History

The Hotel's role in the history of Mallorca

Since the 13th century, nobles have governed over the properties on the hills behind Palma city which was declared fertile land during the rule of King Jaume I. The medieval castle was first baptized in the 16th century with the acquisition of the property by Mateu Vida. The subsequent owners, the aristocratic families Desmàs and Tryols, decided to keep the distinctive name. During the ages there is one thing that has remained the same: The inhabitants and visitors of the elegant refuge should feel relaxed and enjoy services and feasts of the highest level – at present, the guest is the only king of the castle.

Back to the history of the magical castle: during the turn of the 20th century, Fernando Truyols & Despuig undertakes extensive – and extravagant – alterations to the estate as a present for his wife Magdalena Villalonga, giving it the look of a castle complete with tower.

The Truyols family sells their Son Vida private estate 57 years later to Steve Kusak, who founds the “Urbanización Son Vida”. On June 23rd 1961, the castle finally opens it doors as a luxury hotel. Only 3 years later follows the opening of the island’s first golf course, the neighbouring Golf Son Vida.

Until 1995, the renowned hotel changes its landowner constantly and finally the Schörghuber Group buys the hotel and renames it Castillo Hotel Son Vida, which consequently becomes a "Leading Hotel of the World".

In January 2005 the hotel closes its doors for a one year renovation and rebuilding which ended in February 2006. Once more, the Castillo Hotel Son Vida shines with its legacy and history as a Grand Hotel, in which significant political, economical, cultural and social celebrities enjoyed their escapades under the Mallorcan sun.

A few names of the Castillo Hotel Son Vida’s golden guest book: Prince Rainer of Monaco with wife Grace Kelly, Aristoteles Onassis, Maria Callas as well as Antony Quinn and Gary Kasparov and in recent years, celebrities such as Pedro Almodóvar and Claudia Schiffer.