SON BRULL
Haven of designer luxe in former Mallorcan monastery
THIS ONE-TIME 18TH CENTURY MONASTERY in Mallorca’s wooded hills is now a temple to urban chic. Set in
30 hectares of landscaped gardens with far-reaching views and a blissful infinity pool, Son Brull is tailor-made for chill-out days and nights.
Behind its somewhat austere exterior, this
oasis of designer luxe is designed for slothful seclusion. And while ample grounds give that miles-from-anywhere feel, you’re just minutes from the lively town of Pollença.
Son Brull is high on style.
Clean, uncluttered lines, smooth textures and understated colours lend the interiors a monastic simplicity. Lofty ceilings, shuttered windows and a huge olive oil press hint at the building’s past, though the only zealots you’ll find here these days are sun worshippers basking on the lavish double daybeds beside the pool.
Hit the spot
Close to Pollença, on Mallorca’s north coast.
Bedtime
For the max in romance, splash out on the junior suite with a whirlpool bath on the terrace and freestanding bath in the bedroom. Just open the bubbly.
Be savvy
Smaller rooms can be a little dark, and while the place is not really child friendly, you may run into some toddlers.
Be smitten
Divine designer oasis.
Pamper zones
Bedrooms – mostly looking out on the pool or open countryside – are roomy enough for a ménage à trois. What’s more,
medieval thick walls ensure you’ll never know what your neighbours are up to – or vice versa.
White walls and polished stone floors are set off by cream rugs, blond wood furniture, slick lighting and sleek designer fittings. Kingsize beds are dressed in softest cotton sheets and dove-grey linen, while walls sport original artworks. In-room technics include wi-fi and a Bang & Olufsen TV.
So far, so minimalist. Not that old-fashioned comforts have been overlooked: you’ll even find a pillow menu to choose from, to ensure afternoon siestas hit the spot. As for the bathrooms – expect glass and chrome grade-one pamper zones. Get ready for tall
walk-in showers, multi-jet whirlpool baths, double sinks, a sound system and lashings of lotions and potions.
You’ll want to make a beeline for Son Brull’s
double daybeds – draped Balinese-style in billowing muslin – overlooking the showpiece infinity pool. That’s not to mention the spa, with its heated indoor-outdoor pool, sauna and steam room. You can book a body wrap or de-stressing massage, or even join a yoga class.
Smart black banquettes, exposed stonework and linen table settings mark out 365, Son Brull’s restaurant, as one of Mallorca’s top dining spots. Start your evening in the bar (housed in the former olive press), before dining here on modern Mallorcan classics.
There’s poolside candlelit dining on warm summer evenings.
Have a
chaser sat on cushions scattered on the decking around the floodlit pool or cosy up beside the lounge’s striking open fire on cooler nights Then stroll through the grounds, taking in the scents of jasmine and rose, before bedtime.
Son Brull is a
peaceful grown-up’s playground (kids would probably be bored here), and is the kind of place that never seems busy even when it’s full. Top notch service is the hotel’s other big plus. Nothing is too much trouble for the helpful and super-friendly team.
You’re in a
great location here with beaches close by, tennis in the grounds, a nine-hole Robert Trent Jones golf course right next door and all the bars and nightlife of buzzy Pollença close by.
Son Brull was reviewed by
Room for Romance
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Dining in
Son Brull’s 365 gourmet restaurant has made a name for itself under the direction of head chef Joan Marc Garcias. Start your night with a cocktail and tapas in the bar, modishly set in the former olive press, or make a night of it with the
seven-course tasting menu.
Inventive modern Mallorcan dishes include crunchy monkfish with curry,
breast of duckling with kumquats and nuts, and couscous flavoured with coffee, chocolate and brandy. There are some
great vegetarian dishes, and alfresco dining around the pool in warm weather. Lighter fare served during the day includes salads and club sandwiches.
Dining out
Pollença old town – where you’ll find everything from tapas to fish and chip bars – is a five minute drive away and packed with places to try. La Font del Gall serves an array of cosmopolitan fare ranging from duck teriyaki to haggis, as well as good local fish.
Where?
365 Restaurant at Son Brull
What’s cooking?
Marinated prawns with melon millefeuille, Mallorcan suckling pig roasted in golden syrup, followed by Mahon cheese with apricots and almond icecream.
Top table?
Outside on the terrace on warm evenings.
See & Do
You’ll probably opt to spend days around the pool – maybe with the odd burst of activity on Son Brull’s tennis court set among fig and carob trees. Golfers are well catered for, with discounted green fees at both the Pollença golf course (nine holes) next to the estate, and at the Robert Trent Jones designed Alcanada golf club, set against a backdrop of the Sierra de Levante mountains. Staff can also arrange yacht rental, boating and bicycles.
Turquoise coves like Cala de Sant Vicenç (one of Mallorca’s best) is ten minutes away. Nearby Puerto Pollença has a fine horseshoe shaped bay and sandy beaches, as well as the famous Pine Walk (great for evening strolls) past moored yachts and pavement cafes.
Shop
Check out the Sunday market in Pollença (Wednesdays in Puerto Pollença) for traditional Mallorcan baskets and pottery.
Spa
Mallorcan orange blossom, aloe vera, lavender, honey and rose form the basis of the oils and essences used in Son Brull’s pampering spa. Book a skin hydrating facial, a body firming treatment and wrap, or a deliciously unwinding massage.
After dark
There’s music on the terrace on Saturday summer nights, though you’ll need to head to Pollença for late-night clubs and a party vibe.
Dates
July-August
An impressive line-up of classical musicians flock to town for the Festival de Pollença.
GETTING THERE
Location
Carretera Palma-Pollenca, Mallorca
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Inca, 25km
Taxis
Son Brull offer a limo transfer fom the airport for EUR 90
Airport
Palma, 55km
Rooms and suites
23 rooms and suites
Special features
Sleek and contemporary rooms come with glass and chrome bathrooms, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and TV, DVD player, internet point, three phones and a safe. Pick a movie from the DVD library.
Also…
There’s a full-service spa with treatment menu, a tennis court and DVD library. Check out the occasional cookery classes.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 255 – 800
Open/closed
Closed December – January
Check-in
13.00
Check-out
Midday
Minimum night stay?
Two nights during mid-season, three during high-season
Breakfast
Breakfast (poolside in summer) is served until 11am. Tuck into an impressive buffet laden with fresh Mediterranean fruit, hams, cheeses and croissants.
Room service
Available 24 hours a day
Children
Welcome on request
Pets
No
Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms
Languages
Spanish, English, German and French
Wedding license?
Receptions can be held with up to 100 guests standing, or 60 to 70 seated
Your contact
Javier Colinas – Reservations manager