Back in the 1950’s when American born Steve Kusak purchased with three other friends what he considered to be a “ typical Mallorcan finca”, little did he know that he had instigated the birth of the most luxurious and charismatic urbanisation on the island: Son Vida.

The pine scented hills behind the city of Palma have been graced by noble and influential figures since the 13th century, so it was perhaps fitting that many years later; they should be home to the island’s first golf course, two luxury hotels, not to mention some of the most sought after real estate on the island. Since opening its gates in 1957, Urbanization Son Vida has become the island’s benchmark for luxury.
So near, yet so far away from the bustle of Palma’s city, the fact that over half of the five square kilometre Son Vida estate is protected area, and that housing plots are surprisingly large, make this a truly unique place to reside, combining both a stunning natural environment of tranquil pine forests with the comforts of modern day living.

Living the Son Vida life is something many dream of, but for founder Steve Kusak’s son, Diego, this dream was a reality, although back in the early sixties, his memories of life there are somewhat different to how it could be now. “Our house had just been finished when I moved there as a young boy – Number 2, Son Vida – it was only the second home to be built there! Large quantities of water had just been discovered underground, which might not mean too much now, but it meant that Son Vida could have homes and a Golf course”, recalls Diego. “I remember the horse ring and bullfights by the hotel and the construction of the golf course. The Castillo, Golf and land were all run by one company back then, before they were divided and sold to separate companies”. Still bearing the name of the estate’s 16th century owner, Mateu Vida, Son Vida was one of the last private urbanizations in Spain until the Kusak family negotiated it’s incursion with the city of Palma in the 1980’s, when the private water company was also donated to the city.

Now, with three of the islands best classic golf courses: Son Vida Golf, that has hosted the Balearic Open Tournament on several occasions, Son Muntaner & Son Quint, in addition to the medieval Castillo de Son Vida, high on the hill, now a “Leading Hotel of the World” which has accommodated Grace Kelly and Aristotle Onassis over the years, Son Vida is a favourite choice of residence, either as a second home, or on a more permanent basis for those who require a little extra. According to Kate Hands, Senior Sales Executive for First Mallorca’s Costa d’en Blanes office, Son Vida means “Golf on your doorstep!.....with the added benefits of having the facilities of luxury hotels nearby, twenty-four hour security, all whilst being in a secluded and green environment”.

Some have described Son Vida as “an indescribable luxury”. With sweeping views over Palma bay, in a world where pool edge blends with sky, the city at your feet, they quite possibly are right.