Menorca Blog

The biggest of Cala En Porter’s hotels has just opened after an extensive refurbishment - it’s good news for the village and for holidaymakers making their way to Menorca for their holidays.

The village has been out of favour with some of the tour operators, perhaps because it’s a little quiet for some, but the hotel will provide a great base for those wishing to visit the island and book their flights and accommodation seperately.

With views of the Mediterranean, the Azul is within an easy stroll of the resort’s amenities, including a choice of restaurants and bars, many with evening entertainment, but for those preferring a quiet week away they are catered for too.

The most recent reviews on tripadvisor from those who have been on their Menorca flights and stayed there have been glowing, and include comments such as this one from Switzerland:

We stayed 1 week in playa azul and took the hotel as a last minute offer for around 350Eur/pp including flight. For the price we paid, the hotel offered much more!

Overall we got much more then we paid for and we are really happy with Hotel Playa Azul.

And from a UK tourist who had their Menorca holidays recently:

Just got back from a week at this fab hotel, from the moment we walked through the hotel reception till the day we left it was brilliant, the staff especially the resturant and bar staff were very freindly and attentive - nothing was too much trouble, the food was first rate.

And as well as for independent travellers booking their trips online the good news for the hotel is that Thomas Cook are now offering it either seperately or as part of a package.

New photographs for Cala En Porter are due soon at yourmenorca.net and photos of the hotel are at social media like stumbleupon

timesharerelief360 report:

With a new court ruling there is expected to be up to 400,000 illegal timeshare contract compensation claims that could reach up to 2 billion €(euro). It has been ruled that a timeshare developer in Gran Canaria must pay back double the amount of the timeshare deposit by Magistrate D. Juan Carlos Socorro Marrero.  There are currently over 200 live claims for timeshare miss-selling in the Spanish court system against Anfi Del Mar. More claims were coming in at a rate of 10 per week before this ruling.

Spanish law also states that even if a property is sold and all encumberments and debts are passed on to the new owners those new owners will still be liable for new compensation claims. Within the industry it is said up to 200 developers that operate out of Spain, Balearics and canaries are trying to sell of timeshare resorts that have or soon will have actions brought against them.

Some brand name European timeshare developers have been taking illegal deposits up until as late as 2009. The European regulatory body representing timeshare owners in Europe has had some of its paid members break these same laws in the past. With this new ruling timeshare owners will finally get the chance to take on large corporate brand developers. As long as the timeshare development still exists you will be able to reclaim a double deposit if you paid after the cooling off period in 1996.

Majorca

Majorca Blog

Often family holidays can centre around the beach, and finding a good one near to your hotel or villa is an important part of having a good time - and getting it wrong can mean the whole trip is a bad experience.

So where are the good beaches in destinations ideal for a family holiday?

For Majorca, the most popular European vacation island, the answer is Playa de Muro, according to a recent leading quality British newspaper’s travel section.

Playa de Muro is located in the north of the island when looking at a map of Majorca, and the closest holiday resort is Alcudia, popular with both German and British tourists.

The travel section reports that the goldensands are ‘never ending’ and that the beach has earned Blue Flag status, with a number of good hotels located along the beach, offering a good choice for those wanting to be near a beach and searching the internet for Majorca hotels.
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They advise that you can wade out quite a long way in the clear water before getting out of your depth, so this is a great option if you have small children. You can hire a pedalo, try all sorts of watersports or take a boat trip.

It’s often a bit breezy, so good for kiting too. If you need a bit of peace and quiet while enjoying the great weather in Majorca. Paths lead to the Albufera nature reserve, which is the largest wetland area on the island.

There is no shortage of bars and restaurants according to the report, whether you want paella, patatas bravas or pizza. If you walk along far enough, there are quieter parts of the beach with picnic areas in the shade of the trees by the dunes.

And for those about to go on their holidays in Majorca they even give some advice about how to find Playa de Muro:

From Alcudia, drive along the bay, past the S’Albufera Nature Park. There are lots of free places to park. You can also get there by bus.

Internet versions of national newspapers are a rich source of good information for tourists to read about destinations - The Daily Telegraph in the UK being one example of quality journalism. In Europe and North America travel journalists write about diverse but related travel topics, and subscribing to them is money well spent, but many are still freely available. Social media also has independent reviews, such as Yahoo Buzz.

More information about the islands and photographs of Playa de Muro are available at yourmajorca.net

Depression can come in many forms and the causes be varied.

Unemployment and poverty are well known and understandable causes of depression, but suicide isn’t unknown among the successful and wealthy too.

Something as simple as the weather can have affect some people – the SAD syndrome has become more known about in recent years in both Europe and Northern America, where long dark winters impact some.

Diet is another cause for depression, and for those whose illness is due to diet happily something can often be done about this. Not eating and low blood sugar levels can cause erractic mood swings.

The general consensus among health professionals is that most people are not paying enough attention to their diets. Few are getting enough daily physical activity. Even more alarming are statistics showing that many people are dying from preventable illnesses. Others are becoming increasingly depressed or affected by emotional problems.

For many depression carries a stigma, and that’s it’s considered a mental illness results in many people being unwilling to seek qualified medical help.

Dealing with Depression

Depression affects many facets of a person’s health. It can affect the body’s normal functions, moods and thoughts and the way they behave. Depression varies in severity from person to person. Some sufferers may not even realise that they are displaying symptoms of the illness. Some of these symptoms are:

Trouble concentrating

Constantly feeling sad without knowing why

Sudden mood swings

Unusual behavior

A diagnosis is usually made if these and other symptoms persist for more than two weeks. For severe cases, drugs may be prescribed, but treatment recommendations also include exercise and changes in diet. In many cases a combination treatment option is best.

Diet as a Treatment for Depression

It is an acknowledged fact that diet does not affect the body only on a physical level. It also has an effect on a psychological level. While not considered a complete course of treatment, diet can lead to positive changes for people suffering from depression. Some suggestions for alleviating the symptoms of depression with proper diet are:

Eating foods rich in antioxidants, as this helps to prevent free radical damage, which can affect brain function.

Getting enough protein to help improve concentration and energy levels.

Consuming healthy carbohydrates instead of processed carbohydrates. It is best to consume whole grains and legumes to maintain overall mood and reduce stress levels.

Using Holidays To Help Deal with Depression

The significance of getting away from it all to help battle depression can never be overstated. Many people use the chance to go on holiday to keep stress at bay. For many Brits, nothing beats the Spanish island of Menorca. With its pristine beaches and diverse offerings, it is one way to battle stress and depression.

Its healthy Mediterranean diet also includes the foods listed above. Anyone who spends time in Menorca could put themselves on the path to healthier living. It places a lot of emphasis on healthy carbohydrates and unrefined cereals, fish, vegetables and fruit. Studies have shown that following a diet rich in these foods may even help keep depression at bay.

Menorca is known for her quiet fishing villages and laid back resorts. Its holiday package differs from those of other islands in the area. It is geared more towards holidaymakers seeking relaxation as opposed to hard partying. The island also has a variety of attractions and sights to keep any visitor engaged.

Part of Menorca’s appeal rests on the fact that overdevelopment has been strenuously resisted. Her numerous green spaces make it a refuge for tourists who like to enjoy nature’s unspoilt beauty. The capital of Mahon and old capital Ciutadella offer numerous sight seeing opportunities, just the thing to wrap up a stress free holiday.

Menorca holidays needn’t be expensive, especially for UK residents. There’s an array of airlines who provide flights to Menorca.

For accommodation there’s a good choice of hotels, and companies like James Villa Holidays have a good choice of villa holidays in Menorca – often coming with its own pool.

There are no straightforward rules for beating depression. Making lifestyle changes, even small ones, can help improve one’s overall sense of well-being. Going on holiday to de-stress is an important part of the journey towards good mental and physical health. Whether you choose Menorca or some other destination, it will have a positive impact in the long run.

More details for Menorca are at http://www.yourmenorca.net including holiday deals, articles and news on their Menorca information blog while holidaymakers often recount their travel experiences on the island via social media

Menorca

Menorca holidaymakers are often curious about the Mediterranean diet, and many don’t realise that Menorca cooking even in popular resort areas involves ingredients they wouldn’t use themselves at home.

But it can be quite easy to incorporate some popular Menorca ingredients back at home if the Mediterranean diet does appeal.

A shopping exhibition to your local health food store isn’t always necessary. When the growing season is in full bloom, there are often many opportunities to source your nutrition from the wild. This is certainly the case when it comes to dandelion and nettles. As a low cost alternative to supplements, they’re vitamins and minerals in unadulterated form.

The dandelion for example has a rich history as a nutritious food with medicinal properties. The word “dandelion” comes from the French “dent de lion” or “lion’s tooth.” This is in reference to the plants leaves, which are jagged edged.

The official name for the flowering plant is Taraxacum from the Asteraceae family. The word Taraxacum has its basis in the Greek language, and its definition is “remedy for disorders.”

The dandelion is native to Europe and Asia, with two species found as weeds globally. Common in the northern temperate zone, dandelions grow in pastures and meadows, on waste ground and by roadsides.

The head of a dandelion is actually a small cluster of yellow flowers. Being plenteous, it’s no wonder the plant came into wide usage in the past and continues so today.

Concerning nettles, there are numerous species of the plant. However, Stinging nettle (officially called Urtica dioica) is the perennial flowering plant used as nutritious food. Native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa and North America, it also goes by the name “common nettle.” 

Stinging nettles grow between 3 to 7 feet in height during the summer. They have soft green leaves with edges that resemble a serrated knife. The leaves and stems have non-stinging hairs and many stinging hairs. The chemical compounds in hairs that come off when touched emit chemicals that cause a sting, hence the name.

Today there is much concern about unhealthy fats in a typical diet. Many people are espousing the benefits of a Mediterranean diet instead. Common fare for people of this region includes plenty of green vegetables, fresh fruit, fish and the use of olive oil.

Dandelions traditionally find themselves as salad greens in the Mediterranean diet. Stinging nettle, with a flavour akin to spinach, is also becoming more popular as a side dish.

Always experimenting with culinary delights, the Mediterranean diet now includes different recipes using dandelion and stinging nettle. In culinary concoctions, dandelion leaves are becoming more prevalent on restaurant menus. They are a part of braised dishes and salad dishes. As a leafy green vegetable, stinging nettle finds use as a flavouring in some Gouda cheeses. It also makes a substantial soup and is rich in protein.

The medicinal uses of dandelion and stinging nettle are plentiful. After washing them well, you can boil both of these plants. Next, you infuse them to make a rich tea full of vitamins and minerals.

Dandelion finds use mainly for disorders related to the liver. This includes congestion and inflammation, cirrhosis, hepatitis and jaundice. It also includes gallstones and bile-duct inflammation. In addition, the dandelion has diuretic properties.

The stinging nettle has cleansing and strengthening nutrients. A quality remedy for hay fever, asthma and eczema, they have a strong anti-allergenic effect. Some hair shampoos contain nettle to control dandruff and to give hair shine.

Legend has it that dandelions were responsible for saving a people from a famine. This was on the Mediterranean island of Menorca. Stories of old speak of how a plague of locusts on the island consumed virtually most of the plant life on Menorca. The residents of the island survived for almost a year by eating dandelion root.

One of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Menorca - which is also known as Minorca - lies between Spain and the North African coast. It’s not surprising, to this day, to find dandelion in Mediterranean dishes in homes and restaurants on Menorca. Along with its healthy Mediterranean cuisine, the island offers sun, sand and siestas by the sea.

Menorca is home to more than 120 beaches. Water and water sports abound on this piece of western Mediterranean archipelago. Holidaymakers who travel to Menorca can enjoy a host of activities and good eating in places such as Mahon, the island’s capital. 

You can make the Mediterranean way part of your lifestyle even before you travel. Mediterranean diets rich in leafy greens like dandelion and stinging nettle are beneficial in many ways.

More details about Menorca including hotels and Menorca villa holidays are available at yourmenorca.net while people who are trying the Mediterranean diet often use social media to report their findings.

From The Times in the UK this appeared recently:

For a completely different world, head to Menorca, the second biggest of the Balearic Islands, largely undeveloped and rich in Neolithic taulas (T-shaped stone monuments) and talayots (stone cones). Mahón, one of the main cities, was established as the island’s capital in 1722 when the British began their 80-year sojourn.

Four-storey Georgian town houses with sash windows still remain. The Scientific, Literary and Artistic Centre is filled with paintings and mementoes of Menorcan writers, poets and musicians, along with natural artefacts from seashells to stuffed birds. The Principal Theatre, built in 1824 as an opera house, is a miniature La Scala.

Menorca’s main cultural events are Mahón’s international opera week and the Capella DavÍdica concerts at the other main city Ciutadella, along with the summer organ festivals in Santa Maria Church, Mahón, and Ciutadella cathedral. Easter week in Mahón brings out spectral penitents, while in late June Ciutadella’s dancing horses perform in honour of St John the Baptist.

To read the full article visit The Times at http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/specials/artistic_spain/article5904117.ece

For holidays in Menorca visit yourmenorca.net

http://www.menorcaprops.com

There’s seven new photos of Arenal and Addaya at the photograph galleries of http://www.yourmenorca.net - here’s an example:

The latest travel industry news from holiday companies in the UK confirms that Spain should be the number one destination for holidays in 2008, despite the Pound falling against the Euro, and prices typically some fifteen per cent more expensive than last year.

A survey found that once in Spain, if the holiday is based in a resort, three quarters of British tourists stay in the resort for the duration, apart from getting to and from the airport. It would appear that the majority of British tourists aren’t interested in finding out about where they are staying, and perhaps Spain is more popular than countries like Greece simply because the flight is shorter.

And while the internet has taken the travel world by storm, the package holiday, which started en masse in the 1960’s, is still very much alive and kicking.

A package holiday is when both flights and accommodation are booked with the same company, for example expedia - and often the flight and hotel aren’t owned by the travel company handling the booking.

Part of this can be put put down to the fact that the successful chains of travel agents in the 1960’s onwards who would have a shop on every town’s high street in the UK have also successfully mirrored their success on-line.

‘A holiday is a major expense for most families’, comments one British company with travel sites for Majorca and Menorca, ‘and people grew up with travel companies who could be trusted - and those companies have used their brand awareness to great effect on-line, with the result that given a choice many people will book their holidays to places like Menorca and Majorca with the same company they have always used - but instead of doing it in a shop they are doing it on a computer in their office or at home.’

In today’s world where the interests of the environment is being promoted by governments as being paramount, the switch from shop based holiday companies to the internet is a plus for the travel market.

Just ten years ago the majority of people looking to book a summer holiday would visit one or two bricks and mortar based travel shops, and come away with three or four printed brochures from each. The volume of paper saved by the internet from the hotels and holidays industry alone must by now be very significant.

One island popular both ten years ago and today for European holidaymakers is Menorca, especially for family holidays.

Menorca is the second largest of Spain’s three Balearic Islands. This island is in the Mediterranean, between Spain and the North African coast. The other two islands are Majorca and Ibiza.

Daytime summer temperatures hover around 27C in the summer months. Lovely peaceful days are on the menu on this island, a pace that differs from the party atmosphere of Majorca.

The beach area in the holiday resort of Santo Thomas for example offers popular busier stretches and quaint hideaways - at 3 km long, it’s never overcrowded and offers protection with its surrounding sand dunes. The beach, patrolled for safety, is long and narrow. It offers an excellent swimming habitat, fine sand and warm surf. Scenic countryside and woods provide a backdrop to the sand and the Mediterranean waters.

As long as Menorca remains popular, people who have booked package holidays in the past will probably continue with the habit, and package holidays will remain a feature of the travel industry in 2009 and beyond too.

Menorca, home to many resorts and towns in eight municipalities, is very rich in history and culture. Several celebrities visit Menorca year after year for fun, relaxation and family time. Museums, art galleries and musical events are among the attractions that draw people to the Balearic Islands and Menorca.

Binibeca is on the south coast of Menorca, only five miles from the capital city of Mao (Mahon). It is considered to be one of the quietest resort areas on Menorca. Some say it is too quiet to suit their tastes. Binibeca offers more privacy than the larger areas of the island because it consists primarily of residential housing as opposed to large resorts and hotels. Most of Binibeca’s tourist housing is self-catering, with a variety of supermarkets to supply daily needs. The few hotels and clubhouses in Binibeca are outnumbered by the privately owned Menorca villas - rental villas in Binibeca vary from one to three bedrooms and most offer spectacular views of the sea from nearly every room. Villas offer added privacy for a more worry-free family vacation. Most rentals in Binibeca are within a five-mile walking distance to the Med and her beaches.

Many fun activities await tourists in Binibeca. Diving classes and tours are available for novices and experienced divers alike. The crystal clear waters around Binibeca are perfect for snorkeling and diving. Binibeca also has a very nice yacht club. Sightseeing tours are abundant, both by land and from the air. Small, light aircraft tours offer a bird’s-eye view of the entire island. In addition to air tours, the airfield also boasts a go-kart track that appeals to the young and the young at heart. With a short trip to Sant Climent, you will find an equestrian school where you can pay to ride the horses. The school often fills up weeks in advance, so it is best to book your ride ahead of time.

Binibeca Vell is the primary town in the area. It was created in the image of a traditional fishing village. The village is whitewashed and always freshly painted. All patios are perfectly decorated in an effort to capture the traditional feel. The village itself is constructed with authentic cobbled streets and arches. Due to the family appeal, the village’s nightlife is relatively low-key. There are several clubs and bars, though they do not stay open until dawn like clubs in the more populated resort areas.

The coastline from Cala Torret holds several sheltered coves. The rocky coastline has many paths and steps that lead to specific swimming platforms. These coves and private areas are great for families who don’t wish to be disturbed by large crowds. Swimming and diving are very good in these areas. Be sure to follow all safety measures and double check for rocks before diving into the water.

The quiet, peaceful nature of Binibeca isn’t for everyone. Some people look for a more lively vacation spot. Menorca offers a very wide variety of resort locations to fit nearly every need. Some resorts offer golfing, go-kart rides, guided tours and musical performances. The 2008 jazz festival kicked off in March and is expected to last through the summer and into autumn. Many museums, theme parks and water parks also await.

If you’re wondering where to go for your 2009 holiday, if you want a good family vacation, take a look at Menorca as it could be just what you’re looking for!