Living in Son Vida, Mallorca

The charming urbanization of Son Vida is situated in the hills to the west of Palma city center. It is made up of beautiful properties surrounded by gardens, natural vegetation and the Son Vida golf course.

The urbanization of Son Vida is very popular with the residents of Mallorca, as it offers a variety of beautiful mansions and houses full of charm and elegance. Apart from being only 5 minutes from Palma and 15 minutes from the airport. Son Vida is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious urban areas on the island.

Son Vida is considered the perfect area for golf enthusiasts, however, it not only has its own golf course, but also a series of hotels full of charm and Mallorcan traditions. The harbors, beaches and shopping centers are also within easy reach, located at a distance of approximately 10 to 20 km by car. As far as schools are concerned, there are several that are easily accessible, the closest to Son Vida are the CIDE school and the Madre Alberta school. As for higher education, there is CESAG University, which is 5 minutes away, located in the area of La Vileta. 

It is worth mentioning that Son Vida is one of the main points for sports lovers, as it is surrounded by several routes where you can go on excursions on foot or by bicycle or you can also enjoy other sports such as golf or tennis.

The residential area of Son Vida is the most exclusive in Mallorca, but the land on which it was built hides a little-known historical past.

On the one hand, the current residential area is located on the former grounds of one of the most important estates in the city of Palma, owned by the Vida, Trullols and Desmes families, which was once called Son Vida. Its origins date back to the 13th century, and over the years, family inheritances and land redistributions gave way to new owners.

On the other hand, one of the most significant changes was the construction, at the beginning of the 20th century, of a neo-Gothic villa in the shape of a castle inspired by the castle of Peralada (Girona). The property was a gift from Fernando Truyols Despuig to his wife Magdalena Villalonga, who retained ownership of the building and the land until around 1950, when they sold their properties.

From that time onwards, the Mallorcan businessmen José Luis Ferrer and Joan Mora bought part of the property and created the company Son Vida. The two acquired all the shares and began a process of subdivision and construction.

Years later, the so-called Son Vida urban development revolution took place with the purchase of part of the company by the American aviator Stephen Albert Kusak Sliva. A military pilot who participated in the Second World War. This pilot landed on the island with the idea of creating a luxury tourist complex consisting of hotels, golf courses and a residential area around it. Kusak's idea came to fruition when he decided to convert the castle in the area into a hotel. Thus, in 1961 the castle opened its doors as the first luxury hotel in the area founded by Stephen A. Kusak, José Luis Ferrer Ramonell and Joan Móra Gornals.

Today, the Castillo Hotel Son Vida is owned by the Marriott International hotel chain, and has been home to world renowned guests such as Grace Kelly, Anthony Quinn, Pedro Almodovar, Claudia Schiffer and many more.

On the other hand, the residential area belongs to the municipality of Palma and has all the necessary public services. Thus, nowadays, what was once one of the most important estates in medieval Palma has become the area or reference of luxury in Mallorca. A residential area full of history and charm.

The best known and most visited places in Son Vida are the prestigious hotels such as the Castillo Hotel Son Vida and the Sheraton Arabella Golf Hotel, as well as the Golf of Son Vida, Son Muntaner and Son Quint.

In Son Vida, we also find areas full of nature that can be reached either by car or on foot. One of the most popular routes among hikers is the one that goes from the Finca Son Quint, through the Son Anglada Quarry, the Pilar Cave to the Rapel Zone. Or the route to the Serra de Son Marill, which is considered one of the most privileged viewpoints in Mallorca.

Another very favorable point of Son Vida is that less than 20 minutes away by car you can visit wonderful beaches and coves that have been awarded the "blue flag" certificate by the European Foundation for Environmental Education for their high quality. Among these beaches, the closest and at the same time quietest are the beaches of Illetas and Portals.

The properties for sale in the urbanization of Son Vida include a group of mansions ranging from 1 million euros to approximately 70 million euros. On the one hand, there are luxury properties located in the outskirts, to enjoy a quiet environment and at the same time closer to the urban area. And on the other hand, mansions on the outskirts to feel the calm and exclusivity that is so much admired in the area of Son Vida.

In Mallorca, one of the factors that most attracts buyers is it’s natural environment and the beautiful views at the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Son Vida has all these characteristics and much more that makes this area one of the most prestigious in Mallorca.