Imagery courtesy of Melia Hotels International.

Villa Le Blanc by Gran Meliá is making its debut this month as the island of Menorca’s first grand luxury hotel.

The brand’s 15th hotel worldwide, this property stands out as an energy-efficient prototype carbon neutral hotel with a hospitality experience that reflects the surroundings.

Sustainable luxury

This five-star resort drawing on the island way of life will open as the latest member, and first for Menorca, of the Leading Hotels of the World collection. Sustainability is a focus here with plans to achieve a carbon neutral footprint through technologies that reduce emissions as well as offsetting initiatives.

Villa Le Blanc by Gran Meliá comes from a renovation of what was once the Sol Beach House Hotel on Santo Tomás Beach. Led by architect Álvaro Sans, the transformation of this property now sees the interiors pair simple and contemporary design with luxurious touches.

“Villa Le Blanc is inspired by the vernacular architecture of the island villages. Among other features, special prominence is given to the Menorcan arches and the whitewashed walls so typical of local houses,” said Álvaro Sans from the ASAH studio.

“From a technical point of view, we have rescued the traditional use of tiles, which have been used down the ages in Menorca to combat the rainy winters and which traditionally were always painted white to reflect the heat in summer.”

Gabriel Escarrer, vice president and CEO of Meliá, commented: “Villa Le Blanc is a dream come true for our company because a project like this allows us to move forward towards hotel decarbonisation.”

“It is also in such a special place as the Biosphere Reserve of Menorca, making it one of the most tangible results of our commitment to a hotel model based on excellence, responsibility and sustainability”.

Highlights of the 159-key property include S’Amarador Restaurant showcasing local flavours and produce, the new Cru restaurant led by restaurateur Joan Canals and a wellness area by French firm Anne Semonin.

Local gastronomy and wellness

Of the hotel’s 159 rooms, 14 are premium rooms and 86 are supreme rooms. These rooms are joined by the Penthouse Suite, Swim-Up Master Suite and Presidential Suite offering luxury amenities and sea views from private balconies and pools. Rooms are decorated in white and blue and come with outdoor areas.

All of the hotel’s culinary offering focuses on highlighting ingredients from the island’s farms. S’Amarador Restaurant pays tribute to the renowned restaurant of the same name in Ciutadella town with local dishes showcasing local seafood and fine wines.

Restaurateur Joan Canals is then pouring his expertise and the character of famed Ulises Restaurant into the new venue, Cru. This site will place the focus on the harvest of land and sea in contemporary dishes.

Guests will also be able to retreat to the hotel’s new Anne Semonin Paris spa where treatments and experiences are based on vegan cosmetics and natural products. The hotel is also launching a line of in-room amenities including bathroom products and aromas designed by Carner Barcelona artisan perfumers.

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