Matt Nicholson Joins the Journey for a Picture-Perfect Golf Getaway in Mallorca
From the moment I arrived at Zafiro Palace in Mallorca, I had the reassuring sense that I’d chosen exactly the right base for my short golfing escape. Nestled in the heart of Puerto de Alcúdia yet somehow managing to feel tucked away from the bustle, the hotel strikes that rare balance between resort-style comfort and understated luxury. I checked in late afternoon, the sun still bright, the air warm with that shimmering Mediterranean glow that Mallorca seems to bottle better than anywhere else in Europe.
My room, one of Zafiro Palace’s spacious suites, opened onto a private terrace overlooking the pool, a mosaic of blues that instantly triggered holiday mode. Even for a single-night stay, the space felt like a sanctuary: calm, modern, and thoughtfully designed. I dropped my golf bag in the corner, knowing that tomorrow’s tee time at in the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final Pro-Am at Club de Golf Alcanada was the focal point of the trip, but for now I was more than happy to sink into the serenity of the hotel.
After a quick refresh, I wandered through the resort’s palm-lined pathways toward El Olivo, one of Zafiro Palace’s signature restaurants and, by reputation, one of the best places on-site for a refined yet relaxed meal. The ambience struck me immediately, low, warm lighting, soft conversation drifting across the tables, attentive but unfussy service. It felt elevated without ever drifting into the overly formal.
I decided to let the kitchen take the lead and ordered a selection of their recommended dishes. What followed was one of those meals that quietly becomes a highlight of a trip: Mediterranean ingredients treated with genuine respect. Fresh seafood, fragrant olive oil, vibrant vegetables, each plate tasting unmistakably of Mallorca itself.
The standout was a delicately grilled fish dish, simple, perfectly seasoned, and served with a crisp Mallorcan white wine that made every bite feel almost celebratory. El Olivo lived up to its reputation and then some; it struck that perfect balance between flavour, presentation, and an unhurried dining rhythm that made the entire evening feel indulgent.
Back at the suite, the resort felt hushed, the pools shimmering in soft light. It was the kind of quiet that makes you sleep deeper than you expect to when you’re away from home. And by sunrise, I was ready for the main event: golf at Alcanada one of the island’s premier courses and a name spoken with equal parts admiration and reverence by anyone who’s played in Mallorca.
The Zafiro Group’s golf partnerships across the island make planning a golf holiday almost effortless, particularly for those wanting to mix a high-end resort experience with world-class courses.
Transfers, tee times, and recommendations are all handled with quiet professionalism, and it’s clear the group understands exactly what golfers need, convenience, detail, and reliability.
PRO-AM DAY
Alcanada itself is only a short drive from Zafiro Palace, adding to the hotel’s appeal for golf travellers. Perched along the island’s northern coastline, the course is famous for its views over Alcúdia Bay, the lighthouse rising from the small island just off shore like a postcard brought to life. Even the approach to the clubhouse carries a sense of anticipation: pine trees, sea breeze, and a layout designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., whose courses always manage to blend playability with strategy.
From the opening tee shot with Tour Pro Joakim Lagergren , I was reminded why Alcanada consistently ranks among Europe’s finest. Fairways ripple across gentle elevation changes, greens are quick but fair, and every hole offers some form of visual theatre, whether it’s the sea glinting below or the sweeping bunkers carved into the landscape.
The course challenged me, certainly, but it also rewarded good play; it felt like golf in its purest, most scenic form. By the time I stood on the 13th tee, arguably the signature hole with its stunning coastal backdrop, I found myself wishing the round could last twice as long.
When it was over and sat down for the prize giving. I realised how seamlessly the entire experience had flowed, from the hotel to the restaurant to the course itself. That’s the true strength of using Zafiro Palace as a base: effortless transitions, no stress, no logistical headaches. Just good golf, good food, and the kind of comfort that elevates a trip from enjoyable to memorable.
As I checked out and headed toward the airport, I had the distinct sense that Mallorcan golf holidays don’t get better than this. Zafiro Palace had been the perfect launching point, sophisticated, welcoming, and ideally located. El Olivo had delivered a meal worthy of a trip in its own right. And Alcanada had provided the kind of round that lingers long after the final putt drops.
If I ever needed proof that Mallorca is one of Europe’s most complete golf destinations, this trip offered it. And when I return, and I certainly will, Zafiro Palace will be at the top of my list once again, the perfect base for the perfect golfing getaway.