Islands of opportunity: 5 destinations for nature-based relaxation

Minorca

On this preserved Balearic island, a few steps from the cove of Lucalari and the fine sand of the beaches of Alaior, stands one of the most secret fincas on the rocky peninsula, Cap Menorca, the latest address opened by Mare e Earth. The exclusive retreat, a member of Relais & Châteaux, opened after nine years of negotiations with the Spanish authorities, as well as two years of work.

The environment

The exclusive, unspoiled decor sounds like the promise of a wild El Dorado, with 30 hectares of typically Mediterranean vegetation. In total, about 24,000 plants and trees of endemic varieties were planted. “The biggest compliment anyone can give us is to think that nature has always prevailed here and that we’ve managed to minimize our footprint. It’s also about coming here to live in harmony with it,” confides owner Laurent Morel Ruymen. Rainy pines, centuries-old olive trees, palms and bougainvillea line this jealously guarded Balearic confetti on almost a kilometer of coastline, rich in biosphere, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The frame

Cap Menorca cultivates the luxury and rustic simplicity of around fifteen suites, fueled by solid fabrics. Minimalistic and graphic interior architecture inspired by Laurent Morel Ruymen, a passionate rider and sailor who loves sustainable materials such as wood, leather, stone… The optical white of the lime paint on the walls contrasts with all the green. bathroom tiles and shades of sand or ocher that complement the natural outdoor environment. The suites occupy the buildings of a former military base, forming a small village of independent houses, each with a garden and private pool.

The atmosphere

For some, the day will be spent chained to the length of the swimming area and sunbathing in the cove below, in total relaxation. In a friendly atmosphere, the address likes to gather guests around a large communal table, serve lunch by the pool or, on the contrary, prepare dinner for them in different corners of the property so that they feel alone in the world. The only common theme is the kitchen, centered around plants. And the menu, which changes every two weeks.

From €490 per night. mareeterra.com:

Experiences

Like this island, which remains partly agricultural, they’re more in touch with nature, taking turns horseback riding, a day on a sailboat (including a 26-meter gentleman’s yacht) or a visit to a cheese factory. The discovery of Port Mahon, which is more cultural, is combined with a passage to the Hauser & Wirth gallery island (where you can treat yourself to a very good lunch, in the shade of olive trees and towards the sea), after an inexplicable journey. the store

majority : outdoor spa with Natura Bissé for facials and natural oils from Majorca for body treatments.

Formentera

Opened this month, Dunas de Formentera, the first eco-luxury resort in the tiny pearl of the Balearic Islands, aims to be a haven for lovers of slow tourism. Spread across the sand dunes bordering Migjorn Beach, the 45 rooms and suites, 14 of which overlook the Mediterranean Sea, are decorated in beige, terracotta and white. The restaurant’s menu highlights cuisine with local flavors that follow the rhythm of the seasons. As an eco-responsible policy, the hotel is committed to funding projects promoting regenerative agriculture and artisanal fishing. And it uses photovoltaic technology to meet 80% of its energy needs by 2029.

dunasdeformementera.com

Mykonos

Located on Kalo Livadi Beach, one of the most beautiful on the Greek island, the adults-only Nomad Mykonos has all the amenities of a luxury Robinson resort. This 5-star hotel has 14 suites, most with a pool or Jacuzzi. The decor mixes local architecture and minimalist design: polished concrete, driftwood furniture… All this is sprinkled with earth and sand tones. Many details emphasize respect for the environment; soaps and cosmetics are organic and made in Greece, as are linens and robes. By the pool, the restaurant offers healthy Greek cuisine: the bread is homemade, the butter is from the farm, the fish is from the local fishery…

nomadmykonos.com

Easy

Relais & Châteaux member Maslina Resort, which opened in 2020 on this Croatian island, is a flagship of luxury ecotourism. Almost 90% of the materials chosen by interior designer Leoni Alma Mason are local, like the incredible reception desk, 12 tons of stone from the neighboring island of Brac, in one block. In the 50 rooms, including 17 suites, all with sea view, and 3 villas, we find brass, linen and wood. To reduce its ecological footprint, the Michelin-starred restaurant sources fish and meat from local producers, and fruits, vegetables, olive oil, herbs and spices from the hotel’s 7,000 m² organic garden. Finally, plastic is prohibited on the premises.

maslinaresort.com:

Corfu

The first Banyan Tree Group hotel in Europe, Angsana offers more than one advantage to entice the traveler who wants to live in harmony with nature. Overlooking Benitsi Bay in Corfu, Greece, this 5-star hotel offers a magnificent view from its 159 rooms and suites, its restaurants, its swimming pool… Following an environmentally responsible policy, everything that comes out of the kitchen. is composted and the waste water is recycled to water the gardens. In the “Green” program. ranger-led hikes through secret trails in the mountains. And in the evening zero dinner on the beach where we enjoy dishes prepared in the traditional way over a wood fire.

angsana.com: