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Running as a bar and contemporary art gallery since 2016 and now a new boutique hotel, Hotel Fragile -owned by husband and wife duo Mojca and Sean Branagan – softly launched five new rooms this summer, each with their own identity and pushing the norms of town-centre hospitality to create a modern, cultural hub for the eco-conscious and creative locals and tourists alike.
Location
The hotel is nestled between rows of shops, art galleries and little cafes along the medieval streets of the city’s romantic quarter and just steps from tourist must-sees; the grand Santa Maria of Ciutadella Cathedral and the main square, Plaça des Born, with the twinkling port just a stroll away. Closeby is a real hidden gem, Cala en Brut, packed with locals’ cliff jumping into the crystal-clear waters of the stunning natural cove. Mahon airport is only forty minutes by car.
Design
A clever mix of old meets new. Ancient elements of its former existence as a 17th century church have been lovingly restored and brought back to life and cleverly contrast the trendy aesthetics and overall contemporary design of the hotel’s interior. Each of the five rooms has their own unique personality; modern minimalism with touches of edgy industrialism, yet still somewhat elegant with Venetian terrazzo flooring and high-quality furnishings. Of course, art plays a huge role in the design and helps seamlessly combine the established gallery with the new accommodation by incorporating pieces of artwork that routinely change based on the exhibition programme. Further standout features include the private roof terrace, offering rooftop views of Ciutadella, once prized by the British, as well as the hotel’s sustainable elements; from the fresh water filtration system that’s in place (fresh ground-sourced water is non-drinkable in Menorca) and La Bruket refillable shower bottles, to the ultra-comfy and sustainably made COCO-MAT beds – all will help secure its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, which is currently in the process of rightfully naming Hotel Fragile as an official ECO hotel.
Dining
Mojca uses fresh, local ingredients to create well-balanced European-inspired dishes, that can be served on the terrace, whilst Sean has ensured the highest quality artisan coffee from his favourite East London coffee makers, Climpson & Sons, is perfectly prepared by the hotel’s resident barista.
Overall
There is something quite unique about Hotel Fragile with its white-washed walls and clean, minimalist designs; a stark difference from the church interiors that once existed here. But one never feels far from religion with the adjacent cathedral and the remnants of the church in full view from the windows. Hotel Fragile makes for an ideal base from which to explore this beautiful island.
The Junior Suite with balcony costs €204 per night for two people, including breakfast.
To book, visit the website.