BINIARROCA HOTEL

Rustic boutique retreat set amid cascading bougainvillea

LASHINGS OF RUSTIC CHARM and flower-shaded bowers make Biniarroca a big favourite with honeymooners. Once a tumbledown farmhouse in the midst of the Menorcan countryside, this pretty boutique retreat is tailor-made for unwinding.

Rambling roses, leafy lavender and cascading bougainvillea intertwine with rustic stonework and neo-classical statues to create a lush garden setting.

With two gorgeous tiled pools set in the gardens (definite shades of the Italian Riviera here), deciding where to stretch out on your sunlounger is one of life’s toughest decisions at Biniarroca. There’s a Roman-style pool with its own terrace bar, and a more intimate smaller pool set in flower-filled surrounds. This is a tranquil oasis made for lazy and indulgent days. 

Twinkling lights

Biniarroca is a picture at night, when candles twinkle above the pool’s shimmering water. Have a nightcap or a poolside lunch in the Bar Renoir surrounded by scented flowering shrubs.
 
Inside, it’s a bit like walking into a post Impressionist painting. Team up the talents of a landscape artist and a fashion designer, and you have interiors that are as winsome as the gardens outside. Biniarroca is filled with art and antiques, and walls are adorned with many of owner Lindsay Mullen’s own paintings. She and her partner spent five years transforming this once dilapidated farmhouse into a rustic gem.

Biniarroca’s 18 comfortable and beautifully presented rooms – all different – reflect the owners’ eclectic tastes. Expect wrought iron or hand carved mahogany bedsteads, huge oil paintings, richly draped fabrics or hand-crocheted bedcovers. Some have painted four posters, while others open onto private terraces.

Classic doubles are located in the main house, while the grander Garden rooms enjoy bigger beds and private terraces. Cool white walls and tiled floors complement the toasty Menorcan summers. You can also relax in the spacious lounge with its bookshelves, internet, TV and DVD player. 

Dining is a high point at Biniarroca, and the restaurant has won plaudits far and wide. Dine on the rose garden terrace (or privately in the garden gazebo) on classic dishes with a Mediterranean twist, all prepared by an enthusiastic team of young chefs using mainly local fish and seafood. 

Too much of the good life? Book a massage under the shady pergola or one of a range of holistic feelgood treatments.

Biniarroca was reviewed by Room for Romance

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
Candles, soft music and the rose-scented gardens make dining at Biniarroca a special – and sophisticated – experience. Fresh local ingredients (with veggies home grown in the garden).

Try freshly caught fish and seafood, or maybe the five-course Biniarroca tasting menu. Look forward to home made cakes, fresh fruit and local cheeses for breakfast, with home baked quiches and crisp salads at lunchtime. Don’t miss afternoon tea, either.


Dining out
Menorca’s maritime capital Mahon is home to heaps of great restaurants. Local dishes to try include caldereta de llagosta – rich lobster stew – and plenty of seafood.

One of the best seafood restaurants around is Cap Roig in Sa Mesquida and for great local tapas check out La Rueda in San Luis. In Mahon itself, you've plenty of places to choose from, but you wont go far wrong if you pay a visit to San Espigo

See & Do
Laze on one of the island’s white sand beaches, or hit one of the coastal walking trails. Climb Monte Toro for views across the island if you’re feeling seriously energetic – or simply drive if you just want the view.

Visit to Ciutadella, Menorca’s original capital, for its medieval buildings, pretty squares and a lively harbour. At night head into Mahon and try some of its scores of bars and restaurants.

Shop
From designer bikinis to local cheeses, Mahon has plenty to keep your wallet busy. You can always browse the Bini Boutique for mementoes of your stay, or buy one of the artworks on display created by the owner herself.

Spa
Biniarroca’s holistic therapist offers a range of relaxing feelgood treatments. Most happen poolside under the pergola – a heavenly setting. Choose from Indonesian and Swedish massage using blended tisserand oils reflexology, Hopi ear candles, waxing or a facial.

After dark
Sip a pre-dinner cocktail at Bar Renoir, then head off later to the buzzy town of Mahon for people watching, clubbing or a moonlit walk along the beach.

Dates
August
Watch feats of horsemanship from riders in traditional dress at the San Luis Festival. Market stalls, parades and fireworks add to the fun.

September
The Fiesta of Vermar celebrates the grape harvest with parades, processions and plenty of vino.

GETTING THERE

Location
Cami Vell, Sant Luis, Menorca 07710

Parking
There is free guest parking.

Trains
There are no trains on Menorca.

Taxis
Around EUR 14 from the airport.

Airport
Menorca Mahon, 5km.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
EUR125-375

Open/closed
Closed December – March

Check-in
3pm

Check-out
Midday

Minimum night stay?
No

Breakfast
Breakfast featuring homemade pastries, local cheeses and fresh fruit is served until 10:30am.

Room service
Available at all times.

Children
No under-16s.

Pets
No

Air conditioning
All rooms are air conditioned.

Languages
Spanish, Catalan, English, French, German and Italian.

Wedding license?
Yes. Ceremonies and receptions for up to 60 guests can be held here.

Eco conscience
Recycling and water saving are king here.

Coming soon
Some new garden park walks are on their way.

Your contact
Lindsay Mullen – Owner