BUSINESS mogul Sir Richard Branson has declared a Spanish beach to be “one of the most magical places in the world” and one of his favourite holiday destinations.
Given that he owns an airline and a private island, it’s fair to assume the magnate has a fair bit of experience of travel.
Despite his opportunities to travel far and wide and take in exotic locations all over the world, it’s a bay in Mallorca that he says has a special place in his heart, more so than anywhere else.
In fact, Branson liked Son Bunyola beach so much that he decided to buy some villas overlooking the beach and transform them into a Virgin luxury resort.
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The resort opened in June last year on top of a cliff overlooking the north west coast of the island, among the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tramuntana Mountains.
Opening the hotel was something of a passion project for Branson, who would visit that area as a youngster.
Along with a picture of the resort, he wrote on his Instagram: “Son Bunyola is one of the most magical places in the world.
“I’ve been coming to Mallorca since I was a young boy, so it will always have a special place in my heart.
“This is what led me to buy the Son Bunyola villas and transforming it into a Virgin Limited Edition property.”
The main part of the resort is a 16th century finca – a Spanish country estate, which Branson wanted to transform for more than 20 years.
He was finally given the licence to develop it a few years ago and managed to open it last summer.
However, he doesn’t want the resort to just be a place for sunny getaways.
He continued: “There was another part of the estate I was always yearning to restore – a 16th century finca nestled into the estate site.
“After 20 years of waiting, we transformed the finca into the most beautiful hotel, which we opened last year.
“People loved it so much that we decided to keep it open year-round, as Mallorca has the most wonderful hiking, cycling, and sun-drenched scenery for a winter getaway.”
One of the hotel’s finest assets is its view over the Balearic Sea.
And Branson believes it’s also home to one of the finest beaches in the world
He told Mail Online: “Son Bunyola has crystal-clear waters and authentic Mallorcan charm.
“It’s positioned on the island’s north-west coast in the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tramuntana Mountains.
“The seclusion and tranquillity transports you to a world far removed from the everyday.”
The Virgin website also suggests it’s a great family friendly beach too, with kids, adding: “A postcard-perfect pebble beach is just a short stroll away from the resort.
“Kids will love the clear, shallow waters and the hotel can even arrange kayaking or yachting excursions for more adventurous swimmers.”
Son Bunyola isn’t the only hidden beach that people have raved about in Spain.
On a list, published by travel specialists Lonely Planet, Torimibia bay in Llanes was praised for its warm waters and beach bar.
The Asturias region is considered one of the prettiest parts of Spain, with locals often choosing to head there, to villages like Cudillero, for their holidays.
One person said that the beach looked like it was “straight out of a postcard – absolutely stunning” on TripAdvisor.
A small Balearic island just south of Ibiza called Formentera has some of the best beaches in the world.
They’re so exotic-looking that they were even used in Bounty adverts to double as the Caribbean.
What’s more, celebrities like Bob Marley and Leondaro DiCaprio have visited the island as a place to get away from busier holiday hotspots.
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