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Spa + Wellness

Son Brull Hotel & Spa

This masterpiece is about as far removed from the chavtastic image of Mallorca you can possibly fathom.
The setting is undeniably magical, this majestic 12th Century Jesuit monastery has been transformed into a luxury hideaway with sexy concrete floors and seminal yet minimal furnishings. It has been done so cleverly and simply that there is no doubt that guests who rise and slumber in this former religious residence will experience a palpable ambiance of peace and relaxation. With only 23 rooms and suites, we observed that within a short time of checking in, most guests spoke quietly and walked with the pious soft step of a monk around the heavenly pool.
This may sound strange, but it is not, because Son Brull could equally describe itself as a homage to the surrounding farmland. We were served consistently exquisite food in the restaurant 3/65 where most ingredients came from the surrounding fields, a menu of fresh fish, salads and rice dishes that are perfect for languorous alfresco lunches. To call the restaurant’s ethos “farm to table” was an understatement. The best patatas bravas in the world (and other tapas) sat alongside freshly made pastas and at dinner time, even my adventurous palette was challenged.
Do not visit Son Brull without tasting their wine. It would be one of the worst mistakes you would ever make in your life. We arrived just before the grapes were harvested from the endless surrounding vines and they were plump and bulbous and certainly an indication of the delectable wine. The cava was sharp and sophisticated, reminding me of some of the English sparkling wines I have had in Sussex. But it was the Rosé that knocked my Balenciaga gladiators off my feet – rich, complex and almost a red. If I could serve it at my wedding, I would. I crave it and I never crave wine, honest!
When we first stepped into our bedroom we were shocked by how large it was. The lighting system took a little knack but we quickly learnt the mood lighting functions. The bed itself was luxuriously large, enough to get lost from my partner on the other side! But the bathroom was the room’s crowning glory. A giant tub with massage jets stood alongside his and hers sinks and the separate rain shower with minimalist tiles looked like it belonged at the Tate Modern. A huge drawer under the sink had everything a girl could want, bar a Mac make up counter, and with a giant freestanding full length mirror, I wanted for nothing. If this resembled monk life, I know a fair few boys who’d like a career change!
I had an excellent pedicure at the spa and can vouch for the professionalism of the staff. Nothing is too much trouble. If you do have any particular requirements, however, and you do not speak good Spanish, ask Reception to translate for you beforehand. My maniacal gestures from the massage table as words failed me did create a Fawlty Towers like atmosphere in my treatment room. QUE!
Everything is going so well and yet I feel a little heartbroken writing this review. I would dearly love to give a Citizen Femme stamp of approval to this absolute gem of a hotel but I just can’t. I will say, however, that I think the management just need to make a few small tweaks and the guest experience can transform completely.
Half way through our stay a gaggle of young children bypassed the large communal swimming pool and descended upon the pool in the spa. Yes, the spa!!! The massage jet suddenly became the centrepiece of a violent game of Aquatic Pokemon Go and I cowered terrorised on the other side of the pool. I complained to staff and to their credit straight away they informed the children’s parents that children must be supervised in the spa pool. But this assumes that all parents will monitor and check any screeching sounds or violent movements from their children. What if they don’t?
In any Relais and Chateaux hotel I would expect the spa to be an adults only retreat. Son Brull’s policy is that children over the age of six are allowed in the spa pool. Forgive me, I didn’t realise seven year olds needed spa time and the opportunity for tranquility to recharge their batteries. I think I’ve made my point so what do I tell readers now?
 

Son Brull can indeed be a monastic retreat for body, mind and soul but if you really want peace and quiet you must go when the children are at school and certainly avoid bank holidays. The manager explained to me that in 2019 they are building villas for families that have private pools. So I suppose you could mark March 2019 in your diary and if they are still making the Rosé it will certainly be worth it.

 

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