If you need a fix of contemporary design and top-notch service but in a handy rural setting, Son Brull has it sussed. Only a couple of miles from the picturesque town of Pollenca in the north, it's set on a forested hillside with great views across the plain, surrounded by vines and cypress trees. With its substantial size and natural setting, it's got imposing presence when you first arrive. The 27 slickly designed, teched-up rooms are so geared for comfort they even come with pillow menus.
This was once a Jesuit monastery; its olive mill and press still remain, as does the beautiful late-Baroque inner courtyard. But things have moved on for worshippers today. A shimmering heated infinity pool now overlooks the valley, and double daybeds with wafting muslin drapes line the decking. In the grounds, vineyards and veg patches are plump with almonds, olives, grapes and fruits ripening in the sunshine. Bees produce the estate's honey, chickens provide the eggs, and donkeys roam free. And then there's the very well-equipped spa, plus a chill-out bar and two fine restaurants, which all now cater to a different kind of monk: mostly romantics. A divine place to unwind.
Highs
- Pampering spa with steam room, sauna, hammam, pools, gym and treatment rooms; yoga and meditation too
- Good location: mountains, beaches and golf are a short drive away, as is nightlife in Pollenca, but this spot is super serene
- Despite its style, it's not at all pretentious or stuffy. We've always found the atmosphere relaxed and staff very friendly
- Excellent food, much of it home grown - breakfasting on freshly picked cherries and homemade jams by the pool is a fine start to the day
- We loved the spoiling extras: cava on ice, sunhats, bowls of their almonds and apricots in the room, sweet surprises on your pillow, and complimentary granitas poolside
Lows
- There's no escaping it, it's a pricey treat. But you get a lot for your euro
- Unless you're a walker or cyclist you'll need a hire car to get around (beaches are a 10-minute drive away)
- Some of the old monastery bedroom windows are a little small, which makes the rooms a bit dark, but fab interiors more than make up for this
- The 365 restaurant is closed on Tuesday nights in winter months (February, March and November)
Best time to go
April, May, June, September and October are the best months for sunny weather without it being too hot. In winter, the countryside is lush and green, and with an average temperature of 15-18°C, it's perfect for walking and visiting cultural sights. Mallorca is famous for February’s spectacular display of almond blossom.
Our top tips
The famous Festival de Pollença takes place during July, August and September when the town plays host to cinema, arts and literature events. Classical musical concerts are held at the beautiful Santo Domingo Cloister.
- Boutique Hotel
- 27 rooms
- Restaurants and bar
- Allowed but not ideal
- Open all year
- Pools
- Spa
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
- Tennis Court
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
Forget any notion of kipping down in a monk's cell. All 27 rooms and suites are slick, designer luxe with silky sheets, kingsize beds, original artwork, Bang & Olufsen technology and groovy bathrooms.
Bedrooms are contemporary design: headrests with natural linen covers, unfussy bedside tables, Scandinavian chairs and dark concrete flooring softened by creamy-white rugs. Shuttered windows and exposed wooden beams hint at the past. They are spacious, well lit and most have views out to pool or countryside. If you opt for one of the Suites with Terrace you're in for a treat as these have even more space and the best views of the valley. We were lucky enough to stay in one of these on our last visit and couldn't get over how tranquil it was gazing out over vineyards through three voluptuous arches. The Junior Suite with Terrace has an outdoor Jacuzzi, too.
More recently, four ultra-contemporary two-bedroomed Villa Suites with a private pool apiece were added, but you'd be hard-pushed to see them; set in the crevices of the terraced gardens, they blend seamlessly into their surroundings to have minimal impact on their protected environment. Inside, huge glass windows look out over the vineyards, but their clever positioning means none overlook each other.
It's easy to linger in the bathrooms. Step through and your sound system follows you in. Whip off your slippers and bathrobe and experience the large powerful walk-in shower. If you want to take it lying down, most of the larger rooms have a Jacuzzi bath with more jets than is decent. Besides the 'his 'n' her' sinks, you'll find an array of Molton Brown lotions and potions: they smell wonderful and come in generous measures.
The spoiling touches are excellent. All i-escape guests get stylish handmade sunhats to take home, plus you'll also find a pillow menu, bowls of the estate's own cherries and almonds, and wicker beach bags for carting your towels to the pool. For a little extra, you can have 100% linen sheets.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Central heating
- Cots available
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
Son Brull takes its food seriously. Classic Mallorcan cuisine is turned into delicately presented modern dishes, using cherries, almonds, citrus fruits and artichokes harvested on-site. Choose to dine at the formal restaurant, 365, or the more casual (but equally popular) Bistro.
A couple of skillfully stirred Mojitos in the former oil-pressing room set us up nicely for a late dinner at 365. Here you get a choice of six- or eight-course tasting menus, served either inside at tables dressed in white linen, or outside by the candlelit pool. We went the whole hog, starting with foie gras, liquorice bread, tuna vollatine, then spider crab ravioli, arugula and passion fruit. And that was just two of the eight courses! Later, our sea bream with bouillabaisse mousse and spiced pigeon with orange sauce and Ceylon tea were near perfection.
Bistro is open for lunch and dinner, offering a menu of tapas, grilled fish and meats, or raw fish - think oysters or tuna tartare. The terrace here has a better view than that of 365, taking in the estate's neat vineyards.
For breakfast, a substantial buffet is laid out with fresh juices, muesli, yogurt, their own cherries, fruits, cheeses and pastries; and they'll bring you cooked dishes if you want them.
For eating out, try La Font del Gall (contemporary French-style cuisine) or La Fonda (excellent value Mallorquin food in low vaulted rooms); both are a 5-minute drive away in Pollença Old Town.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Organic produce
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Lounge by the heated infinity pool on supersize daybeds
- Visit the spa for its sauna, steam room, hammam, pools and fabulous treatments evolved around the prickly pear. They also offer a daily complimentary yoga class
- Play tennis on the fast court set amongst carob and fig trees, or golf - there's a 9-hole course next door. The Alcanada Golf course overlooking Alcudia Bay is not far by car. Guests get a discount at both courses
- Go to the beach - either the turquoise coves at Cala San Vicente (10-minute drive) or the long sandy stretches at Puerto Pollença and Puerto Alcudia. Staff can book you a lounger on the beach and pack you off with a picnic; ours was delicious, with chicken salad with oranges, almonds and dates, steamed fish and fresh fruits and cakes
- Visit the market in Pollenca's Old Town on Sundays; the hotel has bikes to borrow
- Take a hike in the magnificent Tramuntana mountains or walk to the top of Puig de Maria behind Son Brull for stunning views of the monastery and valley beneath
- The hotel can arrange yacht and boat charters, as well as water skiing, windsurfing and scuba diving
- Take a cooking course with one of 365's chefs
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cooking classes
- Cycling
- Golf
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Private guided tours
- Sailing
- Scuba diving courses
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Well being
- Windsurfing
- Yoga
Kids
Children are welcome but it's not an ideal place for youngsters. The vibe is sophisticated, and under 12s can't use the pool. Families are better off booking one of the four Villa Suites, which have their own private pools.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The Villa Suites, set in the gardens, are perfect for families, sleeping up to five in two bedrooms. Each has a private pool. Extra beds or cots can be added to some of the rooms in the main building.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Baby equipment:
Baby cots available on request
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Families Should Know:
Children under 12 are not allowed in the main pool. Access to the spa and gym are only for those over 16.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Son Brull is set in a beautiful valley a 5-minute drive from the town of Pollenca, northern Mallorca.
By Air:
Fly into Palma (60km), Mallorca's only airport.
From the Airport:
The hotel can organise limousine transfers but it's probably easiest to hire a car so you can also explore locally. The hotel is a 45-minute drive from Palma Airport.
By Car:
See our car rental recommendations. There is parking at the hotel.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Palma 60.0 km PMI
Other:
- Beach 8.0 km
- Shops 3.0 km
- Restaurant 3.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape