VIRGIN TERRITORY
shutters opening out onto a terrace.
I have access to a private heated swimming pool with a great choice of fun inflatables, and relaxing with the mountains in view is a picture-perfect holiday memory.
Post-swim, I relish my huge walk-in shower– it takes up the entire length of one side of the bathroom.
Mornings begin with downward dogs at sunrise on my terrace overlooking the sea. Jay from Earth Yoga, a studio in Deia, comes to lead classes tailored to experiences and preferences.
Spa therapists from Mountain Wellness also venture onto the estate to rejuvenate me with an outdoor massage. The sound of birdsong means there’s no need for relaxing spa music.
When it comes to eating and drinking at the villa, you’re encouraged to help yourself to anything in the fridges – there’s every alcohol imaginable on hand, ice lollies for the kids, canapés, punchy cocktails and bowls brimming with chocolates.
Grinning chef Bruno cooks lunch and dinner at the villa, and will sneakily listen in on mealtime conversations for inspiration about what guests might like to eat next.
Breakfast is laid out in the mornings, so you can come and go as you please – just make sure you ask the chef to pre-cook his special pancakes to leave in the fridge for you.
Branson loves hiking around the estate, and a walk not to miss is the one down to Son Bunyola pebble beach, which takes 40 minutes from Son Balagueret. Ask the team for a pair of aqua shoes, so you can clamber over the rocks pain-free, and float in the ocean with an uninterrupted view down the wild terracotta-red coast.
My favourite activity is a hike along the path to Banyalbufar. Our guide, Eduard, who founded Mallorcalpina with his brother David, teaches me about the flora.
I spot wild strawberry trees and mushrooms – along with houses belonging to famous faces, such as Michael Douglas.
Following a quick swim and fiery sunset at Banyalbufar, I head for dinner. (Once a week, staff at the villas have a day off, encouraging everyone to go out and explore.)
Run by a local lady called Magdalena, Can Paco is a favourite haunt for Son Bunyola guests. After devouring their crispy garlic squid, I can see why. But if you really want to holiday like Sir Richard Branson, he always goes for their signature paella.
It’s true, the entrepreneur is a man with good taste. And his special retreat Son Bunyola is quickly becoming one of my favourite places too.