Ring In The Holidays At This 17th-Century Mallorcan Manor-Turned-Hotel

16.11.2023 - 22:25 / forbes.com

The Spanish island of Mallorca may not be the obvious choice for a festive getaway, but this holiday season is looking more magical than ever at newly reopened Grand Hotel Son Net.

When you think of Spain, the first things that spring to mind are probably sprawling beaches, teenie-weenie bikinis and, more often than not, blistering heat. However, with modern travelers looking to beat the crowds, while also prioritizing authentic local experiences, exploration and adventure, off-peak vacations to popular holiday spots are looking more appealing than ever.

And where better to explore Spain in the low season than Mallorca? Most famous as a sand, sea and sun destination, this Balearic paradise island has plenty to offer those who venture here in the colder months.

Nature lovers agree winter is the perfect time for hiking and biking in Mallorca’s Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With their blend of steep hills and lush, green valleys, the roads of Mallorca have become the winter training ground of choice for many of the world’s top cycling teams. Now is also the ideal time to visit the postcard-perfect medieval villages around the Tramuntana. Quieter than in summer, they are still bustling with local life, artisanal stores and farm-to-table restaurants serving authentic Mallorcan cuisine.

For culture enthusiasts, the island’s capital of Palma is brimming with festive spirit. The Christmas market in the fairy-light-filled old town is the best spot to shop for gifts, festive trinkets and interior design, while those looking to score a table at one of the city’s top restaurants will find reservations easier to come by at this time of year.

While many of the island’s hotels close in winter, those that remain open offer a slower, more languid version of the Balearic experience. Like Grand Hotel Son Net, a majestic, 17th-century manor-turned-luxury hotel that recently reopened following a full renovation.

Set deep in the Mallorcan countryside, in the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains yet just a 20-minute drive from Palma, Son Net is a stylishly understated, art-filled hideaway on a private estate dating back to 1672. Having closed during the pandemic, the hotel reopened in May 2023 following a meticulous and thoughtful restoration under the management of the team behind Finca Cortesin—the award-winning Andalusian bolthole.

Originally the home of the nobleman named Net (hence the name), the manor house has been passed down over the centuries through the hands of several prominent Spanish families. These days, the ultra-elegant, 31-suite hotel blends palatial architecture with tastefully transformed interiors that are relaxed, romantic, and intimate; complete with breath-taking views,