In some cases, looking back can unlock value. Vestige Collection was conceived a decade ago when Víctor Madera, a sports medicine specialist and founder of Quirónsalud, initiated efforts to rescue and repurpose historic Spain. The project began with the Palacio de Figueras in Asturias and expanded as the Madera family acquired additional properties across autonomous communities to create what is described as the Paradores of the 21st century.
Properties joining the program must sit in exceptional natural settings and carry historical and cultural significance. The aim is to safeguard unique sites for future generations while preserving natural and cultural heritage. Most investments target buildings classified as cultural properties with notable historical trajectories, architectural relevance in their towns, and strong regional visibility.
Rehabilitation and adaptation drive Vestige Collection forward, with plans to add up to 25 properties in coming years. The roster includes 12 hotels and 13 private sites, spanning Asturias, the Balearic Islands, Extremadura, Galicia, the Basque Country, and Madrid. Asturias remains the project’s cradle and hosts the first Vestige Collection property, a 500-year-old fortress facing the Bay of Biscay that required more than a decade of careful restoration.
Currently, other properties are in varying stages of development and will be added gradually. In Asturias, roughly 30 million euros have been invested to date, with plans for eventual integration into the Palacio de Figueras portfolio. Notable sites include Torres Donlebún Palace, Pardo Donlebún Palace, the Palace of the Marquess of San Cruz, Villa Excelsior in Luarca, Casona el Cercao in Llanes, the Palace of the Dukes of Estrada, and Valledor Palace in Castropol.
The Vestige Collection’s next chapter envisions two new properties in Ciutadella, Menorca in the Balearic Islands. Son Vell is a 34-room hotel on a 180-hectare farm, while Santa Ana is a country house operated as a private property. Sebastian Styger, sales and marketing manager, notes the island’s special appeal and expresses excitement about inviting guests to discover Menorca’s history, culture and nature.
Exterior imagery highlights the Last Vell in Ciutadella as a visual anchor for the collection’s story.
Among the 25 properties, nine will be in the Balearics, with six in Menorca, two in Mallorca and one in Formentera. In the coming years, seven more facilities are expected to join the final Vell and Santa Ana, including three properties and a new hotel opening in Menorca within two years.
Rehabilitation projects typically span five to eight years. Teams draw on historians, architects, museum professionals, artisans, landscape architects, interior designers, lighting specialists and artists to honor the buildings’ authenticity while meeting modern expectations for luxury travel.
The process begins with acquiring abandoned cultural properties, followed by historical studies to assess feasibility and guide restoration. Each project aims to reinforce the building’s identity and reintroduce it into the local community as a hotel or private property. The overarching goal is revitalization that preserves local character while offering enhanced experiences for discerning guests.
Rendering is grounded in traditional construction methods, local materials and collaboration with regional artisans. This approach not only preserves heritage but also stimulates local economies and supports regional development.
Son Vell, the latest addition in Menorca, sits on a 180-hectare estate and is hosted by a historic 18th-century mansion with surrounding farm buildings. Gardens, citrus groves, olive trees and an organic orchard define the landscape. The property is a short walk from Ciutadella’s harbor and close to Son Vell Bay. Restoration efforts have preserved marés and limestone, along with original wood and handcrafted clay features. The gastronomic program leans into Menorcan cuisine with a modern twist, offering a diverse range of bars and restaurants to suit different tastes.
Originating from the Palacio de Figueras restoration, Asturias became the project’s cradle. The site led to Paisajes de Asturias, the entity now under the Vestige Collection banner, responsible for curating a small, exclusive set of luxury retreats. More than 30 million euros have been invested, creating up to 60 direct jobs and signaling a broader commitment to regional revitalization. This narrative underscores Vestige Collection as a catalyst for preserving heritage while delivering contemporary, high-end travel experiences.