Evaluation: Son Brull Rural Sanctuary, Mallorca, Spain

The sunny shores of Mallorca are house to resorts aplenty. On my first go to to the island, I sought the recommendation of somebody who had visited numerous occasions, explaining that I needed one thing distinctive, luxurious, and most particularly, rooted within the native tradition. The rapid response was, “Son Brull is what you’re in search of.” After a really memorable first go to, simply over a yr later, my associate and I have been again on the Spanish refuge.

In current a long time, the island has additionally shed a few of its ’social gathering scene’ pores and skin. Whereas it nonetheless exists on Mallorca, in recent times, a smattering of glamorous lodging has introduced a extra refined aspect to the island. Son Brull is among the oldest of those luxurious resorts and effortlessly units the benchmark for a outstanding Mallorcan keep.

The welcome

The five-star Spanish lodge has welcomed friends for nearly three a long time, offering a rural sanctuary within the luxuriously renovated Twelfth-century farm. Mounted on the roadside stone wall, a lower steel signal signifies that you’ve arrived. Driving by the property’s fields and gardens, it feels as if you’re instantly transported to a brand new world. Because the lodge comes into view and also you stroll by 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 way in which, we have been guided by the property to our villa.

The room

The principle lodge rooms span the three tales of the historic constructing, inbuilt 1762 as a monastery and has now been masterfully renovated right into a luxurious lodge. For this go to, nonetheless, it was one thing supremely particular – we’d be staying in one of many villas, which should absolutely be Mallorca’s most spectacular lodging. Meticulously carved into the earth, leaving a minimal footprint, Son Brull’s 4 villas are mini masterpieces. Every has two en-suite bedrooms, together with a spacious lounge and eating space.

Each 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. Outdoors, plentiful area 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 toilet

Superbly built-in into the main bedroom, the centrepiece of the toilet is a double spa tub – a cutout within the wall permits a line of sight into the bed room and hearth. Double vanities, walk-in showers, and a bunch of facilities from the acclaimed Molton Brown and Relais & Chateaux are offered. Within the second rest room, the full-length home windows give beneficiant views of the citrus bushes adorning the backyard.

The situation

Mallorca is the most important of the Balearic Islands, positioned 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 positioned simply outdoors the city of Pollenca, with its namesake port simply past that. The environment encompass peaceable farmlands and mountains. The quieter location additionally implies that after days spent exploring the busy cities and seashores, friends can return to the lodge for sanctuary.

The services

Friends 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. Midway by, you’ll uncover slightly sala with chairs to relaxation and refreshments.

For these searching for slightly health inspiration, the lodge’s giant pool is out there for laps, together with an air-conditioned gymnasium overlooking the orchard. A brief stroll away, the tennis courtroom is surrounded by olive bushes, and all gear is included within the keep. Furthermore, you’ll quickly uncover that biking is widespread on Mallorca. Son Brull provides a motorbike shed for organising and storing bikes, together with offering bikes for friends who haven’t introduced their very own.

Many friends hunt down the lodge notably for the spa. Tucked away beneath the primary constructing, visiting the spa feels akin to an escape inside an escape. Services on supply embrace an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, plunge pool, leisure areas, and a bunch of wellness therapies. Friends have entry to all services all through the day.

Informal eating is out there through the day from the Bistro (poolside or terraced eating), after which fantastic eating is offered at 365 Restaurant (the numerals referring to the variety of home windows and doorways within the authentic lodge constructing). Breakfast is served in the entire places and is single-handedly my favorite of any lodge I’ve visited. With out 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!

Different good touches

Son Brull has its personal branded Cava, which all friends obtain on ice as a welcome present. The Cava Son Brull Brut Nature is produced from a mix of the three hottest varieties used for cava: Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada. Relatively than carbonating the nonetheless wine, it’s bottle-fermented utilizing the identical methodology as Champagne. Bottles may be taken house for £15. For these with a refined palate, hunt down the prized Reserve choice of the bubbly.

Branded welcome presents, together with hats, caps, and quadrilles, are considerate gestures and may be instantly used upon arrival. Many of the friends we met have been additionally return guests, which speaks volumes in itself, so with this nearly cult following, the presents are much more appreciated, serving as a agency reminder of the keep. What’s extra, a boutique retailer at reception provides among the merchandise used within the lodge and different branded paraphernalia and garments, all proudly made on the island.

The price

Costs 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 embrace each day breakfast and servicing. When reserving, there are non-obligatory additional experiences out there, together with ‘Expertise 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 most effective bit

As you’ll have observed from the reflections above, Son Brull has a hyper-local focus, firmly celebrating Mallorcan tradition. Within the age of cut-and-paste resorts, this can be a breath of recent air for travellers wanting an authentically native expertise. Moreover, Son Brull is family-owned and operated, with all of the employees coming from the island, each contributing to a totally real expertise that’s uncommon to seek out.

The ultimate verdict

With Mallorca’s resurgence as a luxurious vacation spot, Son Brull provides the right expertise for discerning travellers. This Relais & Chateaux property delivers an area immersion so distinctive that you just’ll doubtless 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