Rest and recharge at Es Cucons

Perhaps we notice that after months of sun-drenched, jam-packed schedules our minds feel a little frazzled, our bodies are a little achey, or our souls feel a little tired. And if we recognise these things in ourselves, we know it’s time to hit the reset button – that’s why stunning Ibiza Agroturismo Es Cucons is the perfect escape. A place to rest, relax and recharge, it provides sanctuary and motivation for those looking for fresh new energy this autumn. Located amid the rolling valleys of Ibiza’s lush countryside, Es Cucons is nestled among delicately branched almond trees that pepper the fertile hillside. The main building is a stunning 17th century farmhouse, and surrounding it are all manner of brightly-coloured, native flora, the twisted boughs of olive trees and ivy that weaves its way up walls. It’s a space with a strong connection to nature that remains luxurious at the core, making it the ideal venue for soothing body, mind, and soul, and for hosting regenerative retreats, of which there are many upcoming.

Es Cucons has been consummately homing retreats for the past few years, and with a range of events hosted by highly-trained external teachers and gurus, there’s ample opportunity to source one that’s right for you. For a week from September 30, 2018, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Inga Johannsen’s dynamic world of yoga, practising Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow or relaxing Yin yoga – set to be seven days of peaceful, blissed out heaven. Another week-long yoga retreat begins on October 7, 2018, this time hosted by Jen Warakomski who instils guests with the importance of self-care, self-empowerment and self acceptance. From October 13 to 20, 2018, Swiss yoga teacher Christine Rüegg guides a group in search of their inner light – an experience she says is made infinitely more simple thanks to the beautiful surroundings at Es Cucons. And from October 20 to 27, 2018, Annette Lengersdorf leads a retreat (taught in German), guiding guests step by step through a personal transformation process. Naturally, more retreat programs will be added to the schedule as the new year commences, but it’s worth remembering that at Es Cucons, you can also organise your very own carefully curated, private retreat, overseen by the hotel’s in-house yoga teacher and masseuse, Melanie Jane.

A therapist who’s trained over many years, Melanie Jane brings an undeniably calming, reassuring presence to the grounds of Es Cucons. An expert teacher of yoga and Pilates, she also specialises in a range of massage – each individually adapted to suit each client, and designed to instigate ultimate wellbeing. Relax with a lavish essential oil massage, for example, or for something more dynamic try the Thai Yoga massage, which incorporates Hatha yoga, acupressure and Shiatsu, in the process increasing energy and releasing stress. However long you decide to stay, Melanie Jane creates a special wellness package that meets all your needs. In fact, the idea is to view your unique retreat as a holiday of sorts, so come alone, come with your partner, or come with friends, and allow Melanie Jane to bring together all the elements that make this particular trip extra special – from cuisine, juices, treatments and classes, to hikes, meditation and sound baths, it’s all planned into a daily schedule that allows you to switch off, enjoy the setting, and most importantly, recharge those batteries, as and when you want to. The hotel also highly values its guests’ privacy and discretion – once you’ve checked in, you can expect peace, quiet and solitude.

When you’re not occupied with restorative treatments or sessions, toddle along to the Es Cucons wellness area soak up the tranquility of the sauna and whirlpool circuit, recline on a chill-out bed overlooking the beautiful valley, or hop on an electric bike and go in search of some of Ibiza’s most spectacular scenery.  Every experience at Es Cucons is simply magic, but here, there’s an emphasis on not restricting yourself – if you fancy a glass of wine at the end of your bike ride, do it! There’s no judgement here, and that really adds to the beauty of it. The good news is that once you’ve soaked up all the enchantment Es Cucons has to offer – setting yourself up for the impending cold months in the process – you can start to look towards spring, when the picture perfect almond blossom begins to bloom. Around this time of year, the hotel plans to host a conscious health weekender, which under the supervision of chef and nutritional host Adriana Molina, will include cooking lessons and fresh, tasty cuisine served every day, as well as additional Ayurvedic treatments from wellness expert Alba Castán, and daily yoga sessions overlooking the valley below courtesy of Melanie Jane.

Contact the hotel directly to find out more on potential dates – whether you’re treating yourself at the end of the 2018 season or giving yourself the gift of relaxation before the start of the 2019 season, Es Cucons and their team of wellness experts are there to guide you through the process.

Love outside the rules

While in the past it was used almost solely as a means to establish legal boundaries between man and woman, these days it’s considered more of a union (at least for the majority) – the joining together of two souls, in all their wonderfully diverse forms; the merging of two hearts and the jubilant celebration that follows. This spirit of marriage is very much alive and kicking on the white isle, and nowhere more so than at Aiyanna Ibiza, where laid-back declarations of love and commitment are par for the course. With a stunning seaside location on the island’s north-east coast, Aiyanna Ibiza is perfectly placed for the kind of easy, breezy wedding ceremony that so many couples yearn for. Set at the far end of Cala Nova – a long stretch of golden sand caressed by the softest blue Mediterranean waves – it’s drenched in sunshine by day, starlight by night, and always majestically framed by towering palm trees that sway according to the soothing swoosh of the zephyr. In short, it’s a venue that sings with sun-kissed nonchalance – the kind of place that begs for bohemian brides.

And so they come, in their droves, drawn like magnets to a setting that’s enchantingly interwoven with nature. Aiyanna Ibiza embodies an approach to marriage that lays aside any proper or pretentious guidelines dictated by tradition, instead allowing happy couples to mould the day into an event that allows them to truly express their feelings for one another. “Aiyanna isn’t traditional or formal,” explains events and wedding manager, Natalia G Mayoral. “Here it’s a barefoot affair – we encourage our couples to make the most of the elements around them.” That means taking a cue from the surrounding environment, so instead of white or black tie (though of course this can be arranged if you so desire), couples tend to go for a more casual dress code, with flowing robes, flower garlands and unbuttoned shirts – Ibiza in midsummer is hot after all, so it’s essential that bride, groom and guests are as relaxed and comfortable as possible. The ceremony itself is often carried out with a celebrant, so it’s more of a blessing than a civil ceremony, with sofas and cushions provided for everyone to lounge on as the vows unfold.

Some couples also choose to eschew a formal sit-down meal, replacing it instead with a more easy-going approach to dining. “After the ceremony we replace canapés on the terrace with our Ibérico station [a selection of Spanish cured ham, chorizo, cheese, bread and tomato and olives],” explains Natalia. “And then we offer a set menu for barbecues.” This includes mini burgers, marinated chicken, beef and pepper skewers, sausages, vegetables and potatoes all cooked on the grill, as well as a range of healthy dishes like quinoa salad and Ibicenco potato salad, breads and mezze, and finally, delicious desserts: “Happy food,” Natalia smiles. In spite of this casual attitude on the day, it’s all underpinned by impressive attention to detail and high level of service. “We are laid-back but professional,” says Natalia. “We’re never on top of our clients but you’ll never be short of a drink – our guys will notice!” In fact, she reveals that this method has proved one of Aiyanna Ibiza’s biggest selling points. “I am in charge of coordination on the day,” she adds. “But you won’t see me or my team unless you need to – we let everything flow the way our couples want, gently guiding it with our experience and presence.”

It’s worth mentioning that children are welcome at Aiyanna Ibiza, too – in fact their happiness on the day is rated as highly as everyone else’s. “In the past we’ve had kids’ corners with tepees,” says Natalia. “We make sure there’s plenty to keep them occupied.” In terms of music, the soundtrack is entirely down to the bride and groom, but live bands are often the perfect pairing with the chilled-out atmosphere. “We’ve had reggae, flamenco, all sorts,” Natalia says. “It’s entirely down to you to choose the vibe.” This cheerful, carefree advice sums up the Aiyanna Ibiza wedding experience. In the business of creating celebrations that glide through the hours with ease, the aim is always to build an event that everyone involved goes on to remember forever. Which all makes perfect sense, of course – love doesn’t follow the rules, so why should you? Photography by Marc de Groot

Making people happy

Thanks to social media and YouTube tutorials, hair and make-up styling tips are now available at the touch of a button. But when it comes to doing the job to an international standard, nothing can replace professional training and years of experience. Here in Ibiza, Louise Maxwell has both in abundance – and through her own creative agency, The Louise Maxwell Collective, she also connects her clients with other high-level professionals in the fashion, beauty and healing industries. Born in the UK, Louise has lived on the island since 2005, earning a reputation as the go-to stylist for visiting A-listers, international fashion brands and publications, as well as brides. Prior to relocating, she travelled the globe training other stylists for brands such as Toni & Guy, L’Oreal and Schwarzkopf and was twice winner of the British Hairdressing Awards. Today, her own kit leans towards a more conscious approach, embracing brands that are natural, organic, cruelty-free, sulphate-free and where possible, plastic-free.

“It’s not easy,” she says. “It takes time to find high-quality ethical products that perform consistently the way the big brands do. You have to question everything. Ideally, I’d love to use products that were all made organically in Ibiza – but we’re not there yet. So I do what I can, taking into account the industry I work in and the community I live in.” Developing this conscious approach has also seen Louise add professional holistic therapists to the Collective’s line-up of top hair stylists, make-up artists, yoga teachers and masseuses. “We have extremely high standards,” says Louise. “Creating the Collective was about bringing together people who are experts in their field. It’s not about finding people who can do a little bit of everything. These are dedicated specialists who work all around the globe with high-end fashion brands, international magazines and newspapers and celebrities.”

Recent editorial work by Louise and the Collective includes a cover shoot for Glamour NL, striking wedding looks in Beyond Bridal and forest location looks for Le Monde. Advertising campaigns include a chic beach shoot for luxury men’s sleep and loungewear label Derek Rose and styles for Ibiza-born fashion brand De La Vali, accessories brand Jerome Dreyfuss, and Pacha Kids. Luxury brand Loewe called on Louise’s services for its recent video work in Ibiza, and she was also commissioned to do the hair styling for a bohemian portrait of the acclaimed make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury, in addition to working with Los Angeles-based photographer Diana Gomez at Pikes.

With an eye for up-and-coming models and knowledge of all the island’s best (and most hidden) locations, Louise is also branching into the world of art direction and is available to advise on commercial or editorial photo shoots in Ibiza. “The end of the 2018 season and the lead-up to summer 2019 are ideal times for big brands, publications and agencies to visit for shoots,” she says. “The weather is perfect as it’s not too hot, all the best locations are free of people and traffic – and most importantly, the light is incredible.” For Louise personally, her work is all about making people happy. “I enjoy connecting with people and creating looks that bring out the best in them,” she explains. “That’s why I love doing this job – you make people feel good.”

Raindrops keep falling on my island…

I crave the days when the skies are black aside from the odd jagged lightning strike and the rain comes in the windows sideways; when all the drains in the plaza below my apartment overflow and cause calf-deep flash flooding (and chaos); when cars can’t actually move because all the roads seem to have temporarily disappeared underwater. I love those times when you see people in the street fighting a losing battle against their umbrellas turning inside out; when tourists beg local shopkeepers to give them bin bags to wear as protection; when eventually, those caught in the storm just give up and let themselves get soaked. Half the people who surrender look like they’re having the time of their lives, their eyes lit up with joy as their entire group of friends are doubled over with laughter, water streaming down their faces and their clothes completely drenched. The others… well, they look wet, soggy, downtrodden, defeated and grumpy. Which would you rather be?

The sound of the rain makes me so happy. I love the way it starts with a little quiet pitter patter – especially if you have old rustic wooden shutters like I do on your windows – the drops start tap, tap, tapping on the wood and then all of a sudden, they come full pelt like a shower turned on full stream. The splattering sound of the rain hitting your roof – be it the roof of your terrace, your house or your car… it’s music to my ears. The rain can come so quickly here that if you’re not looking outside at the time, it’s these sounds that alerts you to its arrival. One minute it can be sunny; the next, dark and stormy. Breathing in the unmistakable scent of the rain is another source of happiness. When it’s so hot outside and the rain hammers the cobbled streets below – there’s a certain smell that I can’t describe that floats through the winding little streets of Dalt Vila. I recently leaned this is called petrichor – aka eau de la lluvia. In the countryside, it’s amplified with the smell of wet grass, wet dirt… I even like the smell of wet animals. When my cats follow their natural instinct to go out on the roof terrace to see what’s happening and then come flying down the stairs so very quickly once they realise the water is not for them – that musty scent of rain-on-fur… it makes me smile (as does their foolish curiosity that drives them outdoors in the rain every time).

Rain is the perfect excuse to stay indoors. Whether you want to snuggle up on the sofa, invest heavily in a Netflix binge, read a book, write a book, cook, sleep, work… or simply do nothing. Just watch and listen to the rain fall. If you’re not prepared for the rain, thankfully there are still brave souls who’ll deliver food in all-weather, so you’re never stuck in a downpour with no source of sustenance. But then again, when you do venture out in the rain, there’s something so electric about the atmosphere. It’s like everyone bands together as a community, determined not to let a little (or a lot) water spoil their good times. Whether you’re huddled inside a normally wide open Ibiza beach club, dashing inside a nightclub after waiting in a queue, or dancing in the rain with reckless abandonment in an open-air venue, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of togetherness the weather creates.

Raindrops are endlessly fascinating too. Watch them roll down your windows; see them splat on the ground; watch them splash into puddles or swimming pools; see them slide down long leaves or balance precariously on flower petals. Despite the fact that the rain is a powerful force we cannot ever hope to control, the beauty it creates can be de-stressing. And let’s not forget – we need the rain. Our crops, our gardens, our farms, our forests, our plants… they all spring to life after a rainstorm. I adore rainy days, and indeed, rainy weeks like we’ve had in Ibiza recently. And this doesn’t make me a bad person whatsoever – in fact, it makes me a pluviophile, and I’m sure I’m not the only one on Ibiza. This is the term for a lover of rain; someone who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days. Of course I empathise with anyone who feel their holidays have been a washout, but what can you do? The way I see it, a rainy day doesn’t mean we’re experiencing bad weather. It’s all about perception…

FIND THINGS TO DO IN IBIZA WHEN IT RAINS

Creative flow

For some, to be motionless is to forfeit creativity and the possibility of progress, so when the subconscious call beckons they follow it wholeheartedly, drawn by the instigation of change, the opportunity to flow, the simple act of moving. Jurjen van Hulzen, architect, designer and owner of concept store Ibiza Interiors, knows a thing or two about this very compulsion – he made the decision to move from Amsterdam to Ibiza with his family after only visiting the island once before. It seemed necessary; it felt right. Such was his conviction to move, in fact, that he and wife Selina signed a deal on a house solely on the advice of a friend – before arriving they’d seen any of their charming finca’s potential in the Ibiza campo. “We showed up in the middle of the night and then woke up to this view,” smiles Jurjen, looking out. “And from the very first day, I just thought, this is a really cool space.” Not one to stay stagnant for long, Jurjen’s design brain wound into overdrive and he soon began work on converting the loft space, keen to make it his family’s own.

“Everything starts with the structure” he explains. “So that has entirely the same footprint, I haven’t added anything.” But, using two concrete columns and traditional Sabina wood beams found on the roof as inspiration, the concept of combining rustic with industrial was born. “I really wanted to keep showing off both aspects,” he says. “That’s when you start making your list of requirements – you puzzle it out from there.” At the top of Jurjen’s list was keeping the space open while also creating privacy, and of course, the all-important decision of working out what to put where. “As an architect, you really look at the environment and the orientation – that gives you a lot of information,” he says. “I wanted everything to open out onto the valley so I put the bedroom in the back.” A bathroom and a dining room were also added, and even objects like immovable rocks in the middle of the room were transformed into features. “We couldn’t move it so we made something out of it!” he laughs. “We built a bench on top of it. I thought I wanted to get rid of it but actually, it’s become a typical Ibiza architectural feature.”

With many years of experience working on projects all across the globe, Jurjen is more than used to dealing with issues – a rock isn’t going to stand in his way for long. And it’s a similar deal when sourcing high quality materials, notoriously not always easy on Ibiza. “We designed a new custom kitchen,” he says. “It’s made from raw steel with a natural stone top so it fits with the industrial feel.” But in keeping with the rustic side of the concept, there are softer touches elsewhere. “The curtains are 100-percent natural linen,” he affirms. Undoubtedly, it was a project requiring balance. On one hand, negotiating technical challenges like drainage and water supply (“It’s the stuff you don’t see that’s the hardest.”), on the other, enlivening the space with a smattering of work from local artists like Lolo Loren and Oliver Mader. A classic case of functionality versus design – at least Jurjen only had himself to answer to. “I was the client, the architect, the building manager and the interior designer!” he says. “There was only me, so I could tick every box I wanted. But when I work with others, it’s a dialogue, a process, a collaboration. I love that too.”

And work with others he does, often. At the Ibiza Interiors store in San Juan, clients drop in for architectural advice – either from Jurjen personally or from one of the team of three architects and designer – or for decor inspiration. The store houses a selection of stunning mid-century furniture as well as art and select homewares. It’s a studio space alive with ideas, one that Jurjen invests in creatively, and that gives back in return. With the loft conversion finished, Jurjen seems relatively content. “Sometimes I wonder if it’s too nice,” he muses. “I’ve been thinking about every little detail for six months. But I feel like I reached my goal and there is nothing I would do differently.” And will a period of creative regeneration follow, at least on a personal front? It seems unlikely. “I get to a point where I finish with a project and my mind has already moved onto the next one,” he smiles. “I cannot really sit still.”

Commitment to coffee

In Ibiza – even internationally – Passion Café is renowned for its healthy, colourful and creative cuisine. It’s responsible for some of the most Instagram-friendly dishes on the web, however a lesser known fact about Ibiza’s most-loved café empire is that it is also home to the one of the best cups of coffee in Ibiza. The Passion commitment to coffee harks back to as early as the 80s when a young Lana Love would visit her older brother and his wife in their beautiful apartment in Belgrade. She recalls looking up to her glamorous sister-in-law, who would talk about the arts and use products from Germany – which included, among other things, Nescafé and condensed milk. “She just had this finesse about her,” Lana recalls. “She’d make coffee and we’d sit and sip it for hours… I am sure this is where my obsession with coffee began – though the Nescafé days are long gone from my life! People often don’t realise I have more passion for my coffee, and even my coffee machines, than I do for fresh juices!”

Over the years – as her personal journey saw Lana move to London followed by Ibiza – the love of coffee continued to grow. Evolving into a well-travelled coffee connoisseur, her addiction was not fuelled by caffeine addiction; rather, a pure unadulterated passion for flavour, ingredients, techniques and of course, that magical scent. It made sense then, when Lana launched her own café that she would seek out and serve the very best coffee she could find. Back then (in 2002), Illy coffee was the best to be found on the island. Today however, as Passion has grown to include seven different locations across Ibiza, her roast of choice is an exclusive bespoke blend created by on-island artisans Meke Coffee Roasters. The team behind Meke share Lana’s pure passion for coffee, and worked tirelessly alongside the Passion founder, roasting, roasting and roasting some more, until they reached the perfect blend. Described by the brand as a ‘delicious espresso blend that brings a nutty, chocolatey flavour to the cup with just a hint of fruits of the forest’ – a sip of it’s described (quite accurately) by Lana as heaven. Whether you like it straight up as an Americano, a double espresso, in a latte, a flat white, a cappuccino, cortado, macchiato or Bulletproof – the custom Passion blend is what gets Ibiza’s coffee cognoscenti going.

Any self-respecting coffee enthusiast will tell you, a good blend does not necessarily guarantee a good cup of coffee. There are other aspects to consider when it comes to the art of making a good coffee, such as equipment, cups, cleanliness, freshness, water filtration, milk quality (if that’s how you take it) and of course, the skills and experience of the barista making the cup in question. Passion Cafés take all these elements very seriously, starting with the investment in high-tech La Marzocco coffee machines (“When it comes to my coffee, I spare no expense!” laughs Lana) which are meticulously maintained in order to preserve the integrity and consistency of Passion coffee. Not only is the Meke Coffee Roasters Passion blend very freshly roasted, it’s also ground seconds before going into your cup. The water used is the very best filtered water and milk is organic and high-grade – be it coconut, cow’s, almond, soya, cashew or oat. “I have to give a lot of the credit to our baristas,” says Lana. “They are really amazing and true coffee nerds themselves. You can have all the best toys and ingredients, but you really need to have their skills too. Our baristas are top notch.” With a high volume of coffee being ordered on a daily basis, the Passion baristas are like the ninjas of Ibiza’s coffee culture.

In addition to all the coffee classics, each Passion also boasts an extensive menu of ‘trendy lattes’ – matcha, pink, turmeric, charcoal, frozen and many more – which sees their artistic skills taken to another level, and gives those who (gasp!) don’t drink coffee the opportunity to experience latte art and coffee culture without the caffeine hit. “When someone tells me they don’t drink coffee… I’m in disbelief!” says Lana jokingly. While the combination of a coffee lover, her own custom coffee blend and seven cafes in which to indulge in her obsession may sound like a recipe for disaster (or a very hard-thumping heart as an occupational hazard), Lana says she generally sticks to one strong coffee in the morning (opting for the authentic ‘Bulletproof’ – made with double espresso blended with MCT coconut oil, collagen and a dash of oat milk) and another pick-me-up in the afternoon. “I like that afternoon coffee to be sharp and black,” she says, with a distinct look of love in her eyes.

If you’re yet to sample the caffeinated delights at Ibiza’s home of health and happiness yet – you’re in for a treat. And once you’ve taken your first sip of that steaming hot cup of liquid black goodness, you’ll very quickly come to realise where the ‘happy’ part of that tagline comes from.

Introducing Wellbeing Rituals

The relentlessness of modern life means it’s more important than ever to switch off. There’s sense in taking an approach to life rooted in the essence of yoga – breathe deeply and in the process make space – for yourself, your soul and whatever thoughts are crowding your mind. For some that’s easier said than done, but if you find the right places – like Pure Seven, for instance – they gently nudge you in the right direction. Located at the all new, five-star 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza, this wellness hub is open to hotel guests and visitors alike, making drifting out onto an sea of bliss accessible to everyone. The setting in itself is enough to send you on your way. Perched atop a dramatic cliff on Ibiza’s stunning western coastline, 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza boasts a location unlike anywhere else on the island. At any time of the day, the approach is spectacular – enshrouded by swaying palms, the sun ray’s bouncing off the Mediterranean in the distance, the magical rock of Es Vedrà rising up on the horizon – all this in itself immediately lulls you into a calmer state. But at the heart of all this lies the hotel’s dedicated spa and wellness centre, Pure Seven, and this is where the real enchantment unfolds.

A serene space designed to evoke ultimate relaxation, Pure Seven achieves just that. From the calming tour through its saunas and steam room right through to your treatment cabin with a highly-trained professional, the palpable sense of tranquility captivates every cell in your being, leaving you restored and rejuvenated – seemingly with ease. Naturally, there’s a suite of wellbeing rituals to help along the way, each carefully curated to ensure guests sink into a state of total rest for mind, body and soul, and each recommended on the day, dependent on individual needs. All four of the three-hour wellbeing rituals on the Pure Seven menu were created by a team of 11 NEOM Organic wellbeing experts, and although all are based on the principles of six therapies – meditation, shiatsu, cranio, Thai massage, trigger point and reflexology – they each boast their own unique subtleties. Working with the principle that your body knows what your mind needs most, the first step is overseen by your therapist who performs the Science of Scent Therapy – a ten-second test in which you inhale the raw power of four NEOM blends. Whichever you are most drawn to denotes what ritual you will experience that day.

The first option is Scent to Sleep. You enter a room deeply scented with essential oils including lavender, jasmine and basil, with the sole purpose of inducing a deeply rewarding sleep. It begins with peaceful meditation, reflexation foot massage and breathing techniques, while the unique NEOM Intensive Skin Treatment Candle oil is drizzled on the body throughout. Every inch of the body is then massaged using a range of techniques, with particular emphasis placed on stress-relieving points in the head, neck, face and back. By the end, guests are fully immersed in relaxation, ready to slip off for a night of beautiful, contented sleep. Those with a desire to release tension will find comfort in the Scent to De-Stress treatment. Stress begins to seep away as soon as entering the treatment room thanks to the potent scent of 24 pressed essential oils – a complex combination designed with relaxation in mind. Again, meditation, foot massage and breathing techniques are applied, followed by pressure point massage. The three-hour long experience allows guests to leave their anxieties behind, and to move forward with a more effortless, measured approach.

At the other end of the scale there’s the Scent to Boost Your Energy ritual. Ideal for those in need of a kick-start, this treatment is perfect for enforcing that all-important ‘me-time’, allowing guests to unplug and then essentially, reboot. This ritual focuses on temperature change, speed of touch and contrasting textures. It begins with the NEOM Body Scrub, which consists of wild mint and mandarin, before the body is buffed from head to toe. You’re then enveloped in a NEOM cream clay wrap, where the stimulating oils of rosemary, lemon and grapefruit penetrate the skin, encouraging detoxification. There’s an additional 20-minute face and scalp massage in addition to reflexology, leaving the immune system stimulated and the lymphatic system detoxified. The final ritual is Scent to Happiness. Created to purposefully lift your mood, this treatment involves the fusion of the most complex blend of seven potent herbs, including white neroli, mimosa and lemon. It begins with guided meditation, reflexology and breathing exercises, before skin is lightly buffed. Stress levels are decreased and endorphin levels increased by applying powerful techniques of shiatsu, cranio, Thai massage and trigger point touch. The final result leaves spirits lifted, and ensures you leave the treatment room ready to showcase the very best version of yourself. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, whatever you need – there is a Pure Seven Wellbeing Ritual to suit you.

Embracing the body beautiful

There are spa treatments that are designed purely to be relaxing; there are other spa treatments that are definitely more results based. But when you’re really lucky, you stumble across the holy grail of treatments – one that manages to combine relaxation and results in a way that makes you wonder why you’d ever opt for only one of the former ever again. At Open Spa – the luxury wellness centre in Ibiza Gran Hotel – that treatment is the Belleza Corporal Pure Detox Wrap Experience, using luxurious, natural Anne Semonin products. Detox is a word that is bandied about frequently in Ibiza. People drink detox juices and follow detox diets, they embark on weekend or weeklong detox retreats and then of course, there are those people who go home needing a detox after spending time on the island’s famous party scene. So it’s no surprise to find a spa treatment catering to fans of detoxing – however this 80-minute all-over experience is not akin to any suffering or hard work. Quite simply, all you have to do is lie back and relax as you let your therapist and her carefully selected mix of products do the rest.

As with all treatments at the luxurious Open Spa, your experience begins from the minute you slip into that big fluffy white robe and take a seat in the low-lit relaxation space, where you’re given some valuable moments to start to embrace the relaxation process before being led down a beautifully fragrant corridor to your spacious and chic treatment room. After a quick walk-through of the treatment you’re about to undergo, de-robing is next and you can settle onto the massage bed between the cool, soft sheets. First up comes a stimulating sea salt full body scrub – a process that gets your blood circulating and sloughs away any dead skin cells, ready to reveal the fresh flowing skin beneath. The fresh, zingy scent of peppermint and lemongrass starts to fill the room as the therapists works her way in long, rhythmic, even strokes all over your body – from the tips of your fingers to the tips of your toes (some people find the scrub a little tickly in this region). Flip from front to back and the process is repeated, leaving your skin with a tingly, warm sensation while your mind starts to drift away.

The next stage of the treatment is the star of the show, so to speak, and although you’re lying on a bed with your eyes closed and covered with a soft towel, it’s almost impossible not to wonder what your body looks like at this moment. You see, the Anne Semonin Spirulina body mask is a thick, gloopy camouflage green mixture that almost looks a little like mud. On the skin however, the mask has beautifully cooling properties that instantly sink into your freshly buffed skin, and as the therapist applies it gently all over your body, the sensation is so relaxing it sends many people to sleep. Chock full of powerful marine ingredients – including the superfood Spirulina and green algae – the mask has been designed to purify the skin, draw out any toxins, restore moisture and elasticity and ultimately, reduce inches. It makes you wonder – why would anybody drink Spirulina if you can slather it all over your body like this instead? Joking aside, once you’ve been suitably covered in the mask and look more like some kind of creature from the deep sea, your therapist wraps you snugly in sheets that help activate the ingredients and then gets to work on a deeply relaxing foot massage while the products get to work on a cellular level.

Once you’re done, the shower (conveniently inside the treatment room) awaits and it’s here where you can see the thick, gloopy Spirulina mix slip away easily from your skin to reveal the softest, smoothest skin beneath. Emerging from the shower is almost like a butterfly coming out of a cocoon – you feel refreshed, energised and embracing the body beautiful. And yet, the treatment is still not over… The final stage of the Belleza Corporal Pure Detox Wrap Experience is an all-over, localised body massage designed to improve circulation and reduce any inflammation in the tissue. The silky smooth Anne Semonin body oils used during this final stage of the treatment again fill the room with the rich scent of essential oils and leave your skin feeling like butter. As you slip back into your robe and return to the warmth of the relaxation room for a herbal tea before returning to reality, you feel as if you’ve been restored the skin you were in on the day you were born.

Seaside fairy tales

Most people (understandably) believe fairy tales are the stuff of fantasy however, there’s not a bride in the world that will tell you that their wedding is not. It is the one time where people are given free reign to create the day of their dreams, which here in Ibiza, should always include a stunning view. And there is no fairy tale view more stunning as the sweeping 180-degree vistas from the terrace of Cotton Beach Club at Cala Tarida. While it may indeed look like a fantasy, the gorgeous ambience at Cotton Beach Club is strongly rooted in reality – an Ibiza style reality that is – which on top of the magnificent views includes gourmet dishes, bespoke cocktails and an expert wedding planning service. While the bride and groom float through their fairy tale day, behind the scenes the Cotton Beach Club staff are ensuring the big day runs like a dream.

Set above the velvety sands of Cala Tarida beach, Cotton Beach Club is an Ibiza institution. Famous for the magnificent sunsets off the terrace and the pristine Mediterranean shores below, the venue is a fairy tale in itself. Chic and minimal with just a hint of rustic undertones, the restaurant and terrace are the epitome of Ibiza style – one part jet set, one part boho with a whole lot of soul. Your celebration can begin on the golden sands below Cotton Beach Club, allowing for a dramatic start to the day. Arrive by speedboat (or even parasail for the more adventurous types) before ascending to the striking terrace. The Mediterranean flavours of the Cotton Beach Club menu are perfectly matched to its surrounds. Choose between creative canapés and cocktails or go the whole way with a classic sit-down dinner – the choice is yours.

The Cotton Beach Club signature palette of whites is the perfect canvas for creating a masterpiece of wedding décor. Use the pale scheme as a base to add brightness in the form of fresh bouquets, innovative centrepieces and decorative objects. There’s nothing to distract from the beauty of the loved-up couple except perhaps, that incredible view behind them. As the afternoon slowly turns into evening weddings guests will delight in the kaleidoscope of colours that dance across the vistas. The undulating blues of sky and sea absorb the lush reds and pinks of the sunset casting a glow across the happy faces of the bride and groom. Could there be a better backdrop for wedding photos?

There are few places where the beauty of the venue matches the beauty of the surrounding environment. At Cotton Beach Club you get both plus the extensive expertise and calming influence of the team. From the small details to the big picture, the in-house wedding planner at Cotton Beach Club takes you through the event from start to finish so that your wedding day remains all about you. When stars begin to sparkle on the surface of the dark blue sea, the ambience above shifts from daytime laughter to night-time dancing. Your wedding planner can organise your favourite tunes to accompany the journey into night, and while the wedding party boogies away, the moon glittering on the surface of the sea shines its beauty onto all. It may feel like a fantasy but once in a while, love gives us a fairy tale.

Summer wedding highlights

Ibiza wedding stylist and founder of Velvet Circus Ibiza Danielle Hodgson-Lindley spends her summer days and nights creatively dressing some of the island’s most stunning villas, restaurants and hotels as magical wedding venues. Sometimes it’s a subtle transformation, enhancing the venue’s existing style; others, a complete overhaul where it’s like out with the old and in with the new, as Danielle and her team bring in truckloads of furniture and decoration to create a setting that is completely unique to the couple getting hitched. Ask Danielle which event is her favourite however and it’s like asking a mother to name her favourite child. Some events are loved for the ultra-personal details that have been designed for each couple; other weddings are impressive thanks to the overall aesthetic and further still have a special place in her heart due to all the behind the scenes hard work and effort that went into them. Here, she shares some of her summer wedding highlights as an overview of some of the magic Velvet Circus Ibiza can help to create.

Amy and Phil were married at the gorgeous Villa Vista – a property, as the name suggests, that boasts spectacular views over the coast of Portinatx. Working as part of a team with talented wedding planner Lisa Smith of Isla & Smith, Tali Photography and the team from Flores Ibiza, Danielle created an alfresco wonderland drawing on romantic subtle pastel tones, complemented with metallic gold and thousands of flickering fairy lights. “It was a team effort,” she says. “We absolutely loved working on this event.” Most of the event was set on the lush, green lawn area which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, and long communal style tables were set up for the evening feast. “Lisa brought in wooden chairs to create an organic feel,” explains Danielle. “Our client had organised beautiful linens to use on the tables and we accentuated this with gold cutlery, wine glasses, tea lights and tapered candles with wind shields, plus a fairy light canopy overhead.” The styling didn’t stop at the main event – Velvet Circus Ibiza also styled a pool party for the couple the following day, complete with disco balls hanging from all the trees and flamingos in the grass.

The wedding of Jess and Paul took place in a private Ibiza villa called Palacio Solomon, overlooking the iconic rock formation of Es Vedra. The wedding was planned by local expert Kerry-Anne Winton of Ibiza Wedding and Danielle was briefed to create an ambience of whimsical elegance, which she rose to the challenge of. “The bride had the idea to create a Tinkerbelle style grotto,” she says. “We used over 3000 metres of fairy lights, had an 80-disco ball canopy hanging over the dance floor and a floral canopy for the aerialist to swing in her hoop.” Danielle called in a production team to create a large canopy structure over the dining tables, which centred Es Vedra perfectly in view. “It was a three-day build but we achieved it in two days (by the skin of our teeth!) because we couldn’t get access to the villa any earlier,” recalls Danielle of the team effort. “This canopy was wonderful and looked like an extension of the villa which is what we wanted. We all did an amazing job. We hung crystal and floral chandeliers from it and below we had ten tables topped with sandy linens filled with the bride’s favourites: café au lait dahlias, orchids, hydrangeas and garlic, as if it were spilling onto table around the glassware and tableware.”

Planned to perfection by on-island events aficionados Deliciously Sorted, the brief Faye and Richie’s wedding was romantic opulence and there couldn’t have been a better setting. “We transformed Blue Marlin into a romantic world filled with white flowers and gold tones,” says Danielle. “Chandeliers hung from the trees, fairy light canopies were above the tables and hundreds of of hurricane saves filled with water and floating candles filled the venue.” Beautiful stacks of charger plates and gold cutlery were placed on the mix of round tables with one long one and the stunning flower arrangements were created by Aurea Flores. The bride arrived by boat, walking up from the beach to meet her groom and Danielle created staging with with a fabric back drop, chandeliers, double sofa and floral runners for the couple’s ‘lovers’ table’. A bespoke white photo back drop showing a laser cut wooden logo in gold, with soft white fabrics dropped at the side was complemented with white orchids – all in all, a fairytale dream come true.

For the wedding of Hollie and Tom, the bride played a big part in sourcing props and with much of the styling, as she’d opted to plan her wedding – held at hip new Ibiza wedding venue Aiyanna – herself. “The bride was the loveliest girl (and her hubby too!) and great to work with. She knew exactly what she wanted to got really involved in the styling. This wedding was super loving from the very beginning.” Opting for bright tones to complement the venue’s distinctive vibrant style, the idea was to create a bright beach boho wedding. “What I loved about this wedding was the bright colours the tropical feel,” says Danielle. “I love working with Natalia of Aiyanna Ibiza and Amante and their whole team! Tom and Hollie also had their sons do some shell painting for the wedding in bright tones and created a kiddies’ corner. This gave such a personal feel and really made them feel involved.”

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