Built in 1777, when the Island was under British occupation, this mansion was the first rural hotel on the island. Although well regarded, it had lost some of its lustre over the last two decades due to competition from other hotels offering similar services. Juana Vilafranca Quintana, the current co-owner of the hotel and a native of Menorca, who already has another hotel 3 minutes away (Agroturismo Ses Talaies), confessed to us that, while cycling around the area, she had always dreamed of taking over this century old house one day and extending its tourist appeal. By luck or miracle, the dream came true in 2022. After spending two years exploring the space in the state it had been bought, she felt the time was right to refurbish and breathe new life into the place. It re-opened its doors – fully renovated – in June 2024.
With the help of Atelier Du Pont for the architecture and interiors, but with her clear vision of using mainly furniture, products and artists from the region, Juana also enlisted the expertise of the landscape architect Álvaro de La Rosa Maura for the gardens. Attuned to the new demands of the current hotel scene, Saint Ignasi now offers its guests spa treatments and massages, bicycle hire, boat and car transport services to explore the island, among many other services for the most demanding and curious visitors. The rebuilt swimming pool is surrounded by a rural landscape and is next to the Smoix restaurant, run by chef Miguel Sanchez (former owner of the Katú restaurant in the centre of Ciutadella, and presently run by his brother-in law). This partnership not only delights those who decide to dine there but also allows them to enjoy the peaceful and tranquil surroundings of the hotel. Works of art acquired by the current owners are dotted around the garden and the house. Examples include Mark Bradford's Murano glass tote bag on the staircase and Carlos Albert's blue sculpture in the garden at the entrance to the building, giving the space a unique identity.