Located off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea lies the island of Menorca—one of the four largest Balearic Islands. It was on this tranquil island that Experimental Group decided to transform a 19th-century country estate into the bright and airy Menorca Experimental. Comprising nine existing buildings on approximately 2.5 acres of land surrounded by pine groves, juniper shrubs, and wildflowers, the property is fully immersed in its surroundings with a design that allows the scenery to take centerstage.

Dorothée Meilichzon, founder of Paris-based design firm CHZON, was tasked with converting the structures into a serene sanctuary. “We have imagined it as being the summer residence of an imaginary artist dedicated to drawing, meditating, music, swimming, contemplating, and sunset watching,” she says. “The overall aesthetic of the hotel was made to spark inspiration.”

The hotel located on 2.5 acres on Spain’s Menorca island

To achieve this, Meilichzon first looked to the locale’s customary design traditions and materials, including stone, wood, leather, concrete-built furniture, terracotta, architraves, as well as half-circle motifs. She then partnered with a number of local artisans to fully realize her vision of a “unique, crafted experience,” she says. The labor of love features graphics and illustrations by French photographer Karel Balas, handwoven blankets by Marrakesh-based lifestyle brand LRNCE, and large custom clay light fixtures by sculptor Léa Munsch.

Ranging from pale blue and golden yellow to vibrant rust tones, the hotel’s color palette takes its cues from the many hues of the Menorcan sky at sunrise and sunset. This inviting bespoke environment continues in the hotel’s 43 guestrooms, with colorblocked headboards complementing terracotta floors and views of the lush, unspoiled setting. Also included among the hotel’s offerings are nine private bungalows with dipping pools, a vegetable garden, cocktail bar, and interior and al fresco restaurants that embrace local ingredients.

Despite the short construction timeline and all the obstacles that come along with working on an island, Meilichzon says the project is close to her heart. “I am so happy we had the chance to design in such beautiful scenery; the nature is amazing there,” she says.

The color palette takes its inspiration from the many colors of the Menorcan sky

The former estate comprises nine buildings constructed in the 19th century