Tranquil Escapes: A Luxurious Stay at Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas, Mallorca
We previously stayed at another of Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition properties, the Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco's Atlas Mountains, and had an amazing time. Even though it was back in 2018, it remains one of our favourite hotels. With the opening of Son Bunyola in June 2023 and never having visited Mallorca before, we were eager to explore this new destination. Taking advantage of direct flights with British Airways CityFlyer, we spent a week in Mallorca, splitting our stay between Son Bunyola and Finca Serena Mallorca.
The main entrance to Virgin Limited Edition’s Son Bunyola
In this review of the Virgin Limited Edition property Son Bunyola, I’ll cover our experience with the location, local activities, and the accommodation, restaurant, and facilities at the hotel. Read on to discover everything you need to know before your next trip to Mallorca.
The main swimming pool at the Son Bunyola Mallorca
Why Book with Classic Travel and The Private Traveller
By booking through my affiliation with Classic Travel, I was able to secure a number of additional VIP benefits with their Virtuoso rates. These included:
Upgrade not applicable for this property
Complimentary Continental Breakfast daily for two, served on the Terrace of Villa
For all-inclusive bookings only: A complimentary cooking class with a private chef for the entire party. Includes recipe card and a basket of local gifts.
For self-catering bookings only: A 100 USD equivalent transfer credit
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
The sea-facing terrace of Son Bunyola, Mallorca
Fast Facts for Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas, Mallorca
Address - Ctra. C, 710, 83km, 07191 Banyalbufar
Website - https://www.virginlimitededition.com/son-bunyola
Group website - https://www.virginlimitededition.com/
TripAdvisor ranking - #36 of 154 hotels in Majorca
Contact - enquiries@virginlimitededition.com reception.sb@sonbunyola.virgin.com
Instagram - @sonbunyola @virginlimitededition
Nearest airport - Palma (de Mallorca) International Airport (PMI) - 32 km or 20 miles (about a 40 min drive, traffic dependent)
Opened - 2023
Number of rooms / suites - 27 (Mountain & Sea View rooms, Mountain & Sea View Deluxe; Superior, Deluxe, & Tower suites)
Number of floors - 4
Bars - 1 (Sa Terrassa)
Restaurants - 2 (Sa Terrassa & Sa Tafona - Opening June 2024)
Wellbeing - Yoga and Pilates classes (group & private), spa treatments, outdoor pool, tennis, cycling
Visiting - May 2024
The main ranch building, side on - both the two towers are luxury suites
The main pool surrounded by loungers and parasols
Hotel Accommodation: Unique and varied
Son Bunyola Mallorca offers a diverse range of accommodations, featuring 26 rooms with a 27th under construction, and three exclusive detached villas, each sold as all-inclusive with a private chef and staff. Guests can choose from rooms and suites located in the historic original house, the adjacent Tafona building, or nearby outbuildings. During our stay, we had the opportunity to book one of their premier Tower suites - either the 13th Century square tower suite or the 19th Century round tower suite. Read on to discover our choice and experience.
“With three miles of unspoilt coastline, rugged shores, olive groves, vineyards and the untouched beauty of the Tramuntana mountain range, Son Bunyola is one of Mallorca’s most idyllic locations. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, this 1,300-acre estate features the recently opened 27-bedroom Son Bunyola Hotel and three standalone luxury villas - Sa Punta de S’Aguila, Sa Terra Rotja and Son Balagueret.”
Facilities & Service at Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas
From the point of booking, the staff at both Virgin Limited Edition head office and at the hotel itself were excellent at quick communication, and were able to explain the benefits and differences of the choice of our two tower suites. They were also able to help us understand that there were car chargers on site, as we were to hire an electric vehicle from Avis, for the first time.
There was only one restaurant open during our stay (Sa Tafona only opening seasonally June to September), the on site spa, outdoor pool (and great pool bar), small gym, yoga/pilates terrace, a small boutique shop selection, bikes, and the most wonderful grounds to walk around, including down to a pebble beach nearby.
I’ve broken down the key facilities and services and shared my opinion on them below:
Our Tower Suite (Torre Del Rei [19] The King’s Tower)
Discover the Luxury of the Square Tower Suite at Our Estate
When considering a stay at an estate as beautiful as this, the choice between the round and square tower suites can be challenging. I chose the Square Tower Suite for its promising room layout without curved walls, and it exceeded my expectations. This suite stands taller, offering unparalleled 360-degree views of the estate and the sea, with the front-facing suite providing stunning sea vistas. In comparison, the Round Tower Suite features larger windows but primarily overlooks the mountains.
Square Tower Suite Highlights:
Unmatched Views: The higher elevation of the square tower offers superior 360-degree views.
Strategic Location: Front-facing suite with direct sea views.
Historical Charm: Retains the original architectural charm with modern amenities.
Suite Layout:
First Floor Entrance: Lobby area with courtyard views.
Second Floor Bedroom: Spacious bedroom with storage.
Third Floor Living Space: Living room and bathroom with estate and countryside views.
Rooftop Terrace: Accessed through a large rooflight, offering a private tower terrace.
Amenities:
Multiple Levels: Spanning four levels, providing a unique and spacious experience.
Entertainment: TVs in both the bedroom and living room.
Comfort and Convenience: A well-stocked mini bar and comfortable L-shaped sofa for relaxation.
Book the Square Tower Suite to enjoy a luxurious stay with breathtaking views and modern comforts, all while experiencing the historical elegance of this majestic Mallorcan estate.
Enjoy Comfort and Elegance in The Beautifully Presented Rooms
Experience unparalleled comfort in the elegantly presented rooms. Upon arrival and every time your room is serviced—twice a day—you'll find everything immaculate and inviting. The only thing I’d say is that often the room servicing was very late in the day, which meant sometimes coming back into an unserviced room. Our preference is always having this as early as possible, ideally when we are at breakfast.
Use the convenient signage system for your preferences. Hang the green lavender bag on the door for room servicing requests and the red-patterned bag for a 'Do Not Disturb' signal.
Sa Terrassa the main restaurant - inside
Luxurious Bathroom Features in Suite 19: A Perfect Blend of Style and Sustainability
The bathroom in Suite 19, located on the middle level, offers a luxurious and spacious experience with a window overlooking the central courtyard. It features double sinks and a large vanity unit equipped with ample storage, including a hair dryer and GHD hair straighteners (neither of any use now to me, unfortunately!). The fittings throughout the bathroom, as well as the entire property, are in a brushed matt graphite finish, ensuring a consistent and elegant aesthetic.
At one end of the bathroom, you'll find a glass-walled rainfall shower equipped with all-natural and sustainable toiletries. Initially, the shower area might appear dim, but once you locate the separate circuit light switch, the space is brightly illuminated with recessed LED lighting. At the other end, a private WC is discreetly tucked behind a frosted glass door, ensuring privacy and convenience.
The bathroom also boasts excellent lighting, numerous additional amenities, and replenished white towels, with the option to reuse them to reduce environmental impact. The highlight of this luxurious space is undoubtedly the two oversized taupe fluffy bathrobes, perfect for a touch of extra comfort during your stay.
Discover the perfect blend of style, comfort, and sustainability in the bathroom of Suite 19, where every detail has been carefully considered to enhance your experience.
A Sumptuous Breakfast Experience in a Rustic Setting
Indulge in a sumptuous breakfast served from a charming rustic kitchen area adjacent to the main dining room. The central table overflows with an array of fresh fruits, including figs and strawberries, alongside a variety of cheeses, meats, and more. On either side, wooden displays showcase a selection of cereals, breads, and pastries.
For those seeking even more variety, an extensive à la carte menu is available. Popular choices include Eggs Benedict and Royal Eggs, while the 'Energetic' Toasted Bread option offers a delightful combination of cereal bread, avocado, arugula, and pumpkin seeds. For a twist, try it without the extra salmon.
Enjoy your meal in the main restaurant, on the side terrace, or the front terrace, depending on the weather. With so many delicious options and settings, breakfast becomes an unforgettable part of your day. Experience the perfect blend of rustic charm and gourmet delights with our breakfast offerings. Whether you prefer a classic dish or something more adventurous, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Restaurant & Bars
The hotel normally has two restaurants, Sa Terrassa and Sa Tafona, the latter being only seasonal for tapas June through September. It was a pity we were there too early for Sa Tafona, in the adjacent building, as it would have been good to have an alternative. While Sa Terrassa was a great restaurant, the menu did get a bit ‘samey’ with the same selection for lunch and dinner, and it didn’t change during our stay. This was particularly so for me as a vegetarian, as while there were also daily specials, none of these were suitable for a vegetarian or vegan, and didn’t seem to change much either. It’s only a minor criticism, as otherwise everything else was wonderful, and service and food quality was excellent.
We had lunch on our first day in the main restaurant too, which meant repeating the menu that evening, but we then realised the day after that there was a pool bar which not only served drinks throughout the day, they also had a separate more snacky food menu. They made the most delicious pizzas, delivered to your poolside lounger in a pizza box, and we enjoyed these a couple of days to share, along with the very tempting Mallorcan local gin.
Spa & Wellness
Located on level -1, the spa at the Salón offers a serene retreat within the hotel's two-level recreation space. I'll be providing a detailed spa review soon, but I can already say it was an exceptional experience in a top-notch treatment suite. We enjoyed different types of massages, with 'Mrs' TPT preferring a shorter session than I do. I had my massage in the couple’s suite, which featured two massage beds, while hers was in a single-bed room. Both suites were beautifully designed and exuded a calming atmosphere. The spa also has a cosy reception area with two chairs for waiting.
Design & Architecture
Richard Branson sums up the history
“The finca sits at the heart of our 1,300 Son Bunyola estate and the main building traces back to the 16th century. However, a medieval defense tower is attached to the finca and it dates back to the 13th century. It’s incredible to see this structure alive again, and home to one of the property’s Tower Suites.
Over the years, we learnt how the site played an important agricultural role in the past – with its own olive, almond and citrus trees; and its own vineyard used throughout the 19th century. The team has worked hard to nurture this beautiful landscape, so that by 2024 our citrus, almonds and olive trees will bear fruit. We have also re-planted the 2.5-hectare vineyard to grow the local grape variety and re-produce our very own Malvasia wine from 2026.”
There was such attention to detail here, and the finca has been restored to perfection. During our stay, I started engaging online with the Mallorcan-based architects GRAS Reynés Arquitectos who are based in Palma, and were responsible for this restoration along with designers at Rialto Living. I love when properties are repurposed and restored to such a high standard as Son Bunyola, so I plan to be writing an additional travel diaries blog detailing much more on the restoration.
In terms of the building design and style, I loved the consistency throughout of the materials and fittings used, whether in our suite, public areas, the spa and restaurant etc. In the suite, air conditioning units were on both levels (the bedroom and living levels) but hidden in wooden units to blend in with the rest of the fittings and furniture. Lighting was effective and subtle, with tiny nightlights inset into the natural plaster walls, and all switches were connected (and simple to operate) so that all the different levels of the suite could be operated from anywhere. Another stunning feature was the vast rooflight that opened up at the touch of a button, allowing you to walk effortlessly up the final staircase onto the tower rooftop, for absolutely stunning 360 views.
What about the Son Bunyola (Palma) location?
Arriving into Palma International Airport (PMI) late morning, it was an easy process to pick up our electric Avis car (I loved the automated machine which read a QR code from my Avis app) and gave us the keys for the car that was parked nearby and we had already been told which parking bay it was in.
The hotel was only about 20 miles from the airport and it only took us about 40 minutes to get there. It was a really easy drive, and with the car having Apple CarPlay connected to my phone, navigation was simple too. While you’re on main roads for a while from the airport, you’re soon onto country roads with interesting views, and drive through the local town of Esporles with its Saturday market. It wasn’t long after we had traversed the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, that we saw the symbol of Son Bunyola, an olive tree leaf, on a sign and this was the start of a lovely experience. There’s quite a long drive down to the main finca, but switchback roads afford you amazing views of the approaching house and surrounding stunning views.
Some of the top activities I’d recommend doing at Son Bunyola are:
While we wanted to visit Palma during our stay on the island, as well as the Fundació Miró Mallorca and the Ferrocarril de Sóller, I’ll write all about these in a separate Travel Diaries series.
The Spa
I was so pleased to find that there was a spa on site, and this is beautifully set up in the lower ground floor of the finca, adjacent to the pool. Like everywhere around the property, this has been restored to perfection, and we had great treatments one afternoon. A full spa review will be coming soon too.
Walks & Hiking
There are a number of trails throughout the estate, varying in length and intensity, and over our stay I did quite a few of them. The first we went out on, which was through the newly created vineyard (with wine coming they said in 2026), we forgot to take the hotel-provided map, thinking it would just be really obvious, We got a bit stuck when reaching one of the three villas on the estate, not being sure whether we should go nearer the villa or around it. Once we found the right path, what I loved was that throughout there were coloured markers indicating which direction for which route, and also QR codes so that you could scan them with your phone and also get the map online.
Bikes
Although not ebikes (my new favourite), there was a whole array of newish bikes outside the reception area (with helmets) that you could borrow to cycle around the grounds, or indeed the surrounding area. Just be aware it is quite hilly.
Food and Drink at Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas
I remember that the food and dining options at Kasbah Tamadot were exceptional, and while Son Bunyola didn’t quite seem to live up to that, the food, drinks, and service here was really good.
Sa Terrassa
This is the main restaurant and bar, with two inside areas (and a separate small bar at the entrance), and a large shaded terrace at the front (amazing sea views), and also a raised terrace at the side too, with views over the vineyard. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were served here; the menu being the same for lunch and dinner. This was the only disappointing thing, just being a bit too repetitive.
Pool Bar
This was a little bar next to the main pool, and it was great to be served water, and once fresh fruit skewers and fruit juice ice pops. Was good to have a different menu to Sa Terrassa, and a couple of times we would share a pizza at lunchtime. There was a full selection of drinks too, Spanish Cava and a huge selection of gins (which I love) including a number of local gins. The Mallorca Distillery bottles were so beautifully designed, and the choice of gin excellent too - there was a [London I guess] dry, a citrus, and also a spiced.
Sa Tafona (not open during our stay)
It’s a pity this wasn’t yet open (it seems to be seasonal) as it would have been good to have an alternative option for dinner (and it looked incredible inside, with an outside terrace overlooking the pool).
Highlights of our stay
There were so many highlights of the stay at the but here are just a few of the key points, which I hope you find a useful summary.
Tower Suite 19 - wow!
Location - so easy to get to from the airport, and with electric chargers on site, easy to have an environmentally-friendly electric hire car.
Service was excellent - though very clear that it improved after our first night. We had considered going out to another local restaurant on our last night, but service had improved so much on night two, we just stayed on site for each night.
It was good having a different menu at the pool bar - the pizzas were delicious at lunchtime, a real holiday treat having pizza and either fizz or a G&T on the sun loungers.
The spa treatment was great - excellent massage and a lovely facility. The domed ceiling in the couple’s suite had been so beautifully restored, as the majority of the whole property.
The pool and surrounding sun terraces.
Being able to walk through the extensive grounds.
Having the fitness facility - the gym was small, but totally unexpected, and great having complimentary classes like stretching, yoga, Pilates etc.
Bedside USB charging points - good having both USB-B and USB-C.
All of the pre-arrival communication with both Virgin Limited Edition and the property direct was excellent. Prompt and communicative, and we got exactly the suite that we had asked for, Loving the efficiency.
Mountain or sea view - with the Tower Suite 19 you had a 360 degree choice!
Breakfast - a great selection both in the breakfast kitchen, but also to order from the menu.
Nice to not only be provided with chilled water when sitting at the pool, but once they also came round with fresh fruit skewers and fruit juice ice lollies.
Great selection of gins in all the bars, including both local and international. These were always served in a great balloon glass with loads of ice and rosemary. The artisan tonics also came in beautiful bottles too. I was so embarassed one time pre-dinner, when the glass was served on the outside terrace, and I thought the server was asking how much tonic to add. I kept saying more, then only realised he was pouring directly from the gin bottle!
Sounds silly but the rooflight in the suite. On arrival, we had to duck to get back onto the staircase into the suite, but loved the tech of it opening fully (we think, maybe, only when no wind) and it made it effortless to get up and down from the level below.
Areas for improvement
Wherever we stay, I do always like to look at the positives on any property we stay in, and airlines we fly with etc. but sometimes you can’t help but notice things that (for me, but I realise this is always personal) might have made for a better stay.
It’s really hard to find anything negative here, but perhaps a more extensive menu at Sa Terrassa, especially for vegetarians. I think Sa Tafona, the other restaurant, is only seasonal and wasn’t open for our stay. Having the same menu at Sa Terrassa for both lunch and dinner I think was disappointing.
It’s so easy for a hotel to work with WhatsApp for any queries, and so universal now, that I always think it’s a good idea when a hotel offers this.
Housekeeping was usually very late in the day, where our preference is to have this at breakfast time so you’re not coming back to an unserviced room.
There was a great water replenishment station in the central courtyard, but we had to seek out bottles from the bar when we went for a walk one morning. Might be an idea to give a bottle each on arrival, for use during a stay.
The spa treatment was great - a really great spa in the basement, it just felt a bit rushed afterwards when the main focus seemed to be on signing the receipts and then being given a glass of water which they said I could just take with me. It’s nice to have some relaxation time after a massage, rather than feeling you are being ushered out.
Very, very minor but ‘Mrs’ TPT does love a really hot cup of (English Breakfast) tea, regardless of where we are in the world. I think the tea was nice, but was never particularly hot.
Would I stay here again?
Yes for sure. It’s an amazing location and both the accommodation and service was really great. Such a relaxing place with unique rooms and suites, and wow if I got a chance to stay in one of their three villas too!
Sa Terrassa (main restaurant) outside terrace
My final thoughts on Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas
As I’ve mentioned in several social media posts, we had high hopes for our stay at Kasbah Tamadot in the Atlas Mountains near Marrakech, Morocco, and it did not disappoint. Despite it being many years since our visit, both 'Mrs' TPT and I still consider it one of the best hotels we’ve ever stayed at. What made Kasbah Tamadot stand out isn't its flashiness but the perfect combination of exceptional service, stunning location, top-notch facilities, and breathtaking views. The people were incredibly hospitable, adding to the charm and experience of our stay. It’s no surprise that Kasbah Tamadot was featured so positively in the TV program "Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby."
I didn’t feel somehow that Son Bunyola left us with this same feeling, though it’s very hard to explore as to why not, when all the constituent parts were there, and nothing could be faulted. Perhaps the answer is the food and the dining options, there seemed like so much more choice with Kasbah Tamadot.
Have You Stayed at Son Bunyola or Another Virgin Limited Edition Property?
I’m curious to hear about your experiences at Son Bunyola or any other Virgin Limited Edition properties. What are your thoughts on Mallorca or Palma as a holiday destination? Share your opinions and reviews in the comments below!
Which Hotel Should I Review Next?
Let me know which hotel you think deserves a review next! Share your suggestions and recommendations in the comments.
Villa Stéphanie at Brenners Park Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden offers an unparalleled luxury wellness retreat, now with exclusive VIP perks when booked through ThePrivateTraveller.com and Fora Travel.