Travel – Mallorca, Spain

As we head into 2025, chances are you’ve got a couple of resolutions up your sleeve. Maybe you’ve got a wellness goal and want to improve your diet, exercise more, get some rest, or take better care of yourself.  And maybe (since you’re reading AVIDGOLFER) you also want to… play more golf? Golf is not only a great resolution, it pairs very well with a wellness goal. Golf is great exercise, a stress reliever, and an activity that makes us feel better. Do you know what this means for you in 2025? A golf getaway isn’t just a luxury, it’s a commitment to your health.

Lucky for you, there’s a destination that’s both a golf lover’s dream and a wellness destination. That paradise is Mallorca, Spain – the largest of the Balearic Islands, where golf courses abound and wellness isn’t just a New Year’s resolution, but a way of life. That means that a golf trip to Mallorca isn’t just a fun way to lower your handicap, it’s a solid step in building a healthy lifestyle. Plus, it’s a gorgeous vacation destination full of more natural beauty, healthy Mediterranean cuisine, and recreational opportunities than you can count. So, start a text chain with your golf buddies, or get your spouse and family on board, and start planning your Mallorca trip now.

When to go? 

Since Mallorca’s golf courses are open 365 days a year, with over 300 days of sunshine and annual temperatures ranging from 59 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, you can “squeeze in” a trip to Mallorca whenever it works for you. Maybe you’d like to book a trip during the quieter season (November-March), which might be a bit cooler and wetter, but you’ll find lower prices and less competition for tee times. April until September is when most people visit Mallorca, as many Americans are taking advantage of United Airlines’ direct flight from Newark to Palma de Mallorca (available May until September.) This is a great option, as it lets you bypass a stop in Madrid and head directly from the US to Mallorca.

Golfers and non-golfers will find plenty to do in Mallorca

The great thing about Mallorca is that if you’re traveling with a partner or members of a group who don’t golf, it’s all good. Mallorca is perfect for golfers, and the island is also known for its vibrant culture, natural beauty, amazing food and recreation. Plus, let’s not forget about the beaches and spas, and the natural, relaxed vibe of the island.

Let’s start with golf 

With 23 courses throughout the island, many say Mallorca is one of the premiere golf destinations in Europe. It’s also a top spot for several European professional golf events, such as the Rolex Challenge Tour, played this year at the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed course, Golf Alcanada.

Traveling with golfers of all abilities? No problem. Mallorca’s courses include parkland, cliffside and coastal layouts. Plus, if “professional development” is on your itinerary, a number of the courses, such as Pula Golf Resort, Son Antem Golf Resort & Spa, Golf Alcanda, and Capdepera Golf, have golf academies. Those golf lessons can be a great perk if you’re traveling with young golfers – Junior can go to golf school while mom and dad play a round.

Planning your golf trip

As you’re putting together the essentials of your golf getaway, the Mallorca Golf Island Website is a great resource.  Here you’ll find information about the island’s four regions, where Mallorca’s courses are positioned for easy travel between each (similar to the RTJ Trail in Alabama). 

Speaking of the RTJ Trail, be sure to check out Golf Alcanada in Port d’Alcúdia. I had the pleasure of playing this 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. course that’s known for its sea, mountain and lighthouse views. While the course was designed to challenge the seasoned golfer, it’s definitely accessible for golfers of varied abilities, and it was easy to see why it has been consistently named one of Europe’s top courses. High-end practice facilities, a golf academy, and restaurant with delicious Mediterranean food add to the amenities. Plus, you’ll want to check out their beautifully restored pro shop, which like many of the buildings on the property, is between 250 and 300 years old.

Can we mention an RTJ course without talking about the only Jack Nicklaus-designed course on the island? T Golf Palma is just 10 KM from Palma and is a great course to play if your foursome has newer golfers or those of varied abilities.

Learn how to say “stay-and-play” in Spanish, because Mallorca has a ton of great golf and accommodations packages 

As a golfer, you know there’s nothing like a stay-and-play. If this is your jam, try the Arabella Golf & Spa Resort in Son Vida and take a look at these three luxurious hotels:  Castillo Hotel Son Vida, Sheraton Mallorca Arabella Golf Hotel, or the St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Golf Resort. Choose from peak and off-peak package options, spa facilities, and multiple dining options. And the golf? Incredible, with three 18-hole golf courses; Son Vida, Son Muntaner (Mallorca’s oldest course), Son Quint, and a place to fine-tune your short game at the Palma Pitch-n-Putt. The resort’s proximity to Palma means non-golfers can find plenty to do in the city while the golfers hit the fairways. Discover more of the many hotel options courtesy of Mallorca Golf Island.

Maybe you’d like to stay right in Palma and “commute” to various golf courses. I can vouch for the HM Palma Blanc, a contemporary hotel in the heart of Palma, but there are plenty of options that allow you to experience all Palma has to offer.

From the majestic Catedral de Mallorca to unique, authentic experiences like a Spanish cooking lesson in a windmill to the many museums, shopping and parks, there’s so much to do in Palma. Plus, staying in Palma gives you access to golf throughout the island. And don’t forget that by staying in Palma, you’ll have easy access to the Palma de Mallorca Airport.

Outside of Palma, the island is full of excellent accommodation options. On the Northeast side is the Pula Golf Resort, located in Son Servera, offering an 18-hole championship course and an on-site hotel.  Other possibilities include the luxurious Hotel Illa D’Or, Hotel Uyal, or the Four Seasons Resort Formentor.

In addition to the island’s luxury hotels, choose from boutique hotels, contemporary urban options, and many charming rural tourism options like the family-owned Son Sant Jordi in the village of Pollensa.

Truly something for everyone in Mallorca

One way to experience Mallorca is to go all out on an 18-36 hole/day golf bender. There’s nothing wrong with that. But maybe not everyone in your group feels the same way.  In this case, the non-golfers can find ways to explore Mallorca’s history, culture, art, recreation, beaches, spas and more. Get a gameplan with help from the local tourist office, or investigate the various packages offered by area hotels and courses. The options are endless, including unique and unforgettable luxury experiences and retreats like this one for golfing yogis.

If you like sports and recreation (beyond golf), rest assured everyone can find an activity in Mallorca. Cyclists from around the world come to Mallorca, as do marathoners and triathletes. Plus, there are miles of trails and routes for those who like a good hike. There are even “spin-off” activities (pun) like Salty Cycling, that combine cycling with water for a unique experience with hydrofoil bikes. Nothing like cycling on top of the water—I tried it and loved it! If that doesn’t float your boat, there are plenty of traditional water activities, like windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, scuba diving or fishing.

And, if all you’re looking for is a bit of peace and tranquility, Mallorca has been called the “island of calm” for its countless opportunities to disconnect and relax. Head to one or more of the 300 beaches, or relax at one of the many spas.

Okay, here’s another idea – why not combine business with pleasure and golf? Or, celebrate an event like a wedding or anniversary in Mallorca? Mallorca is a destination for many conferences, events and celebrations.  And, maybe you want a totally unique golf experience, consider a 2026 trip to Mallorca when the island will be in the Path of Totality for the Eclipse on August 12, 2026.

Is there an artist in your group? Then hop on the historic train from Palma to Soller, and enjoy Picasso, Miro and other Spanish artists and beautiful buildings throughout the charming village. Speaking of villages, don’t bypass Deià, a fan-favorite village for artists and creatives. Don’t miss the Belmond La Residencia, a unique artist retreat with a hotel, luxurious restaurant, gallery and unparalleled views. And for the film enthusiast, why not come for the Evolution Film Festival Mallorca and work some golf around catching a few flicks?

Finally, after golfing and touring your way around the island, you’re bound to be hungry. Be sure to try the local food and wine and see what products put Mallorca on the map. Don’t leave home without sampling a variety of seafood and local dishes, Mallorcan wines, tasting Mallorcan olive oil, or finding out why people can’t stop talking about the sobrasada (a raw, cured pork sausage from the Balearics) and the light, fluffy powdered sugar=covered ensaimada pastry.

Plus, for the shopper in the group (or if you’re bringing back souvenirs), Mallorca is known for textiles, leather, blown glass, and Mallorcan pearls are just some of the highlights.

The verdict? Mallorca is the place to go in 2025

Take charge of your wellness and your golf game with a golf getaway to Mallorca. While, yes, it’ll help your game, it’s also a chance to see one of the world’s premier destinations for wellness, recreation, relaxation and culture. A trip to Mallorca is an easy sell … so get your spouse, pals or family on board and book your trip today!