When the noble historical site of Son Vida opened its doors on June 23, 1961 as a luxury hotel, Mallorca held a big party, the more impressive that this Balearic island had ever witnessed. On the terrace, which soon achieved worldwide fame for its incredible views and its comfortable lounges, 500 great personalities of high society, politics and business enjoyed the excellence that forge the reputation of this luxury hotel an atmosphere of class and elegance.
Just a week later docked luxury yacht Christina O in Mallorca. On board was the millionaire Aristotle Onassis and opera diva Maria Callas in, accompanied by Princess Grace of Monaco and Prince Rainier of Monaco, who offered a legendary society party at the new hotel. Among the famous guests included Montgomery Clift, Elsa Martinelli and Charles Farrell. The memorable evening ended with a spontaneous quartet formed by Elsa Maxwell on piano, Prince Rainier by percussion and Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis Greek singing songs into the microphone.
Guests who stayed during those days at the Castillo Hotel Son Vida could see Prince Rainier tasting oysters in an appetizer of fresh bivalves in the park, or the Princess Grace Patricia while documenting their memories of the trip with a small camera. Due to the enormous pressure of the press, Aristotle Onassis and Maria Callas continued to stay on board the Christina O, but the new hotel became, in a very short space of time in the spotlight of the media.
Monarchs, members of the nobility and heads of state and government are among the dignitaries from around the world who have stayed at this possessió thirteenth century Majorcan official state visits, on the occasion of the celebration of marriage or its private holiday. In addition to the royal family of Monaco, the Spanish royal family also chose this hotel for your stay when vacationing in Mallorca in the 60's. Subsequently, he stayed in a palace of his property, but continued to visit this noble residence to participate in numerous events. Also the Royal Family and Arab sheikhs have enjoyed the aura of this residence and its surrounding park full of palm trees and lemon trees. They made numerous visits to the hotel followed by a large retinue, to the joy of Mallorca entrepreneurs, and increased revenues of the island. A personality who particularly appreciated the hotel's cuisine was King Hassan II of Morocco. Encouraged by the evening menu, personally invited the chef to his suite and asked him to reveal the recipe for sea bass with orange.
Besides the hotel's culinary service, won numerous awards, care and excellent golf courses that are in the vicinity have contributed to the fame of the residence. Prince Rainier of Monaco jumped at the chance to become the first player to open the Son Vida golf course, which is currently the most popular field of Mallorca in 1963. Since the sport of golf soon became a favorite activity in Mallorca by the wealthy leisure, it is no wonder that even the golf course Son Muntaner 18 holes soon became another meeting place for guests high level. However, for many heads of State and Government, Son Vida course not only a place of fun. The Spanish prime minister Felipe Gonzalez and the Austrian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky met in this hotel with the Gaddafi Libyan head of state to discuss international issues. Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat also stayed at the hotel in 1982 to hold a major press conference.
Retreat for artists
The Castillo Hotel Son Vida has also served many artists as an oasis of inspiration. So, Pedro Almodovar, this hotel wrote the screenplay for the film Flesh and the famous American director Martin Ritt rested at the hotel to stop recording the movie The Spy Who Came in from the cold. After the grueling recording of The Wizard, Anthony Quinn and Michael Caine were left entertain for the excellent service of the house, and Yehudi Menuhin, who visited the castle in 1964 after a concert tour. The hotel served as a film set itself, among other works, Tony Richardson's film Laughter in the dark, with the participation Anna Karina.
The stars of the tabloids took care always to keep Son Vida in the center of the chronicles. Brigitte Bardot was photographed at the hotel with her new husband Gunther Sachs, and Hannelore Auer, later the wife of the German singer Heino, also posed for photographers at the residence. Julio Iglesias chose to go with his wife by the staff entrance to avoid reporters. Jean-Paul Belmondo and Sting soon followed suit. The latter decided to stay in a private residence while his band stayed at the hotel.
Zsa Zsa Gabor was also the target of the eyes, then had to spend a night in jail, and glad he enjoyed all the comforts of hotel castle but did not pay the bill. Among the many personalities who made their names and comments in the guest book included the opera star Montserrat Caballe and Truman Capote, Margaux Hemingway to Maximilian Schell, Niki Lauda and chess champion Gary Kasparov.
perfect enclave
In the memories of the island of Mallorca are first mentioned in 1518 as a Life farm in a dream location, near the city of Palma, and from which they could see beautiful views of the bay from the capital of the island. The Life was a reputed family from the conquest of the island, had amassed great wealth. After a historic revolt, Son Vida was restructured between 1900 and 1905 by Truyols Nicolau, Marquis de la Torre, to give it as a gift from romantic love to his wife. Thus, a castle built in the style of the nobles of the peninsula.
The site which is also offers the ideal environment for hosting exclusive events. Thus, in the 60 gathered in Son Vida the 13 owners in the world and come to him with increasing frequency the catwalk beauties like Claudia Schiffer, who soak up the beauty of this fairy tale environment.
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