Property Spotlight: Hotel Faustino Gran in Menorca

Location

Framed by pretty pink bougainvillea, the whitewashed entrance was easy to miss. But once inside the large wooden doors, I was in an inner sanctum of cobblestone walkways, lush trees, and a golden-lit path leading to the arched entryway of the main building.

Can Faustino is the original building in the collection, and is a few steps from the city's main viewpoint and the stairs leading to the port. The other two locations, Ca’l Brisbe and Ca’n Sebastià, are two minutes away, and both overlook the town’s formidable Gothic cathedral.

Entryway to Can Faustino

The property

There are 56 rooms and suites across three buildings. Located minutes from one another in the ancient city center, guests have access to the pools, common spaces, and gym/spa facilities at all three properties.

The hotel grounds

Can Faustino staircase

The interior aesthetic

Despite the stately exterior of the 16th-century palace, the interiors are modern. There’s a paradoxical sense of minimalism. Each room feels warm and inviting. Everything is done in a natural color palette that accentuates the building’s history: contemporary art and modern photography comfortably sit alongside Renaissance details like curved doorways, painted ceilings, and wrought-iron railings.

Sitting area

Painted ceiling in Can Faustino

The rooms

Rather than leaning into overly formal luxury, the interiors reflect Menorca’s understated elegance, with natural textures, tile flooring, beamed ceilings, rustic wood furnishings, and woven accents.

Can Faustino has 21 guest rooms, three suites, and a private villa, while neighboring Ca’l Bisbe and Ca’n Sebastià expand the estate with additional rooms, suites, and shared spaces—many with original details reflecting their aristocratic heritage.

Room categories range from classic doubles and terrace rooms to spacious family suites, cathedral-view accommodations, and a private multi-bedroom villa with its own pool, kitchen, and terrace.

Deluxe room

The restaurant

Restaurante Faustino is located in the main palace. Meals are enjoyed in a beautiful garden courtyard where the historic stone architecture, lush greenery, and relaxed atmosphere feel effortlessly connected to Menorca itself.

One of my favorite memories from my stay was breakfast in the garden each morning—sitting in the peaceful stone courtyard surrounded by greenery, listening to birds in the background, and being greeted by the genuinely warm staff. As hard as it was to leave, I did make it off property. The local wines and manchego cheese were excellent, but honestly, it’s the fresh orange juice at Can Faustino I still think about most. It was some of the best I’ve ever had.

The bar

Breakfast in the garden

Access to Casa de Pau

The hotel has a fourth site, Casa de Pau, open seasonally, within driving distance of the hotel. Casa de Pau is a working finca (agricultural property) with access to a private beach cove. There’s a pool, a solarium, farm-to-table lunches, and access to Hotel Faustino’s boats, which are available for chartered excursions.

The spa

Housed in ancient caves on the lower level of the property, Spa Faustino has an indoor natural stone pool, a steam room, and a sauna. Since the space is intimate, guests reserve time slots in advance and often have much of the spa to themselves. Guests also receive a complimentary one-hour session during their stay.

Boat trips

No trip to Menorca is complete without experiencing its turquoise Mediterranean waters. The hotel’s concierge team can help arrange excursions on their three boats, each accompanied by a skipper. Guests can choose from three distinctive vessels: the Heloise, a motor yacht; the Ciutadella, an elegant vintage yacht; and the Hermine, a classic sailboat.

Conclusion

Faustino Gran is the kind of hotel that stays with you long after you've left—not because of any single grand gesture, but because of the quiet accumulation of details done exceptionally well. It is, without question, one of the finest places to stay on the island, and one I would return to without hesitation.

Renting a car is highly recommended, but parking in the ancient, narrow streets of Ciutadella can be a challenge. Faustino Gran does not have on-site parking, but the hotel's team handles this seamlessly—guests can pull up to the entrance to drop bags, with staff on hand to assist, and private parking is available just a five-minute walk away.

Afternoon siesta is still very much a way of life on the island. Most shops and businesses follow a split schedule, opening from around 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., then reopening from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

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