Situated high above the bay of Palma, sits the luxury Castillo Hotel Son Vida. From the moment you arrive at this magnificent castle hotel Son Vida you are guaranteed a real royal welcome. Indeed such illustrious guests as the Spanish Royal Family, Gracia Patrizia, Aristotele Onassis, Maria Callas have all graced this establishment. Castilllo Son Vida a 13th century architectural masterpiece featuring a unique collection of amazing art and exquisite antiques, all of which are displayed around the hotel’s grand halls for guests to enjoy.
Rooms at the Castillo Hotel Son Vida are opulent, from the luxurious classic to the Royal Suite. All rooms have views of either the Mediterranean gardens or to Palma and the sea.
Dining at any of the hotel’s restaurants is an unforgettable culinary experience. At Es Castell restaurant guests can expect to choose from an excellent range of Spanish and international dishes all expertly prepared by executive Chef Juan López and his team complimented by the wonderful selection of wines from the region. Es Vi bodega focuses on Mediterranean flavours including the best Spanish tapas you have ever tasted!
One of the hotels most spectacular features is the fabulous outdoor terrace which overlooks the countryside and the bay of Palma. In the evening the setting is just amazing, cocktails on the terrace and the lights of Palma in the distance, this has to be one of the most romantic settings in the world! 
Palm and pine trees, cushioned sun beds surround the outdoor swimmingpool. Staff at the poolside will look after your every need supplying you with gorgeous fluffy towels and bathrobes, drinks and snacks.
Other relaxation facilities include the Arabella Spa which features an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam bath, fitness centre, and full spa services. You can choose from invigorating massages or beauty treatment products by Anne Sémonin and Ligne St. Barth.
Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, has since the 1960’s been one of most popular holiday European destinations, even more so in recent years as golfers discover the great golf courses of the Island. Located in the prestigious residential area of Son Vida just ten minutes from the centre of Palma de Mallorca you find Arabella Golf Resort, the largest golf resort in Spain, with sixtythree holes, the courses of Son Vida, Son Muntaner and Son Quint. Son Quint Executive Course is a nine hole Pitch and Putt course.
The Son Vida is the oldest golf course in Mallorca, designed by Fred Hawtree, it was opened by Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1964 and was remodelled by the renowned course architect Kurt Rossknecht in 2001.
The tree-lined wide fairways of Son Vida meander lazily around the castle estate. Golfers of all handicaps will enjoy navigating the moderate hilly terrain and lakes. The 16th and 18th-hole water hazards present an interesting challenge! The course is perhaps most famous for its sweeping doglegs and its dramatic par five closing hole.
The Son Vida has hosted two European Tour Championships, the Balearic Open in 1990 with the exciting victory of Seve Ballesteros in a play-off, the second was in 1994 and won by Barry Lane.
Son Muntaner Championship course was opened in March 2000 the course was designed by Kurt Rossknecht and holds two environment friendly certificates. Son Muntaner is probably Mallorca`s most exclusive course and the green fees reflect this fact.
Son Quint opened in September 2007 and is the third course in the Arabella group. It is undulating, and forgiving for the high handicapper. The lake on the par three 2th is particularly daunting.
The Arabella Golf Academy offers courses in up to 6 languages at any level, both for beginners as well as professionals. All the Pros follow the same teaching method, “Golf Natural Guidance”, which is based on guiding the students to achieve peak performance.
Each golf club has its own restaurant and pro shop.
There are no shortages of golf courses or good hotels on this beautiful sunny island but for that special occasion or if you don’t mind paying a bit more for that something special, then I would say experience Castillo Hotel Son Vida, its more than a hotel, more than a golf resort, it is Special!
Flying from Belfast to Palma with Easyjet could not have been easier. The flight was enjoyable and staff efficient and friendly. I parked my car at the Park Plaza Hotel car park which was just a two minute walk to the airport entrance. The hotel offers a superb rate for parking and overnight accommodation, great for early or late flights or in the winter if the weather is bad and you want to be sure you don’t miss your flight!
My friend flew out around the same time from Dublin with Aer Lingus, again as with Easyjet the flight was great. We both met at Palma airport, golf bags and suitcases on tow for what was to be an amazing week in one of the world’s best hotels, playing some of the Island’s top golf courses with our great Spanish friends, a memorable experience indeed!
www.castillosonvidamallorca.com
easyJet flies directly from Belfast International Airport to Palma up to 9 times per week. Fares from £45.49 (one way, including taxes). To book, visit www.easyJet.com
Quickpark car park is conveniently located right next to Dublin Airport, they offer a service that is second to none. Staff are friendly and are always at hand with help and advice. Leaving your car at Quickpark is not only economical and safe, but also a hassle-free experience. There is a FREE 24 hour shuttle service which runs every 5 minutes, with a journey time of 5 minutes, direct to the airport terminal building.
www.quickpark.ie
