Quieter than Ibiza and Mallorca, Menorca offers the sun-soaked beaches, warm waters, and feel-good lifestyle synonymous with the Balearics but at a more mellow pace than its rowdy neighbours. Menorca’s two main cities Maó and Ciutadella are low-key and perfect for relaxed wanders. The white sandy beaches that pepper the 216km island coastline offer Mediterranean escapism at its best whilst the rest of the island remains relatively rural, a landscape of colourful fields and rolling hills. This area of gorgeous natural beauty features protected environmental areas and mysterious Bronze Age sites making it a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Get away from it all with our pick of the top private villas on the easternmost Balearic island.
Villa Maitreya
Contemporary meets traditional design in this holiday home found in Menorca’s Son Bou. The local beach is a short stroll away (the blue ocean can be seen from Villa Maitreya), but the property’s guests have their own sun terrace and a freeform pool with a whirlpool section. Six en-suite bedrooms (one with a jacuzzi bath) receive a daily maid service as well as a welcome pack containing bathrobes and slippers.
Villa Paradise
The five en-suite bedrooms in Villa Paradise are all found on the two lower levels behind the pool area, while the upper section is given over to the lounge, kitchen diner and a huge outdoor terrace. Interiors are decorated in a base colour palette of white with swathes of bold bright block colours like electric blue, hot pink and burnt orange. The design here takes on a nautical theme in places, notably the kitchen. Just five minutes walk from Son Bou’s largest beach, Paradise is an ideal spot for those wanting privacy, yet with proximity to public amenities.