Richard Branson’s latest venture has finally come to fruition with the opening of Son Bunyola Hotel, his first new property in Mallorca for two decades. The 27-bedroom retreat sits within 810 acres of olive groves and vineyards in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tramuntana Mountains, offering guests an immersive experience in one of the island’s most dramatic landscapes.
The Son Bunyola Hotel occupies a natural amphitheatre on Mallorca’s rugged north-west coast within an 810-acre estate, complete with three miles of unspoilt coastline and commanding views of the Mediterranean. Guests arriving at the property experience what Branson describes as a “single-shot cinematic moment” – walking through the entrance, courtyard, and bar to reach a circular fountain that perfectly frames the striking Sa Foradada rock formation beyond.
A masterful restoration with modern sensibilities
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The central finca dates back to the 16th century and has undergone meticulous restoration by Spanish-based Gras Reynes Architecture Studio over two years. Swedish-Mallorcan design studio Rialto Living handled the interiors, creating 26 sophisticated spaces that honour the building’s heritage whilst providing contemporary comfort. Original features remain proudly on display, including the historic olive press and a chapel altarpiece now showcased in the main restaurant.
The design palette throughout Son Bunyola Hotel emphasises natural tones of taupe, blues, and greens, complementing the mountain setting. Many rooms retain their original wooden rafters and offer views across the pool or towards the dramatic peaks. The property has been designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a specially adapted room and lift access to key areas including the restaurant, bar, and spa.
A 13th-century defensive tower has been transformed into two exceptional suites, providing guests with a truly unique accommodation experience that connects them directly to the site’s rich history. The thoughtful restoration ensures that every corner of Son Bunyola Hotel tells a story whilst delivering the luxury standards expected of a Virgin Limited Edition property.
Farm-to-table dining excellence
Chef Samuel Galdón, previously of the Michelin-starred scene in Deia, leads the culinary programme at Son Bunyola Hotel with a focus on hyperlocal ingredients. Approximately 75 percent of the menu comes directly from the estate’s gardens, orchards, and olive groves, with the remainder sourced elsewhere on the island to maintain the authentic Mallorcan connection.
The vegetable-forward menus showcase the best of the estate’s produce through sharing plates that might include estate-grown tomatoes, fresh figs, delicate mussels with samphire, grilled leeks, and premium Iberian pork. The hotel plans to expand its sustainability efforts by pickling and fermenting surplus produce to minimise food waste.
Two dining venues serve guests, with the main restaurant already operational and a second opening in June within the original olive press space. This additional venue will focus on traditional Mallorcan tapas, providing guests with an even more intimate connection to local culinary traditions. The zinc-topped bar serves island mojitos crafted with Mallorcan rum, perfectly capturing the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
Luxury villas and comprehensive amenities
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Beyond the main hotel, Son Bunyola Hotel’s estate includes three standalone luxury villas: Sa Punta de S’Aguila, Sa Terra Rotja, and Son Balagueret. These properties, which predate the hotel’s restoration, have been updated with private pools whilst maintaining their individual character. Villa guests enjoy the privacy of their own retreat whilst retaining access to the hotel’s dining venues.
The hotel’s amenities include a stunning swimming pool with distinctive turquoise tiles, a compact spa operated by locally-based Gaia Natural Products using island oils, and a tennis court for active guests. Families are well catered for with a smaller pool, inflatable equipment, and educational farm tours featuring the estate’s donkeys, peacocks, and sheep. Adventure-seeking teenagers can explore the estate’s bike trails or participate in local outdoor activities. A fourth villa awaits restoration and will house 12 additional hotel suites when it opens in 2025, expanding Son Bunyola Hotel’s capacity whilst maintaining its intimate atmosphere.
Sustainability at the heart of operations
Environmental responsibility forms a cornerstone of Son Bunyola Hotel’s operations, with multiple initiatives designed to protect and enhance the local ecosystem. The property filters all water served in rooms, irrigates its gardens using wastewater, operates a biomass boiler, and utilises surplus energy from the cooling system to heat water throughout the facility.
The hotel’s commitment extends far beyond operational efficiency to active landscape restoration. Recent tree-planting initiatives replace vegetation lost in storms, whilst new vineyards are expected to produce estate wine by 2026. The property maintains active beehives, a growing flock of chickens, and a fleet of donkeys that help maintain the grounds naturally.
These efforts reflect Branson’s long-term vision for the estate, which he first purchased in 1994 before selling it eight years later due to licensing complications. When offered the opportunity to repurchase in 2015, he seized the chance to realise his original vision for sustainable luxury in this remarkable location.
Exploring Mallorca’s bohemian heartland
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Son Bunyola Hotel sits approximately 40-45 minutes north of Palma in a region celebrated for its thick forests, dramatic peaks, and winding roads beloved by cycling enthusiasts. This area has long attracted bohemians and dreamers, from Chopin to Robert Graves, who found inspiration in its wild beauty.
Guests can explore nearby villages such as Esporles and Banyalbufar, or embark on e-bike excursions to the famous towns of Valldemossa and Soller. The hotel’s private pebble beach below offers swimming, kayaking, and picnic opportunities, whilst painting and photography masterclasses help guests connect more deeply with the landscape.
The timing of Son Bunyola Hotel’s opening coincides with a broader resurgence in the region, as stylish new properties recognise the appeal of this UNESCO-protected corner of Mallorca. Branson remains actively involved in the day-to-day operations, often spotted swimming laps, playing tennis, or leading cycling groups around the estate.
Son Bunyola Hotel represents more than just another luxury opening – it embodies a decades-long passion project that celebrates Mallorca’s natural beauty whilst pioneering sustainable hospitality practices. For guests seeking an authentic connection to the island’s landscape and culture, this remarkable retreat offers an unparalleled experience in one of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular settings.
