Honeymoon Review: Grand Hotel Son Net

Why go?

Grand Hotel Son Net, is the perfect place for respite. Here, serenity and seclusion is guaranteed with faultless service, gourmet delights, and top-notch facilities. Perched atop a hillock with sweeping views of Puigpunyent’s picturesque village, this luxurious boutique is an irresistible sanctuary for newlyweds. It’s a living testament to the art of collecting, with halls adorned with treasured heirlooms and ageless artefacts from far-flung corners of the globe. It radiates an aura of timeless charm, proving itself a bona fide classic in the making.

Honeymoon Style:

Hotel Grand Son Net beckons honeymooners wishing to be enveloped in a world of timeless romance and refined luxury. Whether exploring the nearby quaint villages, embarking on scenic hikes, or simply basking in each other’s company within the lavish confines of the hotel, Grand Hotel Son Net’s idyllic setting is made for those looking for a luxurious retreat in which to relax and rejuvenate.

Set the scene:

As you wind your way up the palm-fringed path to the hotel, prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking vistas of Mallorca’s majestic Tramuntana mountains. From the moment you set foot on their grounds, a heartfelt welcome awaits. The exterior exudes the timeless charm of a classic Mallorcan finca, its terracotta-pink walls standing in serene contrast against the blue skies.

As you step through the doors of the main building, prepare to be swept away by the elegance of its entrance hall – complete with vaulted ceilings and marble and stone floors fit for royalty.

Son Net is set across 57,000 square metres of terrain and includes meticulously manicured gardens, multiple pools bordered with cabanas, and postcard-perfect, verdant views. But the indulgence doesn’t end there. The ecological vegetable and herb garden teems with vibrant produce, while a quaint farm – which includes some rather adorable donkeys – and vineyard add to the pastoral charm.

Spa:

The hotel is soon to open a state-of-the-art spa. Descend into the depths of relaxation as you immerse yourself in the underground indoor pool, awash in soothing burgundy hues decorated with majestic Moorish arches and softly glowing lanterns. I highly recommend you leave yourself in the expert hands of Thai masseuse Jintana – I was lucky enough to try one of her bespoke massages in their popup spa and left in blissful state! And for those seeking an invigorating workout, there will be a fitness room with cutting-edge equipment and the majestic view of Sierra de Tramuntana for a backdrop.

Rooms:

There are 31 rooms, including four poolside suites, offering solace away from the main house. Each room tells its own tale – a nod to imperial China, a whisper of Renaissance Italy, or a touch of colonial Spain – all are woven with opulence, adorned in bespoke fabrics and boast beautiful marble bathrooms, complete with plush upholstered chairs.

We stayed in the majestic Grand Suite Maria de Napoles – a tribute to a Mallorcan queen. It’s a delightful medley of aesthetics; a dark wood four-poster bed, persimmon prints on the curtains, headboards and chairs, blue-painted beams and original artwork from the 17th century. Complete with a Juliet balcony offering views of the surrounding splendour, and a spacious bathroom, it’s a sanctuary of charm. The suite sprawls grandly, displaying dimensions that could give our humble London flat a run for its money.

No stone is left unturned in the pursuit of perfection at Hotel Grand Son Net. From the indulgent Penhaligon’s ‘Quercus’ bath luxuries to the carefully curated selection of Riojas awaiting discovery in the minibar, every detail is meticulously considered and speaks volumes about the hotel’s dedication to providing a seamless, world-class luxury experience.

Food and drink:

At the heart of the hotel lies the Mar & Duix restaurant with Mallorcan chef Sergio Olmeda at its helm. The restaurant is an enchanting space that combines an impressive former olive press which leads onto a serene terrace, offering a picturesque backdrop.

Drawing inspiration from the hotel’s own vegetable garden, Olmeda crafts dishes that burst with freshness and flavour. From a vibrant beetroot tartare paired with herring roe and zesty apple to the creamy stuffed zucchini cannelloni, each plate is a testament to his culinary prowess. For mains, indulge in the succulent beef tenderloin with foie gras and truffle sauce, complemented by confit of potatoes for a truly decadent dining experience. Desserts include Tatin Mar & Duix, a delicious caramelised on a bed of puff pastry with a serving of mascarpone. Those with a richer palate should opt for the chocolate and orange ganache or try a twist on the classic Mallorcan Ensaïmada served with smoked sheep-milk ice cream. Before and-or-after you dine, be sure to make a pit stop at the Green Bar, located en route to the restaurant. Here, classic cocktails are expertly crafted – and often accompanied by live music by local artists.

Even if you’re not a morning person, breakfast at Son Net is not to be missed. It’s a delightful affair, featuring freshly baked pastries, a vibrant fruit and cereal selection. Then there’s the ‘Son Net Delights’, which includes a tortilla with Mallorcan sobrasada and Mahon cheese, eggs almost any way you like and a plate of grilled vegetables fresh from their gardens. In the summer months, a long lunch can be enjoyed at al fresco Gazebo with its open-air kitchen and menu featuring fresh market produce. In the cooler months, there’s still an all day menu which includes a sensational Club Sandwich.

Wine enthusiasts simply must secure a spot for a private tasting experience. Guided by the hotel’s esteemed sommelier, we explored Son Net’s vineyard. It’s almost one hectare vineyard of Malvasia grapes first planted in 2006. We sipped Son Net’s deliciously fresh wine whilst soaking up the last moments of the sunset. The sommelier then guided us through a tasting of local wines in the Green Room and paired our dinner to perfection!

The story:

Son Net – a relic of grandeur dating back to 1672 – was the abode of the prestigious Net family. However, as the 20th century drew to a close, neglect began to dim its splendour. Enter David Stein, the American property maven who seized the opportunity to breathe new life into the fading estate, eventually transforming it into a hotel in 1998. Stein’s bold vision ushered in an era of velveteen decadence and flamboyant pop art, injecting a modern flair into the historical setting. When he sold the property to Spanish hotelier, Javier López Granados, in 2020 it called for a new lease of life. Granados, already celebrated for his triumph with Finca Cortesin, a wellness sanctuary adored by Madrid’s elite, was poised for another triumph upon acquiring Son Net. Entrusting the creative reins to interior maestro Lorenzo Castillo was a stroke of genius; his maximalist aesthetic, brimming with antique treasures, perfectly harmonises with the estate’s historic charms.

Family-friendly:

While not strictly geared towards families, this hotel still has a few tricks up its sleeve for the little ones. Kids can enjoy feeding the donkeys and gathering eggs from the hens at the onsite farm, adding a touch of rural charm to their stay. Plus, if parents need a break, babysitting services are readily available.

For those seeking a more private retreat, the Pool Cottage House provides the perfect solution. With its own secluded pool, guests can enjoy a villa experience while still benefiting from all the perks of hotel service.

Location:

Located in the Tramuntana mountain foothills, the hotel is a brief stroll from Puigpunyent village where you’ll find a delightful selection of quaint shops, inviting cafés, and a bustling weekly market. For those craving a brush with nature, the Galatzo nature reserve beckons just four miles away, promising enchanting trails and breathtaking vistas. As for the journey, Palma airport lies approximately 11 miles distant, a mere 20-minute taxi ride away, ensuring your retreat begins the moment you touch down.