Just one massage on vacation is not enough

Romy Johlke on new wellness trends and favorite places on the Balearic island

What has changed in the newly renovated spa?

The spa has remained small and personal. However, the rooms have been enlarged. There are now three treatment rooms with private relaxation zones that open out onto nature. The steam bath and sauna now also have windows with a view of nature. We have many regular guests, even from outside. Up to four people per day can book packages with yoga, meditation, treatments and lunch.

You have developed your own line of cosmetics based on the prickly pear for the spa. Why this particular plant?

We wanted something very special, something exclusive that no one else had before.
Olive oil products or wine lines already exist. That's why we chose the prickly pear. There are plenty of them on Mallorca. It also grows here in the hotel's extensive gardens. Its leaves have always been used in Morocco and Mexico because they contain so much moisture - like aloe vera. We have also been using the leaves in our treatments for some time. Then, while researching, I discovered that there is also oil made from the seeds of the prickly pear. This has a fantastic anti-ageing effect on the skin - but also comes at a price. It takes 800 kilograms of seeds to produce one liter of oil! We have now found a producer in Murcia who supplies us with organically grown oil, which is then used in our exclusive Son Brull cosmetics line.


Sustainability and the environment are becoming increasingly important. This also seems to apply to you ...

The Son Brull Spa has always had very high quality standards. We only use organic products and make some of them ourselves from local ingredients. The laundry that is produced in the spa is also
washed locally, so there is no Co2 for transportation. And our oils do not go down the drain, but are recycled in oil containers.
Sustainability is very important to us.


What spa trends do you see for the future?

Even more quality, individuality and personal care! The concepts are also becoming more holistic: just a massage or a treatment on vacation is not enough. It is also becoming increasingly important to offer guests tips for further treatments at home. This food for thought is intended to raise awareness and encourage people to do something good for themselves not just on vacation.


What relaxes you personally best?

Peace and quiet and being alone. Meditating. Taking your time and simply enjoying the moment.


Your favorite place to relax on the island?

Hiking in the Tramuntana mountains in winter. The small village of Fornalutx near Sóller is particularly pretty. In summer, it's off to the beach: Playa
de Muro near Alcudia is a long, gently sloping beach that is also ideal for children.


Your favorite restaurant on the island?

Bistro Mar in the port of Alcudia.