Magic and magnetism – UM Beach House

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes Ibiza special. The island has an unexplained magnetism that attracts the world’s most free-spirited souls. Of course, the clear turquoise sea, lush landscape and enticing social life draws offbeat bohemians from across the globe, in addition to cosmopolitan jetsetters and digital nomads. But more than anything, it’s a feeling that makes this island a shimmering mecca of enchantment, and this feeling imbues every part of the newly relaunched UM Beach House, where days are spent with feet planted firmly in golden sand.

The team behind this laid-back yet chic Ibiza beach club is the UMAMI Group, which in recent years has played a key role in energising the southern end of Santa Eulalia promenade. With projects in both Mallorca and Ibiza, they are fully attuned to the Balearic frequency. Situated where the Santa Eulalia River meets the Mediterranean Sea, UM Beach House is a haven detached from the hubbub but within walking distance of the town centre. Stunning sea views are perfectly matched with delectable cocktails and a delicious Mediterranean menu, and the proximity to the undulating blues of the sea allows for total surrender into a uniquely Ibiza version of relaxation.   

Set back on the beach and shaded by towering trees, when the sun hits just right, UM Beach House glows like molten amber. Open for long, leisurely lunches seven days a week, the restaurant boasts beautiful rustic tables that sit atop the sand, inviting the spirit of barefoot bohemianism into the open space. While outside in front of the sparkling Med, luxurious sun loungers line the shore inviting guests to sink into an entire day of rest and rejuvenation, with caramel-coloured bean bags providing the perfect perch for a late afternoon cocktail.

As you might expect, the UM Beach House menu pays homage to those uniquely Spanish dishes that have come to represent every happy holiday memory from trips in the past, elevating them one step further to plant you in the here and now. Dishes are diverse and sharing is encouraged, because what better way to celebrate the moment than by divvying up deliciousness among your tribe? Start by diving into platefuls of tapas inspired by the sea – think fresh oysters, citrus-infused tuna and sea bass tiraditos, red tuna tataki with spicy salmorejo and avocado cream and and zesty calamari with piquillo pepper alioli.

More traditional tapas, like Iberian ham croquettes, patatas bravas or hand cut Iberian ham with glass bread and tomato, are must-haves for a true Spanish culinary experience at UM Beach House, while the silky zucchini carpaccio is a vegan dream. Mix and match your light bites with street-style pulled pork quesadillas with pico de gallo and chipotle chilli sauce, an authentic green veggie curry with black rice, and the impressive UM American Angus burger or its vegan counterpart served with allioli piquillo.

The open-air, seaside atmosphere at UM Beach House is as vital as the locally sourced ingredients found in the menu. Tuck into giant bowls of bountiful salads such as roasted sweet potato, with avocado, feta cheese, pumpkin seeds, pickled red onion, goji berries, lettuce, almonds and a tangy old-fashioned mustard vinaigrette, or go for a classic Caesar with grilled chicken breast, romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan and Caesar dressing. Colourful Buddha bowls bursting with vibrant goodness are also up for grabs for the health inclined, or those craving extra freshness and flavour.

It wouldn’t be an Ibiza holiday without delving into a traditional rice dish and the range at UM Beach House does not disappoint, with seafood, mixed and vegetable versions on offer – add chateaubriand, mature chuleton or the fish of the day to your paella on request to make it even more decadent. Seafood mains include juicy tiger prawns, classic roasted sea bass, decadent grilled lobster or crayfish with rustic potatoes and fried eggs; and succulent red prawns. Meanwhile, carnivores can take advantage of a variety of different steaks cooked as you like, accompanied by sweet potato mash, rosemary baby potatoes, and a bouquet of crunchy wok vegetables.

Be sure to leave room for dessert, too. The creamy ‘death by chocolate’ dish with white chocolate sand, macarons and chocolate crumble ice cream is (as the name suggests) to die for, while the lemon pie made with Yuzu cream and served with flambéed meringue is an instant icon. Great days at UM Beach House are complemented with copious amounts of refreshing cocktails, and there’s an entire section of the menu devoted to classics like mojitos, margaritas and Bloody Marys, as well as signature concoctions like By The Sea, a mixture of raspberry liquor, ginger beer, dry gin, lime and Chuncho bitters; and the Kate Moss, mixed with limoncello, prosecco, passion fruit, vanilla vodka and mandarin.

The icing on the UM Beach House cake comes in the form of the Afro house-inspired soundtrack, which conjures the kind of communal ambience that Ibiza is so beloved for. Tune into melodic house tunes, sun worship till the rays dip below the horizon, and spend the hours indulging in the kind of languid, alfresco feast that will etch space in your memory for years to come. Perhaps this is the secret to Ibiza’s indescribable magic. The only way to find out is to experience it for yourself.