Mediterranean Spain Luxury Getaway: Menorca & Barcelona - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Menorca, Visit Cova d'en Xoroi

Welcome to Spain! Touchdown on Menorca, the most peaceful of the Balearic Islands, which is now protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The island's rolling rural interior is dotted with prehistoric monuments, while its 134 miles (216 km) of coveted coastline features pristine white beaches and golden coves. 

Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and head straight to your heritage hotel, Santa Ponsa. This 17th-century former palace lies on 247 acres (100 ha) of land, including Moorish terraced gardens filled with flowers, palms, and citrus trees. Check into your luxurious room with wood-beamed ceilings and botanical artwork, complete with a modern egg bathtub and private terrace, then take a dip in the infinity pool. 

After settling in, drive to the enchanting Cova d'en Xoroi, a bar set on a cliffside cove in Cala en Porter on Menorca's south coast. Relax on the terrace and soak up never-ending views of the Mediterranean Sea from the 100-foot-high (30 m) cliff, sipping a cocktail as the sun sets. Feel the sea breeze on your skin and listen to the gentle waves crashing against the rocks, then dance the night away to live music under starry skies.

Day 2: Menorca Sailing Experience

Hit the high seas this morning with a private sailing experience. Board your chic catamaran to sail around Menorca, discovering its best beaches and hidden coves. Sail across the North Minorcan Marine Reserve, a protected 12,847-acre (5,199 ha) stretch of sea where fishing is strictly controlled. The area is a biodiverse wonderland home to species such as lobster, hammerhead sharks, over 600 seaweed varieties, rays, squid, and starfish. 

Drop anchor in secluded coves to plunge into the deep turquoise waters, swimming and snorkeling among colorful sea creatures. Take a paddleboard for a spin and enjoy lavish drinks and snacks on board. Afterward, sail back to shore for some beach time or return to your hotel for a chilled afternoon. Visit Santa Ponsa's decadent spa, housed in a former cistern, for a massage, sauna, and Nordic baths, then dine on fine Catalan cuisine at the on-site restaurant, Nura.

Day 3: Menorcan Cooking Workshop & Sunset Jeep Safari

Get a taste of the Balearics today with a one-on-one cooking class. Head half an hour west to the historic coastal town of Ciutadella de Menorca, where you'll meet your chef in their home. Don an apron and learn how to cook typical local dishes step-by-step. While you cook, you'll sip Menorcan wines and snack on cheese and artisanal cold-cured meats. At the end of the class, sit down and feast on your creations. 

This afternoon, embark upon a private Jeep safari tour of the island. Bump across the countryside with the rooftop down for superb views, stopping at age-old quarries, gullies, watermills, and archaeological ruins. Your guide will lead you on twisting rural paths to scenic clifftops with views of the rugged coastline and sparkling sea. Visit farms to learn about Menorca's gastronomy and shop for local products like creamy cheeses. 

As the sun moves down to the horizon, you'll make your way to a farm along Menorca's northern coast, sitting between fragrant forests and cliffs overlooking the sea. Surrounded by nature and the setting sun, you'll enjoy live music and a picnic of traditional Menorcan delicacies. Savor this special moment with music accompanying the glorious sunset.

Day 4: Explore Menorca's Beaches

Relish a dose of sun, sea, and sand today on one of Menorca's top beaches. Remote Cala Pregonda lies in the north of the island, offering powdery sands perfect for basking. A series of craggy islets sit just offshore, and you can snorkel among mirror-clear waters that form part of the island's marine reserve. If you're feeling active, hike 30 minutes to lesser-visited Cala Pilar, also in the north, following a rugged track to a stretch of wild honey-hued sand.

On the east coast, you'll find Cala Presili, a sun-drenched strip of sugary sand. Wander to the candy-striped Favàritx Lighthouse and cool off in the topaz waters. Venture to the south coast for Cala en Turqueta, which is popular for its pine tree-backed sands and tranquil waters ideal for bathing. To avoid the crowds, make a detour to the bay of Cala Escorxada, which you can reach by water taxi or coastal hike.

Day 5: Fly to Barcelona, Gaudí Architecture Walking Tour

Say goodbye to island life this morning as you drop off your rental car and fly an hour northwest to Barcelona, the thriving capital of Catalonia. This seaside metropolis is famed for its astounding blend of Gothic and modern architecture, epitomized by the Catalan modernist work of Antoni Gaudí. Barcelona is also beloved for its world-class food and nightlife scene, buzzing markets, and lively beaches.

A driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel, Alma Barcelona, just off the swanky boulevard of Passeig de Gràcia. Check into your 5-star room, which offers a sanctuary from hectic city life with classic-yet-contemporary design. Be sure to try the sauna, steam room, and indoor pool, then head to the rooftop sun deck, where views of Barcelona's skyline await.

Delve into Barcelona's architectural heritage this afternoon with a private walking tour of Antoni Gaudí's work, led by an architect guide. Highlights include Passeig de Gràcia, where you'll admire the stone-quarry-style apartment building Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, a modernist masterpiece that locals have christened "House of Bones" for its skeletal design.

End with a visit to Gaudí's iconic La Sagrada Família, Barcelona's most visually impressive church. Construction of this Gothic/Art Nouveau basilica began in 1882 but technically remains unfinished to this day. Hear about its history and elaborate design from your guide, who'll point out ornamental spires, sculptures, and stained-glass windows.

Day 6: Penedès Winery Tour & Tasting

Head an hour west into the Catalonian countryside today to lush Penedès, one of Spain's most famous wine regions. Set between the sea and mountains, the soil here is rich and fertile, producing 90% of the country's cava. Explore this vineyard-grooved region, one of Europe's most ancient viticulture areas, with an expert winemaker.

You'll start by privately touring one of Penedès' elegant vineyards, learning about the entire production process, from vine to wine. Stroll through vineyards, stopping to visit the pretty Romanesque church of San Juan Salem, then taste four varieties of wine with gourmet snacks.

Next, continue to another historical winery, where you'll learn specifically about cava. You'll have an exclusive opportunity to enter the capella (underground caves) where bottles are stored, then tour the barrel rooms and production plant. Finish by sampling four types of Gran Reserva cava paired with tapas before returning to Barcelona for one last night in the show-stopping city.

Day 7: Ancient Bath Experience, Depart Barcelona

Today, your luxury Spanish adventure comes to an end. Before you leave, indulge in a pamper session at the Aire Ancient Baths, inspired by Roman, Greek, and Ottoman bathing traditions. You'll enjoy the "Ultimate Blossom Experience," which begins with a water circuit where you'll soak in hot pools and relax on heated marble beds in the aromatherapy room. Finally, have a Himalayan pink salt and kukui oil body scrub, followed by a white-clay mask and a soothing head massage. 

Fully refreshed, take a private car to the airport this afternoon in time for your homebound flight. Safe travels!

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