Mallorca luxe: Richard Branson's first hotel in Spain set for stunning Unesco site

A new luxury 28-bedroom hotel will open in summer 2023 in the Serra de Tramuntana region of Mallorca, which was awarded Unesco World Heritage status in 2011.

The development will be part of Richard Branson's Virgin Limited Edition collection and will be located on its 810-acre Son Bunyola Estate on the island's northwest coast.

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A new hotel that dates back centuries

The hotel, already in construction, will see the restoration of a finca building dating back to the 15th century and surrounding landscape. The finca is a historical monument that is fundamental to the history of the local area, and the hotel will retain all of its original features. It is surrounded by citrus fruit, almond and olive trees, and has sweeping views of the Mediterranean coastline.

The Tramuntana range covers 1100 sq km and is 90km long, extending all the way north to the Cap de Formentor. The highest peaks are concentrated in the central mountain range, and the area is known for its pine forests, olive groves and wildflowers.

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Your chance to overnight in a former defense tower

The new hotel will comprise the main finca, a building that previously contained an olive press and several annex buildings. One of its new suites is bring constructed in what was originally a medieval defense tower. The hotel will have two restaurants, lounges, outdoor dining terraces and a swimming pool. There are already three private villas on the site, Sa Punta de S’Aguila, Sa Terra Rotja and Son Balagueret.

The reconstruction project uses traditional and local materials, combining new design with existing elements such as wooden carpentry, stone arches, wrought ironwork and lime rendering. "Celebrating and preserving the heritage of this important Mallorcan landmark has been at the very forefront of our restoration plans," says Jon Brown, managing director of Virgin Limited Edition.

Sustainable initiatives include the installation of a biomass boiler powered by recycled wood chippings, while water is being collected and reused for irrigation. Hot water for the hotel will be pre-heated using energy collected from the air conditioning and refrigeration cooling systems.

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Serra de Tramuntana's emergence as a Unesco destination

The region's dry stone constructions and water channeling systems were two elements that contributed to the mountain range being declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2011 in the cultural landscape category. It was deemed an exceptional example of the Mediterranean agricultural landscape, due to its combination of water supply systems applied to irrigation for the cultivation of vegetable gardens and citrus orchards. In addition, dry farming zones, in particular olive groves, have been built in historic terraces on the mountainside.

Bookings for the new hotel will open up later this year and further information on Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas can be found here.

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