Villa Laurel

About Villa Laurel

Villa Laurel is a self-catering villa in the Son Bou area of Menorca's south coast. It suits travellers who want an independent base with a kitchen, a washing machine and an outdoor pool, and who prefer to set their own pace rather than stay in a hotel with shared facilities. The villa is not rated with stars and has no guest score, so the stay depends on the property's own standards.

The villa is set back from the coast, with Son Bou 0.7 km away in a straight line. It is a quiet, residential choice for couples or families who plan to hire a car and explore the island. The facilities listed include air conditioning, free wifi, a dishwasher, a microwave, a safe and a smoke detector, which points to a practical, self-contained stay.

Location: Son Bou

Villa Laurel stands in a residential street in the Son Bou area, on Menorca's south coast. Son Bou is known for its long sandy beach, dunes and wetland, and is one of the island's main family resorts. The villa is 0.7 km from Son Bou itself, so the beach and the small resort centre are close but not immediately on the doorstep. A short walk or drive takes you to the sand.

The villa is 6.3 km from Cala en Porter, a deep cove between high cliffs, and 9.7 km from Es Mercadal and Monte Toro, the island's highest point. A car is useful for reaching these places, although a taxi could cover the short distances. In July and August, the south coast is busy and car parks fill early. In May, June, September and October, the area is quieter and the villa's pool becomes a more relaxed focus.

Rooms and facilities

The villa is listed with a kitchen, dishwasher, microwave, coffee facilities and a washing machine, so self-catering is straightforward. Air conditioning is listed, which helps in the summer heat. There is a safe for valuables, a hairdryer, and free wifi throughout. The accommodation is non-smoking, and a smoke detector is fitted. The outdoor pool is a listed feature, but whether it is heated or open all year is not listed, so check with the property.

For families, the villa offers space to spread out, with a kitchen and laundry facilities that make longer stays easier. For couples, the pool and the quiet location give a private base. The villa is not listed as beachfront, so the beach at Son Bou is 0.7 km away rather than at the door. Check with the property about the number of bedrooms, the exact layout and the pool's seasonal availability before booking.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 13.3 km from Villa Laurel in a straight line. The drive takes about 20 minutes by taxi or hire car. Buses run from the airport to Maó, and in summer to some resorts, but a car gives more freedom for reaching the villa and exploring. A hire car collected at the airport is a common choice for this kind of villa stay.

Maó port is 16.4 km away, so arriving by ferry from Barcelona or Palma means a taxi or hire car for the last leg. The villa is 0.7 km from Son Bou, so once you are there, the beach and resort are within easy reach. Flights and ferries are fewer in winter, and seasonal buses may not run, so check timetables with the operators if you travel outside the main season.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Son Bou, 0.7 km away, has the longest beach on Menorca, backed by dunes and wetland. It is a good spot for swimming and walking, and the wetland attracts birds. Cala en Porter, 6.3 km away, is a deep cove between high cliffs, with a more sheltered feel. Cala Macarella, 12 km away, is a white-sand cove under pines, reached by a path or by boat in summer.

Es Mercadal and Monte Toro, 9.7 km away, offer the island's highest viewpoint, with a sanctuary and views of both coasts. A talayotic village is 2.8 km away, a chance to see Menorca's prehistoric remains. The island's food includes Mahón-Menorca cheese, with a protected designation of origin, and caldereta de llagosta, a lobster stew associated with Fornells on the north coast. Ask locally for places to try these.

A day from Villa Laurel

Start the day at Villa Laurel with breakfast in the kitchen or by the pool. Drive the 0.7 km to Son Bou beach for a morning swim on the long sand, or walk if you prefer. The dunes and wetland behind the beach are worth exploring early, when birds are active. Return to the villa for lunch and a siesta by the pool.

In the afternoon, drive the 9.7 km to Es Mercadal and Monte Toro. Climb to the sanctuary for views over the island, then stop in the village. On the way back, consider the 2.8 km drive to the nearby talayotic village to see the prehistoric stone structures. End the day with a swim at the villa's pool before an evening meal, either cooked in the kitchen or at a restaurant in Son Bou.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business, including many restaurants and seasonal buses, closes roughly from November to April. Check with Villa Laurel about its opening dates and whether the pool is available outside the summer months. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax is charged by the accommodation per person per night; the rate depends on the season and the type of accommodation, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate with the Govern de les Illes Balears.

Questions about Villa Laurel