“A masterclass in conceptuality,” a hotel that “takes you on a fuzzy trip of vague recollection,” and “a paradise of inimitable escapism.” That’s what we said about Port de Sóller’s impressive Bikini Island & Mountain Hotel three years ago; the resort with an impeccable retro aesthetic winning our hearts with its nostalgic ode the imaginary ‘Mediterranean flower children’.
Having only opened in July, when the Design Hotels member asked us to check in to their second adults-only escape in another underdeveloped corner of Mallorca, we were not going to take our sweet little time about it.
Located this time on the southern coast of the Balearic island, on a rugged rocky part of the coastline and close to some of Mallorca’s most jaw-dropping white sand beaches, the setting feels distinctly different to the tree-lined hillside retreat that overlooks the dramatic Tramuntana mountains over in the north west. Rather than attempt a direct translation of the former, there’s a sense that award-winning designers Studio Dreimeta and team Bikini have created something singular that is in tune with its surrounds.
Underdeveloped, with soft white sand and crystal clear water, Es Trenc beach is one of the island’s most jaw-dropping.
Colònia de Sant Jordi is a quiet community lined by a beautiful, rugged coastline that connects you instantly to nature.
Cliff-jumping directly into the Med from the hotel’s grounds is a blissful way to start the day.
Three existing buildings have been transformed into a Balearic paradise; 130 rooms, plentiful gardens and lounge spaces, a laidback pool bar, a second incarnation of Levantine restaurant NENI for the island, and a ‘what the fuck’ room (I’ll come to that later) among the highlights of this expansive bohemian resort.
A new landmark destination for Colònia de Sant Jordi, Bikini Es Trenc evokes the ‘flower child’ disconnection of its sister hotel, whilst embracing this rawer location — the cragged shoreline its gardens open out onto allowing for cliff-jumping directly into the sea, the neighbouring salt flats shimmering a pink hue under the summer sun, the rough-hewn island architecture conjuring Ibiza in the ‘80s. It’s a new Bikini, one that moves to its own rhythm, yet there is plenty to recall from our previous visit.
Rather than attempt a direct translation of the first Bikini, there’s a sense that they have created something singular that is in tune with its surrounds, whilst maintaining the ethos that makes Bikini so special.
“Life is better in Bikini” is the motto, and it’s one that rings true throughout the stay, with guest experience genuinely at the heart of the hotel’s ethos. A huge selection of mountain and electric bikes are available to use as and when you wish; water sports equipment including stand-up paddle and snorkels are on-hand; yoga classes are held several times a week; and rooms include an empty fridge that can be stocked from the sensibly priced shop downstairs, a Bluetooth speaker, games, suncreams, full-sized toiletries and insulated water bottle that can be refilled at drinking-water stations around the hotel grounds. All at no extra cost.
And that’s not mentioning the breakfast included in any room rate. Individually prepared coffees; NENI delights featuring labneh, hummus, remolacha and more; fresh Mallorcan delicacies; a whole host of healthy options; fruit and juices … all available until 11am. Life is better in Bikini.
Rooms are spacious and beautifully designed with king sized beds and terraces overlooking this particularly beautiful stretch of Mallorcan coastline; a gym, sauna and steam bath add to the wellness options; events and happenings take place throughout the summer; both the pool bar, helmed by Hamburg gin brand, Gin Sul, and the Donkey Bar offer excellent cocktails including ‘frozens’ that will be made to your specifications; the design throughout is a triumphant blend of kitsch and contemporary cool with playfulness always at heart; and its location at the southernmost tip of Mallorca, with perfect sunsets playing out every evening, is simply stunning.
Oh yeah, then there’s the ‘what the fuck’ room.
One of the three buildings reimagined by Bikini Hotels, formerly a pool house, is host to a creative lounge developed in collaboration with German recording artist Clueso, with ‘creative’ being the operative word. A fusion of a Boogie Nights 1970s L.A. porn pad and peak retrofuturism, the turquoise playground sees the former indoor pool transformed into a sunken sofa cum stage for impromptu happenings, whilst eye-popping, tongue-in-cheek furniture is accompanied by plush shag pile carpets (even on the walls), adult swings, a collection of vintage recording paraphernalia, neon lights and bags of braggadocio.
Currently being fitted out, Clueso’s ‘Studio C’ recording studio will see the lounge become a songwriting lab, creative stamping ground, and production space for him and other artists.
Another bold and brilliant resort again offering a “masterclass in conceptuality,” Bikini Island & Mountain Hotel Es Trenc is everything you could want from a rejuvenating seaside retreat, whilst simultaneously providing an atmosphere of creativity, fun and exuberance. A bona fide gem from which to discover the natural spelndor of this impressive corner of the island, life is almost certainly better in Bikini.
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Bikini Island & Mountain Hotel Es Trenc Photography © We Heart / courtesy Bikini Hotels.
