are the villas and mirable hotel under the same ownership and if so are we allowed to use the facilities like the bar there

Going to these villas in July. Only just found this site glad i did as it was nice to read the reviews. I would like to know if anybody could suggest a good value day trip for time and money?

cuidadela is a nice old town which I think is about a 10 min bus ride from cala santandria .We have also visited Mahon on market day which was really nice (if not a little difficult to park) Last time we hired a car but as we have my parents this time and 2 kids that might be a bit costly to hire one big enough. We are thinking of perhaps taking an organised tour to Mahon which hopefully incorporates a boat ride round the harbour-(my husband has an interest in naval history)The monastry in the centre of the island is worth a visit,especially the brilliant views from there. If you do get a car there are some nice secluded beaches around this part of the coast.

we have a 3 bedroom villa booked there will be 6 of us does anyone know how many sun loungers there is

I stayed there last year - had no real complaints - the keys are left in an ashtray by the cleaners so when you arrive at the villas the doors are open - nice welcome pack waiting so you didnt have to go to the shop straight away for provisions. The villa itself was clean and comfortable - a word of warning about the ants - dont spill any drink or food in the villa and not clean it up straight away - if you leave it the ants that were happily living in the garden will now be happily living in the villa by the thousand!! - even in the room upstairs - some of the villa pools are more private than others - we were lucky and had one with a pool round the back - this was the third time in cala blanca and santandria but the first time in the villas - we were not disappointed.

there were 6 sunloungers when I went and six patio chairs around a large table on terrace - hope this helps

thanks for the info jaybel if you do go on the organised trip to mahon let me know what it was like please? also i sometimes get nervous driving abroad is it ok in menorca?

I will let you know how the trips go.
My husband drove last time-no real probs- there is basically just one road down the centre of the island with little road running off it. My husband struggled to get to grips with the left hand drive in the hire car-he kept trying to open the window instead of changig gear

thanks gailmb

reckon i might need to take something for the ants.was hoping the villa and pool would be a bit more private guess we will just have to wait and see

Don't take anything with you for ants. The shops out there sell huge cans of something like Raid that kills almost all insects and its not expensive. The less to pack the better I say

Hi again jaybel,
I kept trying to open the window in portual
Is it better to hire the car here or when we get there? I should be ok with only one road to contend with.

the last time we visited we pre booked our car in the uk, but the company delivered it to some other apartments in another town with the same name, fortunately they had a branch in cala blanca so we were able to go and collect another one. There are a couple of firms locally so if we decide to hire one we will do it when we get there. The rep can usually arrange it for you (perhaps at a greater cost though!)

only 5 days to go. yipee

Cant wait either only 13 days to go

can anyone recommend any mice eating places and aslo does the spar shop still sell ciggies as no doubt hubby will not take enough with him and will be looking for somewhere to buy some

i know there is a welcome meeting but is there any leaflets left at apartments on local info life shops etc

Going out to these villas next week cant wait I know we have washing machine but can anyone tell me if there is an iron or ironing board?

Hi all just got back from the villas-so any questions feel free to ask.
YOu can only buy ciggies at tobacconists as there has been a change in the law, though as a non smoker I cant tell you where the nearest one is-we did go on a trip to Mahon though and there were big queues at the tabacs.
There are 3 shops opposite the villas a spar and 2 gift shops-the gift shop nearest the beach is very reasonable and the man is really helpful-
there is a welcome folder in each villa which was helpful although ours didnt arrive until the last day.
Try the Sa Nacra bar (overlooking the cala santandria beach) in the evening - relaxing atmosphere and a nice cocktail
If you want a peaceful private villa in a quiet resort this is the place-I'm even going to miss watching the trails of ants at work.
Jennys restaurant in cala blanca for a cheap (no frills) meal and watch the sun set in the Blarney Stone.I could go on all night!!!!