19/01/2012 by Dave.

By: Brenda Jaaback

Son Bou villas are a great place to stay in Menorca, but there are other resorts to consider as well. Compare Son Bou to the other major resorts on the island.

Son Bou is one of the chief attractions of a holiday in Menorca. With arguably the best beach on the island, stunning surrounding countryside, and a wealth of restaurants, bars, and holiday facilities, it is no surprise that the resort is such a popular place to go. The hotels and Son Bou villas are top notch, providing quality accommodation for all budgets. Overall, it is a truly great choice for a holiday in the sun.

But there are plenty of other resorts on the island that you might consider instead, each one with its own individual attractions and unique selling points. How does Son Bou shape up against its rivals?

Cala Galdana

For sheer beauty, Cala Galdana might have the edge on Son Bou. Photographs of this horseshoe shaped bay adorn almost every brochure and guidebook on Menorca, and the resort is regarded as the most visually stunning on the island. The resort is extremely popular and well equipped, but the steep cliffs can present access difficulties to those with mobility problems – an issue that most Son Bou villas won t have. If you simply must stay in the most beautiful place on the island, Cala Galdana might be the place for you, but Son Bou s enormous beach and more convenient location make it a strong rival.

Santo Tomas

Located close to Son Bou, this resort has an entirely different feel. One of the quietest and most laid back resorts on the island, Santo Tomas is perfect for those looking for peace and seclusion on their holiday to Menorca. The resort also offers some good local routes for hikers. Of course, its beach can t compete with the beach at Son Bou, and for many Santo Tomas may be just a little too quiet.

Binibeca

With a delightful fishing village nearby, a stay at Binibeca offers the chance to see some traditional Menorcan architecture up close. If you like charming villages more than spectacular beaches, then Binibeca might be a good choice for you. If you find yourself craving a big open expanse of beach, you d be better off booking a stay at one of the Son Bou villas!

Punta Prima

This resort, located close to Binibeca, offers a little something to everyone. A good beach, plenty of local attractions, good facilities, and the regular spectacle of yachts passing through on their way to Mahon. It is a fine all round destination, though the beach at Son Bou is clearly superior. True beach lovers may find themselves better served by Son Bou, but if your interests lie elsewhere, Punta Prima can be a fine choice as well, with many excellent accommodation options available at the resort.

As can be seen, there is a truly great selection of resorts in Menorca, and everyone will have their own personal favourite, depending on what they want from their holiday. But with the best beach and a superb selection of Son Bou villas, it seems likely that Son Bou will still remain one of the most popular choices in Menorca for years to come!

Author Resource:->  Brenda Jaaback is the Managing Director of Bartle Holidays. They can provide you with a wide selection of Son Bou villas (http://www.bartleholidays.co.uk/index.php?option=com_bartle_resorts&Itemid=223&id=SJ). Bartle Holidays makes no warranty as to the accuracy of this article.

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13/09/2011 by Dave.

By: Brenda Jaaback
Private, Peaceful and Relaxing

While the bustle and personal service provided by commercial hotels may appeal to some, there is no denying that a bit of privacy on a Mediterranean island is a tempting thought. A villa in Son Bou – what could be more relaxing? Son Bou, a small island set in the Balearics, is the perfect place to do nothing at all.

The largest beach in Menorca can be found in Son Bou, with sparkling waters and golden sands. While a trip down to the beach would certainly be enjoyable, a view of the beach from your private Son Bou villa pool could be even better. You can avoid the crowds, throw self consciousness to the wind, and still have your island beach and Son Bou holiday experience from your pool with a view.

A Villa with a View

At the top of your list when picking your Son Bou villa home should be a view of the ocean. Provided you have a magnificent view, you’re already on holiday in an island paradise without even leaving your home. Whether you’re lying in bed gazing out to sea, lounging in the pool while watching the ocean, or simply sitting on your terrace enjoying the sunset, there’s no denying that you’re in holiday heaven without setting foot out of your door.

Set behind the beach is a wetland area, where open waters bordered by reeds offer a contrasting view to the sandy beach. If you pick the right villa, you could experience views of the beach and the wetland without getting off your pool lounger.

An Evening In

Staying in a villa in Son Bou allows for complete freedom when it comes to culinary decisions. If commercial restaurants tickle your fancy, you’re not losing out as a host of restaurants to choose from await you. But if you prefer to dine in your bathing suit, a barbecue on your terrace might just do the trick. Local fresh seafood and a glass of wine as the sun sets beats being waited on in a commercial restaurant any day.

Venturing Out

On days when you feel like venturing out of your villa, Son Bou is waiting to be explored. With a giant maze to get lost in, the ancient graveyard of Basilica de Son Bou to discover, and the resort shops to browse through, you won’t be lacking in activities. Or if it’s an action packed day you’re after, the ocean awaits you with whichever water sport you choose.

But after a day outdoors, the tranquillity and privacy of your villa will be a welcome relief. There’s nothing better than enjoying all the scenery the region has to offer in the total seclusion your Son Bou villa provides.

A Family Home Away from Home

A Son Bou villa holiday would be ideal for a family trip away. You have your own personal villa to turn into your holiday home, where you have nothing but your view, your family and yourself to worry about.

Author Resource:->  Brenda Jaaback is the Managing Director of Bartle Holidays (http://www.bartleholidays.co.uk/index.php?option=com_bartle_resorts&Itemid=223&id=SJ ). They can provide you with a choice of Son Bou Villas, with a wide selection catering to all your family holiday needs. Bartle Holidays makes no warranty

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18/08/2011 by Dave.

 By: Dan Williams

The islands of Mallorca and Menorca sit as close neighbours in the Mediterranean just a few miles apart and both making claims as attractive holiday destinations. Certainly Mallorca has plenty to offer and has been a favourite destination for English and German tourists for many years now. But when you hear that Spaniards tend to prefer the island of Menorca, you wonder if there are secrets about the smaller island that other tourists have not yet discovered.

Menorca lies just over 20 miles off Mallorca’s north eastern tip and is an island one fifth the size of Mallorca with just one tenth of the population of its bigger brother. Just going on those statistics, Menorca half as densely populated, but that’s probably it doesn’t have the same cosmopolitan city in the way Mallorca has Palma. There are also plenty of other things Menorca doesn’t have such as a range of mountains, no big purpose built tourist resorts, no huge airport and no large sports stadiums. But maybe that’s what makes Menorca attractive to the Spanish people? Maybe it’s the quieter more understated style that brings people to this island for a restful holiday.

But looking at what Menorca does offer reveals some clues about the island’s secret draw. There are some amazingly beautiful coastal areas and a wide choice of small and medium sized beaches that are perfect for quieter, more family oriented holidays. Here are a few examples of those beaches, some large and popular, some more remote but well worth effort in travelling to.

Punto Prima is a beach area in the south east of the island that is almost perfect for a family day by the sea. Soft golden sand leads down to calm, shallow waters and there is lots of room, even on a busy day. On occasion stronger currents can develop, so small children and weak swimmers need to be aware. Nearby are a small selection of shops to procure supplies and a choice of cafes and restaurants.

Not too far away and still in the south east of the island is Cala’n Porter, another great beach for a day out. This is a smaller beach set down a small inlet which either makes the sea calmer on certain days or channels in the waves on others. There are a lot of villa developments nearby for those who want to rent a self catering holiday home near to a beach, but no much in the way of large hotels. High cliffs on both sides of the beach frame this pretty area that looks wonderful by night.

In the north of the island is Son Parc with its long white sandy beach, regarded by some as the best on Menorca. This really is the epitome of family beach holidays as the water here is ideal for young children. The sea, almost lagoon like, remains very shallow for a long way out making it great for paddling, splashing around or just sitting in the water to keep cool. The beach has all the other features to make it safe and comfortable. Visitors can hire a sunbed or parasol and lifeguards patrol to keep everything safe. The resort is not large but has enough in the way of facilities and refreshment outlets to keep everyone fed and watered.

Once everyone has had there fill of beach time, Menorca has other things to offer. The countryside is great walking terrain, with a selection of marked footpaths to explore. The Cami de Cavalls is an ancient inland and coastal footpath that circumnavigates the whole island and has recently been completely restored. It is set to be a great new asset to the island’s tourism industry, especially outside the peak summer months, when tourists come to the island for its mild winters and walking becomes a perfect pastime. The name means “path of horses” and anyone who knows Menorca will know that horses played an important part in this island’s history.

In terms of theme parks, Menorca is quite subdued, but there are two water parks, the Aqua Park in Cala Forcat and Aqua Rock in Cala Bosc, which is the larger of the two and has 4 different water slides.

For more activity and culture the capital of Mahon is another draw. Shopping, dining, theatre and concerts are all options and the city is usually the centre of any island festivals such as the Sant Joan Festival in June, which is held in Ciutadella and features some amazing horse riding displays.

Author Resource:-  Menorca is smaller and less well known than Mallorca but has its own attraction. Dan Williams reports on the island, why it is popular and how to find flights to Menorca from sites like http://book.flythomascook.com/ and other low cost airlines. Dan has written about many Mediterranean resorts.

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14/06/2011 by Dave.

By: Dalvin Rumsey

Menorca (also known as Minorca) - situated east of Mallorca - is one of Spain’s own Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. With a population of about 82 thousand Spanish-speaking people, you’re sure to find a wide variety of interests to enjoy should you decide to travel here - especially on January 17. January 17 is a nationally celebrated day that marks when Alfonso III of Aragon conquered the island.

In fact, the history of this island is what makes it so interesting to outsiders, as it has changed ownership several times over the centuries, inevitably showing the architectural and art influences with each successive change of rulership. Of particular interest to traveling Americans is the fact that Menorca was completely under British control in 1763 thanks to the Treaty of Paris, fell capture to Spanish and French forces during the American Revolutionary War - only to change hands again to the British during the French Revolutionary Wars.

This is of course before Spain acquired the island in 1802 once and for all. This does not suggest however, that Menorca lived peacefully ever after. Political stresses have continued to pull the island back and forth between reigning parties and powers over the years. Aside from this rich history, Menorca is known for bringing us some fun facts and trivia.

For instance, this little section of the world is responsible for sobrassada - a sausage that’s made with paprika. The natives here also brought us gin and Mao cheese among other things like the world-known megalithic stone monuments: navetes, taulas, and talaiots for example. As you can see, Menorca has much to offer the new world traveler or adventurer and it really is to your advantage to experience some of the new and exciting things that the culture of this land has to offer.

In an effort to learn as much as you can during your stay in Menorca, take a crash course in Spanish, the native language of the island. It’s not necessary to become fluent - although that would certainly make things easier for you and the locals that you communicate with. But it’s helpful to learn at least a few phrases that will enable you to get help when needed or to develop a meaningful and educational relationship with the people that you interact with.

You should be comforted in knowing that Spanish is one of the most easiest languages to learn and chances are that you already know a little Spanish if you’re an American. Many words of the English language are derivatives of the Spanish language, so as you learn it, you’ll find that it’s something you can pick up rather quickly.

Of course you could also educate yourself about the island prior to your visit. Learn about Menorca by reading books, learning about its art, literature, and music, its geography, its political history, and more. Viewing photographs will help you associate what you’ve learned from books with the images of the land so that they’ll be easily recognizable once you get there.

At Menorca however, don’t let books dictate how you’ll receive the island. Another way to absorb Menorca’s culture is to just get out and about and interact with people and the events that you find. The two major towns of this island are Ciutadella and Mao. So bring along a camera and really get into the experience so that you can not only enjoy it, but also learn from what the cities of Alaior, Es Castell, Ciutadella, Ferreries, Mahon, Es Mercadal, Es Migjorn Gran, and Sant Lluis have to offer.

Just be sure that if you’ve arrived to the island with a schedule to follow, you can arrange your list of activities so that they grant you ample time to tour significant landmarks, taste the food, visit its religious buildings, and experience it’s landscape. If time allows, rent a car and adventure out on your own or sign up for a tour. Treat the island as if it were your own homeland and experience it to the fullest.

Being so close to Spain, you can take a short trip to the mainland and witness the las fiestas de San Fermin celebrated every July 7th. This unique festival is known as “the release of the bulls” and precedes the exciting bullfights that this country has become famous for. Or you could take in a quick but intense game of futbol (soccer).

The important thing is that you make an effort to learn a new style of living, that you observe how that style of living works for others as well as how it can work for yourself and others you care about, and that you bring what you’ve learned back home. If all goes well, you should return home with a wider perspective and bigger appreciation of how the world really works.

Travel in Menorca by Taxi

Traveling by taxi in Menorca provides an extremely convenient way to move about and “sight-see.” Like traveling by taxi in the United States, minimum charges accompany metered mileage plus a small additional fee for baggage and evening - night - or holiday drives.

Menorca Driving Advice

European Union citizens (18 years or older) must own a national driving license to drive in Menorca, however non-European Union citizens (18 years or older) also need an International Driving Permit as well. Both types of citizens must have car insurance and identification (license, passport, etc.) by law, is required at all times. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers, and travelers under the age of 14 must be seated in the back seat of the vehicle. When driving, remember that driving positions are reversed to American drivers. You must yield to on-coming traffic from junctures and traffic circles. Driving speeds are generally restricted to 30 mph (in urban areas) to 56 mph (on major routes).

Special care should be taken to restrict your driving to the main routes outlined on the most recent maps of this area as other routes may not be appropriate for driving (dirt roads, mountain passes, etc.).

Traveling in Menorca by Car / Car Rental

Because Menorca’s city centers are so popular, you are cautioned to avoid driving in these areas - especially since the narrow roads in these places can accommodate traffic traveling in one direction only. In addition, parked automobiles make driving extremely difficult. Traveling by car rental is best accomplished by following a current map of its roads - which offer views that are nothing short of amazing.

Author Bio
Every Car Hire in association with Auto Europe provides discounted car rental with leading rental companies such as Hertz, Alamo, Budget and Europcar. For information on car hire or car rentals visit Every Car Hire at Car Hire Menorca.

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