Beatrice Hohenberg - Front Office Manager at Son Julia Boutique Hotel

Tell us a little bit about your business, how it started out and where you're based. Why did you decide to set up business in Mallorca?

When I decided to make my home elsewhere in 2011, Mallorca was actually the only option apart from Hamburg, my hometown. I knew the island, sometimes even better than the local Mallorquines, had sufficient Spanish language skills and immediately fell in love with the venerable Son Julia Boutique Hotel. It was its authenticity, an attribute which, I feel, I do represent myself.

I have dreamt about joining the hotel business since I was a 10-year-old child. I was so excited when I realised that, after such a long time, I had finally ended up doing exactly what I was longing for when I was very young. Spanish people say "work with your heart and you will never work", this has become my slogan!

How long have you been in your current role and how long have you been with the company?

I started working at Son Julia in 2011 and became Front Office Manager in 2016.

What were you doing before?

I worked in sales, finances and law for years for several CEOs in Germany.

What makes Mallorca a special place to be for someone in the hotel business?

Our island is the crossover hot spot of the world. People from the four corners of the globe, whether having become residents or just visiting, have influenced its image and variety. Being a global traveller myself, I discovered, thousands of miles away, that Mallorca combines all the advantages of a cosmopolitan region on comparatively few kilometers. So, no need to escape away from Europe to discover the world with, maybe, the single exception of Asia.

What makes your hotel so special? What sets it apart from everyone else?

Above all its 15th-century origins together with its subtle Arabian ambiance, antique furnishings, large rooms and extended estate which mean that, even when we are fully booked, our guests never feel sandwiched. But also its large pool, its closeness to Mallorca's capital, Palma, and the island's best virgin beach, Es Trenc, as well as many golf clubs. Last but not least, its casual and peaceful atmosphere and the cordial and very individual service to our international guests.

You even produce your very own wine. How did this come about?

Our former director, who loves the countryside, was always full of new ideas. Being a gourmet and wine connoisseur himself, he had a friend who grew and produced wine in Llucmajor. They developed a plan to use Son Julia’s extended estate to start our own private vintage: a light, fruity white wine called "Chapren" made from autochthonous Prensal Blanc and Chardonnay grapes.

What is in store for the future with your business, any exciting projects in the pipelines that you can share with us?

We are building new rooms with terraces, which is really exciting!

Do you remember your first time in Mallorca?

Yes, it was 1997. I found the island to be quite dirty at that time, with rubbish on the streets. Now everything is so clean and perfect, with plenty of infrastructures.

What is your favourite area in Mallorca?

The resort of Ciudad Jardin, east of Palma, because it retains its authentic feel. Especially restaurant Villa del Mar.

How about your favourite restaurants on the island?

My favorite restaurants combine a special location with high-quality food and reasonable prices. Among them is Nautilus Restaurant in Port de Sóller, which boasts a beautiful terrace high above the sea and the best sundowner views ever. Pizzeria Ca'n Joan in Llucmajor has the best-priced fillet steak with pepper sauce in Mallorca. Finally, Chiringuito Es Murters on Es Trenc Beach, in Ses Covetes, offers the absolute pleasure of enjoying "lubina a la sal" (salt baked sea bass) on a table that is set directly on the beach's sand, especially at the end of a day at the beach when most people have left and tranquility returns, accompanied by wonderful chill-out rhythms.

Any restaurant on the island you can recommend for a special occasion?

The best restaurant for a special occasion is Las Bovedas, Son Julia's very own eatery. We serve high-quality Mediterranean cuisine with international touches in a stylish antique dining room or a romantic terrace surrounded by our beautiful gardens. My craziest gourmet adventure on the island so far has been on a visit to Marc Fosh's restaurant in Palma; he loves to experiment and serves his super creative menus in fantastical arrangements. El Olivo Restaurant at La Residencia Hotel in Deià offers an exclusive atmosphere at one of the finest restaurants on the island.

And for tapas?

Es Moli in Santanyí is great for traditional tapas. The trendy Chiliss No 3 in Palma, just by the town's marina, offers creative cocktails and original tapas.

Where would you go for a drink?

Bar Cuba in Santa Catalina, which offers some of the best views in the city.

If someone was coming here for the first time, what would you suggest they absolutely must do or see in Mallorca?

Visit Palma, of course. In the city, do not miss the trendy Santa Catalina district, as well as the shopping hubs of Passeig des Born and Avinguda Jaume III, and the area around La Llotja. Es Trenc Beach and Cala S’Amarador are also absolute musts. I would also recommend a hiking tour from Port de Sóller, stopping over at Ca's Xorc Restaurant to try their lobster paella, although I would recommend you book a table 2 days in advance.

Finally, can you give us a tip to escape the crowds in the summer?

The best option is to stay at your hotel's pool or charter a yacht during the day, and enjoy all the trendy coastal areas at night, including Ciudad Jardin, Portixol, Puerto Portals, Port Adriano…