A year-round Ibiza sanctuary – Can Vistabella

There’s a secret hidden within the lush, forested hills of Benimussa near San Antonio. It’s a discreet and tranquil location scattered with luxury bungalows, comfy chill-outs, meandering stone pathways and a pristine swimming pool, where the murmur of gentle laughter and lyrical birdsong fill the air. This is Can Vistabella, one of Ibiza’s most serene and quietly luxurious places to stay all year round. With just 15 exquisite dwellings dotted across the property, its clever design makes you feel as though you are part of a private club and judging by the long list of guests who return time after time, it’s a secret that won’t stay under wraps for much longer.

Most of the abodes at Can Vistabella accommodate up to four guests, with two studios that are ideal for couples. Each of the spaces are unique, decorated using materials, colours, and textures inspired by the Ibiza landscape. Terracotta tiled floors, Sabina-beamed ceilings, and whitewashed walls pay homage to the traditional Ibiza farmhouse, while luxe linens, tasselled cushions, and mirrors sourced from Ibiza’s artisanal markets reflect the island’s artistic spirit. Kitchenettes for late-night snacking along with fireplaces and underfloor heating make the resort an inviting winter escape – sunny by day, and cosy by night.

Brimming with laid-back Ibiza soul, Can Vistabella is hidden among the Benimussa hills, where love, care and attention is at the core of every stay.

Developed under the meticulous and passionate eye of manager Zuzana Florekova, Can Vistabella has grown from a campground to a luxury boutique hotel in just four years. Completely self-trained, the Slovakian-born hospitality expert possesses a natural affinity for creating exquisite spaces and delivering exemplary service and was struck by the site’s beauty and potential when she first laid eyes on it in 2019. “I remember standing in the middle of it, closing my eyes, and it just appeared to me,” Zuzana says. “I could envision the houses, imagine people chilling by the pool. I could see exactly what it was destined to become.”

Though not part of her original job spec, Zuzana was entrusted with the décor for each of the bungalows, taking her cues from the owners’ exceptional taste and innate sense of style. Working with her highly refined intuition, she envisaged each area at Can Vistabella as a sanctuary, leaving nothing to afterthought. “I put myself in the position of a guest, and wondered how I would use the space,” she explains. “Every room has its own story,” she says. “The owners and I were completely on the same page. We believed everything should be kept simple, but beautiful.” The rustic stonework, wood beams, and fresh style synonymous with Ibiza’s heritage are anathema to over-decoration, requiring a sense of natural order and effortlessness.

The pretty pool at Can Vistabella sits within a stone patio surrounded by the forest, while chill-outs and courtyards dotted among bougainvillea and hibiscus plants are perfect for seeking respite from the midday heat in summer or soaking up the mild rays of winter sunshine. Relax with a book in the hammocks beneath the wooden cabana, take a siesta on any one of the perfectly placed oversized cushions or wander the labyrinthine paths between the residences, immersing yourself in nature. “It’s the details that really make the difference,” Zuzana says, and she’s right – no element has been overlooked.

This ethos extends to every component of the Can Vistabella experience, something Zuzana takes great pride in. “I make myself available to guests whenever they need me,” she says. “We take a personal approach with everyone because all guests need something different. Some want everything booked in advance, others have kids to occupy, and special touches go a long way – we always take notice of what matters.” Clients often comment on the fact that Zuzana is never seen without a smile on her face and is always available for their requests. “That’s my number one rule,” she says.

Manager Zuzana Florekova is dedicated to ensuring each and every guest experiences the stay of a lifetime. This extends to designing and decorating each of the spaces, with an innate understanding of guests’ needs.

A complimentary concierge service is part and parcel of the Can Vistabella experience. No request is too big or small – from private transfers and restaurant reservations to daily excursions and activities, everything is taken care of. “Anything our guests need, we can arrange it,” Zuzana says. “The beauty of the hotel is that you have plenty of space and privacy, but if you need anything, you just have to ask.” Those wanting to take refuge away from the island’s hustle and bustle can take indulge in twice-daily yoga sessions, a massage and pampering area hidden among the trees, and twilight cinema screenings three times a week.

Foodies, too, will relish the offerings at Essència Ibiza, the in-house restaurant at Can Vistabella – also open all year round to guests and visitors. Accomplished chef Francisco Moreno has curated an inspired menu, ranging from classic Spanish snacks such as traditional croquetas, sliced jamón, and more by day, to decadent dinner dishes that traverse global tastebuds by night. Starters include Korean lamb saam served in crispy lettuce leaves; flambéed mackerel with wakame seaweed and beetroot, almond and fennel hummus, while mains included hearty Thai yellow curry, presa Ibérica done Japanese-style; plus squid with Lebanese samke hara tahini sauce, white beans, sobrasada, and crispy tapioca. Families will be happy to note there’s a great kids’ menu too.

Highly accomplished chef Francisco Moreno spearheads Essènica Ibiza, the in-house restaurant at Can Vistabella that is also open to the public.

Thanks to Zuzana’s unwavering dedication to crafting a truly special island retreat, Can Vistabella is infused with heart and soul. “We want to make people feel so at home that when they leave, they’re immediately thinking about coming back,” she says. This commitment is evident in glowing feedback and an ever-growing list of loyal clients that includes a couple who visited for the first time in spring 2023 and returned four subsequent times throughout the summer. A peaceful haven in winter and summer alike, ideally located for exploring the best the island has to offer, Can Vistabella remains one of the island’s hidden gems but it won’t be long before the secret is out.