Giving unto others

Though you don’t see its name emblazoned on billboards or flashing up in lights, the boutique Agroturismo has been a constant draw card for lovers of style, interior design, art and luxury getaways since its inception in 1997. A lovingly restored 16^th century finca is the heart of the hotel, surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens, standalone suites, a deluxe wellness cabin, Bedouin yoga tent and an array of chill out spaces, dining areas, cosy corners and laidback lounges. The hotel’s reputation as an authentic home away from home is well deserved – many guests return year after year, after experiencing firsthand the warm and welcoming service that makes one feel a part of the Es Cucons family.

The well-travelled family behind Es Cucons possesses a history steeped in art and style, evident in the hotel’s elegant fusion of vintage style and contemporary design.

Barcelona-born owner María Rodríguez Castán says she ‘just knew’ from the age of 14 that one day she would open a hotel in Ibiza. The island was a very special place to her grandmother, and she would spend her summer holidays here every year with the family – who boast a background in international hotels. After travelling, studying and working around the world, Maria felt the island’s famous magnetic pull and began searching for the perfect property to transform into a hotel alongside her parents, Juan Francisco Rodriguez and Maribel Castán, partner, sister and in-laws – an ongoing family affair! The Santa Agnes finca was a ruin, considered ‘in the middle of nowhere’ at the time of acquisition, though Maria had the foresight to see its unspoiled location as a future haven for those seeking to escape the confines of city living. Today, her paradise – with extraordinary gardens expertly designed by Pasi – is easily accessible, and welcomes a combination of families, couples, creative and corporate types through its enormous rustic wooden doors, yet still retains a sense of calm.

Maria’s drive comes from the idea of creating a hotel that offers the experiences and services she would personally like to receive when travelling. While the hotel is constantly evolving to reflect changes in style and services, each change is subtle – a beautiful, organic improvement on its previous incarnation that continues to win the hearts of international guests both old and new. WiFi, complimentary bicycles, babysitting services, a library, games, a swimming pool, deluxe double sun loungers – no detail has been overlooked. The bedrooms and suites – 15 in total – are an elegant fusion of country chic and contemporary design. It is the little touches, like a welcome shot of locally fermented Hierbas Ibicencas presented in a vintage crystal bottle, or fresh-picked flower arrangements from the onsite gardens perfectly positioned on rustic shelving that give each space a true feeling of homeliness. Upon sinking into the plush bed, it is clear a good night’s sleep is imminent.

The philosophy of Es Cucons is simple: the owners give unto others as they would like to receive themselves when retreating on holiday.

The health and wellbeing of guests is of ultra importance to Maria and her team, which includes an onsite therapist trained in Ayurvedic wellness techniques and a variety of massage styles in addition to yoga and Pilates. Treatments can be selected from the extensive menu or customised to suit your needs, and Es Cucons also hosts group wellness, yoga and women’s retreats throughout the year. With nothing but the sound of the frogs and birds floating across the airwaves, your total relaxation is guaranteed. Cuisine too, plays an important part in day-to-day life at Es Cucons, with the in-house restaurant also open to non-hotel guests for their famous breakfasts, luxe, lazy lunches and decadent dinners alike. Head chef Enrique Ocon selects only the finest local produce – including many ingredients plucked straight from his onsite vegetable garden – to create a Mediterranean inspired menu that is high-end, yet homely. Meanwhile, behind the bar, long-term team member Angelo tends his exceptional bar with passion and flair – forget stock standard cocktail lists: recite your favourite flavours then enjoy a bespoke concoction.

The owners of Es Cucons clearly have an eye for design and style – with all pieces placed within the hotel personally sourced, designed, handcrafted or built with the hotel in mind – and they are also for sale, should you wish to take (or ship) anything home! From large, striking artworks by the renowned artist Sergio Saez gracing the entrance hall and contemporary design chairs by Lobster Bay on the alfresco dining terrace to the industrial style lighting in the restaurant and distinctive boho-luxe fashion and accessories hand selected by Maria and showcased in the foyer. It’s this eclectic chic aesthetic that has seen Es Cucons go on to inspire a multitude of Ibiza villa renovations; set the scene for stylish magazine editorials, picture perfect backdrops for a thousand Instagram posts and even seen their own offshoot boutique synergistically opened in another, smaller 16th century finca in the village of Santa Gertrudis, run by Maria’s sister Barbara and her husband Jaime, still keeping it in the family. Often imitated but never replicated, it is this authentic ambience of the hotel that keeps Es Cucons at the top if its game and inspires never-ending loyalty with guests.