White-washed, rustic wine-producing finca on the south coast of Menorca

Torralbenc / Cala en Porter / Menorca / Spain

The countryside of the Balearic island of Menorca is so rugged. It comparing with the other two main islands, Mallorca and Ibiza, Menorca feels less perfect, less cookie cutter. If they were animals, the other two would be some kind of dog while Menorca feels like a cat, observing you from a distance with some minor suspicion, deciding whether or not to approach you. And I love this! I don’t know why I like places where you have to work a little to find your feet and build a relationship. It is like with LA. Or Iceland.

This hotel, Torralbenc, is located on the southwestern part of the island, a short drive from the capital Mahón, where the airport is located. The hotel is an agroturismo with a focus on wine. My kind of hotel, in other words. It is sitting among rows and rows of windswept vines. The white washed buildings date back to the 19th and 20th century and are framed by rugged stone walls that have been dug out of the land. The rough stones, the white buildings and the green vines make for a perfect trio of impressions.

The story of Torralbenc the hotel, started back in 2005 when the farm was acquired. It had been neglected for years so the project of turning into a boutique hotel took years. It wasn’t until 2013 that the luxury agroturismo opened its doors. This 27-key hotel has 6 different types of accommodation to choose from, depending on your budget and taste.

And even though it is very tempting to just lay by the pool, sipping wine all day, you would miss out on so much if you did. Menorca, even though it is fairly small, has so much to offer when it comes to nature, and especially beaches. More or less all around the island there are these small coves with crystal clear water, perfect for a dip. Before it is time to return back to that sun lounger by the pool and that glass of wine that has your name on it.

I love when you get a welcome drink upon arrival.

A real nice treat, that there is a scented candle waiting in your room to use during your stay and to bring back home.

Love that they have infused some color in the design. It is a great contrast to the white-rendered walls.

At the far end of the farm there is a large outdoor pool.

Right next to the pool. there is a fully equipped gym.

M heading to the restaurant for breakfast.

There are some beautiful beaches on the island. M is walking along the water on Son Saura beach.

Found this little cove in Cala des Talaier. A great little spot for a dip.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…are a food and wine focused traveller, who likes rural settings and staying at a working vineyard. If this sounds like your thing, you will enjoy staying at Torralbenc.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the service. For example, when we stayed here there was a power outage, and it was interesting to see how they showed up, almost making it into an event, keeping spirits high.

What not to miss when staying here…

…is the beaches. There are so many stunning sandy beaches and coves dotted around, especially the south coast of the island.

If you like this hotel you might also like:

Dexamenes / Kourota, Peloponnese, Greece

Masseria Cimino / Fasano, Puglia, Italy

Can Marti / Ibiza, Spain