Luxury hotel Son Bunyola receives Michelin Key 2025

A hotel that smells of more than just perfume and pine

In Banyalbufar, in a narrow bay of the Serra de Tramuntana, a familiar estate made headlines this week: Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas was named in 2025 with a Michelin key. For us here on the island, that's at first a bit of pride, a bit of recognition and – yes – also a small celebration in the mind.

What the key stands for

The award, announced on October 8 in Paris, honors houses with character, authenticity and careful service. Worldwide this year, 2,457 hotels received a mention, 109 of them in Spain. Son Bunyola now belongs to the houses that Michelin describes as particularly notable.

A property with history and sea views

The hotel sits on a large estate – about 330 hectares, if you trust the official numbers – and is part of the Virgin Limited Edition of British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson. Those who have wandered through the old stone walls know the mix of historic buildings, olive groves and gardens that set their own pace here. There are 27 rooms and three private villas; not a huge complex, but rather a place with quiet corners.

Culinarily, the houses rely on local products, many of them from their own garden. The two restaurants Sa Terrassa and Sa Tafona (the latter in the former oil mill) are part of the package – and stand for a cuisine that focuses on the familiar and the careful. The head chef of Sa Terrassa, Brenda Lisiotti, is repeatedly mentioned when it comes to the signature on the plate.

More than just comfort

Also: a small spa, various historic lounges and an outdoor pool complex heated year-round. Such a thing makes an impression on guests who value discreet service and atmosphere. On Mallorca, six houses now have a Michelin key; names like Cap Rocat, La Residencia in Deià or Hotel Can Cera in Palma often lead the field – each carrying two keys. Three keys are the maximum level, which has not yet been reached on the island.

For the neighbors in Banyalbufar, the recognition is a nice proof that real craftsmanship and preserving silence are still valued. And for us locals it means: it's worth taking a closer look. Not every good place shouts loudly – some must be discovered.