The sun sets, but the magic never sleeps in Menorca

Every August 24, since our roots took hold in Menorca, we celebrate Teo's birthday. He achieved the milestone of 21 this year, and as is tradition, we adorned ourselves and our humble abode with the whimsy of our chosen theme. A penchant for creativity and costume, our annual celebration is the pinnacle of joyful participation. In the early years, it was mere suggestion, but as tradition grew, so did our commitment - this year, the votive theme was 'Baywatch,' our dwelling transformed into a nostalgic echo of David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson's shooting set. This year, I found an unexpected delight. In my pursuit and collection of the evening’s fare, I circulated through my favorite spots on the island, each contributing its own specialty dish. Tortilla de Patatas from here, empanadas and croquetas from there, vegetable pizza, and lobster cakes, each dish a testament to its origin, an assemblage of the island's finest for our cherished guests. Places that we will...

Every time I set off on a journey, I seek out the hidden gems that allow my family and me to genuinely connect with a place. Beyond the picture-perfect postcard locales, we crave experiences that resonate with the locals, letting us soak in the intensity of the region's authentic charm. As a result, much of my travel preparation is an extensive research marathon: hours, days, weeks, and sometimes even months of information gathering, comparing and contrasting, and forging itineraries. For nearly five years, the sun-kissed island of Menorca has been my recurring destination and my second home on the horizon. I am thrilled to share with you the treasures that have taken time, trial, exploration, and many a conversation with local people, to uncover. From the mesmerizing sunsets that paint the sky — more on those treasures later — to hushed secrets that will make even a brief two-day visit unforgettable, I will reveal them all on these pages. I have unfolded Menorca's layered beau...