insider

Menorca, by a world traveler

Blanca P. is an NYC resident with a ceaseless passion for design, fashion, food, art, and most of all, travel. She channels her creative side into her Instagram page, which is dedicated to her jet-setting and eye for aesthetics.

Blanca lives for travel and adventure, and she prides herself on being a citizen of the world. When she’s creating unique travel experiences for herself and others, Blanca’s love of art, culture, fashion, and food always finds its way into her planning. When she travels, she strives for an all-encompassing experience – one that’s not just about where she is, but also where she’s staying, what she’s eating and drinking, and whom she is interacting with.

Blanca has fallen in love with many destinations around the world, one of which is Menorca. Read on for her insider tips on food, accommodation, nightlife, and more. 

What are your favorite hotels in Menorca?

Hotel Torralbenc is the best hotel on the island. If you’re planning on relaxing the whole time and not leaving your hotel, this is the perfect place for you! It’s virtually impossible not to take highly instagrammable photos here. And there is also a spa and a vineyard onsite that are worth a visit.

Tip: Even if you don’t plan on staying here, you can book a reservation for lunch or dinner. The food is great, but the ambiance, interiors, and views are even better!

Hotel Sa Barrera is the best place to stay if you’re planning to explore the island (this one is all about the location). Only a 5-10 minute walk from Cova d’en Xoroi and Cala’n Porter, this place also has amazing views (best enjoyed with breakfast), and it’s only a 15-minute drive from Hotel Torralbenc.

Eat & Drink

Where are your go-to spots to eat & drink in Menorca?

Breakfast: I typically have breakfast at the hotel since it’s usually included with my stay. I like to keep it light, that way I can indulge more for lunch and dinner. All you really need is a good cup of coffee and a view! 

Lunch: Ivette is not only beautiful (think all white interior, architectural details, and spectacular views of the blue Mediterranean sea), but it also provides direct access to Cala Morell! Try to get there early, though – it’s first come, first serve. 

Dinner: The restaurant in Hotel Torralbenc is the best, though more so for the ambiance than the food (the portions are a bit small, but the food is good and the presentation is stunning!). The restaurant is also outdoors, with views of the vineyard, garden, and pool. The vibe is calm and very relaxing – perfect for an intimate, romantic date night or a solo dinner under the stars. 

Tip: It’s quite popular, so I recommend making a reservation.

What do you order? 

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with Spanish cuisine! My favorites are: paella, fabada, pulpo, boquerones, melon con jamon, and patatas bravas – to name a few. The seafood in Menorca is also so fresh – it’s a must for every meal! 

Workout

What’s your workout of choice here?

The hikes to the Calas are well worth it! Stunning views and a great workout. Just don’t forget to bring water and to wear the right shoes. 

A swim or dip in the sea is also a must – it’s the most refreshing. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are also lots of caves you can swim to and explore.

Party/Nightlife

What’s your idea of a great night out in Menorca?

A party in a cave… literally. Cova d’en Xoroi is the best club/bar in all of Menorca, and it’s got the best views of the Mediterranean! Arrive as the sun is setting and stay through the night.

Here you can find me sipping cava at sunset hour with one of my best friends, catching up on life and soaking in the unobstructed views of the Mediterranean. Then it’s time to dance, drink, take photos, meet someone (or maybe a few someones) new, and brush up on my Español. 

Cova D'en Xoroi Menorca
Cova D’en Xoroi Menorca

What’s the dress code?

I’m wearing either a dress from Alexis or a flowy top from Caroline Constas with Agolde denim shorts and lace-up sandals. 

Postcard

If there’s one shot that sums up Menorca, what is it?

Cala Macarelleta – take a picture on the cliff!

Cala Macarelleta Menorca
Cala Macarelleta

Tips & Extras

What’s the one piece of essential info you need to know when planning a trip to Menorca? 

Go to the Calas! Cala Macarella and Macarelleta are my favorites. It’s quite a hike (literally!) and you might need a car, too, if your hotel isn’t close by, but it’s definitely worth the trip. I promise, you will have the best swim (or dip) of your life! And be sure to take lots of pictures (very Instagram worthy, no filter needed). 

Also, travel with someone who can drive and rent a car. And wake up and get on the road early – the Calas get packed quickly!

What’s the tip you tell everyone? 

Travel light, especially in Europe. I usually travel with just a carry-on – it’s doable, I promise!

For more from Blanca, check out her Insider Profile and follower her on IG.

Libby Rasmussen – Marketing Director, Content Creator, & Disco Dealer

Libby Rasmussen has a way of making a statement wherever she goes. She’s known for her iconic fashion sense that effortlessly captures her radiant, colorful nature, both literally and figuratively! Believe us when we say her Instagram feed speaks for itself (@libbylivingcolorfully). Libby was born and raised in America’s Dairyland – Oshkosh, Wisconsin. (Yes, this is also where bib overalls come from!)

Libby is the founder and owner of Living Colorfully Media, Inc., a boutique social media and marketing firm headquartered in D.C. More recently, she’s also earned the reputation as “D.C.’s Disco Dealer,” since establishing a disco ball business from her apartment during the pandemic. She was even featured in the New York Times for giving disco balls a second life after the 70’s! What better way to add some sparkle to your day-to-day? 

When Libby isn’t exuding iridescence or strategizing social media campaigns, she’s adventuring the world in style. Check out our Q&A below for her travel insight!

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

Complimentary slippers! I’m not a germaphobe, but walking around on hotel floors (typically carpets) in shoes then bare feet seriously grosses me out. It’s a major bonus if slippers are included. 

Do you have any favorite travel hacks?

I love to ship my outfits directly to my destination using Rent the Runway. This allows me to pack light for my trip but still have everything I need. When I’m ready to fly home, I simply ship everything back. I love it! 

If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world at baggage claim, who would it be?

Aureta every time. Her iconic style is truly one of a kind! She’s quite literally always on vacation and her ‘fits are unmatched.

Do you have any tips or tricks for beating the dreaded jetlag?

I highly recommend acquiring compression socks for the flight, hydrating with electrolyte packets, and doing a WTHN detox. I swear by this stuff! 

Also, don’t forget to stretch. Thank me later. 

Best travel advice you’ve ever received, and from whom?

Mother knows best. She taught me that no matter how lame it might feel, taking a quick bus tour when you arrive in a new city is key! Doing this will quickly help you get your bearings down and you’ll even learn a handful of fun history facts. Just do it –it’s definitely worthwhile. 

For more from Libby, check out her Chicago Guide and follow her on IG (@libbylivingcolorfully).

Erika Kwee – Food Blogger & Content Creator

You may know Erika Kwee from The Pancake Princess (IG: @thepancakeprincess) –  her colorful, mouthwatering “bake off blog” that compares popular baking recipes side-by-side to help readers and aspiring bakers find recipes that are just right for their tastes and skill levels. Erika is also a travel enthusiast – she’s spent four months living in Barcelona and traveled Australia, Thailand, Portugal, and the list goes on. 

After growing up in San Mateo, California, Erika moved southeast to Houston to attend Rice University, where she majored in English. Shortly after graduating, she started The Pancake Princess. The blog started as a fun, post-grad side hobby and has been going strong ever since. 

Erika’s time in Houston ended up lasting 13 years, during which she worked in corporate communications, attended business school, and took a position in product management. Living in Houston made it easy for her to make semi-regular trips down to Mexico—she visited Mexico City (several times), Cabo, Monterrey, and attended a surf camp in Puerto Vallarta.

When she finally got the itch to relocate in 2022, it was to New York City, where she now resides and works in product marketing as a full-time gig. Her location may have changed, but her priorities have not, and Erika still loves food, travel, and the two combined. 

Read on for a little bit more about Erika’s travel style. 

For more from Erika, check out her Barcelona guide and follow her on IG @thepancakeprincess

What do you always bring with you in your carry on?

A toothbrush, toothpaste, chargers and a snack!

If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world at baggage claim, who would it be?

Maybe Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere. She seems to curate her travel outfits in a way that I can’t even begin to emulate. I often can’t be bothered to put together cute travel outfits—but I love her style!

Got any secrets for beating the dreaded jetlag?

Honestly, if I arrive early, or at midday, and feel extremely groggy, I like to go for a 30-60 minute nap. As long as I can make myself get up and go out once the alarm sounds, I find a solid nap usually gets me through the rest of the day.

If you’re feeling like a digital detox, where would you go to get off the grid?

Around Nayarit or Sayulita, Mexico. It’s so incredibly beautiful there and feels very different from the typical Mexican beach experience. There’s great surfing for beginners to advanced, beautiful beaches and water excursions, cute boutique hotels, and lots of little local restaurants and markets to explore.

Photo via GQ

Rapid Fire

Beach or city or mountain?

Love a mix of beach and city!

Solo or with someone else?

I love to travel with friends or a partner, but solo travel is life-changing! I traveled solo through Australia and Thailand and would highly recommend. Traveling on my own really forced me outside of my comfort zone, and I met so many interesting people along the way that I otherwise would not have.

Lost luggage or lost phone?

Ugh, lost luggage if I had to choose.

Airplane food – Y/N?

Generally no. I like to bring local snacks with me when possible!

Fantasy minibar/fridge item?

Mini pints of Caffe Panna would be absolutely irresistible.

Early check-in / late check-out?

Early check-in.

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