Review: Beachfront Balearic beauty Villa Le Blanc

Location: Standing tall on Santo Tomás beach – a sleepy section of Menorca’s south coast – with the beaches of San Adeodato and Binigaus on either side, Villa Le Blanc is well placed for clients seeking easy shore access.

First impressions: Set on a quiet road running adjacent to the beach, with an unassuming facade, Villa Le Blanc doesn’t give much away from the outside. On arrival, the valet service leaps into action as our car approaches; this turns out to be one of the property’s most efficient amenities, with staff parking and fetching our vehicle as and when required. Inside, a scented, light-flooded lobby is decorated with Balearic art, with simple lines, whitewashed stone and curved arches setting the tone for the rest of the resort.

The facts: The 15th property from Meliá Hotels International’s luxury brand Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Villa Le Blanc opened in 2022 and became a member of The Leading Hotels of the World shortly after. Rooms and facilities are arranged in a horseshoe shape around a central pool and courtyard, crafted largely from white marble, wood and Mediterranean clay. A total of 159 rooms and suites span 14 categories; lead-in and lower category rooms are compact and not all have ocean views, but the top options are impressive, with many featuring terrace hot tubs and private pools. Balearic produce is celebrated at the resort’s restaurants, which include all-day, indoor-outdoor venue Nivi and fine-dining eatery S’Amarador. Service is slow but in line with Menorca’s general unhurried pace. As well as the main pool – where Balinese daybeds overlook the sea and waiters roam with complimentary treats – there’s a rooftop pool for adults. Guests will also find a library, 24-hour gym, gallery and wine cellar. Sustainability is surprisingly front and centre: Villa Le Blanc claims to be the Balearics’ first net-zero hotel.