Villa Le Blanc, a Gran Meliá Hotel

There’s plenty to distinguish Villa Le Blanc, a Gran Meliá Hotel: in addition to being Menorca’s first five-star hotel, it’s sustainable and nearly carbon-neutral. Interestingly, this white stone building, with its elegant archways revealing views of the Mediterranean, isn’t a new build, but rather architect Álvaro Sans’ eco-conscious overhaul of a hotel that previously existed on this privileged stretch of coastline. The result is luxurious yet down-to-earth, from the pristine rooms with sea-facing balconies to the sunlit spa to a pair of sophisticated restaurants serving freshly caught seafood with views of the crashing waves. The adults-only rooftop pool is sensibly separated from a children’s pool and kids’ club, allowing romantic vacationers and families with kids to peacefully coexist.