Nestled in the picturesque Serra de Tramuntana mountains, Son Sabater by Zafiro offers an authentic Mallorcan countryside escape. Sitting glowing in the Spanish sunshine, nestled in the foothills of holm oak forests, this former 16th-century working farm has been transformed into a boutique hotel where farm-to-table living is at the heart of the experience.
Meandering through the honey-coloured stone buildings taking in the twenty-acre gardens filled with hot-pink oleander, succulents, spiky cacti plants and rustling palms is a treat for the senses. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into your own private Mediterranean oasis as you make your way to reception.
Inside, the design language is that of a stylish countryside retreat, with certain pieces serving as a quiet reminder of the building’s former life as a working farm. Traditional farmhouse charm is given a modern injection through exposed stone walls, timber beams, terrazzo flooring and natural woven textures, all wrapped in a calming palette of earthy tones. Statement lighting, sculptural furnishings and an abundance of plants create an inviting atmosphere that flows seamlessly throughout the hotel. It’s one of those places that will have you stealing design ideas to recreate at home.
With a small team of just three receptionists, you’ll always spot a friendly face during your stay. Upon check-in, guests are handed a curated guide to Mallorca’s hidden gems, created by the Zafiro owners themselves – one you’ll be bookmarking pages of places to explore over the coming days.
Our villa, one of just three featuring a private terrace, where butterflies flutter around the grapevine-covered pergola, creating an idyllic first impression. There are also 15 individually decorated rooms, where no two stays ever feel quite the same.
Waiting inside is a welcome gift of the estate’s homemade orange jam to take home as a souvenir, made using fresh oranges from Zafiro’s private orchards and a Zafiro-branded straw beach bag, complete with pool towels for use throughout your stay.
The villa itself feels wonderfully spacious, with a striking old stone wall as the backdrop, alongside a very roomy bed, walk-in shower and a beautiful stone basin, perfectly in keeping with the feature wall. There’s also a separate living area with an additional flatscreen TV and sofa, although you’ll barely switch them on. Instead, it’s the peaceful countryside you’ll want to embrace, slowing down, switching off and reconnecting with nature.
If you’re a pre-5am riser like myself, forget it. The bed is so comfortable, and peaceful environment, you’ll find yourself clocking up more hours’ sleep than usual. Wake to sunlight streaming through the white linen curtains, earthy natural tones and a villa that feels connected to the surrounding landscape.
At the heart of Son Sabater sits a striking turquoise pool. The calmness of birds tweeting, balmy temperatures and spacious loungers make for long afternoons with a good book and a glass of sangria cava. Our favourite spot, however, was the row of terracotta-striped hanging daybeds, gently swaying in the breeze – the perfect spot for an afternoon siesta.
Beyond the outdoor pool, there’s also an indoor pool, sauna and gym, while mountain bikes are available to hire for exploring the surrounding countryside.
Dining is very much at the heart of the Son Sabater experience. The hotel positions itself as a culinary destination in its own right, elevated through its commitment to locality, seasonality and authentic Mallorcan cuisine, with many ingredients harvested directly from the estate’s own organic garden.
The kitchen is run by a close-knit team of just two chefs, one overseeing breakfast and lunch, while Maria heads up dinner service. Feasting on a skewer of grilled prawns and salmon with vegetables, served with a homemade cava and lemon sauce, alongside chargrilled octopus and creamy burrata paired with grilled peaches, proved to be real holiday highlights. The homemade Snickers dessert is definitely up there in our top five desserts of all time, and one you’d happily return to Son Sabater for, while the award-winning glazed beef rib is certainly worth tucking into.
Breakfast rivals that of many five-star resorts, but it’s the quality of the buffet spread that really stands out. A particular favourite was the traditional Spanish pan con tomate, alongside yoghurts, freshly baked pastries, tropical fruit, salmon, cheeses, juices and a menu of hot dishes to choose from. One of the breakfast specials, the American pancakes with blueberry compote, was a major hit with my daughter, while for me it was the omelette every time.
The service here is efficient and friendly, staff greeting you by your name while somehow maintaining an atmosphere of privacy and discretion. And just like that, after our final leisurely breakfast, one of the reception team lets us know our airport transfer has arrived. The only downside? Realising three days of switching off and embracing the Mallorcan countryside simply wasn’t enough. This is the kind of place that leaves you wishing you’d extended your stay by just one more day…or two.
Poligono 2, parcela 104, 07420 Sa Pobla, Balearic Islands, Spain
