Boasting a 13th-century turret, exquisite Majorcan design and surrounded by the Tramuntana Mountains, the new Son Bunyola Hotel makes an impact long before I walk through the pretty entrance. 

As I make the 40-minute car journey from Palma Airport, Sir Richard Branson is onsite, preparing to welcome the first guests to his new property. It’s nestled on the north-west coast of Majorca, close to the villages of Banyalbufar and Esporles, in an Unesco World Heritage site in the Tramuntana mountain range.

Picturesque winding mountain roads bring me to the huge, 1,300-acre private estate, and after several hairpin turns, and framed by the ocean and mountainous olive groves and vineyards, I get my first peek at the grand 16th-century Majorcan farmhouse. Known as a finca, it has been meticulously restored into a boutique 26-key property under Branson’s watch. 

Stylish accommodation

Restoration and development work began in 2021, and the intricate care and attention taken to the renovation is evident throughout the property. Original features abound, including the historic olive press, a medieval defence tower and a restored staircase, while wall and floor tiles were carefully brought back to life. 

All the rooms and suites are named after local trees, plants or wildlife, and each features a unique colour scheme, with muted blues, greens and terracottas creating a serene haven, crafted by Majorcan interior design specialist Rialto Living.  

Regardless of the room they choose, guests will feel utterly spoilt by their surroundings, and the entry level Mountain View rooms boast a patio, perfect for admiring the towering mountains. There are eight suites, one of which is housed in a 13th-century defence tower. 

In each room there are plenty of thoughtful touches to make a stay easier. Guests will find GHD hair straighteners and wicker bags filled with beach towels, a straw hat and espadrilles. The complimentary mini bars are well stocked with locally sourced drinks and snacks. Rooms also feature beautiful textiles produced by the Eve Branson Foundation, which supports 25 Berber women in the High Atlas Mountains, close to Virgin Limited Edition’s Kasbah Tamadot property. Take a look inside the new Son Bunyola Hotel below: 

Star quality 

Walking through the hotel’s lush, foliage-filled courtyard and onto the outdoor terrace feels akin to stepping onto a film set, with its wraparound views across the mountains and three miles of pristine coast. There are so many pretty seating spots and dining areas and I fill my camera with photos that struggle to do justice to the idyllic surroundings. 

I look down to the 28-metre pool, and watching Branson effortlessly do laps surrounded by stylish parasols and inviting loungers only adds to the A-lister vibe.

The hotel offers two restaurants, and while the finishing touches are being added to the La Tafona tapas restaurant during my stay, everything I try from Sa Terrassa is scrumptious, with incredible attention to detail given to every dish. In the morning I make repeat trips to the colourful breakfast buffet, which is bursting with cheeses, fruits and pastries.

But if awards were being handed out, my “Pink Panther” ruby chocolate dessert would be a strong contender, alongside the delicious seafood paella. Rates include breakfast, and guests can opt for full-board for a supplement of €120 per person per night. 

Executive chef Samuel Galdon embraces the farm-to-fork approach, and a kitchen garden is already supplying some produce to the kitchen, while a second, much larger one is planned. Olive and citrus trees are dotted throughout the estate, and the team are planting an extensive vineyard, with the aim of producing their own Malvasia wine from 2026, as the estate did in the 19th century. There are also 12 beehives, with the first honey harvest expected this October. Chickens produce eggs for the kitchens, while roaming donkeys will soon be on site to help keep the estate tidy. 

Activities for all 

For clients looking to relax and unwind it would be easy to spend their entire holiday by the pool and leisurely exploring the estate and beach. A small spa boasts two treatment rooms, including a couple’s room where treatment tables are positioned under an ancient domed ceiling clad in ornate bricks.   

For something more active, suggest a hike through the estate. I join local guide Martin Bestard for a four-mile hike through winding tracks, up to an empty finca high on the mountainside. During my stay Branson revealed plans to convert the property into 12 luxury suites, with work due to start this later this year. Along the way Bestard shares stories of the estate’s history, flora and fauna, pointing out wild mountain goats as they canter downhill.  

While my hike involves several strenuous sections, it rewards me with spectacular views, and there are plenty of alternative easy routes. Guests can also use the hotel’s bikes to explore the local area, or head to the tennis court, which is shared by the hotel and the three onsite villas. Complimentary racquets, balls and a ball machine are available, and the concierge can arrange a private tennis coach for an additional charge, or lessons at the nearby Mallorca Country Club. 

The team can also arrange paella cooking classes, wine tasting, art lessons and a perfume workshop. 

Ties to the island