Menorca: Can a return visit live up to expectations? You bet

We visited the small and perfectly formed Balearic Island of Menorca the last two weeks of October 2011. It was to be Hubby's 60th birthday whilst we enjoyed our vacation. We had a wonderful time with generally good weather, although it was a mixed bag.

We must have had a great time as, for the first time ever, we said we would return and so we did. This time we spent a two week vacation at the end of September in the same resort and hotel as last year.

We returned to the UK on September 30, 2011, and know we will return yet again. It may or may not be next year but, if it is not, it will be in 2013, god willing, as they say.

So it must have at the very least lived up to our expectations, so let me share a little of this year's vacation with you.

The advantages of returning to a place you love include:

• You know your way around
• You know the best and worst on offer
• You can make better use of your precious vacation time

Of course there are disadvantages, such as:

• It may have been a mixture of many things that made your first holiday a success. Remove even just one, such as good weather, and it could be disastrous.
• Places change.
• You could be bored as nothing is new and fresh

The above are by no means all but they give you an idea of what could happen. So it is worth fully considering why you want to return.

For us it was still exciting but somehow felt like going home. The flight was bang on time and the transfer from the airport at Mahon, Menorca to our accommodation was brief. The wonderful friendly staff at Hotel Collingwood were there to greet us in the usual charming fashion.

Knowing some of the Island of Menorca's attractions we soon dumped our luggage, showered, changed and set off to Cales Fonts for an ice cold beer. This we drank at the harbour front outside of Chez Bar or as we call it the Jazz Bar. After all the music is Billie Holiday and the like. You can sit here all day if you want, with one solitary drink, and watch the world go by.

Our love affair with this small Balearic Island of Spain was resumed and will be recharged next time we vacation here.

We did not travel abroad until we were almost 40-years-old but have visited a fair few countries since. These include, Malta, Turkey, Austria, Switzerland, Cyprus, The Algarve, Madeira and many Greek Islands. Even so there are many wonderfully promising sounding places we would still like to visit.

It is easy to feel that there is a big wide world out there and so much to see that you crave for pastures new. Sometimes though new pastures can be disappointing. Unless the Colligwood, or Hotel Del Almirante, is taken over we are certain of a warm welcome here. Some of the other visitors have been spending vacations here for more than 20 years. They come from all walks of life but all have felt the warmth of their visit seep into their bones.

We bumped into a retired Colonel, a nice old guy, who had been on vacation last year at the same time as us. We made some new friends, including a specially nice couple from the Channel Island of Guernsey. They said what many feel that you have to keep quiet about this place in order for it to retain its quintessential charm. This is what appeals to many but not everyone.

The Hotel Collingwood staff have worked there for up to 40 years or so. Those who have not have fallen into their way of looking after the customers. Nothing is too much trouble.

We know that this vacation suits our style, vacation needs and more. The island is very safe and wonderful to explore. Much as we had visited a great deal of Menorca last time some places such as Bloody Island and Cal'n Porter were new to us this visit. Of course we still have others saved for the next visit.

If you visit a small island, hire a car and race around you will have seen all it has to offer in a few days. You may not have experienced the real place though or let it get under your skin. Taking you time suits the hot weather of Menorca, its pace of life and a relaxing holiday. What more can you possibly want?