Villa Maitreya

About Villa Maitreya

Villa Maitreya suits travellers who want a self-contained base on Menorca's south coast, close to the island's longest beach. The villa is not rated for stars and has no guest score listed, but the facilities include a private outdoor pool, a garden, a terrace and a jacuzzi. The kitchen, washing machine and dishwasher make it practical for longer stays or families who prefer to cook.

This is an apartment or villa in the Son Bou area, set back from the beach. The property lists air conditioning, free wifi, free car parking and a safe. Pets are allowed, and a cot and high chair are available. The accommodation is non-smoking throughout, with smoke detectors and a first aid kit.

Location: Son Bou

Son Bou is on Menorca's south coast, known for its long sandy beach backed by dunes and a wetland area. Villa Maitreya is 0.6 km from the beach in a straight line, so it is a short walk or drive. The nearest village is not given, but Es Mercadal and Monte Toro are 9.7 km away, and Cala en Porter is 6.1 km away. A car is useful for exploring the coves and inland villages.

In high summer, Son Bou can be busy, but the villa's garden and pool offer a quieter alternative. In the shoulder months of May, June and September, the beach is less crowded and the wetland area is good for birdwatching. Much of the island's tourism business closes from roughly November to April, so check the property's opening dates before booking.

Rooms and facilities

Villa Maitreya lists a kitchen with an oven, microwave, toaster, dishwasher and coffee facilities. The living area includes a TV and DVD player. The bathroom has a bath, hairdryer and toiletries. Air conditioning is listed, and there is an iron and board. The property has a balcony, patio and terrace, plus a garden with an outdoor pool and jacuzzi. Free wifi and internet access are available.

For families, a cot and high chair are listed. Pets are allowed. Late arrivals should confirm check-in arrangements with the property, as the check-in and check-out times are not given. The villa has a safe and free car parking. Guests should confirm the number of bedrooms and the exact layout with the property before booking.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 13 km from Villa Maitreya in a straight line. A taxi takes about 20 minutes. A hire car gives flexibility for exploring the island, and the villa has free parking. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to the resorts; from Maó, a connecting bus goes to Son Bou in season. In winter, flights and buses are fewer.

Maó port is 16.2 km away. Ferries from Maó and Ciutadella connect to Barcelona, Alcúdia on Mallorca and Palma. From the port, a taxi or hire car is the most direct way to the villa. Cala en Porter is 6.1 km away, and Es Mercadal is 9.7 km away, so a car is useful for day trips.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Son Bou beach, 0.6 km away, is the longest on Menorca, with dunes and a wetland area behind it. Cala en Porter, 6.1 km away, is a deep cove between high cliffs. Cala Macarella, 12.3 km away, is a white-sand cove with pine trees. A talayotic village is 2.6 km away, and Monte Toro, the highest point on the island at about 358 m, is 9.7 km away and has a sanctuary with views of both coasts.

The island's food includes Mahón-Menorca cheese, which has a protected designation of origin, and lobster stew from Fornells on the north coast. The Camí de Cavalls, about 185 km around the coast, passes near Son Bou. Inland, Es Mercadal at the foot of Monte Toro has a weekly market. The nearest village for supplies is not given, so check with the property.

A day from Villa Maitreya

Start the morning with breakfast on the terrace at Villa Maitreya. Walk or drive the 0.6 km to Son Bou beach for a swim. The beach is long and sandy, backed by dunes. Later, drive 2.6 km to visit a talayotic village, a prehistoric site from the Talayotic Menorca World Heritage listing. Return to the villa for lunch by the pool.

In the afternoon, drive 9.7 km to Monte Toro. The sanctuary at the top has views of both coasts. On the way back, stop at Es Mercadal for supplies. In the evening, drive 6.1 km to Cala en Porter for a swim or a walk along the cliffs. Return to Villa Maitreya for dinner cooked in the kitchen, or eat on the patio as the sun sets.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes from roughly November to April, so check Villa Maitreya's opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, with the busiest beaches and higher demand for hire cars. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (the ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the season and is reduced for longer stays, with children under 16 exempt. Check the current rate on the Govern de les Illes Balears website.

Questions about Villa Maitreya