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July 22, 2024 – Published in Design & Decor Spring-Summer 2024 issue

Refurb in the Majorcan hills

Words Jim Dunn

I have long witnessed and been on the receiving end of press releases and advertising slogans from over enthusiastic PR and marketing departments (sometimes, I have to say, sent by me!) when ‘major refurbishments’ at hotels around the world have been announced. And I have to say that not all of them have lived up to the hype.

From another Mediterranean island, Majorca however, an island with which I have a long association, I can tell you of a truly sensational refurbishment… there’s no other word… costing certainly millions of euros, at one of my all time favourite hotels, Grand Hotel Son Net.

As a result room prices there now reflect the refurbishment, of course, with a room costing anything from 1000E upwards, breakfast included… and I should think so too.

Son Net with about 35 rooms and suites is a magical 17th century building in, yes, a magical setting atop the picturesque mountain village of Puigpunyent and nestled in the foothills of the World Heritage Site, The Tramuntana Mountains. A 15 minute careful drive up a winding but manageable road from Majorca’s capital, Palma brings you to the sweeping drive and the magnificent ceremonial doors of the Castle.

I have to say that in the past the standards and service at this favourite hotel of mine have not always been, shall we say perfect. However in return for sometimes slovenly service, dull food and other inefficiencies we always had reasonable rates at this superb Spanish colonial nobleman’s residence in which to relax.

The house has been virtually untouched as far as structure was concerned. The original owners avoided the temptation which many hoteliers succumb to of cutting and dividing ancient buildings to add to their room count.

But that is all in the past.

In came top Spanish hoteliers www.fincacortesin.com a few years ago, closed the hotel down and smothered it in beautiful design, fabrics, colours and taste… helped by those few million Euros.

The new look, which has kept the rustic beams, stone floors and antique fire surrounds, is the creation of leading Spanish interior designer Lorenzo Castillo and he and his team should certainly take a well deserved bow as the accolades have been flowing in ever since the new look was unveiled.

The refurbishment also includes work outside in the 16 acre estate… there’s a private vineyard planted a few years ago and the lush gardens of roses and agapanthus have been spruced up.

And there’s a new Spa coming along soon.

It’s a sensational result which will cost you.

Celebrities and Dignitaries at the Hotel

The former King & Queen of Spain

Princess Martha Luisa & Ari Behn (Royal Family of Norway)

Princess Beatriz de Orleans

Alexandra Manley & Martin Jørgensen (Princess of Denmark – Countess of Frederiksborg)

Lord Jeffery Archer and Lady Archer

Sir Evelyn de Rothschild and Lady de Rothschild

Lord Peter Mandelson

Prince and Princess Michael of Kent

Oprah Winfrey