Sol Beach House Menorca

The first thing that hits you upon entering the Sol Beach House Menorca is the hotel's delicious signature scent that interweaves warm vanilla with notes of melon. Chill-out music also helps set the vacation vibe from the start. The lobby is bright and uncluttered, with wicker seating, cheerful fabrics, and wood-veneer flooring typical of the Melia chain's beach house-themed brand of properties. Opened back in 1969 and formerly just the Sol Menorca, the hotel underwent a total revamp in 2015 to be reborn as this attractive, upscale, and adult-only (no guests below 16) property. Millennial chic is the overriding aesthetic throughout, kitted out with plenty of lime-washed wood, upcycled-style furnishings, and numerous signs bearing upbeat and inspiring quotations. Friendly staff are dressed in casual attire -- by Barcelona clothing label Desigual -- adding to the informal, unbuttoned atmosphere. This relatively low-rise hotel is also built in an open U-shape with spacious decked terraces overlooking lawned gardens dotted with Tiki parasols, and the beautiful turquoise sea just beyond. Although the concept is aimed at younger couples, lots of repeat customers from the hotel's previous incarnation makes for a mix of all ages. 

This hotel is built on a low, promontory in the small village of Santo Tomas -- a purpose-built though laid-back resort area comprising a handful of hotels, a few dozen holiday homes, and two unspoiled beaches. The Sol Beach House sits right between these two stretches of sand, and there are several eateries within a short stroll, though most nightlife is subdued and hotel-based. Guests have direct access to a seafront promenade that runs the full length of the resort and takes just 15 minutes from one end to the other. Located halfway up the island's south coast, the property is about a 30-minute drive to Minorca's capital, Mahón, and 35 minutes by car to the island's other city Ciutadella. Ferries are available to both Majorca and mainland Spain, while Menorca International Airport is just 25 minutes by car.

The resort's  171 guest rooms were all updated as part of the 2015 revamp. They continue the beach-house theme, with wood-veneer floors, color-wash furniture, and cheerful splashes of turquoise. Colorful cushions and seating, by Barcelona brand Desigual, are designed to look like deckchairs. While all were updated, some rooms lack a little polish. Entry-level rooms lack outdoor space and look out towards the road, though most open to balconies or terraces with at least lateral sea views. Rooms in the highest categories feature glorious sea-view panoramas from corner balconies with loungers or deckchairs.

The solid lineup of in-room amenities include flat-screen TVs measuring 32- or 42-inches (with limited English-speaking channels), mini-fridges that are stocked on request, and electronic safes. In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge, though many report a poor signal and intermittent connection. Premium Rooms add his and hers robes, Nespresso machines, larger beds, and free (soft drink) minibars on arrival. Bathrooms were all renewed in 2015, with mosaic tiling, walk-in rainfall showers, and wall-mounted toiletries and hairdryers. While the hotel is generally quiet, sound insulation between rooms could be improved. 

As a laid-back, adults-only hotel, facilities tend to focus on relaxation over activities. Most meals take place at the open-sided buffet restaurant, which is decked out in a country-kitchen-meets-market style, with an open kitchen and lovely sea-view terrace. Breakfast is a highlight (and always included) with freshly made omelets, drop scones, coffee machines, and bottles of chilled Cava. An optional half-board rate includes buffet dinners with live cooking, though some feel quality slips a little. For lunch there's the Beach Shack offering an a la carte menu of snacks and light meals. Room service is available when the kitchen is open (dependent on season).

The main and only pool is large enough for a decent swim, and surrounded by plentiful loungers and parasols. There's also six canopied Bali beds with sea (and sunset) views and waiter service, though they must be reserved for a fee. Keeping things quiet, there's no animation program and evening entertainment is low-key, though the hotel does offer up the likes of yoga and pilates classes. While there is a modern gym, disappointingly for a hotel of this level, there are no spa or sports facilities. On-site parking is also available but for a fee. Wi-Fi throughout is free, though the signal isn't the most consistent. There's also some coin-operated laundry facilities on the grounds.