Taking over a renovated 15th-century finca, the Virgin Limited Edition hotel will offer a rural Mediterranean escape in the Balearic Islands. Rose Dykins reports

Virgin Limited Edition is adding to its portfolio of luxury properties by renovating an historic estate building on the Spanish island of Mallorca.

The hotel group is restoring a 15th-century finca (which translates as an estate building set within rural land) on the Son Bunyola Estate, situated to the north of Mallorca.

Set to open in Summer 2023 as the Son Bunyola hotel, the property will be part of an 810-acre estate on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is already home to Virgin Limited Edition’s collection of three luxury private villas.Virgin Limited Edition Son Bunyola Hotel Surrounded by vines, citrus fruit trees, almond and olive trees, the finca is a historical monument, with a special place in its local history.

Virgin Limited plans to retain its original features and breathe new life into it with a new luxury hotel that offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean coastline, located in one of the most protected areas of Mallorca’s Tramuntana region.

Virgin Limited Edition, Sa Terra, Son Bunyola, MallorcaJon Brown, managing director of Virgin Limited Edition, says: “The North West Coast of Mallorca has always been a very special place for Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Limited Edition.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to restore this beautiful monument and honour its rich history, and look forward to welcoming another small luxury hotel to our portfolio – not least inviting guests across the globe to discover this unspoilt corner of the world.”

Virgin Limited Edition, Sa Terra, Son Bunyola, MallorcaHe adds: “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.

“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.”

Virgin Limited Edition, Sa Punta, Son Bunyola, MallorcaVirgin Limited Edition began developing the finca last June, focusing on retaining its existing buildings and structure, and using traditional and local materials for hotel’s core design. The renovation combines new features with existing historical elements such as wooden carpentry, stone arches, wrought ironwork and lime rendering.

Virgin Limited Edition, Sa Punta, Son Bunyola, MallorcaThe hotel will consist of the main finca, and the tafona, which previously contained the historic olive press, along with several annexe buildings. These will have 28 rooms and suites, including two Tower Suites – one of which was originally a medieval defence tower.

There will also be two restaurants, lounges, several external dining terraces, and a swimming pool with incredible views of the surrounding countryside and Mallorca’s famous Foradada.

Virgin Limited Edition, Sa Terra, Son Bunyola, MallorcaVirgin Limited Edition has implemented a number of sustainability initiatives in this hotel, which it refers to as a conservation project. For example, the property’s hot water will be pre-heated using energy collected from its air conditioning and refrigeration cooling systems.

Meanwhile, a biomass boiler is  being installed,  powered by recycled wood chippings; the building’s thermal insulation is being considerably upgraded; water is being collected and reused for irrigation; and a building management system will exist throughout the hotel to monitor and control its lighting, air conditioning and power consumption.

Bookings for Son Bunyola will open up later this year ready for a Summer 2023 opening, adding to the estate’s three individual Virgin Limited Edition villas: Sa Punta de S’Aguila, Sa Terra Rotja and Son Balagueret.