Joan Nadal and Lourdes Vázquez: The Future of Luxury Landscape Design
April 24, 2026
the Jardins Tramuntana was honored by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards award the Best Luxury Landscape Architecture for the Son Bunyola Hotel by Sir Richard Branson in Mallorca, Spain. In an exclusive interview, Alexander Chetchikov, President of World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, speaks with Joan Nadal, Founder and CEO, and Lourdes Vázquez, Director of Jardins Tramuntana, to get their perspectives on luxury, design, and the evolving world of landscape architecture.
Alexander Chetchikov: Congratulations on Jardins Tramuntana's incredible victory! What makes the Son Bunyola hotel project so special to you?
Joan Nadal and Lourdes Vázquez: It's undoubtedly an honor for our studio to be involved in a project of this scale. We approach this challenge with the sensitivity and respect it deserves, as this is a 300-hectare estate nestled in the spectacular Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Recognizing this site as part of a cultural landscape highlights the relationship between nature and human activity. An example of this dialogue is the magnificent Son Bunyola estate, home to an impressive 16th-century manor house, now converted into the main building of the hotel.
Working to restore the splendor of the past is in itself a profoundly beautiful act. And the fact is, we had before us the greatest of inspirations: the Sierra de Tramuntana itself, the starting point for creating coherent spaces that express respect for this unique place.
AC: How would you define the true essence of luxury in an open space?
JN and LV: Luxury is an experience. Outdoors, it's the space that invites us to reconnect with our most instinctive and innate relationship with nature. It's the subtle scent of lavender, the vibrant colors of bougainvillea, the sound of the wind rustling the leaves, the peaceful rhythm of the plants...
It's also the texture of the stones, their hues, the character they acquire over time. It's the sound of water cascading from a fountain or the peaceful coolness of a pond. It's the warmth of a fire in a night filled with aromas and peace. Living in such surroundings, surrendering to this quiet beauty—that's luxury.
AC: How do you see landscape design evolving in premium spaces while maintaining authenticity and a strong connection?
JN and LV: Landscape design is a living process; its essence is movement. You can't design a space without imagining how it will function at different times of day and year. We design with the future in mind to enhance the present. Luxury landscape architecture must evolve harmoniously, interacting with its surroundings but not imposing itself on the space. We can't talk about evolution without considering sustainability. This, in turn, encourages us to take a closer look at nature and its perfect interactions, thanks to which life continues to thrive. Nature must be our primary reference point when creating spaces of true luxury.
AC: What elements are essential to transform a landscape from beautiful to truly luxurious?
JN and LV: In transforming something ordinary into something extraordinary, details are key. Finishes, the way materials and textures interact, quality above all else. More broadly, it's about carefully selected elements that work harmoniously together, creating a space that flows naturally and feels as if it's always been there. Because to create a luxurious space, no element can be placed haphazardly.
AC: Looking at the broader landscape design industry, what trends are you most excited about right now?
JN and LV: There are certain contemporary trends that deeply resonate with our vision of landscape design. The global situation requires us to be more conscious of the impact our design can have on the environment. We're seeing a clear shift toward more sustainable and eco-friendly practices. We're talking about regenerative gardens, low-maintenance spaces, the return to native flora, and low water consumption. We're talking about the wise use of vegetation as a climate regulator and its integration as a vital component of the spaces we inhabit and pass through every day. Our enthusiasm stems from a vision where beauty is timeless, harmony is a common language, and sustainability is embedded in the design DNA.
AC: How do you think sustainability and luxury will coexist in the future of landscape design?
JN and LV: Luxury landscape architecture gains value when it incorporates the principles of sustainability. Wise and conscious landscaping ensures true comfort for the inhabitants of these spaces: from temperature regulation, through water and vegetation, to air purification—both indoors and outdoors—and access to clean water through natural purification systems that do not require the use of chemicals. There are many ways to deliver tangible value. In this context, the concept of biophilia becomes fundamental. Understood as an innate human need for contact with nature, biophilia contributes to our well-being and therefore becomes crucial when talking about luxury. The coexistence of sustainability and luxury is not only possible: it is necessary and inevitable.
AC: What technological and material innovations are shaping next-generation outdoor spaces?
JN and LV: It all starts with the efficient use of available resources. Water reuse is perhaps one of the most obvious examples, but not the only one. Home automation implemented in smart irrigation systems, combined with humidity sensors, can significantly reduce water consumption. There are also solutions like gel polymers, which retain moisture in the soil longer, or the use of gravel, which helps prevent evaporation and the growth of unwanted vegetation. Technology opens up even more possibilities: drones for aerial photography, analysis of terrain and vegetation conditions, or broad-spectrum lighting systems that emulate sunlight, enabling optimal plant growth indoors. Undoubtedly, technology and the ingenious use of available materials are fundamental partners in designing the gardens of the future.
AC: What advice would you give to young designers who want to enter the premium landscape architecture market?
JN and LV: A solid technical education in landscape architecture is fundamental to any successful venture into the world of luxury landscape architecture. Empathy is also essential: the ability to interpret our clients' desires, needs, and expectations. Understanding what they're truly looking for. We must learn to solve emerging problems creatively and functionally, without losing sight of the project's underlying concept. We must know how to set aside our own likes and dislikes to focus on the dreams of those who have placed their trust in us, always advising our clients in the best possible way. And most importantly, we must never forget the heart when creating, because ignoring emotions can cause even the most refined design to lose its soul.
AC: Thank you, Joan and Lourdes, for sharing your perspective with our readers.
You can read more on the website: Jardins Tramuntana.
