For 15 years, Victor Madera, a Spanish healthcare magnate, and his wife, Maria Obdulia Fernández, have dedicated themselves to acquiring and restoring historic homes across Spain.
Their impressive collection includes a 13th-century castle in Extremadura and a Modernist villa from the 20th century in Asturias.
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Three years ago, the couple and their four daughters deliberated on how to preserve these unique properties for future generations. This discussion led to the inception of Vestige Collection, a hospitality brand inspired by Spain’s Paradores—a network of state-owned luxury hotels established by King Alfonso XIII in 1928.
The family’s mission is to safeguard Spain’s heritage while offering a lavish guest experience.
“For my parents, saving and restoring these buildings is a profound passion,” says Claudia, the second-eldest daughter.
The brand’s first hotel, Son Vell, welcomed guests last June. Located on a 450-acre estate in northwestern Menorca, the approach to the property is a scenic drive through olive groves and citrus orchards, culminating in a view of an 18th-century three-story villa built of golden marés limestone.
Son Vell features 34 spacious suites, many housed in stone bungalows that were once farm buildings. Each suite is furnished with king-sized beds, handmade furniture, and textiles, with several offering private walled terraces and gardens.
Guests can enjoy horseback rides along the Camí de Cavalls, a picturesque 115-mile trail encircling Menorca, and the beautiful Cala Son Vell beach is just a 10-minute walk away.
Vestige’s second property, Palacio de Figueras in Asturias, offers an exclusive 11-bedroom retreat. The property includes a dedicated chef and housekeeper, with a concierge available to organize excursions to the Picos de Europa and nearby beaches.
Maria Obdulia Fernández, who manages the design of each Vestige property, meticulously researches original materials to ensure authentic restorations. For Palacio de Figueras, she sourced period-specific doors and engaged artisans to fit the small window frames accurately.
Her design inspiration comes from Belgian artist and designer Axel Vervoordt: “I tend to build the room around one special, minimalist piece.” At Palacio de Figueras, this includes a bonsai tree in the lounge and a portrait of the manor’s original owner in one of the bedrooms.
This year, the family plans to open two more hotels, Son Ermitá and Son Binideufá, on adjacent estates in north-central Menorca, along with a six-bedroom villa in the foothills of Mallorca’s Tramuntana Mountains for exclusive use.
Future plans include properties in Almería and Extremadura. “We are excited to encourage travelers to explore the wilder, more remote corners of Spain,” Claudia says.
A version of this story was originally published in the June 2024 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline “Live Like Royalty in Menorca.”
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