It was meant to happen one day: A first time trip to the island of Mallorca. For a long time I have neglected the Balearic islands mostly because it is such a popular destination for Germans. But when I heard about a new design hotel opening its doors on Mallorca, I was all ears. And yes, I boarded a plane with the destination Palma de Mallorca. And let me tell you one thing right away: Mallorca was so much more beautiful as I expected. As was the super cool and hippie-esque new Bikini Island & Mountain Hotel in Port de Sóller! Let me show !
Bikini Island & Mountain Hotel is a brand new design hotel on Mallorca’s western coast. It is located on a hillside overlooking the charming harbor of Port de Sóller. Unlike some cliché party corners of Mallorca, this is a serene and beautiful part of the island surrounded by mountains, verdant forests, and clear waters. But let me first talk about the hotel.
The hotel has a beautiful interior design that resonates with me a lot. It features an airy mix of Mediterranean and bohemian style with a rich variety in colors and textures throughout the hotel. The first eye-catcher is right at the check-in at the reception area: a beautiful floral wall installation by one of my favorite illustrators, Olaf Hajek, awaits your design-savvy eye. Additionally, you will notice a great mix of vintage textiles with ethnic patterns scattered around the public areas. A cool library with design books leads you into the lounge area and the Donkey bar serves yummy and chilled cocktails. But don’t linger too long, the terrace area waits to be discovered!
Actually you will discover the terrace for breakfast anyway. The famous Neni restaurant serves a great mix of Israeli and local food – for breakfast and dinner. Think of Shakshuka, labne, hummus, olives, but also Spanish coca (a sort of pizza), tortilla, cheese from Menorca and more. Not only your palate will enjoy, your eyes are in for a treat as well. Colorful mosaic tables, cozy cushions, hanging plants, Moroccan lanterns – the area is a real retreat and the best way to start your day under the sun of Mallorca. The view speaks for itself too: You look at the bay of Port de Sóller and the wonderful pool with its floral peace sign. A perfect frame for your own ‘peace of mind’.
There is another surprise hidden in the rear area of the restaurant: the hotel’s own ‘Vinyl Room’. Now how cool is that?! I mean think of 70s music and atmosphere – that is what you will find there. Lounge chairs, rugs, a vintage vinyl player and cassette player, as well as a big selection of vintage vinyls and cassettes – all of them with music from th 1970s. Be your own DJ and unleash the hippie in you! I sure did!
The rooms are comfortable and cosy, too. They are not too spacious but adequately sized to enjoy your stay. Light wood, ethnic textiles and funky details such as a flashy pink desk and vintage telephone hidden in the wardrobe define the interior style. The balcony is equipped with a hammock, rattan lounge chairs, and a macramé light pendant. Perfect to take in the views and sea breeze after waking up.
After breakfast your way will lead you downstairs – to the pool area and the cool Pikinni bar. It was really my favorite area – lounging under the palm trees, reading a book, ordering drinks, popcorn falafel and an Israeli tomato salad from the bar – life is better in Bikini as the hotel says itself!
Port de Sóller is also a perfect location if you really want to chill and enjoy. It is quiet with a lively port and numerous nice restaurants and cafés lined along the waterfront. Moreover, a cute old tram connects the port town with the village Sóller – a 15 minutes drive takes you there. Sóller is the center of orange farming on Mallorca – so you will get lots of treats made of orange. A specialty is the local orange ice cream. Do not miss it! Also the tram was initially an orange transportation to deliver the citrus fruits from the fields to the port.
The surrounding is beautiful, too. The Tramuntana mountains are a perfect retreat to discover the wild side of Mallorca. The Bikini hotel offers complementary cars upon availability (also e-bikes are available). It is really great to drive up the mountains, pass the island’s highest peak, and make a stop-over at the famous Lluc monastery. Further up you can reach some beautiful beaches in the north like Playa Formentor or Cala Figuera. Also little towns like Pollenca or Alcudia are worth a short visit.
If you still need more action, check out the hotels range of extra activities. I opted for a sunset boat tour with the Bonnie Lass, a beautiful vintage boat. It takes you out to some coves where you can dip in the deep blue sea and enjoy an amazing sunset. All with drinks and snacks on board. Discovering the beautiful side of Mallorca is quite easy – and the Bikini Island & Mountain Hotel is the perfect spot to stay and enjoy the best of the island. Especially if you are an interior design enthusiast and love a bit of boho in your life. And don’t forget: Life is better in Bikini! For more pictures & videos from Mallorca check out my highlight stories on Instagram!
This blog post has been brought to you in collaboration with Design Hotels. As always all opinions and photos are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands who support this blog!
Photography by Igor Josifovic
Bikini Island & Mountain Hotels
Ericus 1
20457 Hamburg
Germany
info@bikini-hotels.com
bikini-hotels.com