Aparthotel HG Jardin de Menorca

With much of its earth-red facade obscured by various tropical trees and exotic plants, the HG Jardín de Menorca certainly lives up to its name from the start -- a hen with chicks were even pecking around the front patio on our arrival. Its spacious lobby was partially updated in 2016, with a wide swathe of dark polished marble scattered with a mixture of plantation-style wicker seating and more contemporary-looking furniture. Built in 1990, the complex is made up of the main building -- housing reception, dining, and most facilities -- and six accommodation blocks centered around a large pool area. 

The hotel's gardens are a genuine highlight, composed of a lush array of flora that includes mature palms, giant cacti, banana plants, and a plethora of other native and tropical vegetation. Many of the buildings are also clad in bright green and red ivy, and surrounded by lawns and colorful flowers. Balustrade-lined architecture and terraces give the feel of a grand country estate, albeit one that's a little run down in places, with chipped plasterwork and other signs of poor upkeep. Clientele are mostly British couples, and while summer brings some families with kids and low-key animation, the atmosphere is generally very peaceful, with little beyond the occasional crow of a nearby rooster and rustling of palm fronds. 

The hotel is located on a hillside on the edge of the quiet San Jaime Mediterráneo development -- a village of vacation rentals and villas on the south coast of Minorca. There's no tourist attractions within easy walking distance, with the resort center's handful of restaurants, bars, and shops around 20 minutes away on foot. The picturesque Playa Son Bou, the island's longest beach, is around the same distance, though the hotel provides a free shuttle bus roughly every hour. The famous Camí de Cavalls hiking trail also runs right past the hotel. Located halfway up the island's south coast, it's about a 25-minute drive to Minorca's capital, Mahón, and 40 minutes by car to Ciutadella. Ferries are available from both cities to Majorca and to mainland Spain, while Menorca International Airport is just 20 minutes by car. 

The 144 apartment-style rooms are spread over six blocks, each with two wings and between two and four floors (with elevators in taller buildings). There are three room types, all called Junior Suites, sleeping up to four guests and measuring a spacious 650 square feet (60 square meters) though varying according to decor, views, and layout. Standard accommodations are dated, with rattan furniture, gingham fabrics, and tiled floors, plus sleeping areas separated by drapes. Superior rooms, however, were renovated in 2016 with a smart contemporary finish combining parquet floors, simple modern furniture, and a more open-plan layout. All open to furnished balconies or terraces with most offering views of the scenic countryside or pool and gardens, though some are obscured by trees or walls. 

While all units have lounges with TVs, dining tables, and kitchenettes with ranges, fridges, toasters, and cookware, entry-level units are dated (with old-style tube TVs and tired-looking appliances). Updated rooms come with 42-inch flat-screen TVs and more modern kitchen equipment. In-room Wi-Fi is charged per device, though the signal is generally strong. Older bathrooms shows signs of age, with shower/tub combos with flimsy curtains, while renovated bathrooms have walk-in showers; all come with wall-mounted hairdryers and decent sets of toiletries, though there have been complaints about inconsistent water temperature. 

There's no shortage of leisure facilities at the HG Jardín de Menorca, though the same can't be said of the dining. The centerpiece of the hotel is a large pool complex with three sections: a deep pool for swimming, a shallow splash pool for kids, and one of medium depth where water-based activities take place. The sunny surrounding lawns are scattered with plentiful loungers, but many are non-reclinable and uncomfortable. There's also an indoor pool (though not heated) and a poolside whirlpool tub, though it all feels a little gloomy. Downstairs from here is a indoor basketball court, squash court, and gym, with shabby, outdated equipment. An impressive kids' club caters for four- to 12-year-olds, with supervised activities, ball-pit, bouncy castle, and mini-discos. Low-key adult-oriented activities include morning stretching and aquagym. 

Breakfast and dinner are served buffet-style in the main dining room, which has windows overlooking the countryside and an alfresco terrace with sea views. Breakfast features a varied selection of pre-cooked dishes, fresh fruit, cereals, yogurt, cold meats, cheeses, breads, and pastries, plus a live cooking station offering freshly made eggs. Dinner has received mixed reviews, though mostly positive. Lunch is served from an a la carte menu at the reasonably priced poolside bar. Evening entertainment is mixture of professional shows and activities organized by the animation team. There's also a supermarket on-site for groceries, plenty of free parking, and bike rental. A new restaurant and other renovations are planned for 2018.