HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

Scheduled for a grand opening in the summer of 2023, the Son Bunyola Hotel in Mallorca is Sir Richard Branson's newest and much-anticipated venture. Already generating excitement among luxury travellers, the first-look images showcase the splendour that awaits guests at this exquisite destination. Nestled within the breathtaking Son Bunyola Estate, an expansive 810-acre paradise under the Virgin Limited Edition brand, the hotel guarantees an unforgettable and unparalleled experience for its visitors.

Sir Richard Branson's love affair with Mallorca spans over thirty years, dating back to his initial acquisition of the Son Bunyola estate in 1987. However, in 2002, he had to relinquish ownership due to complications with obtaining planning permission for a boutique hotel on the property. Remarkably, fate intervened in 2015, when an opportunity arose for Sir Richard to reacquire the estate. Seizing the chance, he purchased it for £11 million from the couple to whom he had sold it thirteen years earlier, seamlessly incorporating it into the esteemed Virgin Limited Edition family of properties.

The hotel's charming 15th-century finca, lovingly restored to its former glory, will house 28 exquisitely designed rooms and suites. Guests can expect to be captivated by the surrounding countryside as they take a dip in the splendid swimming pool that offers sweeping views of the estate's picturesque landscape.

Impeccable dining experiences await visitors at the Son Bunyola Hotel with not one but two restaurants to choose from. Surrounded by a flourishing landscape of vineyards, citrus fruit trees, almond trees, and 7,000 magnificent olive trees – some of which are up to 2,000 years old - the finca stands as a historical monument that plays a central role in the estate's heritage. As a part of the protected and esteemed Serra de Tramuntana region, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the hotel enjoys an unmatched location on Mallorca's north-western coast.

The development of the finca commenced in June last year, showcasing a meticulous historical reconstruction project that focused on preserving existing structures and incorporating traditional and local materials into the hotel's design. The result is a harmonious blend of new and historical elements, from wooden carpentry and stone arches to wrought ironwork and lime rendering, ensuring that the hotel remains steeped in its rich history.

Virgin Limited Edition describes it as a "meticulous historical reconstruction project focusing on the existing buildings and structures, using traditional and local materials at the core of the hotel's design.

"The combination of new design with existing historical elements such as wooden carpentry, stone arches, wrought ironwork and lime rendering will help bring the hotel to life, while ensuring the Finca's history is celebrated and showcased at every possible opportunity."

The Son Bunyola Hotel comprises not only the main finca but also the tafone, which once housed a historic olive press, along with several annex buildings. These charming spaces will accommodate the hotel's 28 rooms and suites, with two Tower Suites being the highlight - one of which dates back to the 15th century as a mediaeval defence tower.

Apart from its beautifully appointed rooms, the hotel will offer various lounges and external dining terraces to allow guests to bask in the tranquillity and beauty of the surroundings.

Additionally, sustainability is at the heart of the Son Bunyola Hotel, as Virgin Limited Edition seeks to minimise its ecological footprint. Innovative measures, such as pre-heating hot water using energy from the air conditioning and refrigeration cooling systems and a biomass boiler powered by recycled wood chippings, will ensure an eco-friendly and responsible approach.

Jon Brown, the Managing Director of Virgin Limited Edition, expressed his excitement about the project, emphasising how the north-western coast of Mallorca holds a special place in Sir Richard Branson's heart and the company's collection. The restoration of this beautiful monument is not only a celebration of its rich history but also an opportunity to add another gem to their portfolio of small luxury hotels.

Currently, guests have the option to book into one of three villas on the estate, each offering a unique and luxurious experience. Sa Punta de S'Aguila, a five-bedroom villa with a heated pool, is designed in traditional Mallorcan style. Sa Terra Rotja, featuring four en-suite bedrooms and a heated pool, gets its name from the local phrase for ‘red earth’. The newest addition, Son Balagueret, is a spacious four-bedroom villa with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, providing an exclusive and secluded retreat.

Those fortunate enough to stay at any of these villas enjoy a comprehensive package that covers all drinks, meals, concierge and housekeeping services, and Wi-Fi, making for a hassle-free and indulgent stay.

In addition to the Son Bunyola Hotel, the Virgin Limited Edition group boasts an array of luxurious properties worldwide, including Mahali Mzuri in Kenya, Necker Island, and Moskito Island in the British Virgin Islands, Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco, The Lodge in Verbier nestled in the Swiss Alps, as well as Ulusaba and Mont Rochelle in South Africa. With this latest addition to their collection, it is evident that Sir Richard Branson's passion for offering unique and exceptional hospitality experiences remains unwavering.

Sources

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-10805869/First-look-Richard-Bransons-luxury-new-28-room-hotel-Mallorca.html
https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/richard-branson-blog/saying-hola-to-son-bunyola-our-beautiful-new-hotel-in-mallorca

Images Credit: Virgin Limited Edition