Menorca is the quiet sibling. While Mallorca throws the big parties and Ibiza keeps the lights on until dawn, Menorca just sort of sits there, looking stunning and smelling like pine needles and salt. It’s a Biosphere Reserve. That means you can't just build a skyscraper wherever you want. In the middle of this preserved landscape, tucked into the northern coast at Arenal d’en Castell, sits the White Sands Beach Club Menorca. It’s one of those places people either return to for fifteen years straight or complain about because they expected a high-rise Vegas hotel.
If you're looking for sleek, glass-and-chrome minimalism, stop reading. This isn't that. It’s a Diamond Resort (now under the Hilton Grand Vacations umbrella) that feels like a Mediterranean village. White-washed walls. Terracotta tiles. Steep stairs. Lots of stairs. Seriously, if your knees aren't great, this place will test them. But the payoff? You're basically hanging over the edge of a turquoise horseshoe bay.
What Actually Makes White Sands Beach Club Menorca Different?
Most people land in Mahón, grab a rental car, and head straight for the southern beaches like Cala Turqueta. They’re beautiful, sure, but they’re also packed. The north coast, where White Sands is located, is rugged. The sand is a bit more golden, sometimes even reddish, and the water is ridiculously clear.
The resort itself is built into a hillside. This isn't just a design choice; it’s a necessity of the geography. Because of this, almost every balcony has a view that looks like a postcard. You’ve got the pool in the foreground, the Mediterranean in the back, and the sound of waves hitting the rocks at night. It’s quiet. Not "we-don't-have-music" quiet, but "you-can-actually-hear-your-own-thoughts" quiet.
The apartments aren't just hotel rooms. They have kitchens. Real ones. This matters because Menorca is expensive. Eating out at the harbor in Fornells every night will drain your bank account faster than a hole in a bucket. Having a place to scramble some eggs or chill a bottle of local Pomada (gin and lemonade) changes the whole vibe of the trip. It turns it from a "vacation" into "living in Spain for a week."
The Location Reality Check: Arenal d’en Castell
Arenal d’en Castell is a shell-shaped bay. It’s protected. This makes it a haven for families because the water stays shallow for a long way out. No scary drop-offs. No massive Atlantic rollers. Just gentle, clear water.
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White Sands Beach Club Menorca sits right on the edge of this. You walk out of the resort, down a few steps, and your toes are in the sand.
- The Good: You don't need a car to get to a world-class beach.
- The Bad: The village of Arenal d’en Castell is... well, it’s a resort town. It’s not a historic medieval village like Ciutadella. It has shops, bars, and restaurants, but they are geared toward tourists. If you want "authentic" Menorca, you’ll need to drive ten minutes to Fornells or twenty minutes to Alaior.
Honestly, the local supermarket prices in the bay are a bit of a joke. They know you’re there. They know you’re hungry. If you’re staying for more than three days, do yourself a favor: drive to the Mercadona or Lidl near the airport in Mahón before you check in. Stock up. Your wallet will thank you later.
Deep Dive into the Amenities (And the Stairs)
Let’s talk about the pool. It’s the heart of the property. It’s an infinity-style setup that looks out over the ocean. It's cleaned daily, and the staff at the pool bar, White’s Bar, are legendary. They’ve been there forever. They remember your name. They know you want the burger with extra onions.
But here is the thing about the "Beach Club" moniker. It’s a club in the sense of a community, not a "thumping bass and Moët bottles" kind of place. It’s laid back. There’s a whirlpool, a sauna, and some fitness equipment, but don't expect a 5,000-square-foot luxury spa. It’s functional.
The Apartment Situation
The rooms vary. Some have been recently refurbished with modern grey tones and sleek finishes; others still have that classic, slightly dated Spanish charm. If you’re a Hilton Honors member or a Diamond owner, you might get the newer ones. If you’re booking through a third-party site, it’s a bit of a roll of the dice.
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Pro Tip: Ask for a room on the higher levels. Yes, it’s more walking. Yes, carrying suitcases up is a workout. But the privacy is better, and the view is exponentially more impressive. The ground-floor units are convenient for the pool, but people will be walking past your terrace all day.
Eating and Drinking: Beyond the Resort
White’s Bar on-site is actually surprisingly good. Usually, resort food is overpriced cardboard, but their Mediterranean menu holds its own. The squid is fresh. The salads aren't wilted.
However, you're in Menorca. You have to leave the property.
Just a short drive away is Fornells. This is the home of Caldereta de Langosta (lobster stew). King Juan Carlos I used to sail his yacht here just to eat it. It’s pricey—expect to pay €60-€80 per person—but it’s a bucket-list meal. If that’s too much, just grab some Sobrassada (cured sausage) from a local butcher and some fresh bread.
Practical Logistics for Your Stay
- Car Rental: Don't skip this. Menorca’s public transport is okay, but it won't get you to the hidden coves. Use a local company like Autos Menorca or Poppycars. They are usually easier to deal with than the big international chains at the airport.
- The Wind: The north coast is subject to the Tramontana wind. It’s a fierce northern wind that can make the sea choppy. If it’s blowing hard, the beach at Arenal might be messy. On those days, drive to the south coast (Cala Galdana or Son Bou) where it’ll be calm.
- Check-in: It can be slow. It’s a popular place. Just grab a drink at the bar and wait.
Managing Expectations: It’s Not a Five-Star Hotel
The biggest mistake people make is thinking White Sands Beach Club Menorca is a luxury hotel. It’s a high-end self-catering resort. There is no 24-hour room service. There isn't a bellhop waiting to grab your bags the second you pull up.
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It feels more like a managed apartment complex. For families, this is perfect. You have space. The kids have a separate bedroom. You aren't all cramped into one room with two queen beds. For couples, it’s romantic in a "let’s watch the sunset from our private balcony" way, rather than a "let’s have a white-glove dinner" way.
The Wi-Fi is... fine. It’s Menorca. You’re on an island. It works for emails and maybe a bit of Netflix, but if you’re planning on running a high-stakes Zoom webinar, you might want to bring a backup hotspot.
Actionable Steps for Your Menorca Trip
If you’ve decided that White Sands is the move, here is how you actually execute the trip to get the most value:
- Book the "Sea View" specifically: Do not settle for a garden view or "partial" sea view. The whole point of staying at Arenal d’en Castell is that blue horizon. It is worth the extra €30 a night.
- Request a room away from the evening entertainment: The resort holds shows and music near the bar. It’s great if you’re there, but if you have a toddler who needs to sleep at 8:00 PM, ask for a unit in the blocks further up the hill.
- Download the "Menorca Beaches" App: It tells you which way the wind is blowing and which beaches will be the calmest each day. It’s a lifesaver.
- Visit the Cova d'en Xoroi: It’s a bar/club inside a natural cave on a cliffside. It’s about a 25-minute drive from the resort. Go for sunset. You have to book weeks in advance, but it’s the coolest thing you’ll see on the island.
- Hike the Camí de Cavalls: This is an ancient path that circles the entire island. A section of it runs right past the resort. Even if you only walk for 20 minutes, you’ll see parts of the coastline that cars can't reach.
Menorca isn't a place you "do." It’s a place you "be." White Sands Beach Club gives you a very comfortable, very scenic place to do exactly that. Just remember to pack comfortable shoes for those stairs and some goggles for the bay. The fish are waiting.