A highly experienced physiotherapist specialising in injury recovery and elite sports treatment, Salvador Martín shares the fundamental principles behind his protocols in this interview. His dedication to improving his patients’ quality of life, combined with his deep knowledge of sports physiotherapy and rehabilitation, has made him a leading figure in his field. His practice at Bahía Wellness Retreat, the exclusive spa of the iconic Bahía del Duque hotel, part of The Tais Hotels & Villas, is a testament to his expertise in providing cutting-edge treatments.
We spoke with Salvador about his beginnings, how he became part of the Bahía del Duque family, and the nature of his work. Through this interview, you will get to know the person behind one of the hotel’s most sought-after and exclusive services.
From sports physiotherapy to a luxury wellness environment
From the outset, Salvador has focused on helping his patients recover from injuries and optimise their physical performance. After specialising in sports rehabilitation, he decided to bring his expertise to a setting where personalisation and attention to detail are the key.
“The spa at Bahía del Duque in Tenerife is unique and provides an exceptional environment for recovery. Here, we combine advanced physiotherapy, manual therapy, and the benefits of thalassotherapy to maximise our guests’ well-being,” explains Salvador.
How did you become a physiotherapist, and what were the first steps in your career?
“The rewarding experience of being part of a patient’s recovery and seeing their progress led me to study physiotherapy and train to help people achieve their health goals. I began my career in public healthcare and, after several years, transitioned into sports physiotherapy.”
How has your professional journey evolved over the years, and what led you to work in such an exclusive setting as Bahía Wellness Retreat?
“Physiotherapy is a profession centred on enhancing people’s quality of life by helping them recover from injuries. Bahía Wellness Retreat offers a fantastic environment for achieving well-being, which is why I aimed to establish a service with highly skilled rehabilitation professionals. Here, patients can benefit from an outstanding thalassotherapy circuit.”
A holistic and personalised approach
What sets Salvador’s work at Bahía Wellness Retreat apart is his comprehensive approach to each treatment. His team does not limit sessions by time but tailors them to each client’s specific needs. His method not only addresses physical recovery but also considers the impact of stress and the importance of proper rest for effective rehabilitation.
What distinguishes your approach to physiotherapy from more conventional services?
“We always focus on the individual goals of each person and adapt the session accordingly. We have excellent facilities, fantastic weather, and most importantly, the time to listen to our patients and design the sessions we believe are most suitable.”
How important is overall well-being (both body and mind) in the treatments you offer?
“A holistic view of people means we cannot focus only on the physical aspects. To optimise sports performance and muscle recovery, a combination of stress management techniques, therapeutic exercise, quality rest, and proper nutrition is essential.”
How do you adapt your treatments to the individual needs of each client at Bahía Wellness Retreat?
“The approach to the same injury will vary depending on each person’s needs. For example, a young professional golfer’s injury requires a different treatment from that of an elderly individual or a mother recovering her mobility after childbirth. Pain is debilitating for everyone, but in non-athletes, we prioritise pain relief, whereas for an athlete, our focus is on developing a preventative plan to avoid future injuries.”
Success stories in the rehabilitation of professional athletes
Throughout his career, Salvador has worked with top international athletes, helping them overcome injuries and enhance their performance. He recalls a particular case of a runner who arrived with chronic lower back pain, seeking only a massage.
“After a thorough assessment, we designed a treatment plan that included muscle strengthening, corrective exercises in the gym, and pool sessions. Within just four days, he went from uncertainty to being fully convinced that movement and active rehabilitation were key to his recovery,” shares Salvador.
Innovation in well-being: The Hipnos programmes
Always at the forefront of recovery and relaxation treatments, Bahía del Duque, in collaboration with Salvador Martín and his team, has developed the exclusive Hipnos programmes, designed especially for guests staying in Las Villas. These programmes combine personalised physiotherapy treatments with the latest technology in muscle recovery and sleep optimisation.
The programmes also incorporate the Biow E-OX device, which enhances cellular oxygenation, reduces oxidative stress, and promotes restorative sleep. Additionally, each programme includes access to the spectacular outdoor thalassotherapy circuit at Bahía Wellness Retreat, as well as specialised treatments and tailor-made activities.
There are three Hipnos programmes, each tailored to different needs:
Hipnos 1: Purifying rest
Designed for those seeking deep relaxation and revitalisation, combining therapeutic massages with spa hydrotherapy sessions.
Hipnos 2: Active renewal
Ideal for those looking to balance rest with physical activity, incorporating Pilates sessions, mobility exercises, stretching, and sports massages.
Hipnos 3: Regenerative sleep
A comprehensive programme to improve sleep and muscle recovery, featuring sleep therapies, mobility sessions, and stretching exercises.
Each of these programmes is fully customisable and includes additional options such as nutritional advice, personal training, yoga, aquagym in the villa’s private pool, or lymphatic drainage sessions. Thanks to Salvador’s expertise, advanced sports physiotherapy techniques, and innovations in wellness and sleep optimisation, Bahía Wellness Retreat is the perfect destination to achieve balance between body, mind, and soul.
