A Journey Begins
Bienvenida a Aqua et Oleum
In Latin Aqua et Oleum means Water and Oil. Originally an old olive oil mill with a babbling brook, the Mill has been transformed into this luxurious destination boutique hotel and gallery. Situated in the middle of an olive grove and vineyard on the outskirts of Villamiel.


Gallery
Discover the Mill.
Our Story

It started as an adventure.
In the heart of Extremadura, amidst the undulating landscapes and historic whispers of the past, Aqua et Oleum found its genesis. Joseph Shortell, an American visionary with roots in South Africa and a spirit kindled by the world, embarked on a journey that would lead to the creation of something truly extraordinary.
A Vision From Afar
Joseph’s connection with Spain began in his childhood with a visit to Malaga and deepened over the years through academic pursuits at the Sorbonne and exploratory stints in Salamanca. It was during these formative years that Joseph’s path serendipitously led him to Extremadura, a region rich with history and charm but often overlooked on the maps of mainstream tourism.Discovering Extremadura
The allure of Extremadura’s castles, its vast historical influence, and the untouched beauty of its landscapes captivated Joseph. He was particularly enchanted during a visit in 2014, when a post-rain rainbow framing a castle ignited his imagination and sowed the seeds for a daring enterprise.The Dream Takes Shape
Years later, Joseph discovered a dilapidated mill in Sierra de Gata. It was a place that seemed to call out to him, matching a vision he once dreamt. The old mill, with its worn stones and storied past, was the perfect canvas for what would become a remarkable fusion of art, culture, and hospitality.Aqua et Oleum: A Tribute
Named ‘Aqua et Oleum’ as a homage to his father, an entrepreneur with a love for Latin, Joseph’s project transformed the ancient oil mill into a boutique hotel museum. Today, its walls are adorned with works from esteemed artists, echoing both the legacy of the past and the creative spirit of the present.Overcoming Challenges
The journey was not without its challenges. Bureaucratic hurdles and the daunting task of restoring an ancient structure tested Joseph’s resolve. Yet, supported by memories of his father’s entrepreneurial spirit, he persevered, turning challenges into stepping stones.A Dream Realized
Today, Aqua et Oleum stands as a testament to the power of vision and the enduring call of heritage. It is a place where history meets creativity, where every guest steps into a story that spans continents and centuries.We invite you to be part of this continuing story, to explore, to discover, and to experience the enchanting world of Aqua et Oleum.
What guests are saying...
EXCELLENT Based on 82 reviews Sandra30 April 2025 Un lugar con encanto para alojarte o cenar a la luz de las velas en la Sierra más bonita. El personal muy amable. Urko García Aramburu25 April 2025 Una experiencia excepcional. Un hotel y un entorno espectacular. El servicio fantástico. Muy atentos y amables. Hemos ido en familia con perros y todo y seguro que volveremos. Heinz Klinger13 April 2025 Absolut Karly7 April 2025 This is a hidden gem of a hotel that gave us a phenomenal experience we will never forget! Hospitable is an understatement. They helped us find excursions that fit us! Joseph and Gavin are the best! Full of interesting, historical knowledge of the area. And Roy the chef is off the charts! He cooked meals that I will think about for a long time. And notable mention Mr. Hemingway the sweetest hotel cat that we became very attached to. The hotel itself is beautiful and historic while also very modern and comfortable. The surrounding area is beautiful as well, with a garden and river which you can hear as soon as you go outside. The area is surrounded by olive groves and lavender. 10/10 experience. We hope to return soon! carolina García Gracia31 January 2025 Hice la reserva directamente con el hotel para el día 25 de enero anticipando el 50% del precio de la habitación, tal como figuraba en la web. Durante todo el proceso de reserva hasta el día de llegada han sido muy atentos, facilitándome los menús por adelantado para tenerlos elegidos previamente al ser un hotel pequeño o ofreciéndome hacer un pre-cheking para agilizar las gestiones. El menú era muy variado y apeticible, con productos de la tierra, opciones veganas y postres caseros. Por un problema de salud sobrevenido el mismo día 25 tuvimos que anular la reserva. Me comuniqué con ellos a través de whatsap, fueron muy atentos y comprensivos con la situación y no solo no me cobraron la parte pendiente de pago -tal como figura en sus normas de reserva- sino que me pidieron datos para hacer el reembolso y han hecho el seguimiento de que se haya efectuado. Profesionalidad y humanidad a raudales Espero poder alojarme en otra ocasión y disfrutar de este hotel maravilloso con personas de tanta categoría Muchas gracias Victor Leonardo Santa clara10 January 2025 Súper hospedaje Sonia Grover6 January 2025 Our family of nearly 20 recently enjoyed an unforgettable week-long stay at Aqua Et Oleum, a former olive oil mill transformed into an enchanting retreat. The hotel seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern comforts. Nestled within the property are eight separate stone villas. The main building showcasing remnants of the original mill equipment. These eco-friendly villas operate off-grid, powered by solar energy. These eco-friendly villas operate off-grid, powered by solar energy. For those who need to stay connected, Starlink and Movistar internet services are available. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the dedicated staff. Manager Victor expertly catered to our diverse group, curating a perfect itinerary that included winery tours, olive oil production demonstrations, and a fascinating goat cheese-making experience. He even thoughtfully organized a surprise birthday party for one of our children. Chef Roy delighted our palates with delicious meals, expertly catering to both adult and children's preferences. Martha and Christina provided attentive service throughout our stay, ensuring we felt comfortable and well-cared for. A special mention goes to the incredible owner, Joseph Shortell, and his partner, Lara. Their dedication to ensuring we had the best possible experience was truly heartwarming. Our crew was eager to watch football on New Year's Day, and Joseph and Lara went above and beyond to make it happen. They even purchased a brand new TV for us! When we realized we needed an HDMI cable to connect it, they quickly procured one last minute from the local bar (El Buen Avío – a must-visit with stunning views near the Castello de Trevejo). These extra touches made us feel incredibly special and truly demonstrated their commitment to creating unforgettable memories for their guests. Joseph's mission is to showcase the hidden charm of the Extremadura region. Whether it's experiencing a live performance by the traditional dance troupe, enjoying the melodies of classical guitar players, exploring the region's excellent wineries, or witnessing the breathtaking spectacle of a large group of bulls running through the fields, Joseph and his team are dedicated to sharing the wonders of their adopted region with the world. Aqua Et Oleum is more than just a hotel; it's an unforgettable escape. We wholeheartedly recommend this destination to families seeking a magical and memorable vacation.