Next Up - Richard Branson’s New Property Son Bunyola
Next Up
Richard Branson’s New Property Son Bunyola
Having developed Deia’s La Residencia to perfection, Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group sold the property to Belmond and never looked back - or so we thought.
After battling a bit of red tape, Branson is adding another property to his exclusive collection of luxury retreats, and again it's located on the beautiful island of Mallorca. Set to open in late spring, Son Bunyola, a sprawling 680-acre estate, is situated in the rugged Tramuntana Mountains, and boasts breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The property features the main hotel plus three stunning private villas, each with its own unique charm and style. The first villa, Sa Terra Rotja, is a restored 17th-century farmhouse, which has been lovingly transformed into a luxurious five-bedroom villa, complete with a private pool and expansive terrace. The second villa, Sa Punta de S'Aguila, is an elegant seven-bedroom estate, which offers panoramic views of the sea and the mountains. The third villa, Son Balagueret, is a cozy three-bedroom villa, which boasts its own private pool and charming outdoor spaces.
But the beauty of Son Bunyola is not just in its accommodations - it's in the surrounding natural environment. The property is situated in a valley between Banyalbufar and Port de Canonge. Accessed only by a private road or hiking trail, the protected estate is home to a variety of wildlife, including wild boar, eagles, and falcons, and it features its own citrus orchards, olive groves, and vineyards. Guests can take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, enjoy a picnic on the hillside, or explore the nearby beaches and fishing villages.
Son Bunyola also offers a range of activities for guests, including hiking, tennis, horseback riding, cycling, swimming and water sports. And for those who simply want to relax, the estate offers plenty of opportunities to unwind, from yoga classes to spa treatments.
We’ve had varying thoughts on Branson’s retreats. His properties in Africa are not our favorite - they are out of place and focus on luxurious materials rather than the luxury of connecting to an experience. He’s been at odds with local property owners who have taught the media magnate a thing or two about conservation and community.
But what Branson did with La Residencia in Deia was inspired and perhaps he’s done it again here.
This side of the island is where the mountains meet the sea. Having suffered a massive storm that blew down most of the trees, the area is Dr. Seuss-esque and the development has been slower than the rest of the islands. It’s as if the event preserved it in a beautiful way.
And Branson learned his lesson, Son Bunyola is committed to sustainability and conservation. The estate is powered by solar energy, and it has its own water supply and wastewater treatment system. The hotel was restored, the villas have been designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, and the estate works closely with local communities and environmental organizations to protect the natural environment.
Son Bunyola is the first big development in some time. In the fall, we hiked one of our favorite trails to get a preliminary preview and recently revisited for a site inspection. And it’s going to be pretty good. It is slightly homogenized but they preserved the historic integrity of original buildings and the property feels of this place. The setting is mind-blowing and it will be a one-of-a-kind luxury retreat that combines world-class amenities with the unspoiled natural environment of Mallorca.They are going to push to get it open and I’d suggest a September or October stay when they are in full stride.
We’d be delighted to book Son Bunyola for you as a part of a custom Mallorca itinerary. From start to finish, we’ll work with you to create a customized travel experience that meets all your needs and exceeds your expectations.