Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson’s luxury collection of award-winning hotels and retreats, has announced the development of a luxury 28-key hotel on its Son Bunyola Estate in the Tramuntana region of Mallorca.
The hotel, already in construction, consists of the restoration of a historic Finca (translating to rural land with an estate building) and surrounding landscape on the Son Bunyola Estate, part of the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio. Due to open in summer 2023 as the Son Bunyola Hotel, the development of the Finca will form an integral part of a 810-acre estate, positioned on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which already occupies the collection’s three stand-alone luxury private villas.
Development of the Finca began in June last year with a meticulous historical reconstruction project, led by Gras Architects, focusing on the existing buildings and structures, using traditional and local materials at the core of the hotel’s design. Rialto Living’s combination of new design with existing historical elements such as wooden carpentry, stone arches, wrought ironwork and lime rendering will help bring the hotel to life, while ensuring the Finca’s history is celebrated.
The hotel will comprise the main Finca and the Tafona, which previously contained the historic olive press as well as several annexe buildings. These will house 28 guestrooms and suites, including two showcase Tower Suites – one of which was originally a medieval defence tower built in the 15th century. The hotel will also offer two restaurants, lounges, a several external dining terraces and a new swimming pool with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and Mallorca’s famous Foradada.
Sustainability is rooted at the heart of the conservation project, with a number of key initiatives being fundamental to the early stages of design. Hot water for the hotel will be pre-heated using energy collected from the air conditioning and refrigeration cooling systems; while the installation of a biomass boiler is to be powered by recycled wood chippings. The buildings thermal insulation has been upgraded and water is being collected and reused for irrigation, whilst the addition of a building management system will be introduced throughout the hotel to monitor and control lighting, air conditioning and power consumption within the property.
“Celebrating and preserving the heritage of this important Mallorcan landmark has been at the very forefront of our restoration plans throughout and thanks to the fantastic work of Gras Architects, the Finca has very much been designed to enhance the incredible natural surroundings it is blessed with,” comments Jon Brown, Managing Director of Virgin Limited Edition. “This is of course combined with our commitment to sustainability, something which is ingrained in everything we do – from energy saving to rainwater harvesting and environmental protection – some of the fundamental values of the Virgin Limited Edition brand.”
Brown adds: “Very much in keeping with our collection’s home from home style, we are also delighted to be working with Mallorcan based interior designer, Rialto Living. Known widely for their stunning residential designs, they were a natural fit for us, and are working to ensure the design of the hotel provides our guests with the same exceptional standards that Virgin Limited Edition are renowned for, alongside a welcome injection of beautiful Mallorcan charm.”
