By Veronica Carpio, Editor at The Wellness Collective

In this exclusive interview with the General Manager of Bikini Island and Mountain Hotel Es Trenc, Tom Ries, we explore how the Mallorca-based property is redefining wellness. From the influence of its location and nature-driven experiences to conscious dining, sustainability initiatives, and creating a happy, authentic team, the conversation reveals how wellness here is about more than spa treatments — it’s a lifestyle, shaped by every detail of the guest experience.

Es Trenc is famous for its natural beauty. How does the hotel’s location influence the wellness experiences you offer guests?

Es Trenc is one of the most famous spots in Mallorca and well known across Spain, which is why we chose the name for our hotel. It immediately gives people a sense of where we are located on the island — something very important for us. If we had used “Colonial,” no one would know what or where that was, but Es Trenc carries recognition and is also a natural landmark.

This area offers a unique atmosphere — a place where you can truly slow down and soak in the vibes of the beach and surrounding nature. There is a distinct difference between the southeast and southwest of Mallorca: here, the sea is more open, creating a calm, tranquil energy that our guests instantly feel.

For us, the focus is not on traditional wellness packages, but rather on creating a sense of true, complete relaxation. That’s why Es Trenc was the perfect choice — the dunes, the morning walks, the stunning views, and the natural beauty all contribute to a deeper sense of wellbeing. We believe this place itself directly influences how our guests feel, making it a true sanctuary for rest and renewal

What makes the wellness offering at Bikini Island and Mountain Hotel Es Trenc unique compared to other retreats in Majorca?

We are not a typical wellness hotel — and that’s one of our greatest strengths. Our philosophy is rooted in offering guests the freedom to experience wellness in their own way. Here, wellbeing isn’t prescribed; it’s felt naturally, whether through good food, inspiring encounters, or the gentle rhythm of relaxing music that plays throughout the day.

Set directly by the sea and surrounded by a beautiful garden, the hotel allows guests to connect deeply with nature. From the moment they arrive, they sense something different — a calm atmosphere that invites body, mind, and soul into balance. Our guests often tell us it’s the small, effortless moments they treasure most: a walk through the garden, a view of the sea, or simply the feeling of being at ease without any pressure. That’s the essence of our wellness philosophy.

Wellness today is about more than spas and yoga—it’s a lifestyle. How are you weaving wellness into every guest touchpoint at the hotel?

For us, wellness is first and foremost about ensuring our guests feel good — truly well, in every sense of the word. That philosophy starts with the design of our rooms. Each detail has been carefully considered: from providing sunscreen and refillable water bottles, to offering simple games like cards or backgammon that encourage connection. We made a deliberate choice not to have TVs, so guests can focus on themselves and the moment, rather than distractions.

Our rooms also carry a global influence — with curtains from India, light fixtures from Morocco, and inspiration from an Austrian architect. Even our beds are designed with purpose: raised to 80 centimetres, so when guests sit or lie down, they can look straight out to the sea over the balcony.

It’s these thoughtful details that create small, but meaningful experiences. A relaxed breakfast, music by the pool, or a moment in our intimate spa — wellness here isn’t about services or schedules. It’s about the feelings guests collect throughout their stay, the atmosphere that helps them naturally unwind and reconnect with themselves.

Food is central to wellbeing. Can you share how Bikini Hotel approaches nutrition and dining as part of the guest experience?

For us, breakfast is the perfect start to the day, and it’s very important that guests experience it as something fresh, healthy, and full of care. We use local products and prepare everything by hand — from squeezing juices to slicing vegetables — so the flavours are natural and authentic. You’ll find Spanish staples like ripe tomatoes, quality olive oil, and artisanal salts, all chosen to highlight the region’s traditions.

While we operate on a bed-and-breakfast concept, our partnership with NENI Mallorca Es Trenc brings Mediterranean-inspired Levantine cuisine to the table. Here too, freshness is everything: no convenience food, just seasonal vegetables, peeled and prepared daily, and dishes made from scratch. We believe food should nourish the body but also the soul, which is why dining is not only about what’s on the plate but also about the experience.

Meals are designed to encourage socialising, with a sense of community at the table, and are served in settings that elevate the moment — from our lush garden to evenings where guests can enjoy a breathtaking sunset. For us, food is a vital part of wellness, creating moments that make people feel good throughout the whole day.

Many travellers now seek balance between indulgence and wellness. How does Bikini Hotel strike that balance?

I think indulgence and wellbeing are not opposites — they go hand in hand. Guests can enjoy a massage, relax by the pool, or sip a glass of wine on their balcony while watching sailboats drift across the sea. Every evening brings a new, breathtaking sunset, and those moments of simple pleasure are as much a part of wellness as a spa treatment.

In our spa, we offer a variety of treatments, from full-body massages to nourishing facials, all using high-quality natural cosmetics from Santa Verde. Though German-founded, the brand produces in Spain, where they cultivate organic aloe vera on their own farm — ensuring our guests experience authentic, nature-based care. These products are also available for purchase, so the wellness journey can continue at home.

What truly sets us apart is our philosophy: we never dictate what wellness should look like. Each guest defines it for themselves — whether through treatments, a quiet moment by the sea, or simply disconnecting from daily pressures. For our many business travellers, this freedom is especially valuable; they come here to switch off, reconnect with nature, and find balance. In the end, wellness at Bikini is not a rigid program, but a soulful experience, where body, mind, and spirit come together naturally.

Sustainability is increasingly tied to wellness. What eco-conscious initiatives does Bikini Island and Mountain Hotel Es Trenc have in place to support both guests and the local environment?

For us, sustainability is not a trend — it’s a mindset. When the hotel, formerly called Asli, underwent an eight-month renovation in 2023 and reopened last year, we made sustainability a core part of our approach from day one. We no longer use fossil fuels like oil or gas, relying primarily on solar energy. On days with less sun, we heat water with electricity, ensuring we take responsible steps toward energy efficiency.

Plastic is minimised wherever possible: eco-friendly, refillable amenities are provided for guests, and we actively train our staff to conserve water, recognising that it is a precious, limited resource on the island. Whenever possible, we source seasonal, local products to reduce the environmental impact of long-distance imports — from tomatoes to other fruits grown here in Mallorca.

Sustainability also extends to our team. By fostering a strong work-life balance, thorough orientation, and long-term staff retention, we reduce turnover and preserve human resources, reflecting our holistic approach to caring for both people and the planet.

How do you integrate local culture and community into the wellness journey at the hotel?

We offer experiences where guests can choose their own activities, immersing themselves in the traditions of Mallorca. For example, nearby they can visit salt production sites, which are an important part of the local heritage. We also guide guests to explore and appreciate the culture of the surrounding areas.

We collaborate closely with local producers and artists, who have contributed to the hotel’s design. Occasionally, we hire local musicians, and next year we plan to offer workshops such as pottery and other crafts. These initiatives are based on understanding our guests’ interests: while around 70% come primarily to enjoy the sea and sun during peak seasons, many also explore inland areas like Drum Montana or nearby national parks.

Mallorca’s local culture is concentrated away from the crowded coast, in small towns — the “pueblos” — where life moves at a relaxed pace. We aim to provide our guests with the opportunity to experience this authentic, unhurried way of life while enjoying their stay.

As General Manager, how do you cultivate a wellness culture not just for guests, but also for your team?

The guest experience begins with the team. A warm welcome sets the tone, and as I always tell my team, a smile needs no translation — it can open doors and make people feel instantly at ease. We invest heavily in staff training and maintain open communication through regular meetings. Guest feedback, whether positive or constructive, is shared and discussed so we can continually improve and anticipate better solutions for the future.

Creating a positive work environment is one of our top priorities. We encourage our staff to be authentic and to express themselves freely. Diversity is embraced — tattoos, colorful hair, or unique personal styles are never a barrier. What matters most is the personality and character of our team members. Our relaxed philosophy extends to uniforms as well: staff wear simple t-shirts or shirts, reflecting the hotel’s laid-back “Life is better in Bikini” ethos.

We ensure our employees have a healthy work-life balance with a standard five-day week and no split shifts. Our team is young, open-minded, and international, which not only enriches the work environment but also enhances the experience for our guests. This approach is a key reason why our staff love being part of our hotel family.

Looking ahead, what do you see as the future of wellness hospitality in Majorca, and how is Bikini Island and Mountain Hotel Es Trenc preparing for it?

Looking to the future, we believe that true wellbeing comes from understanding what you can offer and doing it differently from other hotels. Instead of following the mainstream — where many five-star hotels provide everything but often lack personality — we focus on creating unique experiences that make every stay more than just a holiday. Our goal is to offer guests a complete experience, where every moment contributes to their sense of wellbeing.

This is why Mallorca is the perfect location for us. Here, guests can enjoy nature, local culture, high-quality products, skilled employees, and favourable weather almost year-round. While we close in winter due to Mallorca’s seasonality and cooler sea temperatures, the island itself remains beautiful and welcoming.

At our hotel, we prioritise authenticity, sustainability, and emotional experiences from arrival to departure. Our approach to wellness is rooted in this philosophy — it’s a way of life. Every small design detail, creative idea, and innovation from our team contributes to the overall guest experience. We maintain open communication with our guests, asking for their wishes and feedback, and use this input to plan the next season.

For us, wellness is about helping guests feel truly good, allowing their soul to unwind and recharge. Our guiding principle is simple but meaningful: Life is better in Bikini.