Cristine Bedfor Menorca

We were in Menorca for a week of late-October sun and it certainly delivered. We’d done our rural stint at another supremely relaxing Smith property and were now heading to the other side of the island and into town, Mahón, to walk the streets, linger over glasses of wine and eat some of the island's amazing local food.

Cristine Bedfor Menorca is tucked away on a quiet street in the old town. As we arrived, we stepped into what felt less like a hotel and more like the home of a stylish friend who always knows where to find the best ceramics, the softest linens and effortlessly throws everything together. The owners have created an inviting, relaxing space — we were already planning our afternoon siestas. We scooped up our room keys from ‘reception’, which was simply a little rattan table in the entrance, and were given a tour of the three buildings that make up this charming, higgledy-piggledy hotel — from the sun-trap roof terrace to the small courtyard, full of warm mottled light and the calming sounds of the water fountain.

Eager to check our room out, we headed up to the fourth floor and to our retreat for the next few days. We were staying in a Cristine's Double room and it was perfectly as described. A quaint, colourful space, with the added luxury of a bath, which I indulgently hopped into every night before dinner. I can never resist having a nosy at some of the other rooms. Cristine’s Superior was noticeably more spacious for those wanting extra space. I also discovered that no two rooms here are the same here. Each space has been thoughtfully designed, full of its own character and intentionally different.

After settling in, we spent the afternoon exploring Mahón’s old town, meandering through its charming streets before stopping at Mercat del Peix, the old fish market. We were keen, the first ones there as it opened for the evening. It was the perfect pitstop for a small bite and a glass of wine. Both Mr Smith and I were very aware of the balancing act of being tempted by the sight and delicious smells coming from each stall and also keeping space for dinner at Cristine Bedfor’s restaurant, which is renowned locally as one of the best spots in town.

Back at the hotel, we sat down to dinner on the dining terrace accompanied by candlelight and mismatched tableware. I was in frilly, gingham, floral and scalloped heaven. The food hadn’t even arrived yet, but I was already very happy sat at this table. When it did, it was showstopper. We dined on roasted eggplant tartare with a caramelised onion base, followed by sea-bass with pea and almond cream, black trumpet mushrooms, confit courgettes and pil-pil sauce… the hype was real. That night, we lingered long after our plates were cleared, played some backgammon in the living room and had a cheeky night cap from the honesty bar.

The next morning began with a delicious breakfast: help-yourself pastries, fruits, coffee and a hot menu of eggs and sides exactly as you want them. Every moment here felt generous and unpretentious, setting us up perfectly for a day of exploring.

One of the highlights of our stay was visiting the Balearics' Hauser & Wirth outpost, located on a nearby island in Mahón's harbour. Hop on a boat and you could easily spend the entire day there, wandering through the art galleries and enjoying a long, lazy lunch in the garden. The outdoor restaurant is a hotspot for visitors to the island, so do make sure you book a table in advance.

After returning from our mini adventure, we had a dip in the pool and, much to my delight, I kept finding Mr Smith tucked away into different corners around the hotel and courtyard, devouring his book. This hotel really does that to you. But at some point, we did have to come out of sleep mode and go check out a local recommendation made by the staff at the hotel. Anna & Pepe, a small tapas restaurant, was a short walk away. The atmosphere was buzzing and Anna herself serves you all the delights from the kitchen. Another simple yet unforgettable meal — a theme of this trip.

All in all, Cristine Bedfor Menorca feels like the kind of place you recommend with a knowing smile. It’s stylish without being stiff, relaxed without ever feeling careless, and perfectly in tune with Menorca’s slow, soulful rhythm. Days unfold effortlessly between wandering, swimming, art excursions, long lunches and even longer dinners, before returning ‘home’ to somewhere that feels really quite special.