaça des Born, the town’s pulse, for the hum of restaurants, cafes and markets. For more of the island’s coastal beauty, the white sands of Cala Turqueta and Cala Macarella are a short drive away for a day out.
Sleeps: 14
Price: £11,620 for a minimum seven-night stay
Villa Bini
Best for: An ultra-luxury retreat
Although this grand estate accommodates up to 17 people, it's unlikely to ever feel crowded. A destination in and of itself, from the tucked away benches, sheltered outdoor cushioned chillout areas, outdoor beds, terrace recliners and parasol-covered outdoor sofa set, there’s more than enough space for everyone to enjoy both privacy and fun with others. There’s even more relaxation space by the pool, surrounded by sunbeds which are great vantage points to take in endless views of Binigaus Valley stretching right out to the sea, lined with undulating bushy hills. A private chef (for two meals per day) is part of the offering, making it even harder to leave. But when you do, you’ll have your own private road leading all the way down to the ivory sands of the beach. If you enjoy staying active, there are also walking and cycling trails across the estate, or you can challenge yourself further and head onto the Camino de Cavalls. When you aren’t enjoying your private chef’s delights, the restaurants and bars of Santo Tomas town are close by, for a feel of the local community.
Sleeps: 17
Price: £8,925 for a minimum 4-night stay
Maria MissagliaCan Garriga
Best for: young families
Impeccably stylish in its interiors, this generous house is simultaneously easygoing and opulent in its effortless combination of elevated aesthetics and homely comforts. The ample crescent sofa is made for a group film night in the cosy red-brick walled living room or take the communal fun outside to the sheltered sofas facing a pool backed by neat hedges. There’s a rooftop patio, too, decked with elegant wooden, white cushioned furniture to sink into for sunset aperitifs. In between swims, wander around the English-style garden or fall asleep between trees, rocking in a swinging hammock. Being a single-storey residence, it's a good option for families with younger children (who will love the trampoline in the garden) or for those with more limited mobility. The property is located in Cap d’en Fort, which is one of the island’s quietest regions, so it is also an ideal choice for a peaceful stay. You’ll be minutes away from Calo Blanco, a stunning cove with transparent waters and powdery sand slotted into rocky crescents.
Sleeps: eight
Price: £6,444 for a minimum five-night stay
