Tucked away in Illetas, just five kilometres from Palma, Hotel Bon Sol is a charming family run time capsule with over 60 years of heritage. Ever expanding, the original part of the property, which today still plays host to the hotel’s main entrance, was built back 1953 – before the days of mass tourism to the now extremely popular Balearic island of Mallorca.
Walls that hold behind them countless anecdotes and stories, Hotel Bon Sol boasts a returning clientele that spans decades. More so than any other hotel on the island, this particular property is reminiscent of a family home, and in reality it really is. The owner and manager Martin Xamena and his family, who in preparation I had chatted with on the phone the previous day welcomed us with open arms and warm smiles.
It’s February and as it still remains the low season so the other half of the hotel towards the pool and coast is closed. Nevertheless we are taken in and around the tardis of Bon Sol, this includes a long hidden tunnel snaking beneath the road outside and to the unsuspecting hotel’s extended other half. Following this and also discreetly concealed away, we make our way to The Nirvana Spa.
Specialising in therapies such as Ayurveda, Thalassotherapy, Balneotherapy and Algotherm – designed to revitalise, regenerate and pamper guests with a comprehensive list of wellbeing rituals and deluxe personalised skin and body treatments, we are greeted by two friendly women within the spacious spa lounge. With relaxed attitudes we are instantly at ease and are treated to popular, full body, relaxing massages; instantly I am reminded I should do this more often.
Making the most of what this family run hotel does best throughout the year, moving back upstairs and to ground level, with grateful smiles, we settle within the smartly dressed restaurant for lunch. We are seated at white tablecloths in the corner of the capacious room with views peeking out over the haze of the azure of the Mediterranean below. The epitome of a family run property – naturally the menu had been chosen on our behalf and we are reminded that the chef is lovingly nurturing us a paella for us behind the scenes.
The charming personification of Bon Sol is our waiter. We are told he has worked in his role at the hotel since the age of 17, now may years later his enthusiasm and loyalty speaks volumes. Presenting himself in a polite manner, we are cheerily served a bottle of fragrant and sharp white wine that is propped elegantly within an ice bucket.
We flick over the traditional 1970s options to start, deciding on an avocado salad and fois gras. No agendas and with clear priorities – both are soon after promptly placed on hold, making way for the paella. Proudly presented in a large round dish, topped with seafood and bright, sweet peppers the rich aroma of Bon Sol’s homemade paella strikes as much temptation as it does to look at – an easy guess that this was not to disappoint.
In summer Bon Sol truly awakens. Encapsulating the very best of their private coastal location, aside from the indoor restaurant and spa – wellness is encouraged inside out with a beach-side spa area, offering guests an extra dimension to their spa experience with a refreshing Mediterranean setting. Additionally complete with a gym, the hotel has just launched yoga classes – attracting local visitors each week and catering throughout the year to their loyal clientele.
With a classic personality, echoing sophisticated times past – polished dark woods and glimmering antiques and artefacts, mirrors that of the personality of Martin and his family, past and present. This with a desirable location, Bon Sol presents itself as an ideal base for exploring both Palma and the elegant western side of the island
Address: Paseo de Illetas, 30, 07181 Illetas, Balearic Islands, Spain, Phone: +34 971 40 21 11, hotelbonsol.es
