Located within an historical 18th Century estate the Sant Ignasi Rural Hotel is much more than accommodation: it represents an immersion into the essence of Menorca. Nestled amongst holm oaks and cork oaks, it invites guests to discover a simple luxury, unhurried and in sync with the island.
The Hotel Sant Ignasi is an old holiday home belonging to the local Menorcan aristocracy. Located on the outskirts of Ciutadella, it was constructed in 1777 and transformed into a rural hotel by Juana Vilafranca.
Born in Menorca, Vilafranca is deeply rooted to her land of origin, which inspired a clear vision about how she wanted to focus the project: her mission was to reimagine the spirit of the original estate and create a rural hotel that showcased the island’s authentic ways, its culture, the rhythm of its people’s daily life and the savoir faire of the local artisans.
Everything is focused on the creation of a peaceful and elegant ambience, the utmost expression of the island’s very own Menorcan essence in quiet, unpretentious and natural luxury.
The Original Menorca: a return journey to its origins
Thanks to Juana Vilafranca’s vision Sant Ignasi which was the first rural hotel to be created on Menorca in 1998 is today a space of relaxation for connecting with the island’s roots. Hence the natural landscape, the local culinary culture and the ‘poc a pco’ (one step at a time) philosophy allowing guests to immerse themselves from the first day they arrive. In addition, the hotel offers both cultural and sporting activities to further incentivise the exploration of the surrounding lands and its people. As Juana puts it:
“Menorca shows us how to value what’s important. “Poc a poc” is the best definition to describe its lifestyle: slow, calm and in deep harmony with its surroundings.”
Conscious Collaborations
To bring her project to life, Juana Vilafranca, the hotel’s owner, personally led the interior design, opting for a serene aesthetic that connects with the natural surroundings. To achieve this, she assembled a very special team of collaborators, made up of Menorcan professionals and renowned national experts. For the landscape design of the estate, she entrusted the multi-award-winning studio La Rosa Maura, known for its sensitive and sustainable approach.
The project also stands out for its commitment to responsible brands and artisanal craftsmanship. The hotel has collaborated with companies such as Let’s Pause, whose lighting and furniture designs—crafted from plant-based materials using environmentally respectful processes—enhance the organic character of the spaces. In addition, the project drew on the expertise of local artisans, helping preserve traditional techniques and support the local economy.
Natural essence, artisan soul
The collaboration with Let’s Pause perfectly reflects the philosophy of Hotel Sant Ignasi: a serene space, in harmony with nature and authenticity. The pieces created by the brand — such as the handwoven fique fibre headboards or the artisanal lamps that gently filter the light — bring honest, sensory beauty to every room. Outdoors, the Fango side tables, crafted from wheel-thrown clay and fired at high temperatures, combine solidity with sensitivity, blending effortlessly into the Menorcan landscape. Each creation, made from plant-based materials using sustainable processes, embodies an essential, conscious design with soul.
Authenticity in every detail
Every corner of Sant Ignasi is the result of meticulous handcrafted work. Local materials such as the Marés stone (sandstone typically found on the Balearic Islands) and limestone respect the traditional Menorca architecture while the olive-green window shutters that are used throughout the island, evoke an authentic spirit by cooling the hotel’s interiors.
The finishes, the furnishings and the décor reflect an understated luxury that highlights the beauty of simplicity and provides an easy-going and relaxed comfort. From the hotel rooms through to the public spaces the connection with nature and the history of Menorca is evident in each and every element: from the indigenous plants to the unique crafted decorative elements.
Living nature
Sant Ignasi is located in a stunning natural setting. The centuries old holm oak forest that surrounds the hotel is known as “Paradise”, a space where guests can enjoy the tranquil quiet and fresh air of the island interior. Walking through the forest, listening to the birdsong or just allowing yourself to be swept up in the sound of the cicadas is guaranteed to help you disconnect completely.
The renowned sculptor and landscape designer Álvaro de la Rosa Maura was commissioned to design the gardens, selecting plant species typically found on Menorca and complimenting the centuries old trees already on the estate.
“Plants are distinguished beings for the landscape architect, a secret material, a colour, a form, a volume. And the garden is art and nature, a collection of artistic and aesthetic intentions.” Álvaro de la Rosa
When evening falls
The Sant Ignasi evenings are a magical time of day. From the rooms of the hotel guests can contemplate one of the most beautiful natural spectacles on Menorca: the sun melts into the horizon and paints the landscape with warm tones, creating an atmosphere of calm and reflection.
The same connection with nature is also evident at the table, with a gastronomic offering that respects and adapts local traditions.
Smoix: Michelin star gastronomy and sustainability
Sant Ignasi encourages a more sustainable and respectful tourist concept with both its natural and social setting. The hotel’s restaurant for example provides a gastronomic offering that pays homage to the traditional cooking of Menorca and the Mediterranean: Smoix, with chef Miquel Sánchez at its head, uses farm to table seasonal ingredients, reinterpreting them in a sophisticated and contemporary approach.
The menu changes with the seasons and each dish is a celebration of authentic simplicity and flavour, perfectly reflecting the hotel’s philosophy of respecting and preserving the island’s charm in every detail.
Art: expressing the unique spirit of the island
Art has shaped the history of Ciutadella over the centuries. So, in recognition the Sant Ignasi Rural Hotel includes elements of art that reflect its unique character, both inside and out. These include large format pieces especially selected by our landscape architect, who as well as having won several landscaping awards at international festivals (Switzerland, France, Spain) has also been recognised as a sculptor with the “Villa de Madrid”, among others.
Choosing Sant Ignasi Rural Hotel is without doubt a way of connecting with the authentic traditions, landscape, flavours, colours, art and people of Menorca.
For more information and reservations
santignasi.com
Instagram
smoix.com
