Regeneration of military and commercial heritage assets
The conversion of listed historic fabric places high demands on design and execution. In Mallorca, architect Antonio Obrador converted the Cap Rocat fortress, built in the late 19th century to defend the Bay of Palma, into a luxury hotel. Former gun emplacements now serve as suites with private pools, while historic ramparts connect the individual wings and the spa is set twelve metres underground. The sandstone architecture blends into the coastline, and the project was awarded the Europa Nostra prize.
In Málaga, Obrador revitalised the Palacio Solecio, built in 1789 by merchant Félix Solesio. The building once served as a residence and as a transshipment warehouse for playing cards in transatlantic trade. Following a prolonged period of vacancy, it reopened in 2019 as a boutique hotel. The Baroque facade, historic murals and wrought-iron balconies were retained, whilst the arcaded courtyard reflects Málaga's Moorish-Andalusian architectural heritage.
Transformation of historic residences and architectural ensembles
In the Algarve, Lisbon-based architectural practice Fragmentos transformed the Tavares family's 18th- and 19th-century residence into the Palácio de Tavira, which opened in 2025. The neoclassical facade, historic ceramics and the original stone staircase were preserved. A new building named Medina complements the estate with winding alleys and patios, whilst designer Isabel Câmara Pestana drew on regional craftsmanship and traditional colour schemes for the interior design.
In France's Loire Valley, the Relais d'Amboise beneath the royal chateau combines building sections from several eras. Paris-based studio Roque Intérieurs linked a former Renaissance Minim friary with the 18th-century Maison du Duc, once belonging to the Duke of Choiseul. Rock-cut chambers hewn into the tuffeau stone more than 500 years ago, known as the Greniers de César, alongside the Spa des Roches, integrate the regional topography directly into the hotel ensemble.
In Marrakech, Hotel La Mamounia, which opened in 1923, underwent a sensitive centenary evolution led by Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku. The estate's origins date back to an 18th-century garden gifted by Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah to Prince Al Mamoun. Earlier interventions by Jacques Garcia had already combined Moroccan craftsmanship with Art Deco, and the most recent redesign complements the historic structure with contemporary elements in the lobby and the Salon d'Honneur.
- —Preservation of listed original fabric alongside the integration of modern building services
- —Sensitive conversion of historic defensive and fortified structures into exclusive suites and spas
- —Application of local artisan techniques and indigenous building materials such as tuffeau and sandstone
- —Integration of historic wings with new-build structures while respecting the regional context
