An incredibly relaxed week in Son Parc, Menorca

One would like to think the atmosphere of a holiday starts with the cab trip to the airport. This was not the case with our seven days villa stay in Son Parc, Menorca. The driver and journey were serene, and we arrived at Gatwick North totally relaxed, ready for the pre-flight rituals.

After all it was only 7 months previously we had crossed the planet to New Zealand. A two hour flight not really worth bothering about.

Problem 1
Self- tagging didn’t work. Our fault, tag was put on wrong way round.

Problem 2
Both Boarding Passes were in my name, so would not let Roz through. Walk to Easy Jet information desk to correct, and issue new boarding passes.

Problem 3
Picture on boarding pass scanner suggests place lengthwise, but in fact you need to place width wise.

Problem 4
Not enough of my worldly possessions were placed in tray (Do they really need a handkerchief taken out of my pockets?).

Finally we are through. Flight to Mahon is trouble free, but my thoughts are, I am not equipped for the digital age, so it’s just as well my retirement began 31 August.

Arrive in Mahon, and endure another saga involving our Rental Car. The company we are with is Dollar. After two and a half hours I am of the opinion that a dollar is about what the company is worth. Two hour wait for the shuttle bus to Dollar H.Q. They only have one 9 seater, to transport 30 customers. All other companies have a fleet of buses.

We finally depart from Dollar H.Q. at about 7 p.m having landed at about 4.15p.m. Drive to Son Parc is quiet. The car is a Renault Megane and purrs along. Thinking of having a beer and dinner, but the catastrophies are just beginning when we arrive at our Villa.

Climbed up the stairs , opened key box , front door refuses to open but after 5 minutes we are in.

We are hungry, want to eat, so go out without unpacking. Door refuses to lock. Tried and failed for about 10 minutes. Ask for help from neighbour, who also tries in vain. Phone Property Manager, who is on a cruise. Her daughter cannot come to our aid as she is “In a meeting”. Finally we pull Winter Shutters across, and lock these.

We go for dinner, during which Property Manager calls to give opening/closing instructions regards door.
In short, you have to use force. This works. On our return we find pools of water on the patio, and it hasn’t rained.
Plus dining room table collapses. Final insult, No Kettle. There is a coffee machine, but this does not work.

Day 2.
Things are looking up. Maintenance man by the name of Andy turns up (Handy Andy?). To my relief Andy has trouble with front door as well. We leave Andy to his task, and set off for the beach.

San Sauro beach is without doubt Son Parcs greatest asset. A beautiful sandy Bay, about a kilometre wide with Beach Bar/Restaurant at either end. Occupying a twine parasol with two full length adjustable plastic beds cost 17 Euros
for the day. Probably expensive, but worth it. One quickly falls into a routine on the beach.

Have coffee and book lunch table, swim , dry off, apply sun cream , sun bathe, strategically move into shade , read book. Repeat again before lunch.

Beach Restaurant is Es Bruc. Roz has what she always has, Es Bruc Salad. I tend to change from day to day, not always with agreeable results. Best of all Moules Marinara. Portions are plentiful. Salad items abundant, as is fish.
Wine is cheap and very drinkable.

After about 90 minutes we return to Parasol and repeat mornings routine. Swimming in the sea is wonderful. Water is calm, warm and reasonably shallow.

We return to the Villa to find patio dry, door opens, not easily, but opening time is cut from 10 to 2 minutes. Table is fixed, and joy, we have a kettle.

That night we celebrate at our favourite restaurant, Porches. Three course dinner for 14.50 euros.

Days 3 & 4 similar to Day 2. Weather is not quite perfect, as sometimes, cloud creeps up in the afternoon.

Son Parc is a Villa resort. There must be over 100 within an area of about 4 square kilometres. All are individually designed, and placed at irregular intervals most with pools. The road running around the Villa complex is well made, and well –lit. There are two Supermarkets, about 6 cafes/ restaurants.

The focal point for ex-pats is B.J’s. A bar that does food. We eat there the first night. The choice is Meat or Fish Paella. On Friday we take the “Special” Fish & Chips.

Friday, a break from sunbathing, and a visit to Cuitadella ,on the furthest point west of the Island. Driving to Cuitadella, I cannot help but notice that all cars are of a sensible saloon size, unlike the 4×4 addicted U.K. We arrive, venture to the centre, and discover Cuitadella to be a delightful, traditionally Spanish style town.

To satisfy our culture needs we visit the Cathedral and Convent. Although built in the 1600’s both are well maintained and clean. After this visit, walking down the pedestrianised streets with narrow lanes branching off we come to the Market Square for a baguette lunch. This is followed by a walk to the harbour. Filled with water side Fish restaurants, no doubt catering for the visitors from both land and sea. There are plenty of boats in the harbour.

Drive back to Son Parc and the fish and chips.

Day 6

Saturday and we expect the beach to be crowded, with more local people. In fact, first thing the place is quiet, but builds up during the day. The locals ignore the sun beds and camp around the free space, with their own towels
and parasols. In the evening we visit Porches, and seem destined to enjoy the evening, when England go 1 up against Spain . Our happiness is short lived, as Spain score twice to win.

Before we leave for home, a brief description of the Villa. The troublesome front patio doors open into the main dining room/lounge area. Off to the left and right are three bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus washroom and store cupboard. Although made to sleep six ,we love the luxury of all the space just the two of us enjoy.

For my money, Menorca is ideal for a quiet beach style holiday.

https://www.menorca-net.co.uk/menorca/sonparc.php

https://www.mymenorca.info/son-parc/