Vestige Son Vell
Set in gorgeous countryside close to many of Menorca’s best beaches yet just 20 minutes from historic Ciutadella, Son Vell is a lovingly restored agricultural estate with a handsome 18th-century manor house at its centre.
Built over 200 years ago, the Italianate manor sits surrounded by olive trees, fig trees, holm oaks, chestnuts, palms, gardens and acres of working farmland. Interiors are equally impressive – a charming mix of original features and custom-made contemporary touches. Of the 34 rooms, six are in the main house with another 28 in five separate single-storey bungalows. Top picks include the Garden Junior Suite, sensitively renovated with wood, natural fabrics and original sandstone, and the vast Two Bedroom Suite, perfect for families or friends travelling together.
Food in the two restaurants (one inside, one outside by the pool) is outstanding, an homage to Menorca’s super-fresh ingredients and artisan producers. Facilities include a yoga and Pilates deck, massage rooms and an outdoor cinema. Cycling around the estate is especially rewarding, as is gazing up at the night sky listening to an astronomer enthuse about the cosmos – thanks to its low light pollution, Menorca is one of the best places in the world to observe the stars with the naked eye. You can also pick up the Cami de Cavalls from inside the hotel grounds. This historic path, once used to protect the island, stretches round the whole coast and is best explored by foot or on horseback.
