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James Thurstan Waterworth

With a passion for sourcing antiques, the founder of Thurstan takes a fantasy break to a 17th century villa in Menorca, where a treasure trove awaits.

Where are you?

The pared back but utterly sublime Menorca, hidden away on the south-eastern tip of the island, nestled between 17th century gardens and farmland that spills out onto the cliffs.

How did you get there?

A short flight from London to the island’s small airport, where we are greeted by a slightly rusty, burnt-orange Citroën Méhari.

Who is there to greet you on arrival?

Claus Sendlinger, who I had the pleasure of meeting recently and find the direction he is taking hospitality in incredibly inspiring.

And who’s at the concierge desk?

The team from Amanemu in Japan, the last place I stayed pre-lockdown. Humble, efficient, caring and always accompanied by a smile.

Who are you sharing your room with?

My wife, daughter and dog Bini.

Is there anything you would like waiting for you in your room?

A fresh, ice-cold mint and lime water.

NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS Soho House (various locations); The Bradley Hare, Wiltshire www.thurstandesign.com

Describe the hotel, your room and the view... We enter the property via a long driveway surrounded by cattle, and are met by open kitchen gardens closer to the main house. The building is a 17th century villa that has retained its original features and is the beating heart of the public spaces. On the ground floor are two large living rooms, the first acting as an informal check-in and the second boasting views onto a stone terrace. Here sits the restaurant, overlooking the ocean beyond and interrupted only by pine trees that sway slowly with the breeze. Elsewhere, an old barn finds new life as a spa with its own bar, living room and an outdoor pool, and a short walk around the cliffs, contemporary stone cabins form the guestrooms. Our suite is furnished with 17th and 18th-century Spanish antiques and Mid-Century armchairs positioned around the fireplace. A bathtub out on the terrace, best enjoyed to a spectacular sunset, completes the experience.

Who designed it?

The main house has been left largely untouched, with age-old treasures from Kate Thurlow – an antiques dealer in London who specialises in early Spanish pieces. Architect Rudolph Schindler has designed the barns and newbuild cabins, taking inspiration from the Menorcan landscape and his house in Los Angeles.

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

Shaded by pine trees and set within the original patio off the house, it offers boundless views to the ocean. There’s a small, rustic bar as we enter the venue and a roaring Asado kitchen in the other corner. A scattering of covers, some of them spilling out onto the rocks, sit on natural platforms – my preferred spot. The glow of candlelight lends a gentle feel to the space, while Congolese music from the early 1980s plays softly in the background.

Who are you dining with this evening?

It’s an eclectic table comprising my wife, musician Peter Gabriel, artist Barbara Hepworth, comedian Eddie Izzard and painter Carl Aubock.

Who’s manning the stoves?

Due to the setting and open-flamed dining experience, Argentine chef Francis Mallmann is there to bring all his magic and theatre.

And what’s on the menu?

There’s no official starter or main; instead, Mediterranean-style grilled dishes come and go on sharing platters. For pudding we feast on Brickell’s ice cream, made in Somerset with fresh milk from a herd of Holstein Friesian cows; they do a cinnamon toast flavour that is out-of-this-world.

Would you like something to drink with that? We’ll start with an Alhambra Reserva 1925 beer, followed by a light white from a local vineyard.

What’s in the mini-bar for a night cap?

Dow’s Vintage Port 2011.

What’s on your nightstand at bedtime?

The latest auction catalogues.