ONCE UPON A TIME, THERE WAS CHRISTMAS AT THE BONSOL

Once upon a time, there was a family-run hotel that, even during the off-season, reopened its doors for Christmas. Allow me this ‘fairy-tale’ beginning because, after all, every tale is a story passed down from one generation to the next. In years gone by, despite the fact that it was far from an economically sustainable choice, the Bonsol would reopen in December—after a brief closure in November—to celebrate Christmas. This tradition brought joy to all the guests who wanted to spend the holidays in a place that felt like a ‘home away from home.’

Initially, I struggled to understand the allure of such a Christmas celebration. A few days ago, however, a long-time guest who had been visiting Mallorca for over a decade shared his memories of “the Bonsol Christmas” with me. His words painted a vivid picture:
“It was exactly like visiting relatives. It felt like an extended family. You’d meet, greet, and even hug your table neighbors, sharing deep feelings of friendship and festivity with everyone present.”

There’s a saying that goes, “New Year’s Eve with whoever you want, but Christmas with your family.” As an Italian deeply tied to tradition, I couldn’t quite grasp how such an intimate, familial moment could be shared with what were, after all, hotel guests.

My curiosity piqued, I turned to Don Martin Xamena to hear more about this extraordinary tradition. His eyes lit up as he began:
“The entire hotel was adorned in red and green, with my wife Lorraine’s beautiful decorations everywhere. The scent of cinnamon greeted you as soon as you stepped through the entrance. The fireplaces were lit, and if it weren’t for the sea just a few meters away, you might have thought you were staying in a mountain chalet. When you walked into the Bonsol, you were enveloped in a true Christmas atmosphere. For us, the guests weren’t just friends—they became family. It was a time of gratitude, of sharing happiness and heartfelt emotions. We came together, looked into each other’s eyes, and wished each other well…”

Listening to Martin, I not only began to understand why such a celebration would hold such appeal, but I found myself wishing I could have experienced it firsthand.

Sadly, this beloved tradition could not continue. Rising airline costs, fewer direct flights to Mallorca, and the challenge of finding staff willing to work during the holidays made it unsustainable to celebrate the much-loved “Bonsol Christmas.” Yet, despite this, some loyal guests have refused to let the tradition fade entirely. While staying at nearby hotels, they still join the Xamena family for Christmas lunch, ensuring that the warmth, joy, and shared connection of those unforgettable Bonsol Christmases live on. In their hearts—and now in mine—it remains a time and place where holiday magic truly existed.