You know a hotel is taking its luxury status seriously when it has a signature scent: a fragrance that permeates every element, from the gardens to the indulgent bath products, instantly informing your subconscious that you’ve arrived somewhere special. At Torralbenc, it’s lavender and rosemary. They speak of calm and relaxation, of deep slumbers and unending romance (rosemary is traditionally present at weddings) - the embodiment of this restorative rural retreat.
Hidden in the pastures of the Balearics' sleepiest island, Torralbenc was a traditional Menorcan farmhouse until 2013, when it was reborn with 27 suites, an excellent restaurant and a sea-view spa. Superb attention to detail is evident throughout, from the single sheets of stone that clad the showers to the super-kingsize four-poster beds. The flawless pool invites leisurely paddles; the deck-chaired private terraces, lazy breakfasts. If you must venture out, the sheer beauty (and fun) of the cliffside Cova d'en Xoroi bar is unforgettable.
Highs
- Menorca has some of the best beaches in Spain, and most of Torralbenc’s elegant suites gaze towards their turquoise waters
- The restaurant and wine list is outstanding (and the team really know their onions)
- A tempting spa and sleek infinity pool - perfect for R&R. The Torralbenc Cottage has a pool all of its own, too
- Peaceful and rural, yet just 5 minutes from the famous Cova d’en Xoroi bar and an easy drive to Maó and other island highlights
- Remarkably good value for the level of comfort, facilities and service on offer
Lows
- The sea views are distant, and it’s a 5-minute drive / 30-minute walk to the nearest beach
- No official bar, but there's an excellent wine list and drinks can be brought to you anywhere on the estate
- The gardens need a little more time to mature - they’re pretty now but they will be beautiful
- The Albenc Rooms lack the privacy and open views of other categories
Best time to go
The balmiest temperatures are from June to August, so if you want to relax in the sun, this is the time. The island itself can get quite hectic during these months, but Torralbenc is so tranquil you'll have no trouble unwinding on site. Spring and autumn are still warm, but you'll also be able to enjoy activities like cycling and horse riding in comfort.
Our top tips
Although hotel guests always get priority in the restaurant, it's worth booking a table in advance, particularly during July and August. Once seated, trust the staff and sommelier's recommendations and you're sure to be in for a good night!
- Boutique hotel
- 27 rooms
- Restaurant (open daily)
- All ages welcome but not ideal
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
Sandstone - a material synonymous with Menorca - walls walk-in showers, frames tubs and seamlessly floors both the suites and their private terraces. Consistent use of natural wood surfaces and an emphasis on pouring sunlight help blur indoor and outdoor spaces further: fresh flowers, fine cotton, and fragrant lavender and rosemary bath products abound.
Unsurprisingly, all suites are gorgeous, but there are a few show-stoppers that can’t go unmentioned. First off, if you can afford a Sea View suite, go for it! Those on the first floor have the best vistas but the ground-floor options have more outside space, so there’s merit in both.
If privacy is paramount, Torralbenc Cottage allows you to swim in seclusion thanks to its private pool. We also liked the Garden Cottage: accessed via a charming little olive-wood gate, it’s divided into 2 buildings (a lounge and a bedroom) which are married by a beautiful terrace with a trickling fountain, surrounded by densely planted trees.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
We were blown away by the whole restaurant experience. The knowledgeable team guided us through the menu, highlighting a theatrical (and delicious) crab and smoked-herring starter and melt-in-the-mouth lamb sourced from Torralbenc’s own flock. And what’s a stand-out dinner without a good wine? Thankfully, Torralbenc’s owners are Rioja aficionados who’ve ensured an impressive wine list and a charming sommelier are always on hand.
Lunch is also served and picnics can be arranged, but one of our favourite foodie moments was taking breakfast on our peaceful private terrace, sampling tasty scrambled eggs and spicy sobrassada sausage (a Menorcan speciality), sipping fresh juice, and slowly working our way through a pot of tea.
Features include:
- Coffee maker
- Restaurant
- Room service
Activities
- Torralbenc is so peaceful that a day spent lazing by the saltwater pool and indulging in the excellent sea-view spa is perfectly fitting. Natural lavender and rosemary potions are used alongside Natura Bissé products to create memorable treatments - Diamond Life Infusion Facial, anyone? Other treats include massages, couples’ treatments, body scrubs and manicures
- You’re a 5-minute drive (or 30-minute walk) from Cala en Porter, a cute seaside village with a sheltered beach and the famous Cova d’en Xoroi bar - stop by for sunset drinks or to dance the night away
- Bikes to hire make exploring the local lanes and coastline easy, and the concierge service can arrange diving excursions, horse riding along the Cami de Cavalls, and private guided tours of Ciutadella and island capital Maó
- The hotel has a small fitness centre where yoga and pilates classes can be held on request. There's also gym equipment and the option to arrange a personal trainer
- The rest of bitesize Menorca is wonderfully easy to explore, too - check out our highlights and tips
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Golf
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Horse riding
- Kayaking
- Mountain biking
- Nightlife
- Private guided tours
- Shopping / markets
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
- Wine tasting
Kids
This is more of an adults' retreat than a family base, but there is lots of space and all ages are welcome. Note that the cost for an extra bed is quite steep.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
Torralbenc Cottage has a private pool, so would be great for kids of swimming age. The Albenc Rooms can hold a baby cot, and all other suites have space for an extra bed
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Baby equipment:
Baby cots are available on request
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Families Should Know:
The restaurant is quite grown-up, with no kids' menu or high chairs available
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Torralbenc is just outside the village of Cala en Porter, near the southern coast of Menorca. It's approximately 15 minutes from Maó (Mahon) and 45 minutes from Ciutadella.
By Air:
Mahon (10km) is Menorca's only airport. You can take a taxi from here or arrange a transfer, but we'd recommend hiring a car to explore the island. The hotel has a secure car park.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Menorca and getting around
Airports:
- Mahon (Maó) 10.0 km MAH
Other:
- Beach 4.0 km
- Shops 4.0 km
- Restaurant 4.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape