Menorca Hotels For Your Spring Holiday

Sometimes the hot summer sun can put a stop to too many days out and local discoveries whilst on holiday in the Balearic Islands. Many holidaymakers from far and wide book their trip for spring time as to enjoy the calm, tranquil weather and beautiful scenery. Menorca hotels have many amazing deals on during this time of year so make sure you take a look!

The smaller relative to Mallorca, Menorca is simply charming in the spring time and the place to be if you like nature and the great outdoors. The island is alive with the colour of wild spring flowers at the end of March and mid-way through April and local birds such as Shrikes, Hoopoes and Larks bring in bird-watchers from all over Europe. Mahon's deep-water harbour provides you with the opportunity to take a trip in a glass bottom boat to spot impressive sea life and feel the cool sea breeze (unheard of during the hot summer months). For 10 Euros a day or 42 Euros a week, you can hire a mountain bike and explore Menorca's stunning landscapes, pretty fields and medieval pathways whist taking in the hillside aroma of thyme and lavender.

For seven nights you can stay in the charming three-star Villa Amarillas which offers you a self catering experience only three kilometres from Ciutadella. A short walk from a delightful sandy cove, Villa Amarillas also has a swimming pool and beautiful gardens in which to relax. The staff are extremely friendly, polite and willing to help with your needs. There are many fantastic Menorca hotels for you to choose from.

Along with sombreros, sandy beaches and warm sunshine, Majorca is also known for its stunning scenery which is thought to be at its best during spring time. Discover ancient history and tracks made by monks seeking refuge and solitude; enjoy trekking in the fresh breeze surrounded by the scent of delicate almond blossom. Spring time is thought to be the best time to explore Palma (Majorca's capital) as there is no oppressive heat so you can wonder to all the fabulous shops, museums, art galleries, bars and restaurants with ease.

Majorca hotels are reliable and friendly, try the three-star bed and breakfast Roc Linda Hotel offers you with a relaxing stay in the heart of Palma and Palma beach. This hotel claims to be suitable and popular for both couples and families; there is a buffet style restaurant, games and activities as well as a swimming pool and tennis court.

Not as busy as during the summertime - cyclists will love Ibiza in the spring! Beautiful flowers, scenery and forests will make your holiday feel both relaxing and adventurous. Clubbers will be pleased to hear the party scene is still active out of season although not as much so as during the summer. Head to Pacha for a great night out.

Ibiza hotels are in great locations and have many superb deals during the spring time. Marco Polo II Hotel is a two-star establishment great for couples, families or groups of friends. Located in San Antonio, Marco Polo is only 200 metres from the city centre. This hotel has great food and entertainment on a daily basis and the staff work hard to give you the best possible stay.

Five of the Finest Menorca Beaches

Menorca is famed as one of the most relaxing holiday destinations in Europe. Less touristic than Mallorca or the Costas, it offers a traditional island culture, relaxed atmosphere and stunning natural attractions. There are numerous outstanding hotels, apartments and villas in Menorca and there's plenty to see and do on the island, from the horse show in Cala Galdana to the panoramic sights from the summit of Mount Toro. But without a doubt the biggest attraction for a holiday in Menorca is going to be the beaches.

The island has more beaches than Ibiza and Mallorca put together, ranging from long, bustling beaches to peaceful little coves. Whether you want to enjoy fully developed beaches close to the hotels and villas of Menorca or secluded stretches of sand where you can swim and sunbathe in peace and quiet, you are sure to find a beach here that is perfect for your needs. Here are five of the very best beaches on the island...

Cala Pregonda

Perhaps the finest secluded beach on the island, this stunning bay features crystal clear water and is backed by tamarisk and pine woods. It is unspoilt, with a few nearby Menorca villas the only local buildings. It is hard to get to, a twenty minute walk from Binimella, but the effort is well worth it.

Punta Prima

Located in the far south east of the island, this beach is a Long, attractive beaches, the well full of bars and restaurants. The strong currents mean that the make up for sometimes not safe for swimming, but the beautiful beaches and breathtaking views. Parents must supervise their children at all times because of strong waters.

Cala Santa Galdana

Cala Galdana is one of the best beaches on the island and combines numerous facilities and a beautiful unspoilt beach. Horseshoe Baythe most photographed beach on the island, and it is especially good for those on a family holiday in Menorca due to its safe shallow waters. But adults will delight in the natural beauty that surrounds Cala Galdana.

Son Bou

Son Bou is the longest beach in Menorca, a glorious 3 km piece of sand that has plenty of bars and watersports facilities to keep visitors entertained. It is big and usually packed solid, so it isn't the place to go for privacy, but it is one of the finest large beaches on the island. Make sure you check the flags on the beach before you swim, as the currents can be strong.

Es Grau

Located close to Mahon, the capital of the island, Es Grau is one of the most naturally beautiful beaches on the island. The shallow waters in this horseshoe shaped bay are great for family bathing, and just behind the beach is the wetland park of Albufeira, a stunning national park filled with wildlife and fauna.

Whether you want to stay in a resort hotel or a secluded rural villa in Menorca, or are there for a family holiday or a romantic getaway, you are sure to find a nearby Menorca beach that is perfect for your needs!

Planning Your Son Bou Villa Holiday

Son Bou is renowned as one of the finest resorts in Menorca, with the stunning two and half mile beach the main attraction of the area. It is perhaps the best beach on the island, and the nearby Son Bou villas offer outstanding coastal accommodation for groups and families looking to experience a fun and relaxing beach holiday in Menorca.

If you want to get the most out of your Son Bou villa holiday, here are a few of the things to consider before you go...

Location, Location, Location

With Son Bou's beach stretching out over such a distance, there are plenty of places you can stay and still have access to it, and the area is by no means uniform. There are two main resorts that you can choose to stay at - Torre Soli Nou and San Jaime.

Torre Soli Nou is a new development in a wooded area that is further back from the beach, and which can offer you a quieter and more secluded Son Bou villa holiday. You are away from the beach, but get to enjoy a little peace and quiet away from the bustle of San Jaime, while still being within walking distance of both San Jaime and the beach.

If you stay in San Jaime, you'll be closer to the beach, with plenty of facilities for sports and entertainment. San Jaime is particularly popular with families. It is obviously bigger and more crowded, so whether you choose San Jaime or Torre Soli Nou entirely depends on your personal preferences.

When To Go

Son Bou can be visited throughout most of the year, with Menorca experiencing consistently good weather from May until October. The summer months have the highest temperatures and the best weather, of course, but an autumn or spring trip is perfectly possible.

If you'd like to get a flavour of the unique Menorcan culture, make sure to time your visit to coincide with the Fiesta of Sant Lorac, which takes place in picturesque Alaior on the first weekend after the 10th of August. Featuring parades, music, fireworks and a spectacular horse race, it's a real local highlight that is well worth visiting.

Cutting The Price

If you like the sound of a Son Bou villa holiday but are worried about the price, there are plenty of ways of lowering the cost of your holiday. The simplest way is to travel off season. Accommodation costs can lower dramatically outside of the summer months, often to almost half price, so planning your holiday off-season is an easy way to bring down the price.

If you want to lower costs even more, could be considered, an apartment instead of a villa. The apartments are generally cheaper, and while not quite offer the same quality of Son Bou villas offer them, nor the experiences of independent stay away from large hotels, and many (probably they are a common swimming pool) provide a good system in incredibly lowPrices.

For a holiday that highlights combines quality accommodation, a beautiful beach and the local culture, it is hard to beat Son Bou villa!

Concierge Duties at a Hotel

The concierge duties at a hotel are many and varied. Being a concierge is one of the most prestigious careers in the hospitality industry. The responsibilities are diverse, and depending on the hotel can range from overseeing the administration of the hotel's services to personally seeing to the special request of the hotel's guests.

Here a just a few of the fundamental concierge duties at a hotel:

Greeting guests at the front desk with a friendly and pleasant demeanor.
Providing customer service.
Answering guest inquiries about the city and local events and attractions.
Handling special requests from guests (i.e. limousine service or making the arrangements for special occasions).
Making reservations for guests to eat at area restaurants, procuring tickets for guests to attend to cultural and artistic performances, or booking sightseeing tours.
Interacting with personnel from other departments within the hotel.
Inputting data into computerized reservation systems.

Qualifications required:

At least some college in the field of hospitality. A background in sales, public relations, marketing or public service is extremely helpful.
Several years of experience in customer service.
Excellent communication skills. Must be people oriented and have the ability to deal effectively with the public.
Adequate computer skills.
Clear understanding of hotel policies and procedures.

The success of a concierge depends largely on his or her ability to multi-task and work under pressure, willingness to serve others and talent for being a skilled problem solver. Not every personality can handle the job. But for those who can, the opportunities are out there.

Yacht Charter Trips in Menorca

Yacht charter is quickly gaining popularity in many areas, as travelers look to escape the traditional touristy beaches, and get that one bit further into the world of relaxation and true escape. We looked at Yacht Charter trips and Yacht / Boat hires in Menorca, and discovered that it is truly a sailor's paradise.

As the northern most Balearic Island, the coastline is beautiful, lined with clear water coves and the whitest of beaches. With the nearest main city being 150 miles away, Barcelona, the yacht can be a true experience of relaxation. We decided on a weekly yacht charter trip, which gave us ample time to discover the island.

During the first couple of days, we anchored in various sea covers and took many a swims in the warm water. We worked on sun tans, and unwinded properly. Later on in the week we decided to get energetic and eager to see what awaits deep within the Mediterranean Sea. Diving and Snorkeling packages are included on Many yacht charter, and this was no exception. We could see the colorful fish that swim around the boat, we'd love to capture moments with a sort of underwater camera. Finally, we ended the penultimate day with a session to get a Menorca 's picturesque cliffs.

All around him was the right combination of rest, relaxation and exploration. The yacht features snorkeling equipment can be used for disposal, but also so that a fullqualified private diving instructor (PADI) is there for deep sea diving. Sail for a couple of hours and you're bound to find a new location to explore.

With yacht charter holidays, many companies such as Go Nautic (who specialise in Menorca sailing holidays) insist that you plan your day according to your wishes, and do not push pre-planned itineraries. However they do keep you informed on weather conditions and any changes that may be necessary. Should you want to get off the Yacht, however, many cities in the region around the coastal restaurants with the best of local cuisine, and village-like atmosphere. The weather is usually a sure shot, as the sun is abundant. Temperatures range from 15 degrees Celsius in winter to 20-25 in the spring and autumn, while touching 30 in the summer. With light winds in general, the conditions are usually just right for sailing. The sea temperature is in itself entirely too hot to hit 30 degrees Celsius in the lateSummer.

For those who want to rent one, longer and more interesting, is surf in Mallorca, and visit the rest of the Balearic Islands. But there is nothing wrong and wants to stay, letting go of the day.

Horse Riding Holidays in Menorca

It may be best known as a family friendly destination for a beach holiday, but Menorca has much more to offer than just golden sands and luxury villas. Menorca's distinctive culture is a large part of the attraction of the island, with a turbulent history, delicious cuisine and very hospitable islanders creating a very different holiday experience to most Mediterranean islands. But if there is one essential icon of Menorcan culture, it is the breed of horse that is native to the country...

The Horses of Menorca - A Breed Apart

Menorcan horses are renowned as one of the finest breeds in the world. Tall, slender and entirely black in colouring, they are vigorously trained and disciplined to an exacting standard. According to local tradition, the horses were considered vital to the security of the vulnerable island in the 14th century - riders were stationed along the coastline, ready to report as soon as they saw an enemy sail. They were bred for speed and agility to cover the rocky ground of the island at pace, and this process has continued over the years to produce some truly magnificent animals. 

Today, they are most famous for the spectacle they provide at the various fiestas of Menorca, where they lead parades doing their signature trick - standing and walking on their hind legs. These fiestas are the best time to see the horses at work on a holiday in Menorca, through various horse shows at held throughout the island every week (such as at Club Escola Menorquina).

Horse Riding for Visitors

If you aren't content with watching the horses on your holiday to Menorca, there are plenty of opportunities to ride them yourself, no matter what your level of experience. Riding clubs are scattered across the island - Equimar near Es Castell, Piadero Binixicajust outside San Clement, or Stables Farm near Cala'n Porter are all options, providing horses and guides to visitors on their Menorca holidays.

There are plenty of paths and tracks on the island, and with a predominantly flat landscape Menorca is a delight to explore on horse back. The most famous and rewarding trail to follow is the 'Cami de Cavalls', 'The Path of Horses' that rings the entire circumference of the island. This is the path that was originally used by the horseback guards of Menorca to patrol the island, and gives you access to some of the most stunning coastal scenery the island has to offer. Or head into the rolling hills and vibrant countryside of the interior for a very different horse riding experience - you'll find plenty of routes to choose from on your holiday in Menorca. 

While many visitors rarely stray from their villas in Menorca, the horses of the island are an essential sight to see. Whether you just want to enjoy the spectacle at a horse show or fiesta, or explore the spectacular scenery of the island on the back of a trusted steed, make sure you don't miss out on the horses of Menorca!

Cool Beach Vacation Destinations in Europe

There are many destinations in Europe, which are famous for the quality of their beaches, their temperate climates, and the excellent assortment of resorts that are available. These destinations can be the ideal location for a great beach vacation although many may not be places that you might think of at first. Here are some of the more popular beach vacation destinations for vacationers looking to relax in Europe:

Spain
In Spain, you can choose from beach vacation resorts along the mainland coasts on the Mediterranean Sea, or go to one of Spain's many island beach spots located on Menorca or Majorca. These areas are very popular and offer high quality vacation options at a reasonable price.

Croatia
Even though the mainland of Croatia is very beautiful, most tourists head for spots along the coast, especially along the Adriatic Sea. The most popular areas for beach worshipers include Sibenik, Zadar, Dubrovnik and the National Park Brijuni Islands. Croatia has an extraordinary coastline with beautiful beaches but keep in mind, some can be rocky or pebble based.

Turkey
If you choose Turkey as your beach vacation destination of choice, you will find friendly locals, a varied choice of clean and contemporary accommodations all for a very good value. Turkey's Mediterranean and Aegean costs provide some of the most poplar beach destinations in all southern Europe. The best time to go to this area is between June and October, the waters are warm and the beaches are not as crowded.

Cyprus
Cyprus, especially the northern part, has all the fundamentals for a perfect beach holiday. With it's striking sandy beaches, warm turquoise colored waters and its assortment of cuisine from both Eastern and Western cultures, this destination has a lot to offer its visitors. Make sure to visit the lovely harbor town of Kyrenia when in this area.

Greece
The coast of Greece and its islands are world famous for their sparkling blue waters, white sandy beaches and superb small villages that make everyone feel at home. The weather can be very hot in the summer but there is often a breeze to cool things down at this ideal beach vacation destination.

Portugal
There are many places in Portugal, which offer a wide assortment of beaches, and resort areas that are perfect for anyone looking for a great place to relax. The Algarve has miles of sparkling clean beaches with many activities for families but also with the nightlife for couples and singles. The Azores, a group of nine varied islands, is another popular beach vacation area of Portugal with lots to offer its visitors.

Please go to Beach Vacation Destinations [http://www.beachvacations.coolvacationdestinations.com] for more information about beach vacations.