Swing voters on the Balearic beat

The Balearic island of Majorca is synonymous with sunshine holidays, glorious beaches and warm seas. The island also boasts a level of culture and sophistication, both in capital Palma and, dare we say, in Puerto d’Andratx and the Camp de Mar area, adjacent to La Reserva de Biniorella, the Holiday Property Bond’s Majorcan home. But, thanks both to its topography and its benign year-round climate, Majorca is also a paradise for golfers, with more than 20 outstanding courses to choose from.

One such is Golf de Andratx, close to the port and, therefore, close to Biniorella – and a favourite with Bondholders.

Easily one of the island’s most spectacular courses, Golf de Andratx was designed by David Kidd of the legendary Gleneagles. In creating the Golf de Andratx course, many of the holes had to be practically carved out of the surrounding hills, and raised greens and views of the Majorcan coastline are features of this arena. The course winds its way through some breathtaking landscapes, adorned with age-old olive groves, almond trees and ancient Majorcan stone walls.

The 18-hole course is well known as one of the most difficult and challenging in the Mediterranean. Hole six, 609 metres from the tee, is the longest hole in Spain and one all golfers look forward to playing. It winds uphill, through trees and water hazards, and is fraught with danger. The tee shot from hole eight, shortly afterwards, offers a spectacular view of the bay in Camp de Mar and the hills around it.

The back nine holes are deep in the countryside with typical pine trees and indigenous flora especially noteworthy. Moreover, a grand total of seven ponds/lakes and sixty sand traps provide abundant obstacles. It’s rare for even the most experienced players to return to the clubhouse with the same ball that they started with.

In common with many courses in Majorca, which attempt to be as eco-friendly as possible, Golf de Andratx is irrigated with recycled water from rainwater gathered in tanks.

Finally, the course even has its own desalination plant to help protect the surrounding environment.

Adding to the complete golfing experience at the club is the Italian-styled “Campino” restaurant in the clubhouse, the first-class pro shop with all the latest golfing fashions and the Golf Academy with its PGA Professionals and the most up-to-date teaching tools.

It’s a lovely course – challenging, too. The only downside is that golf overseas – on Spanish islands, at least – can be quite expensive, but [La Reserva de Biniorella site manager] Javier Ceballos has negotiated discounts for Bondholders at many of the island’s golf clubs. Golf de Andratx is one of the better-value clubs in any case; but the reduction for Bondholders puts it well within reach financially. As well as geographically!