The Douglases, the Reubens, Branson and Drew Aaron: the foreign fortunes behind Mallorca’s most iconic estates
By Mdb Digital
Copyright majorcadailybulletin
Mallorca’s luxury real estate market continues to thrive. International millionaires and business magnates are increasingly drawn to its historic estates and traditional properties, transforming them into exclusive residences or high-end hospitality ventures.
American entrepreneur Drew Aaron recently made headlines by choosing the iconic s’Atalaya estate in Valldemossa as his family residence, joining a distinguished list of foreign property owners. This trend was pioneered by actor Michael Douglas, who acquired the legendary s’Estaca property in 1990, maintaining strong ties with the island where he regularly spends his summers.
Virgin Group founder Richard Branson has also left his mark on Mallorca’s luxury property landscape. In 1987, he purchased La Residencia in Deya, transforming it into a boutique hotel before selling it in 2002. Branson later acquired the Son Bunyola estate in Banyalbufar, which now operates as a high-end hotel spanning 520 hectares of Mediterranean countryside.
La Fortaleza in Pollensa exemplifies the premium end of Mallorca’s property market. Currently owned by Norwegian real estate magnate Ivar Tollefsen, who acquired it in 2022, the fortress has become an exclusive venue for luxury weddings and private events, such as Rafa Nadal’s wedding to Mery Perelló.
The Reuben brothers, British property investors, have quietly amassed significant holdings on the island, including the 270-hectare Coves Blanques estate in Pollensa and Ses Basses in Andratx. Industry sources suggest they’ve acquired over 1,000 hectares, primarily focusing on coastal properties with conservation potential.
Other notable properties include Gabellà Petit, owned by an Irish cycling enthusiast, and Can Axartell, belonging to German cosmetics entrepreneur Hans-Peter Schwarzkopf’s family. Former US Ambassador James Costos and his partner Michael S. Smith have established their second home in Llubi, while the Schumacher family maintains two properties near Puerto Andratx.
