Barceló Nura, Menorca

Pros

• The hotel grounds are huge, with the center providing a relaxed oasis of pools and sun loungers on wooden decks, all maintaining the island vibes. 
• With so many eateries, you get a lot of variety in meals, though the a la carte restaurant is only open for dinner.  
• The rooftop terrace is a great place to hang out in the evening or at sunset, which often hosts live music (though not too late, so you can still sleep soundly). 
• You'll be in a small community, not far from Mahón (less than a 20-minute drive) and near the coast, so viewpoints and beaches are walkable. 
• The spa isn't big, but it's very nice, with a relaxing ambiance offering wooden seating, loungers submerged under the water, jets and cold spouts, a sauna, and showers with options for spray and temperature. 
• Though the property feels a little randomly placed and not a 5-star hotel at the entrance, walking inside feels totally exclusive and posh.  

Cons

• Keep in mind that this is quite a large hotel (128 rooms) that can feel a little busy during the high season. 
• If you book a room with a semi-private pool, you may share the water with your direct neighbor, which feels a little intrusive unless you know them. 
• Rooms with enclosed private pools line the parking lot, taking away from such a posh perk. 

Authenticity

Barceló is a fairly large hotel group, but this location immerses you in Menorca's famed culture of wellness and relaxation. It's a big property, but the grounds feel a bit like an oasis with numerous pools and a spa. 

Location

Set in the quiet coastal village of Biniancolla, you'll be a quick five-minute walk from the rocky coastline and numerous viewpoints, coves, and walking paths. The hotel itself is on a tree-lined street, set back a bit, and fenced in for privacy and exclusivity. If you'd like to explore the area, a popular and picturesque beach, Playa Caló Roig, is a 50-minute walk along Menorca's coastal trail (or a 10-minute drive). The airport and Mahón's charming, historic city center are both just about 20 minutes away by car. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The rooms use colors and textures to mimic Menorca's natural environment, including neutral tones for the land and blues for the sea. All have furnished balconies or terraces, some offering sea views and/or private pools or direct access to smaller, shared pools. Suites add sofas and slightly separated sleeping areas. And all feature air conditioning, desks, coffee makers, bathroom rainfall showerheads, bathrobes, and slippers. 

Other Highlights

With a focus on wellness, you'll find plenty of places to relax at Barceló Nura, including three outdoor swimming pools (in addition to the many private or semi-private pools in the rooms). The spa offers a heated indoor pool with jets and submerged loungers, a sauna, an ice shower, a gym, and a relaxation area. For meals, you'll have your choice of four eateries: a buffet restaurant, an a la carte restaurant, a lobby/pool tapas bar, and a rooftop terrace with drinks, sea views, and live music. To keep it simple, consider one of the all-inclusive packages.