The Son Vida residential area is Mallorca’s most exclusive and sought after, but the lands on which it was built hide a historical and little known past.
The current residential area is located on the old lands of one of the most important estates of the city of Palma, Son Vida, which was owned by the Vida, Desmes and Trullols families. The origin of the estate dates back to the thirteenth century and over the years, family inheritances and redistributions of land gave way to new owners.
One of the most significant changes was the construction in the early twentieth century of a neo-Gothic castle-shaped villa inspired by the Peralada castle (Girona). This property was a gift from Fernando Truyols and Despuig to his wife Magdalena Villalonga who maintained ownership of the building and land until the mid-1950s when they sold their properties.
In 1956, Majorcan businessmen José Luis Ferrer and Joan Mora purchased part of the property and created the Son Vida public limited company. Just one year later, both acquired all shares and began a process of land division and construction.
A few years later, Son Vida’s main urban revolution occurred with the purchase of part of the company by American aviator Stephen Albert Kusak Sliva. A former military pilot who participated in World War II and the Korean and Indochina wars. This pilot landed on the island with the idea of creating a luxury resort comprising hotels, golf courses and a residential area around them.
Kusak’s fantasy materialised when he managed to turn the area’s castle into a hotel. Thus, in June 1961 the castle opened its doors as the first luxury hotel in the area founded by José Luis Ferrer Ramonell, Joan Móra Gornals and Stephen A. Kusak.
Nowadays, the Castillo Hotel Son Vida belongs to the Marriott International chain, and has been home to influential guests from all over the world such as Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly, Aristotle Onassis, Maria Callas, Anthony Quinn, Pedro Almodóvar, Claudia Schiffer and many more.
One of the most curious facts about Son Vida is that it was one of the last private luxury residential areas in Spain. It was not until the 80s that the owners of Son Vida S.A, owner to date of most plots, signed an agreement with the city of Palma to transfer to them the roads, free spaces and public areas. Currently, the residential area belongs to the municipality of Palma and has all the necessary public services.
Nowadays, what was one of the most important estates of medieval Palma has become the area or reference for luxury in Mallorca. A residential area full of very little known history.
Daniel Waschke is the Ceo & Managing Partner of Mallorca Gold Real Estate, one of the top professionals in Son Vida, with one office near the entrance. Ask for any ifnformation contacting Mallorca Gold:
GENERAL CONTACT
e-mail: info@mallorcagold.com / tel.: +34 971 790 701
WEBSITE
www.mallorcagold.com
HEAD OFFICE (SON VIDA):
Camí Son Rapinya 40, 07013 Palma de Mallorca
SCHEDULE
Monday to Friday: 09:30AM – 06:30PM