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3 Things Bobby Berk Thought About Before Designing a Wellness Retreat
The famed designer made sure the spaces of Casa Mallorca were about more than looking good.
Interior designer and Emmy-winning “Queer Eye” star Bobby Berk is leaning into rejuvenation and restoration for this recent project, the complete renovation of a Palm Desert, California wellness retreat, dubbed Casa Mallorca. But before he could fully dive into the redesign, Berk needed to step back and consider some crucial elements.
The go-to tastemaker took a minute from his busy schedule to provide some in-progress photos of the property, as well as explain his approach for the project. Hear directly from Berk — including the three key factors he’s considering along the way — below.
All in-progress photos courtesy of Bobby Berk.
There is much more to consider than just paint, materials, and furnishings when designing a space. While the physical look is certainly important, I believe how a space makes you feel is just as crucial. For me, the design starts with a deeper, more intentional approach, and when it came to designing my new wellness retreat in the desert, Casa Mallorca, I thought about how each and every element would affect your mood and support the way people truly live, rest, and recharge. Before a single material was specified or a floor plan finalized, I’m sharing the three key things I thought about — and how those considerations shaped this project.
1. Add Amenities That Will Enhance Health and Wellbeing
The amenities at a wellness retreat aren’t just add-ons — they’re essential to how the space supports health and wellbeing on a daily basis. I focused on creating a mix of restorative and energizing features at Casa Mallorca that encourage both movement and recovery. A large pool and hot tub provide space for low-impact exercise and relaxation, while a cold plunge and sauna support circulation, muscle recovery, and stress reduction. The well-appointed gym and yoga area make it easy to maintain consistent fitness and mindfulness routines without leaving the property, and a pickleball court adds a social, joy-driven component to staying active.
2. Bring As Much Natural Light as Possible
At Casa Mallorca, I wanted to create not only a retreat but a place to unplug, recharge, and replenish your mind, body, and soul. That’s why bringing in as much natural light as possible to the interiors was so important to me. Natural light has a proven effect on your mental well-being, improving energy and boosting your mood. To optimize natural light, I opted for Marvin Ultimate and Modern collection windows and doors. They offered an ideal selection that not only worked with the style of the property but also allowed us to go as large as possible and really let the light in. An entire wall of sliding glass doors in the dining area and large windows in all the bedrooms will certainly bring in lots of serotonin-increasing sunshine — and showcase the beautiful desert landscape too.
3. Connect the Design to Nature
Speaking of desert landscape, the environment surrounding Casa Mallorca offers endless inspiration, and a sense of calm and connection. When it came to choosing materials for this project, I looked right outside the door and went with options that would complement and enhance the beauty of the natural surroundings. I added rustic flagstone pavers to the pool surround, opting for a material that blended in beautifully and had an organic feel. The tile used in all the bathrooms reflects color palettes drawn from the landscaping (which is quite similar to the island of Mallorca, where the project gets its name). And naturally, the landscaping itself is intended to be wild and native. I’m bringing in species of cacti, succulents and other desert varieties that grow in the area and will provide lush and private grounds made for natural connections.
Ultimately, designing any space is about being intentional — choosing elements that support how people want to feel, not just how a space looks. By thinking about these details, you create spaces that are stylish and suited to your unique way of living.