Carretera Palma a Pto. Pollenca 220, Km 49,8, Pollenca, Spain | (888) 240-0568
Housed in beautifully restored 18th-century monastery
Set in peaceful and picturesque countryside close to Pollenca
Stylish guest rooms with high-tech amenities and free Cava
All bathrooms come with jetted tubs and organic toiletries
Infinity-edge pool with loungers, daybeds, and country views
Chic spa with indoor/outdoor pool and spacious whirlpool tub
High-quality breakfast, tapas, and fine dining options
Wide range of organic produce grown on-site
Free Wi-Fi through
Some rooms short on natural light
Little within walking distance
Restaurant portions can be small
Minimal child-friendly facilities (pro for some)
The 23-room Son Brull Hotel is a seriously luxurious boutique-style property occupying a beautifully restored 18th-century monastery. The hotel has serene and scenic rural setting, with extensive gardens on-site and farmland surrounding; the location is a major part of the draw, but don't expect much within walking distance. The interior design is impeccably tasteful, modern, and stylish, while allowing plenty of room for the plentiful historic features to shine. Food is outstanding from breakfast through dinner, and brimming with homegrown produce, although some complain portions can feel stingy. Both indoor and outdoor pools are long enough for laps, and spa facilities are top-notch. There are few child-friendly amenities, so kids could easily get bored. All in all, its one of the finest -- and inevitably priciest -- luxury retreats on the island; families with little ones, however, may prefer the family-friendly and also high-end Barcelo Formentor.
Scene
Rustic-luxe meets Scando-chic in a former 18th-century monastery
A driveway flanked by neatly rowed vineyards winds up to the Son Brull Hotel's tree-shaded car park, and gives arriving guests an immediate sense of rustic seclusion. The final approach on foot is accompanied by the scent of lavender and the lemon orchards, which make up part of the surrounding 74 acres of peaceful gardens and worked farmland. A huge door set into an imposing facade swings open into the reception, an effortlessly stylish space that integrates chic Scandinavian styling into the original features of this former 18th-century monastery. A gold-tinted ceiling and quirky wall art (by local artists) add opulent and arty touches. Opened in 2003 as family business (now run by three siblings), the hotel does an exemplary job of combining restored historic architecture with 21st-century design; the results are genuinely luxurious and rather special. Parts of the property feel untouched, such as a charming cobbled courtyard, while a teakwood spa is the picture of contemporary minimalism. The monastery's original (and enormous) olive press makes a particularly impressive backdrop to the bar, and an spacious wood-deck pool terrace offers expansive mountain and countryside panoramas. An immaculate lawn dotted with sculptures and stone heads also provides a tranquil setting for yoga classes. Many guests are well-heeled vacationing couples -- the hotel is particularly popular with honeymooners.
Location
Peaceful countryside setting a 10-minute drive from charming Pollenca town
The hotel, nestled in the northeastern foothills of the Tramuntana mountain range and surrounded by verdant countryside, has a setting that's both tranquil and picturesque. There are plenty of hiking and cycle trails to explore in the area, and a six-minute drive away is the beginning of the hike to the Santuari del Puig de Maria, a 14th-century monastery with incredible views over Pollenca. There's not really anything within walking distance, however, and a car is certainly recommended for getting about. The quaint cobblestone streets of Pollenca are under a 10-minute drive away, and its popular beach resort and bay can be reached in 15 minutes. Pollenca's nine-hole golf course is just a five-minute drive away. A half-hour drive is the unspoiled beach of Formentor, with stunning views from the headland beyond. Palma, with its beautiful old town, can be reached in just under an hour by car, while Palma de Mallorca Airport is around the same distance.
Rooms
Chic rooms have modern technology and a free bottle of chilled Cava; a couple have stand-alone tubs and terraces
While no two of the hotel's 23 rooms are identical, they are all stylishly decked out in Scandinavian-flavored design with updated mid-century style furniture, polished gray stone floors, and original architectural features such as beam ceilings and stone doorways. While most are bright and airy, some rooms are short on natural light due to the monastery's small windows. Upgraded rooms differ only in size, though some open to terraces with lovely countryside views (higher levels even have glimpses of Pollenca's bay). Most of the Junior Suites are spread over two levels. A couple rooms feature a stand-alone jetted tub in the bedroom, and a terrace. Technology is top-notch: Expect speedy free Wi-Fi, Bang & Olufsen smart TVs offering plenty of English-speaking channels, DVD players, and access to an extensive movie library. Guests arrive to fresh flowers, fruit, and a chilled bottle of Cava, whose grapes are from the hotel's own vineyard. Bathrooms also impress, with twin basins, big jetted tubs, separate walk-in showers, integrated speakers, and orange-scented, locally produced toiletries. Thick fluffy robes and quality slippers are also provided, as are sun hats that are free to take home.
Features
Outstanding breakfast and dining options, plus impressive pools and spa
Breakfast is a treat, with an extensive continental buffet that includes homemade jams, fresh orange juice (squeezed from homegrown fruit), and an a la carte menu of hot dishes including eggs and pancakes, all included in the rate. Lunch is served poolside at the Son Brull snack bar, which includes salads and vegetables from the hotel's organic garden. The destination 3/65 Restaurant offers a fine-dining menu of immaculately presented and creative dishes, though portions can be small. A decent selection of tapas and an impressive wine list are available throughout the day from the U Bar, set in what was once one of the island largest olive press mills. A range of homegrown produce is also available to buy including gin, olive oil, wine, almonds, and honey. An infinity-edge pool with plentiful loungers and daybeds offers superb countryside vistas, and is long enough for a decent swim. The modern teakwood spa also offers an impressive heated, indoor/outdoor pool measuring over 55 feet (17 meters); a spacious whirlpool tub, sauna and steam rooms, and massage treatments with local organic oils also feature. A little away from the main property is a tennis court, while a fitness room with modern equipment and floor-to-ceiling windows is located in a separate building. Free mountain bike loans are available and there's also a secure bicycle garage with tools.