Grand Hotel Son Net: Mediterranean luxury in the mountains of Mallorca

A stately retreat
The Grand Hotel is in an old Mallorcan palace built in 1672, just a few kilometres from the capital city of Palma. Since its opening in 1998, it has become an exclusive address for prominent guests from all over the world: representatives of European aristocracy, heads of state, famous musicians, actors, and writers have all stayed here. Still remaining from the original complex are the seventeenth-century inner courtyard, the private chapel, and a well that is fed by a mountain spring. The Son Net now comprises of 31 individually designed rooms, six suites, and a large “Pool Cottage House”. Nestled in Mediterranean gardens full of orange and olive trees, it also has its own vegetable plots and vineyard, where the golden-yellow Malvasia grape variety is cultivated and pressed into the hotel’s own white wine.

Indulgent décor, clever details
Most recently, the interior of the house has been meticulously restored and remodelled by the Torras y Sierra Arquitectos studio under the direction of Angel Verdú and Lorenzo Castillo. Castillo’s unique style, which has made the interior designer and decorator one of the most exciting exponents of his profession, is unmistakable: sumptuous and full of character, stately yet with contemporary elegance. The historic features of the manor house have been staged perfectly. Rustic ceiling beams are in evidence, as are old, open fireplaces, and marble floors. All suites and rooms have been artfully furnished with antique furniture and heavy curtains, and carpets bursting with ornamentation. Extravagant details take centre stage almost everywhere: gold-framed portraits in oil, floral patterned vases, busts, or mother-of-pearl clocks. But time and again, deliberate contrasts break through the indulgent décor, in the shape of modern art works by artists such as David Hockney, Andy Warhol, and Christo.

Tradition-conscious beauty
Madison from Dornbracht seems to be specifically devised for this Baroque magic. In one of the bathrooms, for instance, the Dornbracht fitting in Brushed Durabrass (23kt Gold) sets the tone: The warm golden colour is reflected in various room elements. In another suite – this time in Chrome – it enjoys a cool and timelessly beautiful alliance with black marble. And finally, the design icon with its tradition-conscious form is combined with antique marble washstands and splendid mirrors above them. Madison’s Chrome finish almost makes it seem understated, yet it complements the opulent ambience perfectly.