Text: Andrew Marshall
Photos: Andrew Marshall
(and where indicated)
Ever since the 1950s when the first
charter flights began to arrive in
Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic
Islands has continued to attract millions
of visitors every year in search of its
sunny climate, vibrant nightlife and
some of the most beautiful stretches of
sand in the Mediterranean.
But there’s much more to the ‘Golden Isle’ than the beach scene. How
about the historic capital of Palma, the picturesque mountain village of
Deià, ancient castles, fantastic caves, the spectacular Serra de Tramuntana
mountain range and a rich local gastronomy. In addition, the good news for
golfers is that for its size, Mallorca is well supplied with over twenty quality
courses and several are within chipping distance of Palma.
The first port of call for our spring golf break, teeing it up at Son Muntaner,
Alcanada and Son Gual, is the Castillo Hotel Son Vida, an oasis of luxury
nestled in the heart of the exclusive villa district of Son Vida, about a
20-minute drive from the airport. Situated high above the Bay of Palma,
this gorgeous 13th-century castle hotel exudes a rich Spanish grandeur with
its historical architecture, exquisite antiques and collection of valuable
paintings.
Since opening in 1961, the hotel has attracted a long list of famous guests
including the Spanish Royal Family and film stars like Brigitte Bardot, David
Niven and Steve McQueen. Surrounded by fragrant lush gardens, the view
from the hotel’s extensive terrace reaches far over Palma. Distant houses
spill down verdant hillsides towards a bustling harbour presided over by the
imposing 14th-century Gothic