Tramontana Park

This property makes a good first impression, with a bright reception area that has huge picture windows showcasing fabulous sea-view panoramas. Tramontana Park is comprised of a compact collection of three- and four-floor buildings integrated into the sloping landscape and centered around a swimming pool terrace. Although it was built in the 80s (like much of the surrounding development) its architecture recollects a traditional Minorcan village. Buildings have whitewashed facades with softly rounded corners, dotted with wood-slat shuttered windows and topped with terra-cotta tile roofs. The effect is charming and secluded, though we noticed numerous signs of wear during our visit. Half of the complex looks out to a dry riverbed, while the other has a lovely expanse of lawn with loungers overlooking the sea. There's no animation program and limited low-key entertainment, and the atmosphere is tranquil and relaxing -- perhaps a little too much for some tastes. The hotel attracts couples throughout the year and families in summer, and clientele tend to be British, with some German, Italian, and Spanish guests here too. 

Tramontana Park is among a larger development of Mediterranean-village style buildings set on a clifftop, located halfway along the north coast of Minorca. While the property overlooks a small rocky cove, the closest beach is Cala Tirant -- an unspoiled stretch of sand with calm, child-friendly water, about a 10-minute walk away. There's not much else in the surrounding area aside from a couple of restaurants and small beach club just around the corner. It's a 15-minute drive to El Toro mount -- the highest point on the island -- which offers spectacular views. It's roughly a 30-minute drive to the capital, Mahon, which makes a great day trip, and driving to the airport takes about the same amount of time. 

Tramontana Park has 86 apartments that range from one- to three-bedroom units, and come in standard and superior models. Starting at around 410 square feet (38 square meters) apartments are more spacious than most, with furnished balconies or terraces. Roughly half have some kind of sea views, with some top-floor units featuring huge panoramic rooftop terraces. Some complain, however, that lower-level apartments are musty and dark, overlooking little more than a dried up river. A few rooms are located in a small annex looking straight out over the grassy clifftop.

Standard apartments are rustic in style, with old-fashioned knotty pine furniture, terra-cotta tile floors, and feel generally dated and in need of a revamp; they also lack air-conditioning. Superior units have been spruced up, though not dramatically, with more contemporary fabrics and artworks, and they come with AC. Other differences include larger flat-screen TVs (40-inch over 18-inch) and more up-to-date kitchen facilities; though all come with cooktops, fridges, microwaves, toasters, kettles, and cookware. Wi-Fi is available though for a fee, and the signal isn't great; TV channels are also very limited. Bathrooms are divided between dated and tired in standard-level units (all with shower/tub combos) and superior renovated versions (some with walk-in showers); all have wall-mounted hairdryers and basic toiletries.

Both leisure and dining facilities at the Tramuntana Park are limited, to say the least. The swimming pool is a decent enough size relative to the complex and is surrounded by loungers, though it is prone to shade in the morning and late afternoon. More loungers can be found on the grassy area overlooking the sea, where there's also a "chill-out" area and some superb views -- though it can also get a little windy. More lovely views can be enjoyed from the upper-level terrace, which has plenty of seating and a great spot to watch the sunset. There's a small bar with free Wi-Fi, which opens in the evening during summer and has a small stage for occasional live music.

There's one bar-restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a limited buffet of hot and cold items available for a fee. We found that while the quality was decent enough, variety was poor and dishes weren't labeled, and there's no live cooking or a la carte options. A weekly barbecue is offered on the upper terrace during busier months. The only health or sports facilities are a few exercise machines in the small fitness room. With lots of steps and no elevators or even ramps, the hotel isn't ideal for travelers with limited mobility or for families with strollers.