Luxury Resort by Richard Branson Opens on Spanish Island with Stunning Mediterranean Views

I’ve had a dream since childhood of discovering a benevolent, distant relative with a picturesque farm, complete with vegetables on a hill, sheep grazing, and a cozy guest bedroom. While I never found such a relative, my dream space came to life at Son Bunyola, the latest luxury property from Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition (VLE) collection. My experience—just days after it officially opened—proved that this getaway offers even more than I had hoped.

The Resort’s Features

• Each room is stocked with locally made Mallorca products, including Maüa chocolate bars and Pu!g craft sodas.
• The infinity-edge swimming pool measures an impressive 92 feet in length, offering stunning views and a hot tub.
• Most ingredients used in the on-site restaurants are sourced from the island.

Located on Mallorca’s northwest coast, Son Bunyola officially opened in June 2023. This luxurious resort not only dazzles with its beauty, but the rich history of the land and its structures also adds an air of mystique.

The Location’s History

Branson, who spent childhood holidays in Mallorca, fell in love with the island’s rugged beauty. He purchased this splendid 1,300-acre property in 1994, while he owned the nearby La Residencia (now under Belmond ownership). Nestled in the Tramuntana Mountains—declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Son Bunyola faced extensive restrictions on development. After years of struggling to secure necessary permissions, Branson sold the estate in 2002 but repurchased it in 2015, fueled by an unwavering vision to create a resort.

During the redevelopment, the team adopted a new approach. General manager Vincent Padioleau explains, “The Serra de Tramuntana is protected because of UNESCO. We could restore it, but we needed to keep it exactly the same.” The original plan encompassed 50 guest rooms and suites; however, they ultimately designed 26 guest accommodations, adhering strictly to existing structures. Every detail—even gravel and replanting crops—required approval.

Design and Comfort

VLE enlisted GRAS – Reynés Architecture Studio, based in Palma, to transform the property. They were joined by historian Tomás Vibot and archaeologist Elvira González Gozalo, who uncovered that this estate was first documented in 1229, making it one of the oldest in the Valley of El Port des Canonge. The first medieval defense tower was constructed in the 13th century, later followed by a traditional farmhouse in the 1500s.

Upon arrival after a lengthy journey from Atlanta, all thoughts of exhaustion vanished at the sight of the Mediterranean’s breathtaking view and the elegant son Bunyola hotel. Instead of a cumbersome check-in, a friendly hostess guided me through the vibrant courtyard to Sa Terrassa, the hotel’s main restaurant, leading to an expansive terrace boasting spectacular ocean and mountain vistas.

The hotel itself combines the main finca, which features the majority of rooms plus two suites (one in the original 13th-century defense tower), the Tafona building, home to the estate’s historic olive press and additional suites, and an annex that overlooks newly planted vegetable gardens.

Culinary Experiences

With the focus on high-quality local cuisine, Spanish executive chef Samuel G. Galdón curates the menus for Sa Terrassa and the soon-to-be opened wine and tapas bar, Sa Tafona. Around 75% of the ingredients are sourced from Mallorca, with future plans to develop estate-grown malvasia wines expected by 2026.

Activities and Relaxation

Son Bunyola makes it effortless to choose between leisure and activity. Guests can partake in outdoor yoga classes, borrow bicycles, or simply enjoy the tranquil setting. A standout experience was a paddleboarding adventure along the Banyalbufar coast. I also pampered myself in the cozy spa, located within the main finca, which provided therapeutic massages using locally sourced almond oil.

Future Developments

While Son Bunyola is already a stunning getaway, enhancements are still in progress, including the introduction of charming farm animals and the development of an event lawn. The hotel intends to remain operational year-round, with a brief closure period from November 2023 to March 2024 for final touches. Future plans also involve the restoration of Son Valentí, a neighboring finca, scheduled to open its 12 suites by 2026.

Staying at Son Bunyola—the home of a friend or family member, as designed by Branson and his team—offers an incomparable experience. “Here, it’s not only a hotel. It’s a place to enjoy as a home because it’s Richard’s home,” Padioleau remarked during my last night.

Rooms at Son Bunyola start at $1,042 per night; for reservations, visit virginlimitededition.com.