There’s no denying that we love a stylish hotel here at Hotels Above Par. We’re always on the lookout for properties that have an abundance of style, with the substance to match. After all, a great stay is about more than just Instagram snaps—it’s about exceptional food and service, too. Enter: Menorca Experimental.
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Part of the Experimental Group, which started in Paris with the Experimental Cocktail Club back in 2007, Menorca Experimental provides both style and substance in droves. Set in 30 hectares of rural Menorcan farmland, this converted 19th-century finca is an idyllic base for travellers wanting to slow down and settle into the Menorcan way of doing things.
Let’s start with the rooms. Each of the property’s 43 bedrooms has been designed by the Experimental’s long-term collaborator, interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon. Expect playful pops of colour—think bold terracotta headboards and abstract bedspreads from cult Moroccan design studio LRNCE—all set against beautiful Mediterranean whitewashed walls. To help guests ease into the rhythm of the place, TVs have been replaced with retro Tivoli radios and outdoor seating is arranged to encourage sunset gazing and reading over screens and room service.
You won’t want room service here anyway. The on-site restaurant serves some of the best food on the island. Breakfast is included for guests and served on the breezy patio. Lunch and dinner are served here too, offering a selection of modern Mediterranean plates designed for sharing. The local fish, watermelon and feta salad, and Ibérico ham croquetas shouldn’t be missed. When it comes to wine, expect a well-curated selection of Spanish pours, including a few Menorcan producers. The cocktails are stellar (as to be expected). Our favourite: the Red Almond, their take on an Aperol Spritz made with local Xoriguer Pomada (that’s the local gin and lemonade) and almond bitters.
Menorca Experimental was designed to feel like a modern-day artist’s retreat, and this arty ethos extends past the décor to the hotel’s programming. Expect pottery classes and tours where you can get hands-on experience making local Menorcan produce. This summer, the hotel will also be running some very special textile workshops with Laurence Leenaert, founder of LRNCE, where guests will be able to create hand-woven pieces inspired by the natural beauty of the area. Talk about a unique souvenir.
That being said, if you are unable to make one of the workshops, the Experimental Boutique also offers a beautiful selection of souvenirs and chic resortwear to take home with you—as well as some very stylish branded hotel merch.
If you do decide to leave the hotel (and really, we won’t judge you if you don’t), then we recommend hiring a car and exploring some of the local towns and beaches. Cala Mitjana is one of our favourites and is worth walking down to. It’s a pleasant 15-minute stroll through the pine forest, but you’ll be rewarded with smaller crowds and a bit of peace and quiet. Just don’t forget your picnic—there are no beach bars here. If you want somewhere more lively, Son Bou is a good choice. The boardwalk is lined with beach bars, making it the ideal spot for catching the sunset.
Top Takeaways
Location: Sant Llorenç, Menorca
Address: Sant Llorenç, Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
Rating: 4-Star
The vibe: Rather like staying in a (very stylish) artist’s cottage in the countryside. You’ll certainly leave feeling inspired.
Food + Drink: A modern Mediterranean menu centred around local ingredients and seasonal produce (which the restaurant grows much of in its garden). The wine list is also expertly curated and includes local options from Menorca’s vineyards. The cocktail list is as innovative as you’d expect from an Experimental property. After all, cocktail-making is where it all started for this hotel group.
Our favourite part of the hotel: The artistic nods around every corner. No element of the hotel has been overlooked by interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon. From the LRNCE textiles and vases in the rooms to the squiggly blue and white staircases, everywhere you look is an Instagram post waiting to happen—and trust us, your camera roll will be full.
Amenities: The on-site bar and restaurant make it very easy not to leave the property during your stay, and many don’t. When there is a beautiful pool to lounge by, a spa, yoga classes, and a little secret beach just a 15-minute walk away, you don’t need to worry about getting in the car if you’d rather not.
What’s nearby? Menorca is such a beautiful island to explore, and there is plenty to see—whether you’re looking for pristine beaches or sleepy towns filled with Balearic charm. The island’s capital, Mahón, is a short drive away and is filled with design-led boutiques and shops selling local crafts. It’s also known for its fish market in Plaça d’Espanya, operating since the 1920s—our go-to for plates of paella, pan con tomate, pintxos, and whatever has been caught that morning.
Any personal neighbourhood recs?
Menorca is a personal favourite of mine, and while you won’t find the superclubs of neighbouring island Ibiza, you will find stunning beaches, local vineyards, art, and brilliant food. Art lovers should visit Hauser & Wirth’s outpost on the little island in Mahón’s harbour. The gallery showcases a rotating selection of exhibitions, along with permanent sculptures from Louise Bourgeois and Joan Miró. A trip to the town of Ciutadella is also a must. Its charming, winding streets and picturesque squares are well worth the drive.
Rooms: 43 rooms (including nine villas), set in over 30 hectares of farmland
Pricing: Rates start at $220 per night
Closest airport: Mahón Menorca Airport is just a 25-minute drive away
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