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, and surrounded by olive and cypress trees. With its substantial size and natural setting, it's got imposing presence when you first arrive. Its 25 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. Its very well-equipped spa, chill-out bar and fine restaurant now cater for a different kind of monk: mostly romantics, sometimes with toddler. 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
- Despite its style, it's not at all pretentious or stuffy. When we revisited in 2012 we found the atmosphere relaxed and staff very friendly, taking the time to chat with every guest
- Excellent food, much of it home grown in both the Restaurant and the Bistro - breakfasting on freshly picked cherries and homemade jams by the pool is a fine start to the day
- We loved the spoiling extras: fresh flowers and bowls of their almonds and apricots in the room, sweet surprises on your pillow, and complimentary mint and lemon 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. We have yet to visit the new Villa Suites
- The restaurant is closed on Tuesday nights in the winter months
Best time to go
April, May June and 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 60-65°F 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 and the town plays host to cinema, arts and literature events. Classical musical concerts are held at the beautiful Santo Domingo Cloister.
- Boutique Hotel
- 25 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 25 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 in 2012 and loved it. The Junior Suite with Terrace has an outdoor Jacuzzi, too. New for 2018 are two 2-bedroomed Villa Suites with a private pool apiece, set further away in the grounds; perfect for families.
The spoiling touches are excellent. i-escape guests are greeted with a bottle of complimentary cava on arrival, you'll find a pillow menu, bowls of the estate's own cherries and almonds, even make-up wipes! For a little extra you can have 100% linen sheets.
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. Beside the 'his 'n' her' sinks, you'll find an array of ginseng and macadamia lotions and potions: they smell wonderful and come in generous measures.
Rooms all have air con and individual heating, safe, B&O TV and DVD player (there's a list for you to borrow from), B&O sound system, 3 phones and WiFi. Oh, and a hairdryer for when you finally leave the bathroom.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Minibar/fridge
- WiFi
Eating
Son Brull takes its food seriously, particularly at its restaurant 365. Classic Mallorcan cuisine is turned into delicately presented modern dishes, using cherries, almonds, citrus fruits and artichokes harvested on-site. Expect white linen tablecloths, black banquettes and sparkling glassware. When the evenings are warm, dine outside by the candlelit pool.
A couple of skillfully stirred Mojitos in the former oil-pressing room set us up nicely for a late dinner. You get olive oil and bread to start (they pick 2 types of homemade oils each day). The menu changes frequently, and if you choose the degustacion menu, you'll be making a night of it. We did, and started with foie gras, liquorice bread, tuna vollatine, then spider crab ravioli, arugula and passion fruit. And that was just 2 of the 7 courses. Later, our sea bream with bouillabaisse mousse and spiced pigeon with orange sauce and Ceylon tea were near perfection.
During the day, or night for that matter, try the Bistro for more casual fare including a tapas menu snack menu ranging from mixed salads, club sandwiches, marinated salmon and guacamole to paella and catch of the day.
For breakfast a substantial buffet's laid out with fresh juices, muesli, yogurt, their own cherries, strawberries, melon, hams, cheeses and croissants; and they'll bring you cooked breakfast if you want it. Our large cafetiere of coffee was bang on.
If you want to eat out, try Clivia on Avenida Pollença (good traditional Iberian fish and pork dishes, closed Mondays) or La Font del Gall (more contemporary French-style cuisine) and La Fonda (excellent value Mallorquin food in low vaulted rooms); all are a 5-minute drive away in Pollença Old Town.
Features include:
- Minibar/fridge
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
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
- There's often jazz on Friday nights and in summer DJs spin chill-out tracks on Saturdays
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cooking classes
- Cycling
- Golf
- Hiking
- Sailing
- Shopping / markets
- 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 near the town of Pollenca, northern Mallorca.
By Air:
Palma (60km). Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving this 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.com.
More on getting to Mallorca and getting around
Airports:
- Palma 60.0 km PMI
Other:
- Beach 8.0 km
- Shops 3.0 km
- Restaurant 3.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape