A bohemian beach haven – El Silencio Ibiza

Hugged by towering, rocky cliffs and lapped by water so clear you can see your toes through it, Cala Molí is a bastion of unspoilt, wild Ibiza. A pebbly cove where the clued-in come to escape the chaos of the island in midsummer, it’s bohemian to the core; the gem planted at the end of the long, winding road. Perched atop its shores is El Silencio Ibiza, a louche and laid-back beach club that’s cut from the same cloth, and by the same hand, as the famous Parisian nightclub of the same name. It’s a place where nature and art interact freely, unbridled by typical boundaries.

Born from the minds of French tastemakers Arnaud Frisch and Antoine Caton, El Silencio Ibiza is now in its third season, already entrenched as a must-visit on the island’s culinary map. Effortlessly intertwining gastronomy, service, music and art, to while away time here is to surrender to the elements, and in doing so to enter another realm of relaxation and creative inspiration. Whether dining in the stylish beachfront restaurant that’s enveloped by the sea breeze; reclining and dining around the laid-back swimming pool beneath palm-fringed parasols; or checking out of reality in the innovative installation space, exploration of the moment is encouraged.

To help guests into that distinctly unparalleled groove, El Silencio Ibiza has enlisted Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco, previously of highly decorated restaurant Mirazur on the Côte d’Azur, which was awarded three Michelin stars, to run the busy kitchen. Colagreco has designed a simple, seasonal menu inspired by the beach club’s convivial atmosphere; by the Spanish way of life, which whisks him back to the warm embrace of his home country; and by the crystal-clear sea, which while crashing gently into sand and shingle, somehow interweaves with the deepest depths of his imagination, reemerging as a deliciously formed plate.

Typical Spanish traditions such as sharing are dutifully honoured at El Silencio Ibiza with a range of flavour-packed tapas and hearty salads that can be delivered to your table, or your daybed by the pool. Try the now-famous heritage tomato salad — made with Ibiza’s homegrown produce — plus peach, verbena, candied lemons, ginger, almonds and pistachios, or for refreshing respite on a warm summer’s day, tuck into the lush watermelon salad with cucumber, avocado, feta cheese, red onion and coriander. For something indulgent, there’s nothing better than the creamy burrata salad, served with tomatoes, cherries, anchovies and pine nuts. All classics reinvigorated with flourish, these dishes taste best with the sun’s golden rays slicing through the restaurant’s straw-topped canopy.

Raw ingredients are treated with precision delicacy at El Silencio Ibiza. Think classic Peruvian ceviche made with catch of the day, then served with tiger milk and cancha corn; pert oysters served simply with red wine vinegar and shallots; and hamachi sashimi accompanied by local herb ponzu gel, gomasio and toasted sesame. Decadence continues at the grill, with flamed Ibicencan lobster served simply with alioli sauce, salt and lemon so that its natural sweetness shines through, and wood-fired king crab legs served luxuriously with brown butter, trout roe, chives and zesty sudachi sauce.

Continuing his passion for clay-pot cooking, Colagreco uses an ancient-inspired clay oven to breathe a certain smokiness into other parts of the El Silencio Ibiza menu. Sicilian aubergine is baked and served with smoked Scamorza foam, tomato, basil and sweet fried shallots; veggie lasagne is bursting with tasty fillings like spinach, tomatoes, onions, aubergine and mozzarella, and pizza is luxuriously adorned with truffle, fior de latte mozzarella, and spring onions. Toes dug deep into the sand beneath the table, eyes looking out toward the horizon, dining on these dishes, amid the aromas of salt and flame, is like stepping back in time.

Moving onto main courses, fish dishes include grilled turbot with pil-pil sauce, mashed potatoes, olive oil and chives, and extravagant linguini with lobster, with a luxe lobster and saffron fricassee. Cuts of meat El Silencio Ibiza are of the finest quality – try the melt-in-your-mouth lamb shoulder served with Basquaise sauce with olives, meat jus, espelette pepper and fresh herbs, or the butter-soft Wagyu beef sirloin steak with Creole sauce, romesco and shallot jus. Pair with an abundance of sides like grilled sweet potatoes drenched in herb butter, and the mouth-watering spring onion gratin with chunky chorizo and Parmesan.

It shouldn’t need to be said but be sure to leave room for dessert because El Silencio Ibiza boasts one of the most extensive selections anywhere on the island. The churros with dulce de leche, chocolate sauce and whipped cream are hard to beat, but the hibiscus and lemon infused melon carpaccio with Batak’s black lemon sorbet is an invigorating alternative. There’s a touch of Argentinian heritage in the dulce de leche fan, made according to Colagreco’s traditional family recipe – a comforting nod to the past to those who grew up with this sweet treat. Alternatively, sip on a liquid dessert, with a well-curated range of spectacular wines, champagnes and cava also available.

After sunset at El Silencio Ibiza, the lilac skies give way to starlit nights, and guests arrive – whether straight from a hazy beach day or as a pre-party destination – ready for post-sunset dinners in one of the most beautiful destinations in Ibiza. A well-curated soundtrack sets the scene as the venue transforms from day to night – let the Balearic atmosphere and bohemian ambience inspire you. This is Ibiza at its very best, and there’s not a single moment to lose before the summer slips away…

A new chapter for Playa d’en Bossa – Playa Soleil

For some time now, the buzzing beachside town of Playa d’en Bossa on Ibiza’s southern coastline has been undergoing a resurgence. While it’s always been a popular tourist hotspot, it’s now transformed into a slick seaside destination that draws a jet-setting crowd – think Miami but in microcosm form. The success of open-air venues like Ushuaïa Ibiza and its late-night sister nightclub Hï Ibiza – along with their accompanying bevy of eponymous hotels and restaurant spin-offs – undoubtedly have a lot to do with the area’s regentrification, and the brand’s expansion on those golden shores looks set to continue with the launch of all-new luxury beach club Playa Soleil.

Set on the seafront at the very centre of the beach (the location was home to Bora Bora in its heyday), this prime piece of frontline real estate has been given a glamorous reinvention, shaking up Bossa’s golden shores for the better. A collaboration between some of the island’s most influential hospitality pioneers, Playa Soleil is a summer oasis where sunshine, sophistication and style effortlessly entwine. The spacious beach club is divided into a series of distinct spaces, each with its own characteristic mood designed to ignite the five senses. Whether you’re chilling out and sunbathing on luxe daybeds, dining with friends and family in one of the many restaurant spaces, or dancing barefoot in the sand to world-class music, this is a place for new memories to be made.

With famed island nightlife promoter The Night League (the brand behind Hï Ibiza and Ushuaïa Ibiza’s signature parties) curating its events, Playa Soleil has been popular with the high-glam party set since day one. There are three unique spaces to enjoy spectacular soundscapes within the venue: beachfront restaurant Playa Chica, covered terrace dining space Le Restaurant – described as the beating heart of Playa Soleil, where the vibes pick up around dusk with some of the best international and local DJs – and Maison Musique, the venue’s divine indoor club space where an inspiring selection of electronic musical talent perform behind the stunning carved stone DJ booth with the state-of-the-art sound at the venue’s flagship events all summer long.

Wednesdays belong to the All I Need crew, fronted by island favourite Andrea Oliva, who is joined on a rotating basis by the likes of Nico de Andrea, Cristina Tosio, Afshin Momadi and more. On Fridays, Israeli maestro Guy Gerber returns with his much-loved Rumors party, alongside superstar DJs like Nic Fanciulli, Shahar and Talón. And on Sundays, end the week with Palmarama, where dancing atop sand comes courtesy of an eclectic bunch of invited DJs, with special appearances by big names like Luciano, who kicked off the opening event, and none other than the revered Sven Väth, who’ll be spinning the Playa Soleil soundtrack on Sunday, August 20, 2023.

The beauty of Playa Soleil is that it’s much more than just the sum of its parts. Simultaneously a hub for carefully curated music, food, art and holistic practices, the gorgeous beach club offers a multi-sensorial experience designed to nourish mind, body and soul. It’s a must-visit for the world’s free-spirited creatives, who instantly feel at home in its surrounds. While dusk-till-dawn dancing is de rigueur, it’s the quieter areas of the venue where you’ll discover the new soul, spirit and serenity of the venue, starting with the palm-fringed paradise of Les Palmiers. Here, heavenly Balinese beach beds are designed for pure relaxation – ideal for couples or groups of friends alike – and all you need to do is lie back and order cocktails.

Nearby, Les Dunas is an intimate, shaded premium bar designed to encourage deep conversation and the forging of new friendships, thanks to its concave design and shaded, handcrafted seating. By day, it’s laid-back luxury – by night, firepits add a sizzling ambience. Knowing not all beach days are alike, Playa Soleil also boasts the ultimate beach club hangout dubbed Playa Grande, where hammocks are strewn between palm trees, 80 stylish sunbeds and 50 luxurious double daybeds are lined up to ensure unobscured Mediterranean views, and laid-back tunes spun by talented selectors waft among the sea breeze. Beach kits and safety deposit boxes allow you to relax in style, while the service is no less than impeccable.

Head to Oasis for a peaceful and relaxed dining experience, surrounded by exotic cacti and succulents while gazing out to sea, or for a feast with high vibes, head to Playa Chica, where world-class gastronomy is served beneath bamboo parasols and billowing sails. The beautifully curated menu is an ode to the finest quality, locally sourced and organic ingredients, prepared with precision craft. Snacks at Playa Soleil include decadent treats like plump oysters with caviar and vinaigrette; squid Andalusian style with zesty lemon mayonnaise; and gourmet sandwiches piled high with luxe fillings like Stracciatella and caviar, and Japanese Wagyu with red cabbage and barbecue sauce. Don’t miss the expansive sushi platters or the hearty, traditional paella to share among the table, just add lobster for a luxurious twist.

For the ultimate Playa Soleil gastronomic experience, reserve a table at Le Restaurant, a shaded terrace dining room where Imperial Caspian Osetra Caviar is served with arepas and crème fraîche; marinated Galician rubia beef is sliced thinly like a fine ham; and silky-smooth grilled aubergine is brought to life by cool tzatziki, pomegranate and caramelised hazelnut. Sushi makes the perfect interval on a day spent splitting time between sea and sun, and the Playa Soleil selection is hard to beat. The classic California rolls, made with sweet crab, mango and cucumber are irresistible; the flambé tuna tataki is tender and served with serranita sauce; and the tasty salmon nigiri is a melt-in-the-mouth morsel you’ll never forget.

Days spent lazing on the silky sand are thirsty work so to satiate guests’ thirst, Playa Soleil boasts a menu of exquisite signature cocktails. Mediterranean Dreams pays homage to Ibiza’s abundant flavours, blending Bacardi rums with star anise, orange, cinnamon and pear; the Caletta Express reinvigorates the classic Ibiza drink café caleta by combining it with Zacapa 23 rum, herbal liqueur and fragrant vanilla; and the Fiero Spritz is a refreshing concoction of Martini Fiero, elderflower liqueur, Prosecco and mint. A fine selection of Champagne is also available, as well as fruity-fresh jugs of Sangria, and non-alcoholic smoothies and juices.

Be sure to stop off at Le Boutique, where a veritable treasure trove of hand-picked pieces from island designers and bohemian brands sit alongside hand-crafted organic products – an elevated type of souvenir that certainly eclipses the sarongs and beaded bracelets of Bossa in years gone by. And if you have little ones in tow, they’re also welcome to enjoy the sights and delights of Playa Soleil at Mini Playa – a kids’ club like no other in Ibiza. Open daily from midday until 6pm, children aged between four and nine years old are welcome to take part in face painting, arts and crafts, games and much more as they make new friends from all corners of the globe under the watchful eyes of the expert team.

As Ibiza’s famous sunset begins to take hold of the skies and the horizon blushes, an altogether different atmosphere settles over Playa Soleil. Relaxed vibes make way for excited anticipation, as the line-up of world-renowned international DJs, special guests and exceptional performers take to the stage beneath the Balearic stars. The sound waves rebound across Le Restaurant and Maison Musique – which also features exclusive VIP areas and services – and continue well into the night. A space in which to rest, eat, dance, and soak up all the elements that continue to make the white isle completely unique, Playa Soleil is reimagining Playa d’en Bossa in a new light.

Clandestine encounters – El Silencio Ibiza Cabaret

Ibiza morphs into a different beast after dark. The crisp blue lines of the horizon become hazy; sea salt clings to the body, prickling the skin; and a hush-hush, clandestine atmosphere is ushered in. Anything can happen on a hot Balearic night, when every second brings fresh opportunities to the fore and the air crackles with possibility. These are unequivocal facts at chic Ibiza beach club, El Silencio Ibiza, on Cala Molí. Set on the sands of a usually quiet cove on the island’s southwest coast, come twilight, it twists and transforms into El Silencio Ibiza Cabaret, where world-class performers contort and writhe for the sensorial pleasure of a select few.

Hidden behind a heavy green velvet curtain that shrouds the spectacle still to come after dinner, El Silencio Ibiza Cabaret unfolds in a low-lit space on the beach club’s upper terrace. Walls and ceilings are painted in lucid tones of turquoise, purple and orange, and in the centre of it all rises a giant, phallus-shaped installation adorned in mirror ball tiles, glistening in the kaleidoscopic light. Tight-knit tables are peppered across the floor, a low ceiling evokes the feeling of being in a slightly sleazy, Parisian backstreet bar, and the stage sits at eye-level, within touching distance of eager and excitable spectators.

First brought to life from the wildly vivid imagination of Rodolphe Salis, who unleashed the now infamous Le Chat Noir on to the streets of Montmartre back in 1881, the concept of cabaret was initially deemed too off-the-wall for the well-to-do residents of Paris. But for the city’s slew of bohemian-minded artists, writers, poets, and philosophers, it promised a kind of exoticism that was hard to resist. Providing a nightclub experience where contemporary music entwined with performance, erotica and shadow play, it was the beginning of a new era for entertainment – one that would play out in Ibiza, at El Silencio Ibiza Cabaret, over 100 years later.

Today, creative powerhouse and multi-hyphenate Ali Madhavi has reimagined the idea in the creation of El Silencio Ibiza Cabaret. Artistic consultant to celebrities including Dita von Teese, Karl Lagerfeld and Kylie Minogue, as well as high-end fashion houses like Balmain, Thierry Mugler, Jean Paul Gaultier and Agent Provocateur, he cites a fascination with the human body and the exuberance of beauty, as well as the fantastic and subconscious realms, as influences. Respected across multiple genres, including photography and filmmaking, each visual element forms a pillar of the captivating show that unfurls at the legendary beach restaurant.

A groundbreaking production in which tradition and modernity collide, El Silencio Ibiza Cabaret plunges spectators into an immersive world conjured by Madhavi and his right-hand man, Djanis Bouzyani. Whisked on a journey that merges the ambience of Le Chabanais, a luxurious French bordel, with the seedy, post-Franco underground of Spain’s La Movida, every night, six sensational performers take to the diminutive stage in six distinct productions. No two nights are ever the same, as world-class artistes improvise and respond to stimulus from the crowd, weaving their way from stage to floor to aerial hoop in fluid motion to the hypnotic sounds of a soundtrack that wouldn’t be out of place in an episode of Euphoria.

The night’s proceedings are led by the divinely dramatic performance artist Mina Serrano, whose slinky, figure-hugging gown is painted with vignettes of intertwined body parts (mirroring the evocative prints on the ceiling and the floor), and whose playful ribbing of the crowd deepens as the night darkens ¬– be warned: she speaks multiple languages, so no one is safe from her suggestive soliloquies. Drinks flow freely as Mina meanders through the maze of tables at El Silencio Ibiza Cabaret, introducing an ever-evolving parade of performers whose talents range from pole dance and flamenco to classic burlesque striptease and daring acrobatic feats – each carefully crafted movement more sensual and intriguing than the last.

Though the staging at El Silencio Ibiza Cabaret is minimal — all eyes here are on the voluptuous curve of a silhouette or the sky-high heel of a stiletto thanks to expertly wielded lighting – abstract visuals can transport the crowd to something akin to a David Lynch set. Picture a veiled cinema screen with a live action film noir scene being acted out in the moment. Two magnificent burlesque dancers appear, dressed in classic French trench coats; cigarettes languidly hanging from their mouths as smoke snakes around their necks. They begin to strip, slowly, removing one item of clothing at a time, until eventually, just the dewy reflection of skin glowing beneath the light remains.

On other occasions, El Silencio Ibiza Cabaret plays host to solo performers, with dazzling artists defying gravity as they fly through the air, limbs wrapped seductively around an aerial hoop or strategically placed pole. One statuesque beauty sports a towering pair of perspex platform heels and heads out on stage to tempt the crowd with a trance-like simulation of sensual self-gratification, before reaching a breathy, hypnotic climax, while another performer, glistening in equal parts body oil and silver shimmer, dons a diamante-encrusted g-string before swinging up and down a pole with deft. At other times, trios take the spotlight, a jumble of mesmerisingly entangled body parts symbolic of the salacious acts that usually take place in secret.

When they’re not performing, members of the beautiful cast pop up in unexpected places – at behind the bar, in the crowd, at the tables – before graciously heading back to the stage to take a well-deserved bow at the end of the night. The crowd is kissed, embraced and thanked, and as the curtain falls, they snake their way out onto the terrace to mingle with their now adoring fans – sheer stockings, high heels and red lips silhouetted in the moonlight. Exclusive but never exclusionary, there are two showings at El Silencio Ibiza Cabaret each night at 9.30pm and 11.30pm, and though everyone is welcome, seating is limited.

Bringing flashes of ebullience to the island in the style of Crazy Horse or Moulin Rouge, El Silencio Ibiza Cabaret is a dazzling addition to Ibiza’s cultural line-up, and a fine example of the unique creative vision of the beach club’s founders, Parisian tastemakers Arnaud Frisch and Antoine Caton. While you’re there, be sure to check out DJ and producer Dan Ghenacia’s immersive installation, The Oracle, a 15-minute sensory journey guided by unique soundscapes and frequencies that conjures similar emotions to a psychedelic trip – the perfect pre-amble to your cabaret experience. A slice of sultry Paris on Ibiza’s pristine shores, open minds will relish this prismatic experience.

Echoes of euphoria

‘In times of change, learners inherit the earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.’ Great philosopher Eric Hoffer’s theory has been proven time and time again throughout history and as we shift into the new age, a new breed of learners is emerging in Ibiza as they instigate, inspire and facilitate much-needed change. A positive change is brewing on the south-western shores of Cala Moli, thanks to the powerhouse collective behind innovative new beach restaurant El Silencio.

A decade after iconic Parisian brand Silencio opened the doors to its first avant-garde private club – personally designed by cult filmmaker David Lynch, no less – deep underground in the artsy 18^th arrondissement of Montmatre, the brand brings its independent spirit and untamed soul to Ibiza through the creation of an all-new beach house. More than simply a restaurant, a bar or a venue, El Silencio is an experiential hangout, designed for local and global creatives to come together and establish meaningful connections beneath the Balearic sun and stars. A sanctuary for soul searching and a magnet for creativity, this new venture is a return to the halcyon days of old, as we collectively navigate today’s altered reality.

El Silencio is comprised of three spaces – a beach restaurant, a poolside contemporary tapas and cocktail bar and a chill-out and art installation area – but the paradisiacal destination is so much more than the sum of its parts. Described by Silencio founder and owner Arnaud Frisch as ‘a new kind of experience – a beautiful mess that rekindles the laid-back, interconnected vibe of the 70s, where all ages and backgrounds mix and will want to spend hours together,’ El Silencio evokes nostalgia, hope and bliss. Simplicity, quality, comfort and connectivity are at its heart – here, freedom, inclusivity and happiness reign.

While the original Silencio and its subsequent pop-ups at Miami Art Basel, Cannes Film Festival, Venice Biennale and London’s Serpentine Gallery Future Contemporaries are the embodiment of modernity, opulence and eccentricity, the Ibiza outpost sits gently and harmoniously within its environment. El Silencio is intentionally pared-back and at one with nature, its founding design principle guided by the desire to embrace EL Silencio’s history as a bohemian beach shack. Mallorca-based architects MOREDESIGN were enlisted to breathe new life into the once-revered location, using traditional and local materials throughout the project to result in an impeccably authentic venue that is reflective of its completely unspoilt location.

A return to comfort is echoed in the cuisine concept at El Silencio, where luminary French Chef Jean Imbert and the inimitable Pharrell Williams have adapted their successful ToSHARE St Tropez restaurant concept for the Balearic foodie community. Think wholesome and hearty beach eats, made with locally sourced products and using time-honoured techniques with a contemporary twist. Imbert is no stranger to nostalgia – many of his recipes are an homage to his ‘Mamie’ (grandmother) – and his interpretation of Mediterranean classics bring the flavours of Ibiza directly to your plate. Or to your eco-friendly takeaway vessels, should you prefer to go old school and dine picnic-style on the golden sands of Cala Moli.

Lovers of ToSHARE will be thrilled to see some of Imbert’s classic dishes on the menu at El Silencio, including Jean’s Avocado (if you know, you know) and refreshing melon with sweet pepper, while other highlights include potato waffles with guacamole, a sweet and savoury strawberry and feta salad, plus clams in sweet pepper butter. Naturally, French oysters make an appearance and the rest of the menu sings with freshness, simplicity and flavour. Think the freshest razor clams in the Med, an amazing combo of pulpo, alioli and padron peppers, arroz a banda (served two ways), Iberian pork with sweet potato and chorizo and Mamie’s Ratatouille, made with the catch of the day (and love). Be sure to save room for Churros ‘Silencio’ and and ToSHARE’s signature Cookie for dessert – although whether you will want to share is a conundrum …

When it came to enlisting a mixologist for El Silencio, Argentian-born, Madrid-based ‘coctelero’ Diego Cabrera skyrocketed to the top of the list of contenders. The owner of Salmon Guru – known as one of the top 50 bars in the world – has long been renowned for his unconventional approach to cocktails and it seemed only fitting he do the honours here in Ibiza. With names such as Orange Blossom, Ultramarine and One of Us, it’s clear the vanguard mixologist has taken inspiration from the white isle for many of his creations, although some of his most-loved signature cocktails – including the Tanqueray-based Pichi Fizz and the rum-infused Dragon’s Daughter – have also island-hopped onto the menu.

Whether you’re imbibing, dining or simply escaping to relax, it’s impossible to leave El Silencio without stopping for a pit-stop in the chill-out area, where a charging station, co-working space and pop-up shop curated by local artists all encourage you to linger longer. It’s here you’ll also witness the majesty of the large-scale, art installation by Ibiza artist Miranda Makaroff dubbed ‘The Octopus Visit’ – an incredible immersive piece inspired by a real-life experience by the multi-disciplinary artist in the azure waters of nearby Formentera. Bold, vibrant, unconventional and fun, Makaroff describes it as retro-surrealistic and in a way, the piece also harks back to Ibiza’s creative heyday, when artists would flock to her shores, inspired by nature, community and that famous golden light.

Speaking of Ibiza’s sunlight, Cala Moli also happens to be one of the island’s unsung sunset destinations. Decades after the Ibiza sunset craze sparked a thousand chill-out mixes around the world, this west-coast cove still remains, surprisingly, a local’s sunset secret – one that El Silencio plans to honour. Like its Parisian namesake, El Silencio will present a rich and varied cultural programme throughout the summer evenings, from film screenings and special events to musical soundscapes carefully curated by none other than globally renowned audiophile Arman Naféei – the man responsible for the musical direction of hotelier André Balazs’ famed venues, including The Boom Boom Room at The Standard Hotels, Sunset Beach in the Hamptons, Chiltern Firehouse in London and the enduring Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, where he remains the ‘Directeur d’Ambiance’.

As we stand on the precipice between the old and the new Ibiza, there’s no question El Silencio has one foot firmly planted in the island’s future, while ever-so-skillfully recalling the euphoria of its past. The learned have once again become the learners – respecting history and heritage, anticipating great change and evolving with the needs of the global creative community – as they present this new concept and help to write the next chapter in Ibiza’s colourful history. Summer 2021 is just the beginning…

A laid-back evolution

They say the only constant is change, and never has this saying been more apparent than in the Ibiza beach club scene. With each new year comes new players, new concepts, new looks, new people and new vibes – while well-established places continue to grow and evolve, building on their existing reputations to maintain their loyal. Beachouse Ibiza falls into the latter category – over the last two seasons, the renowned Playa d’en Bossa beach club has undergone a quiet evolution as it developed into a venue that is far more laid-back, gentler, quieter and, well, more grown-up than it was in previous years.

Situated toward the south end of Playa d’en Bossa, widely known among islanders as ‘the nicer part,’ of this lengthy expanse of coastline, Beachouse Ibiza is nestled into the sand dunes and accessed on foot by a sun-bleached slatted wooden walkway. Stepping through its spacious and airy entrance invites a feeling of cool calmness – a world away from its initial ‘up-for-it’ vibe. Much like the rite of passage of many Ibiza visitors, whose early trips to the island are all about high-voltage fun on very little sleep, but who then mature and come back with a more low-key agenda that involves fewer late nights and more wellness and rest, Beachouse Ibiza has relaxed into its maturity with sophistication and style.

When it opened its doors in 2014, Beachouse Ibiza quickly gained a reputation for hedonistic beach parties with top name DJs drawing a lively and fun-loving crowd of visitors – packed to the rafters and spilled out across the sand. These days, Beachouse Ibiza opens early with a 9.30am yoga class held on the sand in front of the sparkling sea. Refreshingly, there is no charge for the session, but participants are invited to make a donation, with the proceeds donated to a non-profit organisation that coordinates beach clean-up initiatives across the island. Breakfast is served from 10am until 12.30am and includes fresh croissants and sweet pancakes, muesli, granola and fresh fruit, traditional Spanish tostadas or organic local eggs that can be poached or scrambled as you like, with truffles or salmon, or served Benedict style. A vegetarian breakfast with halloumi and corn crepes, grilled tomatoes, spinach and shiitake mushrooms is a creative option for those with a larger morning appetite.

In keeping with its softer and more gentle incarnation, Beachouse Ibiza has transformed its outside space into a temple of the permanently supine. Countless loungers and daybeds invite you to remain horizontal for the duration of your visit, with rustic natural seagrass umbrellas shading the comfortable beachfront loungers, lending a distinctly Yucatan Peninsula feel, as they hiss and whisper in the coastal breeze. When you add a delicious cocktail with a similar Mexican flavour, such as the El Guru blend of tequila, dark rum, almond syrup and lime, or the zingy Ayur Vida mix of Mezcal with grapefruit, lime and passionfruit, you could easily be transported to a beach in Tulum, that favourite off-season location where many islanders head to in the winter months.

When you head inside to the spacious, cool interior at Beachouse Ibiza for lunch, you can sense that this is a place that has comfortably matured into its laid-back groove. Perfectly appointed to impress, with stripped wood, natural materials such as hessian and wicker, plush sofas laid out in social clusters and large tables that are perfect for groups having long, lazy lunches all illustrate the effortless sophistication of an established venue.

Lunch at Beachouse Ibiza begins at 12.30pm and head chef Ezequial Brazfrom has designed a menu of Mediterranean excellence; there are no tricks or gimmicks here – just an exceptional standard of quality local produce, expertly and creatively prepared and presented. It’s gastronomy purist’s dream, where authentic ingredients and concise flavours are allowed to shine. The grill section is all about the freshest of seafood, such as octopus, king prawns and lobster and sea bass, while meat-lovers can choose from prime cuts of fillet or entrecote steak, along with chuletas de cordero – Spanish spring lamb chops – or the juiciest organic free-range chicken.

In keeping with the idea that the day will be spent horizontally, the Beachouse Ibiza menu also features an inventive selection of sharing platters that are perfect to be enjoyed from a daybed or lounger. Of course, the plan for an indulgent day of pure relaxation, lounging and snoozing in the sun is easy if you’re travelling kid-free, but if you’ve got little ones in tow, take advantage of Little Beachouse – a kids’ club which is open daily with a creative programme of arts and crafts, face-painting and puppet shows and even kids yoga, to keep them amused while some uninterrupted blissful peace is had. There’s also a kids’ menu to tick the family friendly box when it comes to mealtimes.

The evolution of Beachouse Ibiza is chic and inspired, with an essence of feet-in-the-sand chill-out and lazy summer vibes. Those who feel nostalgic for the old days will be happy to know the party spirit is still there in the background – this is Ibiza, the island of hedonistic beach fun after all! Pop-up events and parties with live music take place every month throughout summer at Beachouse Ibiza – events with a distinctly global appeal, fusing international musicians, DJs and gastronomy. As well as it being a constant, they also say change is as good as a holiday, and the changes at Beachouse Ibiza reflect the ultimate in luxury holiday experiences.

Fusion with flair

Ibiza foodies, listen up! There’s a hot new must-visit restaurant on Ibiza’s gastronomic map, a stunning beach restaurant where the food is equally as exquisite as the view – and when you see the jaw-dropping view over Cala Tarida, you’ll know that’s really saying something about the quality at Cotton Beach Club.

Having travelled the world many times over, founders (and self-confessed health freaks!) Christian and Merete Marstrander knew exactly the menu concept they wanted when opening their own beach club in May 2014. More than just a modern fusion menu, they wanted to take the very best elements and dishes from their favourite international destinations and give them a uniquely Ibiza twist, to appeal to both local and international diners.

Upon meeting head chef Marcelo Eufrosino Rodrigues – who hails from Brazil originally but has worked all around the globe – their vision became a reality: a beach club menu that offers something to tempt all tastebuds. Above all, the focus is on creating each dish with the highest quality produce and ingredients – Marcello sources the very best local and seasonal fruits and vegetables where possible.

The menu takes diners on a trip around the world via deluxe salads, ultra-fresh seafood, rich meats and classic burgers, traditional rice dishes and pasta, plus a special nod to the restaurant’s Spanish heritage with a small selection of tapas dishes to share.

For those seeking a truly authentic Spanish experience, Paella Valenciana will sate your appetite or you can snack on pimientos de padron dusted in parmesan cheese, indulge in patatas bravas or share a plate of Iberico ham and local cheeses while you peruse the rest of the menu…

Fancy a visit to Italy? The creamy, lush burrata fuses the famous cheese flown in especially to Cotton beach Club with a range of local tomatoes, while the risotto of mushroom, parmesan and white truffle will blow your mind… and your tastebuds! Detour via France for some saffron mussels, pop over to Brazil for chef Marcello’s mama’s very own grilled squid recipe, or the classic method of grilling steak with pineapple and enjoy a taste of the Orient with stir fries, coconut-infused curried tiger prawns with mago and papaya, melt-in-your-mouth salmon sashimi and more.

Fusing the owners’ Norwegian heritage with a little Peruvian and Nikkei style cuisine is the amazing salmon ceviche, with the chef’s signature passionfruit salsa or the custom-created filet of cod stuffed with tiger praws and drenched in a homemade orange sauce.

“We spent two and a half months trying, testing and tasting every dish on the menu until it was perfect,” says Christian. It’s a tough job, but someone had to do it. And trust us… you’ll want to save some room for dessert!