In what could be the most significant property development in Pollensa’s recent history, rumors are swirling that the local hotel giant Viva Hotels is in high-level negotiations to acquire the iconic Santuari del Puig de Maria.

The goal? To transform the 14th-century monastery into the crown jewel of their portfolio: a flagship luxury retreat.

(Artist mock-up)

The Stakeholders

For those unfamiliar with the complex hierarchy of Pollensa’s heritage sites, the Puig de Maria is not a simple municipal building. The “property” is primarily under the stewardship of the Obrería del Puig, a local board that manages its day-to-day existence, while the ultimate legal and religious authority rests with the Bishopric of Mallorca (the Bisbat).

Sources suggest that Viva Hotels has been in dialogue with representatives from the Bishopric’s Heritage Commission and the Obrería to discuss a long-term lease or purchase agreement that would see the currently shuttered sanctuary undergo a multi-million euro “ultra-luxury” restoration.

Hotels VIVA is a prominent, family-owned hotel chain based in Mallorca. Founded in 1998 by the late Pedro Pascual, the company has grown from a local venture into one of the most respected hospitality brands on the island, specifically dominating the northern and eastern coasts.

In recent years, the company has pivoted toward high-end, boutique experiences. This is best exemplified by their ownership stake in Predi Son Jaumell Hotel Rural, a historic estate in Capdepera that houses a Michelin-starred restaurant. This successful restoration of a heritage building serves as the blueprint for the rumored Puig de Maria project.

From Nuns’ Cells to Five-Star Suites

The Puig has been largely closed to the public and overnight guests since early 2023, following the departure of the long-term “donats” (caretakers). While the Council of Mallorca recently pledged €150,000 for basic structural repairs to the café and bathrooms, that figure is a drop in the ocean compared to the investment needed to bring the site up to modern hospitality standards.

The rumored Viva project would reportedly respect the Gothic architecture and historical “soul” of the building while converting the former monastic cells into high-end suites. Imagine:

• The Refectory: A world-class restaurant serving zero-kilometer Mallorquin cuisine.
• The Cloisters: A silent spa and wellness area overlooking the Bay of Pollensa.
• The Experience: A “car-free” luxury ascent (potentially involving electric shuttle solutions) to maintain the mountain’s tranquility.

The Community Reaction

The prospect of a “flagship” luxury hotel atop Pollensa’s most sacred hill is likely to divide the town. On one hand, the building is in desperate need of a benefactor; the Bishopric has openly admitted that full rehabilitation is “very expensive” and beyond current local funds. A partner like Viva Hotels—who already operate the successful Predi Son Jaumell Hotel Rural—brings the expertise and capital required to save the structure from decay.

On the other hand, the Puig is a symbol of public devotion and local identity. For centuries, it has been a place for humble Sunday “arroz” and cheap overnight stays in 22-euro cells. The shift to a “luxury retreat” model would fundamentally change the accessibility of the summit for the average Pollencín.

What’s Next?

While neither the Bishopric nor Viva Hotels has officially confirmed a signed deal, the “Social Mobilisation Under Guiriship” (S.M.U.G.) and other local associations are already watching the situation closely. If the talks proceed, the project will likely face rigorous scrutiny from the Consell de Mallorca due to the Puig’s status as a BIC (Bien de Interés Cultural).

For now, the monastery stands silent, watching over the town—waiting to see if its next chapter involves pilgrims or platinum credit cards.