The sunny shores of Mallorca are residence to lodges aplenty. On my first go to to the island, I sought the recommendation of somebody who had visited numerous instances, explaining that I wished one thing distinctive, luxurious, and most particularly, rooted within the native tradition. The quick response was, “Son Brull is what you’re looking for.” After a really memorable first go to, simply over a yr later, my accomplice and I had been again on the Spanish refuge.
In current many years, the island has additionally shed a few of its ’social gathering scene’ pores and skin. While it nonetheless exists on Mallorca, in recent times, a smattering of glamorous lodging has introduced a extra refined facet to the island. Son Brull is without doubt one of the oldest of those luxurious lodges and effortlessly units the benchmark for a outstanding Mallorcan keep.
The welcome
The five-star Spanish resort has welcomed friends for nearly three many years, offering a rural sanctuary within the luxuriously renovated Twelfth-century farm. Mounted on the roadside stone wall, a reduce metallic signal signifies that you’ve arrived. Driving by means of the property’s fields and gardens, it feels as if you’re instantly transported to a brand new world. As the resort comes into view and also you stroll by means of the entrance door into the historic constructing, you obtain the primary ‘ola’. The welcome drink is a refreshing medley of lemon, gin, and honey – all from the farm. With the compulsory paperwork out of the best way, we had been guided by means of the property to our villa.
The room
The essential resort rooms span the three tales of the historic constructing, in-built 1762 as a monastery and has now been masterfully renovated right into a luxurious resort. For this go to, nevertheless, it was one thing supremely particular – we’d be staying in one of many villas, which should certainly be Mallorca’s most spectacular lodging. Meticulously carved into the earth, leaving a minimal footprint, Son Brull’s 4 villas are mini masterpieces. Each has two en-suite bedrooms, together with a spacious lounge and eating space.
Every visitor is welcomed into these sanctuaries with Cava, a platter of fruit, and a bowl of nuts – all from the farm. A intelligent addition is the small panel within the lounge and bed room that controls the blinds, lights, fireplaces, and air-con. Outside, plentiful house is obtainable for retreat. The patio’s sluiced concrete roof permits mild in and creepers to cling to it, giving a pure inexperienced roof. This extends into the grass garden, after which a refreshing pool with loungers and umbrellas.
The rest room
Beautifully built-in into the master suite, the centrepiece of the lavatory is a double spa bathtub – a cutout within the wall permits a line of sight into the bed room and hearth. Double vanities, walk-in showers, and a number of facilities from the acclaimed Molton Brown and Relais & Chateaux are offered. In the second rest room, the full-length home windows give beneficiant views of the citrus bushes adorning the backyard.
Everything you must plan your journey in 2025
The location
Mallorca is the biggest of the Balearic Islands, situated 120 km offshore from Barcelona. Being one of many Mediterranean’s busiest airports, Palma is definitely accessible from numerous places. The 2h20 flight time from London was extremely handy for us, and from Palma Airport, it’s a 30-minute drive to the entrance gates.
The property is situated simply exterior the city of Pollenca, with its namesake port simply past that. The environment include peaceable farmlands and mountains. The quieter location additionally signifies that after days spent exploring the busy cities and seashores, friends can return to the resort for sanctuary.
The amenities
Guests have entry to discover the complete working farm, the place they’ll spot donkeys and goats grazing within the fields, hear geese and roosters within the distance, watch bees buzzing to and from their hives, and pattern the recent citrus from the orchards. There’s a stunning strolling circuit that encompasses a part of the farm. Halfway by means of, you’ll uncover a bit of sala with chairs to relaxation and refreshments.
For these looking for a bit of health inspiration, the resort’s massive pool is obtainable for laps, together with an air-conditioned fitness center overlooking the orchard. A brief stroll away, the tennis courtroom is surrounded by olive bushes, and all gear is included within the keep. Moreover, you’ll quickly uncover that biking is standard on Mallorca. Son Brull gives a motorbike shed for establishing and storing bikes, together with offering bikes for friends who haven’t introduced their very own.
Many friends hunt down the resort significantly for the spa. Tucked away beneath the principle constructing, visiting the spa feels akin to an escape inside an escape. Facilities on supply embody an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, plunge pool, leisure areas, and a number of wellness therapies. Guests have entry to all amenities all through the day.
Casual eating is obtainable in the course of the day from the Bistro (poolside or terraced eating), after which high-quality eating is offered at 365 Restaurant (the numerals referring to the variety of home windows and doorways within the authentic resort constructing). Breakfast is served in the entire places and is single-handedly my favorite of any resort I’ve visited. Without fail, each morning I order the ‘Full Mallorquín’: an olive oil fried egg, native Llangonissa and Botifarró sausages, after which Mallorcan bread topped with tomato and olives from the farm. The continental buffet continues the native theme with cured meats, cheese, fruit pots, after which mascarpone bowls to die for!
Other good touches
Son Brull has its personal branded Cava, which all friends obtain on ice as a welcome reward. The Cava Son Brull Brut Nature is comprised of a mix of the three hottest varieties used for cava: Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada. Rather than carbonating the nonetheless wine, it’s bottle-fermented utilizing the identical methodology as Champagne. Bottles may be taken residence for £15. For these with a refined palate, hunt down the prized Reserve choice of the bubbly.
Branded welcome items, together with hats, caps, and quadrilles, are considerate gestures and may be instantly used upon arrival. Most of the friends we met had been additionally return guests, which speaks volumes in itself, so with this nearly cult following, the items are much more appreciated, serving as a agency reminder of the keep. What’s extra, a boutique retailer at reception gives a number of the merchandise used within the resort and different branded paraphernalia and garments, all proudly made on the island.
The value
Prices are seasonally dependent, starting from £590 to £790 for the rooms and suites, after which £1500 for the villas (sleeping as much as 5). These room and villa costs embody day by day breakfast and servicing. When reserving, there are elective further experiences obtainable, together with ‘Experience with the Son Brull bees,’ a romantic welcome, guided Serra de Tramuntana hike, an hour tasting of Son Brull wines and olive oil, and airport transfers.
The greatest bit
As you could have observed from the reflections above, Son Brull has a hyper-local focus, firmly celebrating Mallorcan tradition. In the age of cut-and-paste lodges, it is a breath of recent air for travellers wanting an authentically native expertise. Furthermore, Son Brull is family-owned and operated, with all of the employees coming from the island, each contributing to a completely real expertise that’s uncommon to search out.
The last verdict
With Mallorca’s resurgence as a luxurious vacation spot, Son Brull gives the proper expertise for discerning travellers. This Relais & Chateaux property delivers a neighborhood immersion so distinctive that you simply’ll possible go away already planning your subsequent journey, having skilled an unforgettable slice of Mallorcan paradise.
Disclosure: Our keep was sponsored by Son Brull Rural Sanctuary
Jared Ruttenberg
Jared Ruttenberg is a journey author from Cape Town, South Africa. He enjoys connecting individuals and experiences by means of phrases, photographs and social media. See extra at www.jaredincpt.com.
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