A citizens' association, Formentor Públic, has responded to accusations of beach privatisation by the Four Seasons Resort Mallorca in Formentor, saying that it represents an "escalation of irregularities and illegal appropriations".
On Tuesday, an association statement read: "If the Four Seasons Formentor Hotel has stood out for anything, it is for its flagrant non-compliance with the regulations, which administrations have allowed with incomprehensible passivity. Four Seasons have now taken a further step in its strategy of appropriating public assets, promoting 'exclusive moments of relaxation on the beach' and usurping public use of a maritime-terrestrial public domain asset. This de facto appropriation is a flagrant violation of coastal legislation and of citizens' rights of access to these spaces. Formentor beach cannot be privatised for private economic interests, no matter how luxurious they may be."
The group refers to the hotel as yet not having removed the remains of materials from the reconstruction work, "a serious environmental violation that degrades the landscape of a unique natural environment". "It is unacceptable that the hotel management allows the presence of waste in the area, demonstrating its lack of respect for the environment and the heritage of its citizens.
"The case of the Four Seasons Formentor demonstrates a perverse economic model in which the systematic violation of urban planning and environmental laws becomes a profitable investment. With an investment of 80 million euros and rates starting at 1,600 euros per night and up to 3,200 euros for the most luxurious suites, the hotel can easily absorb fines that represent less than 10% of its initial investment.
"This dynamic sends a devastating message. In Mallorca, you can build illegally, appropriate public property, and operate completely normally, simply by paying fines that are minimal in proportion to the business."