“All my inspiration comes from my travel,” says Simon Miller CEO and Creative Director Chelsea Hansford. “I love finding gems and [soaking] in the culture,” she explains of the things that inspire her. Hansford’s Southern California brand evokes a tropical take on classic American style. For her most recent endeavor, she fused that funky ethos with Spanish giant Mango’s more muted summer aesthetic in a collaboration that launches today. The two brands debuted their vivacious collaboration against the backdrop of Menorca, a remote island off the coast of Spain, with an itinerary that showcased both the highlights of the tranquil locale and the colorful collection.
“We have this Mediterranean approach,” explains Mango Creative Director Justi Ruano of the backstory. “During the creative process, we [mixed] elements of the West Coast and the Mediterranean Coast.” Inspired by an under-the-sea mentality, the collection embraces rich blues, greens, yellows, and prints that appear almost like a psychedelic take on the tropics. “I love anything with a tropical beat,” Hansford laughs. Menorca provided the perfect setting for the net-like crochet dresses and seashell-embellished straw totes. “Menorca feels very neutral and slightly wabi-sabi,” continues Hansford. “But I love the contrast of this bold, colorful end of the sun with all these neutral palettes in the background.”
Their festivities ranged from a casual beachside lunch to an extravagant soirée in an old stone quarry. But both assure me that the island is known for its slower pace than neighboring Ibiza and Mallorca (Menorca is a common destination for residents of Barcelona to flee the city for the summer). “In Menorca, you have a lot of restaurants and everything,” explains Ruano, "but you can find the slow life, the quiet family life, as well.” It has a more relaxed lifestyle than its party-centric neighbors, though that’s not to say you can’t dance until dawn if you’re interested—just ask Hansford and Ruano.
“You change your rhythm in summer, you change your rhythm in this spot,” Ruano explains, referring to both the lifestyle of the island and the shift the season implements on her own sense of style. Ruano and Hansford like to pack pieces that harness the energy of summer, though they do so in completely different fashions—Ruano in a poplin shirt and wide-leg trousers, Hansford in a vibrant yellow crochet dress. Below, they’ve outlined their guide to the island, including how they pack for it. Whether that entails sunning yourself at one of the island’s many “calas” or trying a traditional caldereta, they’ve rounded up all of the can’t-miss spots to hit in Menorca.
Photo: Courtesy of Mango
Where to Stay
Both Hansford and Juano opt to stay at Hotel Experimental when they visit Menorca. Nestled in nature, the hotel channels an artist’s spirit into a dutifully restored 19th-century finca with a unique color palette and intriguing design. The whitewashed facade and terracotta tile retain the traditional architectural elements of the area while interesting ceramics and art refresh the interior with modernity. Home to 43 rooms, a pool, restaurant, bar, spa, and even a private cliffside, Hotel Experimental will enchant guests with both luxury amenities and visual delights. “Very nice,” Ruano describes it. “Very nice.”
Tucked away in a corner of the island, Son Blanc Farmhouse fosters a deep connection with its environment in a hospitality experience that combines a respect for sustainability with a reverence for design. The 14-room farmhouses prioritize natural materials in rooms featuring stone, clay, wood, and earthy textiles. A working Farmstead, Son Blanc grows its own produce for a holistic wellness experience. Hansford notes this is both the best hotel and the best place to have dinner.
What to Do
Explore Pedreres De S’Hostal
Photo: Courtesy of Mango; Óscar Germade Dopico
This particular location played a large part in Mango’s decision to station their launch event in Menorca. For their final dinner, the brand hosted an evening of dining and dancing against the backdrop of a 200-year-old calcareous stone quarry (whose material was historically used for building construction). While they don’t host lavish parties most nights, the ethically preserved space is quite spectacular and worth a visit.
Visit the Calas
Photo: Courtesy of Mango; Óscar Germade Dopico
Juano recommends visiting one of Menorca’s “calas,” or cove-like beaches peppered around the island. “There is no way to go by car,” she warns. “So you have to walk.” Try Playa de Cavalleria for its captivating views and alluring red sand.
Walk Around Ciutadella
Photo: Courtesy of Mango; Óscar Germade Dopico
Ciutadella was the ancient capital of Menorca, during the British occupation in the 18th century. Now, it provides a glimpse into a more traditional Menorcan city structure. Visit the port city on the west coast of the island so you can view Spanish architecture as you meander down the winding cobblestone streets. It's a "charming town to explore and shop," notes Hansford. Once you’ve tried a Tour Mahón sandwich from Bar Imperi and exhausted your weary soles meandering the streets, indulge in a slow lunch by the water and sample a Pomada, a traditional gin-and-lemonade drink.
Tour Mahón
Mahón, Menorca’s capital, is the slightly more modern neighbor to Ciutadella. Stationed on a cliff overlooking the harbor, the streets are lined with great restaurants and interesting boutiques. Ruano recommends sampling caldereta, “a very special dish from Menorca. It is [essentially] broth with lobster and it’s amazing.” While you’re in town, pop over to Hauser & Wirth’s island gallery for a digestible dose of modern art.
Time Your Visit to the San Juan Festival
“There is a festival here that is very popular called San Juan,” Ruano says. “It's amazing. Go if you have the chance.” The festival falls upon the summer solstice in June each year. If you can make it, be sure not to miss the Caracol Des Borns, essentially a horse parade that runs through the streets of Ciutadella.
Where to Eat
Photo: Courtesy of Mango; Óscar Germade Dopico
Mango and Simon Miller hosted a deeply fabulous lunch at En Caragol where guests dined on multiple courses with a view of the crystal blue water. The seafood is excellent and the paella is not to be missed!
Hansford specifically recommends this farm-to-table lunch spot, which can serve as the perfect midday break for your stroll around Ciutadella. The authentic Mediterranean cuisine is designed to be shared so bring friends and plan to stay for hours.
Ahead of our interview, Ruano had just come from Desport, which has two locations: one in the village of Fornells and the other in Mahón. Lounge at a table outside and sample Mediterranean cuisine, whether that’s in the form of paella or octopus.
Cafe Balear opened in the 1970s, originally a waterside tavern that welcomed those fresh from the sea. Nestled in the port of Ciutadella, the restaurant offers traditional tapas and freshly caught seafood. They have their own boat, the “Rosa Santa Primera,” that has fished in Menorcan waters for years.
Shop Chelsea’s Packing Essentials
Photo: Courtesy of Mango
“Sunglasses are kind of my love language. I love a big bag when I'm traveling. The more the merrier—I've got my snacks, I've got my towel, I've got everything. So I love this huge beach bag; it adds so much to your look. This is a cover-up you can wear to dinner or the beach. It’s this easy throw-on piece that is essential when you travel. And then, you've got to have sunscreen on here. I have been using my EltaMD sunscreen forever. I have really sensitive skin. The Biologique product line is one I've been using for probably eight years. I started in Paris and got stuck on it. I'm such a creature of habit, so I've just been using it forever. I literally only wash my body with African black soap. I bring it everywhere I go, whether it's a night at my parent's house in Lake Arrowhead, or if it's a week on vacation and it's this huge chunk of brown kind of soap, if you will. But it leaves crazy residue in the shower and everyone's like, ‘What is this?’
“The Simon Miller Cro Slides are one of my favorite shoes. They're so comfortable. The Raffia goes with everything—perfect for any occasion from beach to dinner. I love ERES Swim for solids and basics. And then my AirPods. Got to listen to music. My fiancé's also an amazing DJ and I recommend everyone to check out his playlists on Spotify.”
Shop Justi’s Packing Essentials
Photo: Courtesy of Mango
“The way I dress in the summer is more casual, more loose, more comfy. I really love poplin. I always wear versions of the same outfit: a poplin shirt and loose trousers. I picked up loose trousers from the collection and of course, a Maxi bag where you can put everything for the beach: the towel, the bikini and the beauty care, the cream. And then, of course, you have to have something for the evening, if you go to dinner or something. I add something elevated—like the fishnet items, which are my favorite from the collection. So, fishnet dress, feminine sandals, and a small bag. For beauty, I love Korean and Japanese brands. I’m not Mediterranean, in this way. I use Sensai.”
Oversize Cotton Shirt
