Now that “the summer season is over”, and after carefully analysing what Mallorca has lived through these past months, one truth becomes undeniable: “sustainability is the only way forward” says Yannik Erhart, CEO of Universal Beach Hotels.
For decades, the island has carried the weight of mass tourism, often at the expense of its natural treasures and cultural identity. But a new chapter is being written—one where visitors and locals understand that less is more, and where respect is the true luxury.
This philosophy has long guided Universal Beach Hotels. Their commitment goes beyond hospitality: they actively promote a culture of responsibility, where guests not only enjoy their stay but also actively “contribute to protecting the island”. From joining in beach-cleaning initiatives to supporting local producers, their actions show that sustainable tourism is not a slogan—it’s a shared mission.
Sant Elm: Where Mallorca Still Breathes
One of the places where this mission truly resonates is Sant Elm, the small coastal village facing the natural reserve of Sa Dragonera (literally, “Dragon Island”), protected by UNESCO. Here, Universal Beach Hotels created AQUA, Mallorca’s first beach club hotel, and with it, a new way of experiencing slow life by the sea.
For me, it is deeply personal—Sant Elm is where I spent childhood summers with my family, and returning here after surviving Guillain-Barré and starting life again from zero feels like being born anew. Sitting at AQUA, gazing at Sa Dragonera, is not just relaxing—it’s healing.
But AQUA is more than a dream. It embodies a sustainable ethos: no plastics (in none of their hotels), a proud alliance with the organisation Cleanwave, km 0 ingredients from trusted local farmers, and a philosophy that values decent treatment towards animals and a deep respect for nature. Guests here don’t just consume; they learn, participate, and carry home a renewed awareness.
Colònia de Sant Jordi: A Sustainable Future in Motion
Further south, in Colònia de Sant Jordi, the transformation of the Universal Grand León & Spa – “El Don León de tota la vida” into a five-star hotel has brought both elegance and purpose. The atmosphere is welcoming, warm, and family-friendly—even the spa is open to children until 3pm, a rare invitation to share wellness as a family that I thought I would have to postpone for years ahead…
And then, there is BÀCORA, the house restaurant that has become nothing short of a culinary landmark in Colònia de Sant Jordi. By day, its menu celebrates the Mediterranean diet with fresh, seasonal, km 0 produce, while by night it transforms into a completely different dining experience, accompanied by live music and a creative, evolving gastronomy. BÀCORA proves that fine dining can remain rooted in local traditions, responsible sourcing, and ethical choices, avoiding excess and celebrating Mallorca’s natural bounty.
A Collective Awakening
After a season filled with challenges and opportunities, we can affirm that the guests themselves are proving the change. They are the ones collecting plastics from the shorelines, embracing refillable water stations, choosing sustainable menus, and rediscovering the richness of Mallorca beyond its clichés.
The path ahead is clear. To protect our island, our people, and our visitors, sustainability must not be an option—it must be the standard.
Universal Beach Hotels leads by example, and with every season that passes, they remind us: the future of Mallorca lies in conscious choices, authentic experiences, and a culture that places respect—towards nature, animals, and people—at its very heart. It is not a coincidence that Universal Beach Hotels’ sustainability roadmap extends until 2030. That date aligns with global environmental goals, but here in Mallorca it carries a deeper meaning: a commitment to safeguarding the island’s future as a territory, not just as a destination.
If all hotel groups adopted this level of responsibility, if sustainability were truly at the heart of every decision, the reality of Mallorca and the Balearic Islands would already be very different. The removal of plastics, alliances with organisations like Cleanwave, the integration of Km 0 produce, the respect shown towards nature and animals, and the creation of spaces where guests themselves participate in conservation - these are not isolated initiatives. They are pillars of a new tourism culture.
Of course, sustainability also means recognising limits. Mallorca cannot welcome an unlimited number of visitors without consequence. To ensure the island’s wellbeing, and to preserve its cultural and natural heritage for generations to come, growth must give way to balance. A future where quality is prioritised over quantity, and where visitors leave lighter footprints but deeper connections.
In this sense, the work of Universal Beach Hotels is not only pioneering - it is visionary. It shows us that sustainable hospitality is possible, and that by 2030, Mallorca could stand as a model for the Mediterranean: a place where tourism respects, protects, and enriches both the island and the people who call it home.