Inside Son Bunyola: Richard Branson’s Mallorcan Hideaway

Richard Branson's Son Bunyola Resort and Villas opened in late June 2023. This luxury resort is located in Banyalbufar, Mallorca, and spans over 200 hectares of unspoiled natural beauty, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The resort features 26 beautifully designed rooms and suites, each with its own character, and sits on a UNESCO World Heritage site; it has recently been awarded a Michelin key.

Some hotels simply provide somewhere beautiful to sleep; others make the setting part of the experience. Son Bunyola, Sir Richard Branson’s spectacular retreat in Mallorca’s Tramuntana Mountains, belongs firmly in the latter category.

Set on an 810-acre estate overlooking the Mediterranean, the hotel occupies a meticulously restored 16th-century finca surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, citrus trees and rugged coastline. It is a world away from the island’s busier resorts, offering a wonderfully secluded take on Mediterranean luxury. 

Branson’s connection with Mallorca goes back decades. His love for the island shows in how Son Bunyola has been brought back to life, retaining historic features while creating a sophisticated boutique retreat.

“The northwest coast of Mallorca has long held a very special place in my heart,” Branson says. He describes Son Bunyola as having “the very best and most unspoilt location on the island”, thanks to its private coastline, spectacular mountains and vast estate. 

Opened in 2023, the hotel now has 27 bedrooms and suites, with interiors designed to celebrate the finca's character. Original floor tiles, stonework, staircases and the historic olive press have been carefully preserved, while local design and contemporary comforts create a relaxed, residential feel. The Tower Suites are particularly special, offering panoramic views across the mountains and sea. 

Son Bunyola invites guests to experience the landscape rather than simply admire it. Hiking and cycling trails weave through the estate, while yoga, swimming and outdoor activities provide plenty of ways to embrace the surroundings. New experiences include vineyard picnics, cooking classes and even a chance to meet the estate’s bees and learn about honey production. 

For Vincent Padioleau, General Manager of Son Bunyola, the hotel is about much more than luxury accommodation. “This is such an exciting time as we launch the first European hotel for Virgin Limited Edition,” he says, describing it as a 'passion project' in one of Mallorca’s most remarkable locations. 

Dining is equally rooted in the destination, with Mediterranean cuisine, tapas and outdoor terraces making the most of those extraordinary views. The estate places a strong emphasis on local produce, Mallorcan traditions, and its own agricultural heritage. That connection to the land continues to evolve. The estate has been planting trees and developing its own agricultural production, including olives, almonds and Malvasía wine, reconnecting Son Bunyola with the farming traditions that shaped its history.

Perhaps the greatest luxury here is the feeling of space. No one needs a packed schedule or a crowded pool scene. Instead, days unfold slowly: breakfast overlooking the mountains, a hike through the Tramuntana on courtesy bikes, a long lunch, a swim, and sundowners as the Mediterranean turns golden.

Recognised with One MICHELIN Key for its character, personality and service, Son Bunyola has quickly established itself as one of Mallorca’s most distinctive luxury stays. 

For Bookings and enquiries, please visit Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas I Luxury Hotel in Mallorca