Written by John Green
After years of significant investment Son Vida has been transformed into a destination that rivals the very best in the world. This is both in terms of accommodation and golf which has precipitated the launch of its new resort brand Arabella Golf Resort.
Son Vida is the oldest course on the beautiful island of Mallorca. It is also accompanied by the historic and luxury Castillo Hotel Son Vida. Together they create a golf and good living experience to remember.
I have travelled to play golf on the Mediterranean more times than I can remember but I have never lost that joyous feeling of getting up in Leeds early in the morning and being on the golf course in the sun just after lunch. Arabella Golf in Mallorca gives the perfect opportunity to do exactly this.
The Golf Course
To be honest when I hear the word resort my preconception is of a course that is open, long and with boat loads of water. Son Vida just doesn’t feel like a resort course. Not that long but with scary tight fairways that follow natural valleys, bunkers in the right places, elevation changes that test shot making, and great putting surfaces, it acts just like a high-class parkland members club back home.
Oh, and the par 5, 6th, has the tightest fairway I think I have ever played!
Son Muntaner is also labelled a ‘parkland’ course. It was opened in 2000 and at nearly 7000 yards it is the longest of the three courses at the Arabella Golf Resort. I have to say, it has much more of a resort essence to it. The wider fairways give most regular golfers a chance to get going. For the elite players amongst you will soon realise that they will need to be on the ideal side of the fairway to score well.
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Oh, and as Son Muntaner has been awarded the 59Club Golden Flag for six consecutive years you can be sure of gold standard attention to detail. This applies to their bag drop service, customer service and course maintenance.
Son Quint and Son Vida are very similar length from the yellows at 6300 yards. both, however, provide very different tests. Opened in 2007 Son Quint looks to lure the low handicapper to take on long carries while giving the modest golf a generous fairway to aim at.
Oh, and the views of Palma from many holes are simply spectacular.
Palma Pitch & Putt was opened in 2009 and convincingly completes the ‘we have something for everyone’ approach at Arabella.
There are nine holes all below 110 yards that can give beginners a relaxed fun introduction to golf but also gives more accomplished golfers a chance to hone their short game and pitching.
Oh, it’s located close to both hotels so ideal for a pre-game warm up or post-game shootout…
Practice Facilities
If numbers are your thing, then the Top Tracer tech at the Driving Range at Son Muntaner is the place for you. If not then it’s a great place to warm up before your round. Golfers can also take advantage of one of the resident pros for tips.
Regular shuttle bus’ means you are only ever minutes away from any of the three courses.
Resort Facilities
As part of the Arabella Golf Resort, the Castillo Hotel Son Vida 164 rooms and suites were refurbished in 2022 and are utterly luxurious and comfortable, many having stunning panoramic views of the bay of Palma.
The Castillo dates to the 13th century but was transformed in the 50’s and 60’s into this opulent hotel it is now. The place has hosted visitors like Grace Kelly, Bridgett Bardot, and Kings & Queens from around the world. The sheer luxury is complimented by the attentive and thoughtful staff which all goes to make a stay here an incredible, memorable experience.
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Sheraton Mallorca Arabella Golf Hotel has 93 rooms and suites that are designed with golfers of any age in mind. It sits almost bang in the middle of the resort and next to the Son Vida course 18th hole. This means with the regular shuttle bus the restaurant and the practice facilities are just a few minutes away.
But for the non-golfers or to give variety there are tennis, volleyball and bike facilities available. Add in the new Arabella Kids & Tweens Club and this is truly a family friendly hotel.
On the resort there are seven distinct eating places to choose from, all committed to local and locally sourced produce. Most of this produce is provided by the resorts own organic garden and this is evident in each menu.
Each course has its own relaxed bar restaurant. Although if you are looking for something double extra special then the Es Castell Restaurant is the one. It is situated in the Castillo Hotel Son Vida would be a great choice. The views of Palma and the bay day or night are spectacular.
The Castillo Hotel Son Vida Spa offers plenty of other facilities. This includes a Finnish Spa, steam baths, ice fountains, sensation showers, a bio sauna and a fully equipped gym. So, all is here whether you are easing aches and pains, building power or just pampering yourself.
For some resorts sustainability is a tick box exercise but Arabella seem to create the tick boxes! They have put sustainability at the heart of their operation. This is through the use of reclaimed water, preservation of local flora and fauna, creating safe habitats for wildlife, supporting honeybee colonies, tree planting programs, modern eco equipment and refillable water stations.
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This crusade has led them to GEO, EMAS, ISO Certifications. It has also brought nominations for the World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility every year since 2018 and again in 2025.
My Summary
The Arabella Golf Resort Mallorca approach is simple ‘we have something for everyone’. Whether that be a Golfer, non-golfer, scratch player or beginner, food lover, sun worshipper, families, couples, group trips and Pro’s Coaching trips. All are welcome and cared for.
Oh, and it’s only two and half to three hours away from the UK!
About John
He was the Head Pro at Alwoodley for 35 years and Fellow of the PGA. Now assisting in the club’s office and pro shop and playing more golf than ever. Simply loves everything about golf apart from tour players slow play and handicap manipulators. Talking about that just acquired a handicap of +1.3. Long live WHS. York City supporter, come on you Minster Men!
NCG Top 100s Rankings
Arabella is one of three venues on the NCG Top 100s: European Resorts list that calls the Balearic island of Mallorca home. Pula and Son Antem are the others, and all three have top-class facilities and golf courses.
NOW READ – NCG Top 100s: Arabella
CHECK OUT – NCG Top 100s: European Resorts
Now have your say on Arabella
Have you ever been fortunate enough to stay and play at Arabella before? Will it be on your list now for a trip to the Balearics? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
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