In any setting or landscape, Vestige Son Vell would stand out – an imposing 18th-century Italianate villa made of stone the colour of clotted cream, and surrounded by olive and fig trees, holm oaks, chestnuts, palms, and luxuriant formal gardens. In its actual setting and landscape, amid the gently undulating agricultural fields at the western edge of Menorca, it stands out all the more. It’s probably safe to say that none of the island’s other farmhouses, charming as they are, possess this kind of dreamy, exotic elegance. The pale lusciousness of the exterior provides the basis of the design scheme throughout the 33 bedrooms – six in the main house, 27 in five single-story bungalows – and is complemented by neutral-tone textiles, limewashed timber beams, and well-judged metallic accents. The views from the villa’s upper stories are wonderful, across treetops and gardens to the ruggedly dramatic coastline, which – if the temptation to relax by the pool or feast in one of the superb restaurants can be overcome – cries out to be explored on foot or on horseback. Son Vell was the first hotel to open under the family-owned Vestige brand; half a dozen more hotels and private rental properties, all occupying buildings of historical or architectural significance in various parts of Spain, are due to follow in short order. If Son Vell is anything to go by, the arrival of Vestige is nothing but good news, marking the beginning of an extremely interesting period for the Spanish hotel scene. Steve King
Address: Camí de Son March S/N, 07769 Ciutadella de Menorca
Price: From about £530 per night.
