Unwaxed Lemons gathers a carefully curated selection of Mediterranean hideaways, all members of The Aficionados–a travel resource for those seeking lodgings that meld luxury, design and authenticity–,where the spirit of the place is expressed without artifice. From the vineyards of Alentejo to the secret coves of northern Mallorca, through Sicilian orchards and stone villages in the Empordà, this special edition celebrates soulful design and the authenticity of Southern Europe. Here, each hotel beats to its own rhythm: quiet architecture, noble materials, local flavors, and a style deeply rooted in the land. More than a destination guide, it’s a way of traveling with intention—where the artisanal, the essential, and the local intertwine to leave a lasting mark.
Son Brull Rural Sanctuary – Spain
Nestled among 100 hectares of lemon trees, almond groves, olive trees, and vineyards near Pollença, Son Brull Hotel & Spa blends history, design, and a connection to the land—long before sustainability became a trend.
The 12th-century building coexists with clean-lined architecture and noble materials like untreated oak, local stone, and pigmented concrete. Interiors by Forteza + Aparicio and new villas designed by Estudio Carme Pinós enrich the experience alongside a spa integrated into the landscape. At Restaurant 365, chef Andreu Segura works with estate-grown products and reinterpreted Mallorcan recipes. House-distilled gin with local lemons and organic wines complete the offering. Wellness expands with sea salt, citrus, and herb treatments, yoga among olive trees, cycling in the Tramuntana, and dips in hidden coves. Unhurried luxury, rooted in place.
Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa – Spain
Between vineyards, fields, and medieval villages in the Empordà, this member of The Aficionados occupies an 18th century Catalan estate with views of the Illes Medes and the Pyrenees. Just an hour from Barcelona, this tranquil elegance retreat blends history, nature, and design.
Suites and villas surround the original masia and open onto gardens of lemon trees, olive trees, and lavender. Pilar García Nieto designed a renovation that balances local craftsmanship and soft luxury: La Bisbal ceramics, vaulted ceilings, custom furniture, and earthy tones reflect the surrounding landscape.
The serene, light-filled rooms combine warm wood, thick linen, and functional design. The restaurant, led by Ramón Freixa, reinterprets Catalan flavors with garden ingredients and Mediterranean fish. Local wines and a relaxed atmosphere complete the experience. The 600 m² spa includes an indoor pool, hammam, sauna, and Natura Bissé treatments. Tennis and padel courts are also available. A contemporary retreat honoring the rural soul of the Empordà.
Susafa – Italy
In the agricultural heart of Sicily, Susafa is a former family-owned masseria turned sustainable boutique hotel where traditional architecture and ecological philosophy coexist harmoniously. Surrounded by rolling hills and reforested woodlands, an hour from Cefalù, it is a peaceful, agricultural retreat. Stone walls, exposed beams, and artisanal furniture create sober and elegant interiors. Each room reflects the balance between history and comfort. In the restaurant—once a granary—dishes are prepared with estate-grown produce: Siccagno tomatoes, wild herbs, olives, and seasonal fruits.
Guests can join Sicilian cooking workshops or enjoy local wines in the former press-turned-bar. The estate promotes biodiversity and partners with local artisans and farmers. With a 6,000 m² botanical garden, zero pesticides, and a regenerative ethos, this member of The Aficionados offers a new kind of rural luxury rooted in Sicilian tradition.
L’AND Vineyards– Portugal
In the heart of the Alentejo, L’AND Vineyards combines vineyards, contemporary architecture, and a deep respect for the land. Located on the edge of a lake near Montemor-o-Novo, it is a serene design retreat less than an hour from Lisbon.
Designed by Promontório and Márcio Kogan, the project interlaces local materials with clean lines and open courtyards. The suites—some with pools and retractable ceilings for stargazing—combine black stone, wood, artisanal rugs, and contemporary art.
The vinotherapy spa, developed with Vinoble Cosmetics, offers natural treatments and serene wooden interiors. The outdoor pool merges seamlessly with the landscape, inviting rest and contemplation. Chef David Jesus reimagines Portuguese flavors using estate-grown ingredients and fish from Setúbal. Whether at MAPA or Café da Viagem, each dish tells a story. L’AND is more than a hotel—it’s an experience anchored in the essence of the Alentejo.
Hospedaria – Portugal
At a dusty crossroads in eastern Algarve, this member of The Aficionados transforms a 1917 tavern into an intimate, minimalist design hotel. With just five rooms, the project redefines rural luxury through simplicity and emotional architecture.
Whitewashed walls, private patios, cane ceilings, and polished concrete floors create spaces where shade and breeze dictate the rhythm. Vintage furniture, natural fibers, and contemporary art shape a rustic aesthetic curated with sensitivity.
Photography plays a central role in the experience. Works by Keita Tavares, Louro, and Nogueira de Sousa interact with the spaces as silent narratives. Outdoors, a citrus-lit pool is framed by native flora and an honesty bar. The bright, serene rooms combine essential design with details like linen sheets and amenities by perfumer Lourenço Lucena. Hospedaria is a poetic hideaway near Tavira in an Algarve yet to be discovered.
Vocabolo Moscatelli – Portugal
In the green heart of Umbria, among vineyards, holm oaks, and Mediterranean herbs, Vocabolo Moscatelli transforms a 12th-century monastery into a soul-stirring design retreat. Ancient stone and the echo of the still-standing bell tower coexist with lavender, rosemary, and central Italy’s sun. Discovered by those seeking a place with soul, the monastery was restored with sensitivity by Archiloop, preserving the original structure—wooden floors, beam ceilings, exposed terracotta—while incorporating noble materials like brass, iron, and stone into a sober and luminous aesthetic. With just 12 rooms—eight in the main villa and four in the gardens—each is unique, with distinct color palettes, canopy beds, sculptural bathtubs, and a sense of exclusive seclusion. Highlights include the Bridal Suite with a private garden and double bathtub, and the Spa Suite with a jacuzzi and outdoor sauna.
Chef Luca’s cuisine celebrates Umbrian produce—truffles, lentils, honey, and olive oil—in rustic- inspired dishes where the land is the main character. Regional porchetta is paired with delicately treated vegetables. The experience includes artisanal cocktails, dinners in the greenhouse or outdoors, and a pace that invites you to embrace the dolce vita in a contemporary key.
ABOUT THE AFICIONADOS
Founded by Iain Ainsworth, THE AFICIONADOS is a travel resource for those seeking fabulous recommendations and accommodation that effortlessly fuses luxury, design and authenticity. It comprises over 90 hotels, designer homes for private hire and guesthouses, from all across Europe and a fabulous outpost in New York, the United States, together with a selection of over 100 creatives who round out the offer of this culture and lifestyle emporium for travel and good living. The Aficionados also publishes six printed magazines: Blueprint Beauts, Farmhouse Fabulous, Casa Gorgeous, Neu Heritage, Alchemists of Italy, and Eclectic Rebels.
