Sir Richard Branson's new hotel project opens in Spain

New Richard Branson project, Son Bunyola in the Spanish island of Mallorca, opened last week. Virgin Limited Edition owner Branson, known for his hotels and villas, says the projects are an expression of love, not a source of profit.

Son Bunyola is a 26-room 16th-century hotel and three villas on a 1,300-acre site surrounded by the Tramuntana Mountains and the sea. However, it took much longer than planned to build. Branson bought the Son Bunyola estate 25 years ago, but was unable to get a building permit and sold it in 2002, only to buy it again in 2015. The three villas on the property opened six years ago, but work on the hotel didn't begin until 2021. The main hotel building has two towers, one of which dates back to the 13th century. Inside, luxury meets simplicity: in the courtyard, the floor is made of stones and the furniture around it is made of light rattan. The colors are delicate: a minty green hue predominates along with blues that give Mallorca a morning haze. Some geometric patterns are a reference to Mallorca's Moorish history, the striped awnings are a tribute to shade and summer serenity. Prices start from 600 euros, breakfast included.

Son Bunyola has become the eighth Virgin Limited Edition property and all but one are privately owned by the Branson family. They are all characterized by the special atmosphere of the area. Necker Island has a Caribbean flavor, Mont Rochelle in Franschhoek offers a more African-centric view of South Africa's most famous wine region.

The Son Bunyola terrace offers panoramic views of the estate. The path leads to a rocky bay where you can swim, but the 28-meter-long pool overlooking the terraces is particularly attractive. There are also hiking trails and bike paths - a coastal path now links Son Bunyola to the villages on either side of its grounds. In the 30 years of Son Bunyola's creation, the project is not finished. New vineyards of the local Malvasia Mallocan variety are planted from the entrance gate to the main building, along with almond trees and 7,000 olive trees. Donkeys and goats have been ordered and are expected to help tend (and naturally fertilize) the olive trees. Of course, eventually the permanent residents will move here (though not this winter). Another destroyed finca will become an additional twelve rooms when it opens in 2025. They have also started creating a vegetable garden here, where a natural spring will provide its irrigation. For a man whose best-known projects, Virgin Galactic and Virgin Atlantic, depend on speed and technology, Son Bunyola's growth is a remarkable result and could be a particularly lasting legacy.