Golfers Meeting Point Mallorca (1/2)
A review of the 19th IGTM from November 13 - 17, 2016 with new hotels and hotspots in Palma.
This year's Mecca of golf destinations, which already attracted 25 million visitors, also hosted the world's largest meeting of the golf industry. Over 1000 international business partners responded to the call of the IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) to network, play golf and celebrate. A look back in melancholy, because on top of that there was still a sunny 25° and culinary delicacies as a welcome alternative to the November blues at home.
Wish list for golf vacations
Yes, at this golf fair you were once again spoiled for choice: over 600 exhibitors, from African countries, Asia with the Indian Ocean, Australia, the Caribbean to Latin American and Arab countries, the USA and Russia were all represented. Europe alone was represented with a total of 400 regions, golf courses, resorts and tour operators. Between the big business of buying and selling, we tried to contact our favorite candidates as a small group of golf journalists. My favorites were the golf courses in the Grenadines, Los Cabos in Mexico, Sand Valley in Poland, Coastal South Carolina, Rovos Rail Golf and the Thai golf courses. We had three days for this - also to take a closer look at the location in Son Termens.
And it was simply amazing: instead of a modern convention center, the participants were greeted by an authentic finca from the 13th century. Today, it is in great demand as an event location, offering not only rustic buildings with a pool and olive groves, but also the 18-hole course of the same name just around the corner. To the delight of the journalists, the "Nine & Dine" tournament was held here on the last day with 9 holes of golf on the hilly terrain surrounded by olive trees, followed by a delicious meal sponsored by the Mallorcan Golf Association with tapas, wine and a 3-course menu of the finest quality - mui bien!
And the winner is...
After three days of "selling, buying and networking", the "Pricegiving Ceremony" with Fairwell Party is the crowning finale of the event every year. This year, there was also the grand finale: on the one hand for the "Destinations of the Year 2017" with Chiang Mai, Western Cape, Florida, Los Cabos and Andalusia. "Golf Resort of the Year" went to Laguna Golf in Vietnam and Costa Navarino in Europe, which is also one of my favorite destinations. Just like my chosen "Undiscovered Destination of the Year", the Alpe-Adria golf region with the countries of Austria, Italy and Slovenia. Golf courses in Kenya, the USA, Scotland and Thailand were recognized for environmental sustainability (Sustainable Golf Course of the Year). The award winners this year were not a real surprise - except perhaps the three-country concept of the Alpe-Adria with its different courses, cultures and golf resorts. But more about that in the spring.
Good news from "Malle" and golf & tapas - full
Welcome to the golfing island of Mallorca. Where hospitality is written in capital letters, where the golf courses stretch like evergreen carpets across the whole country and the temperatures are still mild even in November, there's also the icing on the cake: high-end hotels and gastronomy with no less good wine.
My tip: Stay at the new 5-star hotel "Pure Salt Garonda" on Playa de Palma, around 10 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from the city of Palma. As an "adults only" hotel, the design hotel offers the perfect mix of beach and golf vacation. Four of the most beautiful beaches and bays on the island and the marina Port Adriano in Calvià, designed by Philippe Starck, are just a stone's throw away, as well as the best golf courses, such as the "Son Gual", which is also a partner club of the hotel. What is particularly appealing here is the mix of different materials, such as wood on the floor and as paneling in the 149 rooms and suites. All have private balconies, many with sea views. Combined with landscape paintings behind glass, leather sofas on stone tiles and corridors decorated with art. A well thought-out concept that also appeals to business customers.
Three restaurants are available to guests: The main restaurant offers Mediterranean and international dishes. The tapas restaurant Mikel & Pintxo directly on the beach promenade and the Italian restaurant L'Arcada offer a modern, Mallorcan ambience. The menu includes pasta, pizza from the wood-fired oven, meat and fish dishes as well as cocktails. The spa with pool and treatment rooms are more popular in winter - in summer, the sea is right in front of it.
12 magnificent golf courses can be easily reached from here: Golf Park Puntiró, Golf de Maioris, Golf Son Antem West & East, Arabella (Son Vida, Son Muntaner, Son Quint), Golf de Andratx, Golf de Santa Ponsa, Real Golf de Bendinat, Golf de Son Termens and Vall D'Or. The former is the only golf course in Mallorca to be a Jack Nicklaus course and is considered a harmonious vacation course with its par 71. Despite its rating of 130.
