Son Vell is a beautiful hotel located in the west of the island and is part of the Vestige Collection restoration project.
Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993, Menorca is one of the most prized peninsular islands. We know it above all for its beaches and its charming fishing villages. There, in this setting embraced by the sea and the Tramuntana mountain range, more and more projects are emerging with the aim of promoting slow life and getting to know craftsmen and women first hand. One of these initiatives is Vestige Son Vell, a hotel housed in an 18th century manor house. We take a look around to learn about the history behind this place, which is part of the Vestige family project. This is a collection of exclusive hotels and private estates that stand out for their architectural identity and location.
Exterior of Vestige Son Vell. Hotel editorial credit.
Located in a privileged setting a short distance from some of the most beautiful beaches on the island and barely half an hour from Ciutadella, Son Vell occupies seven hectares of green space among gardens, citrus trees, olive groves and an organic vegetable garden that feeds the hotel’s kitchen.
Rooms with contemporary art and design
Although the outdoor space is undoubtedly very important, one of the greatest attractions of Son Vell are its bedrooms. It has 34 suites and rooms: six of them inside the manor house and the remaining twenty-eight are garden suites in the renovated area. Combining antique furniture with contemporary art and sculptures, each room is decorated to harmonise with the history of the buildings: while the suites in the main building are designed to contemplate the countryside and the coast, those in the new area invite you to sunbathe and relax.
One of the hotel rooms, with environmentally responsible furniture and materials. Editorial credit: Vestige Son Vell.
Local gastronomy
Son Vell’s cuisine pays homage to Menorcan traditions, fresh ingredients and local produce. The hotel has two restaurants: Vermell and Sa Clarisa. The former is run by chef Joan Bagur and offers menus inspired by popular and traditional recipes, with influences from mainland, British and French cuisine. Sa Clarisa, meanwhile, has a relaxed atmosphere in a large space surrounded by greenery for light, refreshing meals in the open air.
A variety of experiences
To get to know the surroundings of Son Vell, the hotel offers a variety of outdoor experiences: from a walk through the most artistic part of the Citadel, visiting galleries, foundations and a private art collection, to a cinema session under the stars. There is also live music at Vermell, morning yoga classes, a paddle surfing excursion, a jeep tour, horse riding or the possibility of renting a boat.
Outdoor swimming pool of the hotel. Editorial credit: Vestige Son Vell.
Sustainability above all else
At Son Vell they have incorporated many eco-friendly policies and practices in energy consumption, plastic disposal, reduction and reuse. They have also installed solar panels and geothermal wells that allow them to be 60% self-sufficient in energy use in the facilities. Furthermore, upholstered furniture and carpets are chosen or ordered for their natural fibres such as linen, jute, silk or cotton, and only chemical-free dyes are used. These are just some of the environmental measures they apply.
