Mar Blava

About Mar Blava

Mar Blava is a two-star hotel in the Punta Prima area of Menorca, set back from the coast in a quiet residential zone. It suits travellers who want a simple, no-frills base for exploring the island's south-east corner. The guest score of 4.3 out of 5 from three reviews suggests a decent, honest stay rather than a luxury one.

This is a straightforward hotel with a bar, a restaurant, breakfast, a garden and parking. It is the kind of place where you sleep, eat and set off each day, rather than a resort with pools and entertainment. The low-rise building keeps things intimate, and the listed facilities point to a practical, budget-conscious choice for couples and families who plan to spend most of their time out and about.

Location: Sant Lluís

Mar Blava sits in the Punta Prima urbanisation, outside the main resort areas. The nearest named place is Sant Lluís, 4.4 km away, a white village of windmills that has shops, cafés and a weekly market. The hotel is not on the beachfront; Punta Prima beach itself is a short drive or a longer walk, though the exact distance is not given. Binibeca Vell, the whitewashed fishing-village-style hamlet, is also 4.4 km away, and Es Castell, the Georgian barracks town at the harbour mouth, is 6.9 km away.

In July and August, the south coast draws day-trippers to its coves, and car parks fill early. Mar Blava's location away from the busiest strips means more peace at night, but you will need a car or a taxi to reach most beaches and sights. In May, June and September, the pace is slower, and the hotel's garden becomes a pleasant spot to sit out after a day out. From November to April, much of the island's tourism business closes, so check the hotel's opening dates before planning a winter stay.

Rooms and facilities

The hotel lists a bar, a restaurant, breakfast, a garden, a safe, TV and self-parking. Rooms are likely simple and functional, fitting the two-star category. For couples, the bar and restaurant mean you can eat on site without going out in the evening. For families, the garden offers space for children to play, and self-parking removes the hassle of finding a spot on the street.

Late arrivals should confirm with the property about check-in times and whether the restaurant is open for dinner, as seasonal hours vary. The listed safe is useful for passports and valuables, but do not assume it fits a laptop. It is worth asking Mar Blava directly about room sizes, bed configurations and whether breakfast is included in the rate, as these details are not specified here.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 7.5 km from Mar Blava in a straight line, which is a short taxi ride of roughly 15 minutes by road. A hire car is the most flexible option for reaching the hotel and exploring the island, and the hotel's self-parking makes that easy. Buses run from the airport to Maó and in summer to some resorts, but a direct bus to Punta Prima may not run; check the island bus operator for current routes.

Maó port is 8.4 km away, so ferry arrivals can reach the hotel by taxi or hire car in about 20 minutes. The port links to Barcelona with overnight crossings, and to Palma on Mallorca. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, so plan connections carefully. If you arrive without a car, a taxi from the airport or port is the simplest option, though you may want a hire car for the rest of your stay.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Punta Prima beach is the closest coast, though the hotel is not on the seafront. Sant Lluís, 4.4 km away, is a practical stop for supplies and a look at its windmills. Binibeca Vell, also 4.4 km away, offers a maze of whitewashed alleys and a small cove, popular for a wander and a swim. Es Castell, 6.9 km away, has Georgian architecture and a waterfront promenade along the harbour.

Further afield, La Mola fortress at Maó is 7.3 km away, a 19th-century Isabel II fortress guarding the harbour mouth. A boat trip round Maó harbour, about 7.8 km away, shows the 5 km long natural harbour from the water. S'Albufera des Grau, the Biosphere Reserve core, is 15 km away, with a lagoon and dunes. For food, try Mahón-Menorca cheese, a protected product, and caldereta de llagosta, the lobster stew from Fornells, at restaurants in the area.

A day from Mar Blava

Start the day with breakfast at Mar Blava, then drive to Binibeca Vell, 4.4 km away, to walk the whitewashed lanes before the crowds arrive. From there, continue to Punta Prima beach for a morning swim, or head to Sant Lluís to see its windmills and pick up picnic supplies. The short distances mean you can cover several spots before lunch.

In the afternoon, drive to Es Castell, 6.9 km away, and stroll along the harbour front, then continue to La Mola fortress, 7.3 km from the hotel, to explore the ramparts and views over the sea. On the way back, stop at a viewpoint over Maó harbour. In the evening, return to Mar Blava for dinner at its restaurant, or drive into Maó for a meal in the capital, then relax in the garden before bed.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check with Mar Blava whether it is open during your travel dates. July and August are the peak months, with hot weather and crowded coves; May, June and September are milder and quieter. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate changes by season and length of stay, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the Govern de les Illes Balears for current rates.

Questions about Mar Blava