Son Muntaner Golf opens its gates to non-members: short sporting break package from the Castillo Hotel Son Vida

Palma/Munich, 12 June 2006 – A luscious carpet of green stretching out as far as the eye can see – here, every handicap is catered to, with easier golf courses for greenhorns and challenging fairways for the seasoned golfer. Indeed, Mallorca is a golfing paradise for individualists. The only possible problem is that, with a total of 19 courses on offer, you'll be spoilt for choice. Just a few kilometres from the island capital Palma de Mallorca are two courses which are surely among the most fascinating on the island: Son Vida Golf and Son Muntaner Golf. The latter is poised to open its greens to non-members and golfers residing at one of the associated hotels, for the very first time.

While Son Vida Golf already demands a high level of golfing skill, the challenges posed by the neighbouring course Son Muntaner Golf, opened in May 2000, can be likened to those of a black piste in the world of skiing. Nestled between the hills of Son Vida and the capital city Palma, the 18-hole championship golf course, headed up by Director of Golf Alberto Luengo, is an impressive prospect, with its immense fairways, delightful water hazards amidst idyllic pine groves and – the very special attraction – the oldest olive tree in Mallorca, the "Na Capitana", at hole 15. Ponds, a rich abundance of bird species and Mediterranean flora lend the course its natural parkland charm.

It is here that architect Kurt Rossknecht presents what is surely his most exciting project, delighting all golfers seeking a real challenge. The tension rises at the very first tee; each club must be selected with the greatest concentration and skill; and what could be more exhilarating than 18 successful achievements on the expansive, fast and mysterious greens of the par-72 course. The green and the flag positions must be studied very closely, if a player is to enter a good result on his score card. Most players will find the dimensions of the green unusual.

In environmental terms, the course is one of the best: just 28 months after opening, Son Muntaner Golf was awarded two of the most important official environmental certificates,
ISO 14.001 and EMAS. In practical terms, these awards mean that the use of waste water to irrigate the course, the consumption of potable water and electricity, the noise level and the creation of hazardous waste products are not only monitored as to the quantities involved, but also continually improved. Company employees also receive ongoing training on the quality-related and environmental aspects of their work and are sensitised to these concerns.

The Son Muntaner Golf Club is a Member of Arabella Golf (www.arabellagolf.com). Arabella Golf is the brand of Arabella Hotel Holding AG which – together with the exclusive ArabellaSheraton Hotels – sets standards in the world of golf. It not only unites the company's own golf courses, but also partner courses at a wide range of destinations within a uniform quality concept: the Arabella Golf Concept.

Short golfing break package:
The Castillo Hotel Son Vida has just put together a short golfing break package for all fans of the "green sport". First-class hotel services perfectly combined with sporting enjoyment will make your stay a dream come true:
• Four nights in a luxurious room in the category booked
• Three green fees per person on Son Vida Golf or Son Muntaner Golf
• Lavish breakfast buffet, a daily supply of fresh fruit and a daily newspaper
• Daily evening menu in the panoramic restaurant Es Castell
• Limousine transport from the airport to the hotel and back
• Access to the spa
• Free shuttle service to the hotel's own golf courses
The sporting package costs between Eruos 1,013 and Euros 2,147 per person, depending on the category of room or suite.
Can be booked according to availability up to 31 October 2006 on Tel 0034 971 606029 or at e-mail reservas@mallorca-resort.com, reservation code "Golfing break at the Castillo Hotel Son Vida”.

Castillo Hotel Son Vida
The Castillo Hotel Son Vida reopened in February 2006, following extensive renovation work. Offering over 164 rooms and suites, two gourmet restaurants, a beauty spa, an exclusive conference area and a remarkable collection of antique paintings, the magnificent property lies within the exclusive villa district of Son Vida, Northwest of Palma. As a member of the Arabella Golf & Spa Resorts Mallorca, which also comprises the ArabellaSheraton Golf Hotel Son Vida and the Mardavall Hotel & Spa, this 5-star establishment, which bears the distinction "Gran Lujo", offers world-class golf on the 18-hole courses Son Vida and Son Muntaner. Owned by the Schörghuber Group, the tradition-steeped castle hotel has been counted among the Leading Hotels of the World since 1995.

Press officer:
Castillo Hotel Son Vida, Raixa 2, Urbanización Son Vida, E-07013 Palma de Mallorca
Christine Crespo, Tel 0034.971.606-423, Fax -429, press@arabella.es

Fact Sheet
Son Muntaner Golf – Palma de Mallorca

Address 
Son Muntaner Golf, Carretera de Son Vida,
E-07013 Palma de Mallorca
Tel 0034 971 783030, Fax 0034 971 783031
info@sonmuntanergolf.com, www.sonmuntanergolf.com
Club Director Alberto Luengo 
Course details 18-hole championship course, par 72
- White tees 6,347 m, SSS 73.9
- Yellow tees 6,036 m, SSS 72.1
- Blue tees 5,490 m, SSS 74.9
- Red tees 5,205 m, SSS 73.3  
Driving range, three practice holes, putting green,
pitching area
Handicap: A handicap is required for Golf Son Muntaner: men: 28, ladies: 36
Course organisation: Tee-off times every ten minutes under the supervision of the starter. The marshal ensures that the rules are observed on the course and the speed of play is not impeded.
PGA pros:Sebastián Ruíz, Spanish
Ricardo Meier to Bernd, German
Spikes Only soft spikes are allowed on Son Muntaner Golf. Spikes can be exchanged for soft spikes within five minutes.
Electric carts and trolleys can also be hired in bad weather
Main season: March, April, May and mid-September to mid-November
Prior reservation: During the main season, it is advisable to make reservations at least one month before tee-off.
Group reservations should be made at least three months prior to tee-off.