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.
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Discover the Mill.
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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...
EXCELLENTBased on 71 reviewsJoey Toler12 November 2024The team at Aqua et Oleum creates an incredibly memorable experience in one of the most natural and remote destinations in all of Spain. This beautiful 8 room lifestyle hotel was the inspired creation of Interior Designer Joseph Shortell. What once functioned as a mill providing olive oil for the surrounding area now provides a peaceful respite for those looking to slow down and absorb all this region has to offer. Incredible food preparations from Chef Roy kept us coming back all 5 days. There was no need to look elsewhere. His preparations were so delicious. I’m not a breakfast guy, but I made a point to enjoy his breakfast spread. Wow! Great way to start the day. The manager, Victor is a gem! He is TOP NOTCH and incredibly kind and communicative. Christina was lovely and made all our meals really special. Seriously, they all go above and beyond to serve well. Additionally, this location has SO much to offer. You are surrounded and immersed by such incredible history, it will take us many visits to enjoy it all. And we can’t wait ;-)A. R. Sedeño16 October 2024Aqua et Oleum is located in the outskirts of the town of Villamiel. This former olive oil mill has been converted to a small 8 room gem of a hotel. This was our base for a 3 day leisure stay of the area. The setting is extremely relaxing with it's views and the creek running through the rear of the property. We were in room #3 which is large and comfortable. Joseph, the owner, has managed to make a great transformation creating an environment to make his guests feel at home. Victor was always attentive to anything we needed. He was in communication with us while we were out with regard to meals when we returned being most places were closed at the time we wanted to eat and Chef Roy can cook delicious meals! Everyone and I mean everyone went out of their way making sure we were at our maximum comfort. Joseph, Victor, Roy, Christina, Patricia and all those behind the scene, thank you for making this a fabulous stay.Matthew McGrath9 October 2024This is a very special place in a wild and little visited part of Spain. A ruined olive mill that has been transformed into a luxury boutique hotel. Large suites with very comfortable beds. A swimming pool with a view of the ruined Castillo de Trevejo is one of the highlights. What makes the place special is the owner Joe, the manager Victor and their warm and friendly staff. Full of helpful tips to make the most of our time visiting this area. And the food and wine both excellent too. Thoroughly recommend.Juan Carlos (JAVICHA)26 August 2024La comida excelente. Simpatía por parte de los trabajadores. Tienen un gato. Decoración de maestría. Una verdadera maravilla de lugar. En otoño debe de ser impresionante. VolveremosJavier Gonzalez19 June 2024A wonderful hotel nestled in Extremadura. A group of nine of us rented the entire hotel for our office retreat for five days. The staff is very accommodating and they have a world class chef preparing the meals. I would highly recommend staying here and taking advantage of all the nearby sights Extremadura has to offer.Leesa Alhadef19 June 20243 couples traveling for two weeks together. Aqua Et Oleum was so terrific on all levels. Visiting rural Spain started as an adventure and ended up being a fantastic vacation. The staff at Aqua Et Oleum was just the right amount of helpfulness. The 8 guest rooms were each unique and well appointed. The luxury bedding and mattresses made for restful nights after delicious wine & dinners. The owner, Joseph Shortell, has created something wonderful in the renovated olive oil mill turned 4 Star hotel.Gary Alhadef19 June 2024What a hidden gem! This place should be on all travelers bucket list. It is a restored old olive oil mill, turned into an 8 room boutique hotel. The owner, Joseph Shortell is a master of design and it is reflected in the tasteful preservation of the old combined with comfort. Spectacular views, relaxed atmosphere and a great staff including an outstanding chef. We will be going back!Victoria Rb24 March 2024Hemos ido a comer y no nos imaginábamos un sitio tan bonito, el entorno es mágico y lleno de detalles, la comida espectacular y el trato tanto del cocinero como sobre todo de la camarera ha sido lo mejor, íbamos con dos niños y les han tratado genial, muy pendiente de ellos. Nos han enseñado las habitaciones y las distintas estancias y es una maravilla. No puedo más que recomendarlo al 100% y en cuanto podamos volveremos. Muchas gracias por todo 🤍MAITE MARISCAL7 March 2024La atención fue única, nos sentimos como si todo el personal estuviera allí para atendernos cada minuto a todo lo que queríamos o necesitábamos. El lugar precioso, casa rincón puesto von detalle y el entorno de cuento de hadas... para repetir 👍