Review: Son Brull Rural Sanctuary, Mallorca, Spain

The sunny shores of Mallorca are home to hotels aplenty. On my first visit to the island, I sought the advice of someone who had visited countless times, explaining that I wanted something unique, luxurious, and most especially, rooted in the local culture. The immediate response was, “Son Brull is what you’re looking for.” After a very memorable first visit, just over a year later, my partner and I were back at the Spanish refuge.

In recent decades, the island has also shed some of its ’party scene’ skin. While it still exists on Mallorca, in recent years, a smattering of glamorous accommodations has brought a more sophisticated side to the island. Son Brull is one of the oldest of these luxury hotels and effortlessly sets the benchmark for a remarkable Mallorcan stay.

The welcome

The five-star Spanish hotel has welcomed guests for almost three decades, providing a rural sanctuary in the luxuriously renovated 12th-century farm. Mounted on the roadside stone wall, a cut metal sign indicates that you have arrived. Driving through the property’s fields and gardens, it feels as if you are immediately transported to a new world. As the hotel comes into view and you walk through the front door into the historical building, you receive the first ‘ola’. The welcome drink is a refreshing medley of lemon, gin, and honey – all from the farm. With the obligatory paperwork out of the way, we were guided through the property to our villa.

The room

The main hotel rooms span the three stories of the historic building, built in 1762 as a monastery and has now been masterfully renovated into a luxury hotel. For this visit, however, it was something supremely special – we’d be staying in one of the villas, which must surely be Mallorca’s most impressive accommodation. Meticulously carved into the earth, leaving a minimal footprint, Son Brull’s four villas are mini masterpieces. Each has two en-suite bedrooms, along with a spacious lounge and dining area.

Every guest is welcomed into these sanctuaries with Cava, a platter of fruit, and a bowl of nuts – all from the farm. A clever addition is the small panel in the lounge and bedroom that controls the blinds, lights, fireplaces, and air conditioning. Outside, plentiful space is offered for retreat. The patio’s sluiced concrete roof allows light in and creepers to cling to it, giving a natural green roof. This extends into the grass lawn, and then a refreshing pool with loungers and umbrellas.

The bathroom

Beautifully integrated into the master bedroom, the centrepiece of the bathroom is a double spa bath – a cutout in the wall allows a line of sight into the bedroom and fireplace. Double vanities, walk-in showers, and a host of amenities from the acclaimed Molton Brown and Relais & Chateaux are provided. In the second bathroom, the full-length windows give generous views of the citrus trees adorning the garden.

The location

Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, located 120 km offshore from Barcelona. Being one of the Mediterranean’s busiest airports, Palma is easily accessible from countless locations. The 2h20 flight time from London was incredibly convenient for us, and from Palma Airport, it’s a 30-minute drive to the front gates.

The property is located just outside the town of Pollenca, with its namesake port just beyond that. The surroundings consist of peaceful farmlands and mountains. The quieter location also means that after days spent exploring the busy towns and beaches, guests can return to the hotel for sanctuary.

The facilities

Guests have access to explore the entire working farm, where they can spot donkeys and goats grazing in the fields, hear geese and roosters in the distance, watch bees buzzing to and from their hives, and sample the fresh citrus from the orchards. There’s a lovely walking circuit that encompasses part of the farm. Halfway through, you’ll discover a little sala with chairs to rest and refreshments.

For those seeking a little fitness inspiration, the hotel’s large pool is available for laps, along with an air-conditioned gym overlooking the orchard. A short walk away, the tennis court is surrounded by olive trees, and all gear is included in the stay. Moreover, you’ll soon discover that cycling is popular on Mallorca. Son Brull offers a bike shed for setting up and storing bikes, along with providing bikes for guests who have not brought their own.

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Many guests seek out the hotel particularly for the spa. Tucked away below the main building, visiting the spa feels akin to an escape within an escape. Facilities on offer include an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, plunge pool, relaxation areas, and a host of wellness treatments. Guests have access to all facilities throughout the day.

Casual dining is available during the day from the Bistro (poolside or terraced dining), and then fine dining is provided at 365 Restaurant (the numerals referring to the number of windows and doors in the original hotel building). Breakfast is served in all of the locations and is single-handedly my favourite of any hotel I have visited. Without fail, every morning I order the ‘Full Mallorquín’: an olive oil fried egg, local Llangonissa and Botifarró sausages, and then Mallorcan bread topped with tomato and olives from the farm. The continental buffet continues the local theme with cured meats, cheese, fruit pots, and then mascarpone bowls to die for!

Other nice touches

Son Brull has its own branded Cava, which all guests receive on ice as a welcome gift. The Cava Son Brull Brut Nature is made from a blend of the three most popular varieties used for cava: Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada. Rather than carbonating the still wine, it is bottle-fermented using the same method as Champagne. Bottles can be taken home for £15. For those with a refined palate, seek out the prized Reserve option of the bubbly.

Branded welcome gifts, including hats, caps, and quadrilles, are thoughtful gestures and can be immediately used upon arrival. Most of the guests we met were also return visitors, which speaks volumes in itself, so with this almost cult following, the gifts are even more appreciated, serving as a firm reminder of the stay. What’s more, a boutique store at reception offers some of the products used in the hotel and other branded paraphernalia and clothes, all proudly made on the island.

The cost

Prices are seasonally dependent, ranging from £590 to £790 for the rooms and suites, and then £1500 for the villas (sleeping up to 5). These room and villa prices include daily breakfast and servicing. When booking, there are optional extra experiences available, including ‘Experience 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 best bit

As you may have noticed from the reflections above, Son Brull has a hyper-local focus, firmly celebrating Mallorcan culture. In the age of cut-and-paste hotels, this is a breath of fresh air for travellers wanting an authentically local experience. Furthermore, Son Brull is family-owned and operated, with all the staff coming from the island, both contributing to a thoroughly genuine experience that is rare to find.

The final verdict

With Mallorca’s resurgence as a luxury destination, Son Brull offers the perfect experience for discerning travellers. This Relais & Chateaux property delivers a local immersion so exceptional that you’ll likely leave already planning your next trip, having experienced an unforgettable slice of Mallorcan paradise.

Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by Son Brull Rural Sanctuary

Jared Ruttenberg

Jared Ruttenberg is a travel writer from Cape Town, South Africa. He enjoys connecting people and experiences through words, images and social media. See more at www.jaredincpt.com.