Guidebook for San Jaime, Son Bou Alaior

San Jaime is a residential area within Son Bou, which is the beach / coastal area located in the middle of the South coast of Menorca. Menorca was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993, which has saved the island from overdevelopment. There is a nature reserve directly behind the beach, which has protected the views and the resort from being over developed. It also means that the view from the villa is pretty much uninterrupted. To the East of the resort is an impressive headland pitted with ancient cave dwellings and sheltering the ruins of old Menorcan villas. To the West there is a magnificent view, claimed to be the finest in Menorca, along 3km of perfect white sandy beach. Beyond lies the entire coastline as far as the lighthouse to the South of Ciutadella, the ancient capital. To the South there is the Mediterranean. On a clear day, the grey outline of the rocky Northern coast of Mallorca is visible. The beach is fine, white sand. There is a large car park at one end (East) and most people tend to hang out just in front of and not far from the car park. However, if you are prepared to walk towards the West, it is possible to find some peace. This part of the beach is also naturist though it’s not obligatory! If you want to discover off the beaten track Menorca, I highly recommend a Jeep Safari Menorca, which is basically off roading in Landrover Defenders. It is great value - you get picked up at the villa at 9.30 and return at 4.30 although you can stay out longer. We were dropped back home at 6.30 after a fantastic day out, which ended up swimming in the sea at a Virgin beach. Son Bou is an ideal centre for exploring this beautiful island. A short drive gives access to the unspoilt town of Alaior and the Mahon-Ciutadella road. Son Bou facilities: •Swimming pools •Bars •Restaurants – I love Budda Lounge & Casa Andres •Car & Vespa hire •Money exchange •Shopping •Bakery •Supermarkets •Gift shops •Bars and cafes •Beach bar/restaurant – Ses Grulles is our personal favourite •Children’s playgrounds •Tennis court

Son Bou beach is commercial from the East end but virgin at the West. It is 2 minutes by car; 10 to 15 minutes walk from the villa. It is probably the most popular and beautiful beaches on the island. It is 3km of fine white sand sloping gently into clear turquoise water. If you are prepared to walk to the very end past the headland you will find a small pebbly cove and some rocky platforms you can swim from. Also, a beautiful place to watch the sunset. We often take a picnic. You can actually do a circular walk from the villa via Torre Soli Nou (access to farm track in the car park of HG Jardin de Menorca hotel). From there follow the farm track and signs for ‘Cami des Cavalls’ and you will end up at the headland you can see from the villa (far West of the beach). In August you can collect wild blackberries and figs along the way. You can then walk back the way you came or along the beach. We often cycle (there are several places in Son Bou to hire bikes). We hire mountain bikes from A Roda (you will find Tito's business card with telephone number in the top kitchen drawer to the RHS of the cooker) on the Poligono in Alaior. Bear in mind that the farm track can be a little bumpy. Either visit Tito’s shop on the Poligono in Alaior or hire them from Menorca Vacations office in Son Bou.