10 reasons why we love Gran Hotel Son Net, Mallorca

We find out why Fiona Duncan loves this elegant sanctuary nestled in the Tramuntana Mountains on the beautiful island of Mallorca.

1. The stately but benign 17th-century house in the wild Sera de Tramuntana, yet just 25 minutes from Palma and the airport…

2. … And its gardens, fruits, vegetables, livestock, olive groves and vineyards for its own oil and wine.

3. The 30-metre pool lined by private cabanas…

4. … And the 300-year-old cedar tree under whose protective branches I watched a couple quietly marry – truly romantic.

5. The new treehouse for private dining: more romance.

6. The views over the pretty village of Puigpunyent, perhaps with an Eleonora’s falcon wheeling lazily overhead.

7. The art: look for Hockney, Chagall, Frank Stella. It belongs to owner David Stein, whose private home this used to be. The delightful long-time GM delights in the name of Björn Wild.

8. The characterful rooms, with antiques and beams. Not sure about the glitzy plush velvet sofas though.

9. The pretty Mallorcan jewellery on sale and the rejuvenating facials in the beauty salon… you can pamper yourself here.

10. Dining on the terrace at twilight… yet more romance.

Doubles from £280 (sonnet.es). Flights to Palma de Mallorca from Southampton and Exeter from £50.99, one way (flybe.com)

The Serra de Tramuntana forms Mallorca’s northern backbone and offers its most stunning landscapes. Drive from pretty Valldemossa to Deià, and the home of Robert Graves, and now an absorbing museum. Carry on, past the spectacular Fornalutx valley, and tackle the epic hairpins that lead to the stunning cove at Sa Calobra. Keep going until you reach Cap de Formentor and the ocean beyond.

Or take the charming vintage steam train from Palma to Sóller (trendesoller.com), stopping at a Moorish surprise: the beautiful Jardines de Alfabia (jardinesdealfabia.com). Seek out the gorgeous village of Estellencs, where you will eat superbly at Montemar (+ 34 971 61 85 76) in the village square and Val Hermos café has unforgettable views. And don’t miss delightful Banyalbufar, where Richard Branson is planning a new hotel on his 400-acre estate, Son Bunyola.

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