October 28, 2024, 5:03 am | Read time: 4 minutes

One of the most luxurious hotels in the world is being built on Germany’s favorite vacation island. There should be enough money to build it – the complex is owned by British entrepreneur and billionaire Richard Branson. Stays can now be booked at the superlative hotel, which is due to open in August 2023. The first photos show what the luxury resort will offer.

Here’s what well-heeled vacationers can anticipate from Branson’s opulent Mallorcan hotel – a detailed overview.

Relaxation and tranquility instead of a tourist hotspot

The luxury complex is located in the municipality of Banyalbufar, in the mountainous southwest of the island, around 40 minutes by car from Mallorca’s capital, Palma, and right by the sea. Nestled in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, tourists will discover an oasis of peace and quiet above all else. This serene area is sparsely populated, home to just a handful of residents. Consequently, the selection of dining options and attractions is quite limited, adding to the exclusivity of the locale. Rather, guests at Branson’s Mallorcan hotel can surrender to the indulgences of complete luxury.

Luxury you have to be able to afford

Holidaymakers will be able to stay in one of 26 rooms starting in August 2023. Construction work began in spring 2021, as reported by the “Dailymail“. The complex, which is currently still a large construction site, will have a reception area, several relaxation rooms, a bar, a large swimming pool, two restaurants, a vineyard, and a herb garden, according to “Mallorca Magazine“. A wealth of historical relics from the era of the old Finca Son Bunyola will be thoughtfully integrated into the new construction. These include an altar, a chapel, and several fountains. The workers are also uncovering two talayots, typical thick-walled tower buildings from the era of the talayot culture.

Although the hotel will have its own access to the sea, there will be no beach. “Rather, our aim is to protect the site and leave it as it is. Guests will be able to go for walks, hike and, of course, enjoy the rocky coastline,” explained hotel director Vincent Padioleau to Mallorca Magazine.

Despite lacking a private beach, the hotel commands impressive rates. On the booking page, room prices start at 700 euros per night. It remains to be revealed what features will crown the complex as the “most luxurious hotel in the Mediterranean” and justify the premium room rates.

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Branson fought for his luxury hotel for almost 30 years

Branson has long been a fan of Mallorca. And he has been fighting for his dream of a luxury hotel for almost thirty years. Branson’s ownership of the Finca Son Bunyola dates back to 1987–2002, a period during which he already harbored ambitions to transform it into a hotel. However, the project failed due to the necessary planning permission. Consequently, Branson sold the finca to a couple, who later placed it back on the market in 2015. Branson struck again and bought the property back for just under 13 million euros. He then received planning permission to convert the manor house into a hotel at the beginning of 2021.

The 70-year-old Briton became rich through his Virgin Group, which is active in the music industry, aviation, and as a train provider. In 1999, Branson was even knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. He also has experience with hotels. He helped found one of Mallorca’s most successful hotels, La Residencia in Deia, and owns a hotel in Marrakesh, Morocco, as well as the legendary Hard Rock Hotel casino in Las Vegas. Given his extensive network, it’s likely that a host of celebrities will grace Banyalbufar with their presence in the years to come.

The original German version of this text was published in 2022.