Carema Club Resort

The Carema Club Resort is essentially the slightly more upmarket half of the sprawling but attractive Carema apartment complex (the other half being the Carema Garden Village, with all facilities shared between the two). The Club Resort side of the property comprises a collection of charming Menorcan-style buildings spread over a fairly steep hilltop. Rounded whitewashed architecture is topped with traditional terra-cotta tiling, while ochre-red footpaths and stairways meander between blocks of two- and three-story accommodations. The elevated position makes for some superb views over the surrounding scenic countryside and picturesque bay, though lots of steps and steep ramps make it unsuitable for travelers with limited mobility.

The neatly-tended grounds are dotted with mature palms, giant cacti, and the occasional ancient olive tree, adding to the charming, rural feel (with the illusion broken somewhat by the adjoining waterpark). The lively, resort-style complex attracts mostly families with kids, with a healthy mix of British, French, Italian, and Spanish guests over the summer season. Either side they're occasionally joined by various vacationing groups -- for example a touring motorcycle club were also staying during our visit. 

The property is part of the larger development of Mediterranean-village style buildings scattered over the hillside overlooking a pretty bay halfway along the north coast of Menorca. Visitors have direct access to a small beach, and then a steep walkway connects to the much larger Cala Tirada -- an unspoiled stretch of sandy beach with calm, child-friendly water. There's not much else in the surrounding area aside from a supermarket and a couple of restaurants, though there is a small beach club within walking distance. A 15-minute drive away is the El Toro mount, the highest point on the island offering spectacular panoramic views. It's about a 30-minute drive to the capital, Mahón, which is great for day trips, while the airport takes about the same time. 

The 193 one- and two-bedroom air-conditioned apartments are spread over a dozen blocks, and most were at least partially updated in 2015, with knotty-pine furniture either painted white or swapped out for more modern IKEA-style furnishings. In some units, tiled floors have been replaced with quality wood-effect flooring and beachscape artworks adorning the walls. Standard-level apartments, however, were awaiting renovation as of our 2017 visit, and feel dated and tired; these also tend to be located at the edge of the complex, so away from hotel facilities. 

Starting at roughly 355 square feet (33 square meters) one-bedroom apartments can feel small with more than two occupants. All, however, open to furnished terraces or balconies, many with with lovely views over the bay. Some guests have reported that balcony doors don't always lock properly. 

Living areas all come with sofa beds, dining furniture, and kitchenettes with fridges, electric ranges, kettles, microwaves, and cookware. TVs are 32-inch flat-screens as standard, though with very limited English-speaking channels. Wi-Fi is free of charge and the signal was good during our stay, though can be spotty in more remote blocks. We also found beds to be firm but comfortable, however bathrooms were in need of an update, with scruffy grouting, soap dispensers, and flimsy plastic cups; all come with shower/tub combos and small wall-mounted hairdryers. Safes are available, though for a fee. 

The complex certainly has more than enough leisure and dining facilities to keep most vacationers happy. The main Vistamar restaurant is a bright and modern buffet-style eatery, serving meals three times a day with an alfresco sea-view terrace. Breakfast is a good spread of pre-cooked eggs, bacon, and sausage, cooked-to-order eggs and pancakes, and a decent selection of fresh fruit, pastries, cereals, and bread. Juice and coffee is served via machines. Dinner features regular themes including Italian, Spanish, and Cuban, plus there's a buffet corner for kids. Two other restaurants are the Mediterranean-leaning Marlet Playa (which also serves a late breakfast) and the Marlet Grill, both with set and a la carte menus. Most agree food quality is generally very good. All types of plans are available, from lodging-only to all-inclusive. 

The Carema Club Resort's main swimming pool is large and freeform, with a separate kids' section and loungers in abundance. Most of the hotel's animation program takes place poolside, so it can get noisy. There's a second quieter pool in the Garden Village section of the property, however. A great bonus for children of all ages is free access to the hotel's own waterpark, pirate-themed with six separate waterslides; it's also open to the public for an entry charge. Two kids' club open for ages between four and 12, with bouncy castles and playground. An on-site watersports center also offers scuba diving, sea kayaking, and windsurfing. Evenings involve regular mini-discos for the kids and dancing and shows on the outdoor stage for adults. Other facilities include Wi-Fi throughout and on-site parking, both free of charge, plus there's coin-operated laundry and bike rentals. Travelers with limited mobility should be aware that the resort doesn't have elevators, and stairs are required for accessing much of the property.