Sa Gloriana

About Sa Gloriana

Sa Gloriana is a one-star hotel set in the countryside near Punta Prima, on the south-east coast of Menorca. It suits travellers who want a quiet base with self-catering facilities, rather than a full-service resort. The hotel is outside the main tourist areas, so the pace is slower and the surroundings are open fields and low stone walls.

The hotel is simple and practical. With one star, it does not promise luxury, but it lists the essentials for a comfortable stay: air conditioning, free wifi, a kitchen, an outdoor pool and free parking. There is no guest score given, so the rating rests on the facilities and the location. This is a stay for people who plan their own days, cook some meals and explore the island by car.

Location: Sant Lluís

Sa Gloriana sits in the Sant Lluís area, about 4.4 km from the village of Sant Lluís itself. Sant Lluís is a whitewashed village known for its windmills and a relaxed, local feel. Punta Prima, the nearest area, is a short drive away and has a sandy beach and a few seasonal services. The hotel is not on the coast, so the sea is a few minutes away by car.

The position is useful for the south and east of Menorca. Menorca Airport is 7.2 km away in a straight line, and Maó port is 8.7 km. Binibeca Vell, the whitewashed fishing-style hamlet, is 3.5 km away. In high summer, the southern coves fill early, but from this base you can set off before the crowds. In the shoulder months, from spring to early summer and in September, the area is quiet and many places are still open.

Rooms and facilities

The hotel lists rooms with air conditioning, a kitchen, a refrigerator, an oven and a microwave. That means you can prepare meals and store cold drinks, which suits families and longer stays. Rooms also include a bath, a bidet, a TV and free wifi. A cot is listed, so the property is set up for guests with a baby.

There is a patio and a terrace, plus an outdoor pool and an indoor pool. These are listed facilities, so check with the hotel which ones are available during your stay and whether the pools are heated. The hotel also lists a dishwasher, an iron and board, and a smoke detector. For late arrivals, confirm the check-in time with the property, as small hotels often close reception in the evening.

Getting there

Menorca Airport is about 7.2 km away in a straight line, which is a short taxi ride or about 10 minutes by hire car. Buses run from the airport to Maó and, in summer, to some resorts, but a hire car is the most practical way to reach Sa Gloriana and move around the island. The hotel lists free car parking, so you can leave the car on site.

If you arrive by ferry, Maó port is 8.7 km away in a straight line. From the port, a taxi or a hire car will take about 15 minutes. Ferries from Barcelona run overnight and take several hours; ferries from Alcúdia on Mallorca arrive at Ciutadella, which is further west. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, so check timetables with the operators before travelling.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Binibeca Vell is 3.5 km away, a whitewashed hamlet built in the style of a traditional fishing village. It is a popular place for a stroll and a meal, though the hotel does not run any restaurants. Sant Lluís, 4.4 km away, has shops and services. Es Castell, 7.5 km away, is the Georgian barracks town at the mouth of Maó harbour, with a military history and a quiet promenade.

The La Mola fortress at Maó is about 8 km away, a 19th-century Isabel II fortress that guards the harbour. A boat trip round Maó harbour, about 8.2 km away, shows the length of this natural harbour from the water. S'Albufera des Grau, the natural park at the core of the Biosphere Reserve, is 15.4 km away, with a lagoon and dunes. On the island, try Mahón-Menorca cheese, which has a protected designation of origin.

A day from Sa Gloriana

Start the day at Sa Gloriana with breakfast on the terrace. Drive the 3.5 km to Binibeca Vell and walk through the narrow white streets before the heat builds. Then head to a south-coast cove such as Cala Macarella or Cala Turqueta, both about 20 minutes away by car, and swim in the clear water. Arrive early, as car parks fill in summer.

In the afternoon, drive to Maó, about 8.7 km from the hotel, and walk along the harbour. You could take a boat trip round the harbour, about 8.2 km away, to see the port from the water. In the evening, return towards Sant Lluís for a quiet dinner in the village, or stay at the hotel and cook with local produce. The drive back is short and the roads are quiet after dark.

Practical tips

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

Questions about Sa Gloriana