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Where to stay in Menorca? In the dazzling wilderness of Son Ermità
Surrounded by lush mountains, forests and secluded coves, the masterfully restored 18th-century finca Son Ermità is the latest gem by the young Iberian brand Vestige Collection.
Text and photos by Éric Dahan.
Son Ermità: a hotel nestled among Menorca’s coves
It took less than three years for Victor Madera, a doctor from Oviedo who made a fortune in the healthcare sector, to establish Vestige Collection as a key player in the restoration of Spain’s architectural heritage. This young brand of rental villas and hotels is now among Menorca’s finest. After Palacio de Figueras in the Asturias, and the Santa Anna villa and Son Vell hotel in Menorca, the Madera family has just unveiled two new adjacent properties.
The first, Son Ermità, opened in mid-June and towers breathtaking, accessible coves from a hill surrounded by mountains. In the Vestige Collection, it stands as the counterpoint to Son Vell. The latter is a monumental property with its Palladian-style villa, Renaissance fountains and gardens. As for Son Ermità, it is more of a belvedere, offering a wide range of vistas of the local wilderness.
The second property, Binidufà, will be welcoming its first guests in August. Located in a valley bordered by a magnificent forest, it is the perfect spot for romantic strolls or casual picnics away from the crowd.
A peaceful haven amid natural landscapes
The location. Son Ermità is located in the north of Menorca, at the heart of a private 800-hectare estate, about 30 minutes from the Balearic island’s international airport. The access road immediately plunges you into the wilderness. Over 70% of Menorca has been protected from real estate development for decades. Though secluded, there is only a 20-minute drive from the hotel to the picturesque port town of Ciutadella and beaches of Cavalleria and Cala del Pilar. It is also a 30-minute drive from the southern beaches of Cala Turqueta and Cala Macarella.
The suite. The eleven rooms and suites were arranged with the help of local artisans and artists. Son Ermità is a dream boutique hotel located in a former agricultural estate. Victor Madera, the self-proclaimed Aman junkie, has set very high standards regarding the amenities. The rooms feature extremely comfortable mattresses and pillows, embroidered satin linens, a deep blue zellige walk-in shower reminiscent of the Amanpuri in Phuket, a vintage-style bathtub, built-in sinks, and Rowse toiletries with their intoxicating blend of lemongrass, bergamot, rosemary, and patchouli. In short, a masterclass in rustic chic with all of today’s comfort – a safe, an espresso machine, a flat-screen TV, and geothermal air conditioning!
On the menu: local delicacies and enchanting dishes
The bar. Next to the restaurant and the pool, the bar serves refreshing cocktails like the Pomada, a sparkling Gin Gimlet made with the Xoriguer gin distilled in Port Mahon, the island’s capital. The bartenders are remarkably friendly and accommodating. They go above and beyond to craft off-menu creations for you upon request, like the watermelon daiquiri shown in the photo.
The restaurant. Since the hotel has just opened its doors, the menu at Brisà is still a work in progress. We loved the salmon and avocado Benedict eggs for breakfast – another off-menu indulgence requested by yours truly – the homemade pastries and the special version of the Niçoise salad with a local rosé by the pool. The evening menu was to die for. It included a roasted squash with arugula, oranges, and burrata, followed by a honest grilled tuna steak and a truly unforgettable dessert served in a glass – a layered mix of chocolate, praline, and caramelized hazelnuts.
A fitness center with a sea view
The gym. There’s plenty of free weights, a few machines and treadmills… But most importantly, a huge picture window overlooking the blue waters of Cala Moragues. It’s hard to imagine a better way to motivate us while lifting weights!
The spa. There isn’t one, but yoga sessions and massages can be booked in a dedicated room.
The pool. “Irresistible and delightful,” just like Mauboussin’s €850 solitaire ring. This infinity pool can be enjoyed any time of the day, before or after the beach, at sunrise or sunset, on a lounger or a deck chair. All that while listening to the gentle chorus of cicadas, naturally.
A private property just steps away from the shores of Menorca
The beach. Among all the beaches near the hotel, which would feel private if not for the law allowing public access to them, our favorite remains Cala En Calderer. The spot gives the impression that the David Bowie in The Man Who Fell to Earth wearing a duffle coat is about to appear out of the blue. Leave your Louboutins at home and opt for a pair of sneakers to avoid mishaps on the steep trail. The hotel’s buggies are on their way and will pick the less adventurous among us up for a ride. The best option is to book the hotel’s yacht to hop from cove to cove and have a dive.
We loved. The vastness of the private estate, reminiscent of the late Gazelle d’Or in Taroudant, Morocco. The olive trees, umbrella pines, almond and carob trees, and deserted coves – all free of any dreadful background music! And also, the freshly baked bread rolls from the restaurant Brisà, perfect for dipping in the olive oil produced there, and the ever-smiling, exquisitely courteous hotel manager, Simão Damasceno.
We hated. Nothing.
Son Ermità, Diseminado Son Ermita, 1007750, Balearic Islands, Spain.
