Sir Richard Branson’s newest luxury hotel – Son Bunyola Hotel and Villas – in Mallorca has officially opened, with first-look photographs showcasing bedrooms, an en-suite bathroom, the property’s vast infinity pool and more.
The hotel boasts 26 rooms and suites and is set in a 16th-century finca (a rural estate) ‘bursting with almond and olive groves, vines and citrus fruit trees’.
The 1,300-acre estate is positioned in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, a Unesco World Heritage site on Mallorca’s north-western coast.
The hotel, part of the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio, has been ‘elegantly designed’ by local architect Gras, a statement said, and comprises the main finca and the tafona (mill), which previously contained a historic olive press, as well as several annexe buildings.
The tafona is home to two ‘stunning’ showcase suites with terraces and the hotel also boasts two unique ‘Tower Suites’ with panoramic mountain and sea views – one of which was once a Medieval defence tower dating back to the 13th century.
Sir Richard Branson’s newest luxury hotel – Son Bunyola Hotel and Villas – in Mallorca has officially opened
The 28-metre swimming pool offers sweeping views across the nearby ‘Foradada’ rock formation that juts into the sea and the surrounding countryside
There are two restaurants at the hotel – a Mediterranean restaurant, a tapas restaurant and several outdoor dining terraces – all led by Executive Chef Samuel G. Galdon.
The statement said: ‘The finca has been meticulously restored during the development project, proudly retaining all original features to seamlessly blend new design with historical elements to celebrate and bring into view the rich history of the building.
‘Intricate details are showcased at every corner of the new hotel from the original floor tiles and staircase, to the historic oil press and original altar, which now takes centre stage in the hotel’s Sa Terrassa restaurant.’
Guests can avail themselves of a ‘comprehensive wellness programme’ that ‘complements the hotel’s natural surrounds’, with outdoor yoga sessions within the estate on offer, as well as historical walks around the protected Unesco World Heritage Site.
The hotel boasts 26 rooms and suites and is set in a 16th-century finca (a rural estate) ‘bursting with almond and olive groves, vines and citrus fruit trees’
The 1,300-acre estate is positioned in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, a Unesco World Heritage site on Mallorca’s north-western coast
Sir Richard, whose love of Majorca dates back more than 30 years
There’s also the 28-metre swimming pool to enjoy, which offers sweeping views across the nearby ‘Foradada’ rock formation that juts into the sea and the surrounding countryside.
Sir Richard notes that this landscape is terrific cycling country.
He said: ‘I truly believe we have the very best and most unspoilt location on the island. There are olive groves, vineyards, and some of the best hiking and cycling in the world. I’m hoping it will bring back the magic to those who can remember our original boutique hotel in Mallorca from the early days.’
He added: ‘Mallorca has long held a very special place in my heart since I first visited as a young boy with my Mum and Dad. It inspired me to help create a beautiful property in Deia many many years ago, and we turned it into a wonderful small family hotel. Over time it grew, so I sold the hotel and started looking for a new place to call home in Mallorca, and I was fortunate enough to discover something even more special – Son Bunyola.’
Sir Richard bought the Son Bunyola estate in 1987. But he sold it in 2002 after he was refused planning permission to build a luxury boutique hotel on the land.
Then, in 2015, the Son Bunyola estate went back on the market and the tycoon snapped it up for £11million from the couple he sold it to 13 years earlier and incorporated it into the Virgin Limited Edition collection.
The hotel, part of the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio, has been ‘elegantly designed’ by local architect Gras
The hotel comprises the main finca and the tafona (mill), which previously contained a historic olive press, as well as several annexe buildings
There are two restaurants at the hotel – a Mediterranean restaurant, a tapas restaurant and several outdoor dining terraces – all led by Executive Chef Samuel G. Galdon
A statement said: ‘The finca has been meticulously restored during the development project, proudly retaining all original features to seamlessly blend new design with historical elements to celebrate and bring into view the rich history of the building’
Sir Richard said: ‘I truly believe we have the very best and most unspoilt location on the island’
Vincent Padioleau, General Manager of Son Bunyola Hotel and Villas commented: ‘This is such an exciting time as we launch the first European hotel for Virgin Limited Edition. And I couldn’t be prouder of this passion project that will undoubtedly live up to all of the Virgin Limited Edition values and experiences in one of the most incredible locations in Mallorca.
‘A huge part of our DNA has always been about community and we’re so grateful for all of the support we’ve had from our local partners. Over 80 per cent of our staff recruited for the new hotel are Spanish and we hope that figure will grow even further. What’s more, this really is just the beginning for Son Bunyola as we now work towards not only creating one of the best luxury hotels in Mallorca, but also bringing back the agricultural side of the estate that was once farmland and vineyards. We’ve planted more than 200 trees in the past few months as we start to develop this further and look forward to having our own olives and almonds by next year, and Malvasia wine from 2026 – which was first recorded back in 1275.’
In addition to the hotel, it’s possible to book into three villas on the estate – Sa Punta de S’Aguila, Sa Terra Rotja and Son Balagueret.
Sa Punta de S’Aguila, meaning Eagle’s Point in Spanish, is built in the traditional Mallorcan-style and has five en-suite bedrooms, a heated swimming pool, kitchen, living and dining area.
Sir Richard bought the Son Bunyola estate in 1987. But he sold it in 2002 after he was refused planning permission to build a luxury boutique hotel on the land. Then, in 2015, the Son Bunyola estate went back on the market and the tycoon snapped it up for £11million from the couple he sold it to 13 years earlier and incorporated it into the Virgin Limited Edition collection
For more information and to book a stay at Son Bunyola Hotel, visit www.sonbunyola.virgin.com. Rooms cost from 600 euros (£515/$655) per night on a bed and breakfast basis
Sa Terra Rotja, translated from the local language to mean red earth, boasts four en-suite bedrooms and a heated pool.
Son Balagueret, the newest villa, is a ‘traditional and secluded four-bedroom Mallorcan villa with plenty of space for guests to relax and take in the beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea’.
Rental prices for the villas include all drinks, meals, concierge and housekeeping services and Wi-Fi.
The other properties in the Virgin Limited Edition group are Mahali Mzuri in Kenya, Necker Island and Moskito Island in the British Virgin Islands, Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco, The Lodge in Verbier in the Swiss Alps, and Ulusaba and Mont Rochelle in South Africa.
For more information and to book a stay at Son Bunyola Hotel, visit www.sonbunyola.virgin.com. Rooms cost from 600 euros (£515/$655) per night on a bed and breakfast basis.
Guests can avail themselves of a ‘comprehensive wellness programme’ that ‘complements the hotel’s natural surrounds’, with outdoor yoga sessions within the estate on offer, as well as historical walks around the protected Unesco World Heritage Site
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