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On International Women's Day, we celebrate the journey of Antonia and María Plomer, the visionary sisters who have made Zafiro Hotels a benchmark for the hotel industry in Mallorca.
Behind every great project are individuals with passion, vision, dedication and a story worth telling. At the heart of Zafiro Hotels are Antonia and Maria Plomer, two sisters who have transformed their family legacy into a brand that is synonymous with exclusivity, innovation and a profound love for the island that shaped them.
Their father, Bartomeu Plomer, was a pioneer in the Balearic hotel industry, a charismatic figure whose passion for hospitality left an indelible mark on them. Inspired by his commitment to excellence, grand spaces and thoughtful design, Antonia and Maria have reimagined these values through their own vision, with their innovative approach propelling Zafiro Hotels to the forefront of the industry.
In honour of International Women's Day Antonia and Maria Plomer of Zafiro Hotels want to recognise the dedication and passion of all the women who work tirelessly to create a more innovative, welcoming and diverse world. And they would like to do that by sharing their own story.
Content
- A dream that became a legacy
- Leadership with values
- Past, present and future: passion for hospitality
- In love with their land
A dream that became a legacy
The story of Zafiro Hotels began with an unexpected twist of fate. Their father, who was originally in the business of building houses, accidentally bought a plot of land designated for hotel use. This serendipitous mistake would shape the future of the Plomer family, planting the seed for what is today our true 'home'.
From a young age, Antonia and María were immersed in the world of hospitality, quickly realising that it was more than just a simple service - it was an art that is woven into every detail. As they grew, they decided to carry the family’s legacy forward in their own way, combining their talents to lead the company, each complementing the other in every decision.
Antonia pursued a degree in Law followed by a Master's in Tourism Business Management, while María studied Economics and completed an MBA specialising in tourism. With a strong foundation in the industry, they began working together 25 years ago and currently share the role of CEO at Zafiro Hotels.
In their day-to-day responsibilities, Maria oversees the Support area while Antonia leads the Business area, each playing a vital role in balancing the key pillars of a project that continues to grow year after year.
Leadership with values
Under their leadership, Zafiro Hotels has remained steadfast in its commitment to excellence in hospitality and innovation within the industry. A core pillar of their philosophy is equal opportunities, a value that they have seamlessly woven into the fabric of the company.
"At Zafiro Hotels we value people for their knowledge and qualities. That’s why both men and women have access to any role, based on the necessary skills and abilities. We always offer positions on equal terms to both sexes", says Maria Plomer.
In recent years, the company has continued to grow and strengthen its position while implementing equality training for all management and middle management roles, ensuring that this principle remains deeply embedded in its corporate DNA.
At Zafiro, talent knows no gender. Professionalism and the relentless pursuit of excellence are part of the company’s everyday life. The women who are part of this great family make a difference every day, united by a shared passion for hospitality.
Two sisters, one great passion
For Antonia and María, hospitality is much more than just a profession - it is a family legacy and a lifelong passion. From the very beginning they have combined the traditions passed down by their father with a forward-thinking vision that has positioned Zafiro Hotels at the forefront of the industry.
For Maria, the greatest joy of working in hospitality comes from “the satisfaction of seeing happy guests and the feeling of growing and evolving alongside our team and our partners”.
Antonia adds to her sister's words, “it’s also the opportunity to create new concepts in the hotels, to take on new projects and make improvements designed to exceed the expectations of our guests.”.
Always striving for excellence, they have developed innovative concepts that have redefined the hotel experience in the Balearic Islands. All Inclusive Redefined has taken the traditional all-inclusive concept to new heights, blending the exclusivity of the top Caribbean resorts with the charm of the Mediterranean.
Another of their groundbreaking ideas has been the creation of ZafiroClub, further enhancing the luxury on offer in their 5-star hotels. Launched exclusively last year at the Zafiro Palace Andratx, it has been a resounding success and will now be extended to the Zafiro Palace Palmanova this year. What is it? It represents a clear commitment to a new kind of luxury, where discretion and privacy are seamlessly paired with exclusive spaces, special access and a wide range of privileges designed for travellers seeking something extraordinary during their holiday.
Now, their gaze remains firmly focused on the future. With a clear goal of continued growth, Antonia and María are working on taking Zafiro Hotels to new destinations outside the Balearic Islands. Their commitment remains to create memorable experiences for guests, staying true to the values that have guided them since the very beginning.
In love with their land
The story of Antonia and Maria Plomer cannot be understood without acknowledging a key element: the land where they were born and the islands that have shaped their journey. Both sisters take immense pride in showcasing the best of Mallorca to their guests.
“You mustn't miss the old town in Palma and a drink on the Paseo del Borne, which is also great for shopping. Another must-see is Valldemossa, making sure you try its famous “coca de patata”, and Deià, with a meal at the restaurant in Cala Deià if you can," they add.
Among their favourite beaches, Antonia and Maria admit that “There are so many that are worth a visit,” but after some thought, they both agree on Cala Mesquida.
When it comes to sunsets, there’s no doubt: Sa Foradada, located near the village of Banyalbufar in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. To really enjoy it, they recommend “renting a boat and spending the day at sea. It’s something not many people do, and it’s really worth it. The north of the island is spectacular when you see it from the sea,” says Antonia.
With all these personal recommendations, the two sisters have created a very special guide to Mallorca, which this year will be given as a welcome gift in the exclusive suites at Zafiro Club.
