Vestige, a new family-owned hospitality brand, has announced the opening of its first hotel, Vestige Son Vell in Spain’s Menorca. The restored 18th-century manor house is just 20 minutes from the city of Ciutadella and a short stroll to the beach.
Son Vell’s 34 rooms are spread across the grounds of the historic 200-hectare estate, which has a grand Italianate-style manor house and five farm buildings. The estate includes citrus trees, olive groves, organic vegetable gardens and working farmland. The property’s original wood and clay features, as well as the traditional marés limestone and Venetian style of the main house have all been preserved. Each room or suite overlooks private terraces or colorful gardens. The accommodations are expansive, characterized by terracotta tiles, wooden beams and natural textiles alongside local artworks and antiques.
The pool and garden bars offer spaces to enjoy a light bite and local Menorcan gin imbued with native botanicals, while two restaurants serve up seasonal fare sourced from the hotel’s farmland or local artisan producers. Sa Clarisa is the spot for a leisurely lunch, where Menorcan classics are given a modern twist. Evenings can be spent under the stars at Vermell, where the menu pays tribute to island life and local cuisine.
Guests at Son Vell can enjoy a range of activities both on- and off-site, all designed to showcase local culture and customs. Guests can connect with local artisans to learn local techniques such as the art of making shoes, jewelry and bags, or learn how to create natural remedies, cosmetics, elixirs and textiles from a herbalist. The days can be whiled away with a dip in the pool, playing pétanque, wine tasting, unwinding with "yogalates" or taking a cooking class with chef Joan Bagur. At night, live music, sound healing and stargazing are all on the agenda, as well as twice-weekly outdoor cinema screenings in the holm oak forest.
For those wishing to explore further afield, Menorca’s ancient nature trail, the Camí de Cavalls, passes by the edge of the estate and can be explored by foot, bike or horseback. Guests can also opt for an exclusive jeep exploration tour that takes to private roads; some of the island’s best beaches and cultural sites are all within easy reach.
The launch of Son Vell will be followed later this year with Santa Ana, a six-room private home in the south of Menorca. Upcoming projects in 2024 and 2025 include one further hotel in Menorca, a hotel and private home in Mallorca and a 16th-century castle in Asturias. Additionally, projects in Madrid, San Sebastián and Extremadura will follow later.
Vestige is a hospitality group that aims to preserve and regenerate sites of architectural, environmental and community significance, safeguarding them for future generations to enjoy. Launched in 2023, the family-owned business is in the process of restoring a portfolio of 25 sites across Spain into 12 boutique hotels and 13 private estates. Properties range from 13th-century palaces and castles, to early 20th century modernist builds. The portfolio will continue to grow both within Spain and internationally in the coming years. The first private hire, Vestige Palacio de Figueras, opened in Asturias in 2022, and the first hotel project, Vestige Son Vell, opened in Menorca recently.
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