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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 FlorekovaCan 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.

Cool season, hot events – The Standard, Ibiza

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Ibiza town, as the festive lights have officially been switched on, the winter market stalls in Vara de Rey are now open and the jingly sounds of carols float across the airwaves as islanders gather to celebrate in the square every night of the week. Sitting right smack bang in the centre of it all is The Standard, Ibiza, the capital’s hippest hangout, and the place where the silly season action is sizzling, thanks to a host of special events, a new winter menu, happy hours (yes, plural), and much more. There’s even a special room rate (from 179€) for residents, meaning there’s no need to draw straws for designated driver duties.

Whether you’re breezing in for a long weekend, spending a sun-drenched Christmas and New Year in Ibiza or are planning a longer winter sojourn, the 53 sleek and stylish rooms and suites at The Standard, Ibiza make the perfect home away from home. Just steps away from the buzz of local bars, restaurants and shops – not to mention just a speedy elevator ride to the hotel’s own vibe-packed restaurant and bar, Jara – and boasting all the mod-cons (including a mini-bar to-die for) a discerning traveller could wish for, you’ve got the best of Ibiza at your fingertips, 24/7.

Jara at The Standard, Ibiza is the heartbeat of the hotel, open to the public for breakfast, lunch, dinner and every snack or sip in between. It’s here you’ll find international guests mingling with local characters, while watching the world go by on the sunny terrace or rubbing shoulders with the island’s cognoscenti at the low-lit bar after dark. Make the most of Afterglow Happy Hour, where you’ll get two expertly shaken or stirred cocktails for the price of one from 6pm until 8pm daily and stick around for soundtracks curated by the island’s best resident DJs until late on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

It’s also the perfect place to fuel up between bouts of Christmas shopping in Ibiza town, or to indulge in dinner after your day of retail therapy is done and dusted. The new winter menu at Jara at The Standard, Ibiza features sharing-style starters like melt-in-your-mouth char-grilled aubergine with miso, carob syrup and caramelised walnuts and zesty corn ribs with lime and hot spices. Mains include the winter warming entrecôte and bone marrow rice; a creamy mushroom and truffle risotto; the decadent escalope Marques – veal in panko with poached egg, truffle and parmesan – plus roast cod with aji parmentier, pistachio and crunchy sweet potato. Just remember to save room for the sweet torrija with caramelised popcorn, toffee and ice cream for dessert.

O come all ye faithful to The Standard, Ibiza, where a host of holiday events, festive feasts and spirited soirees are planned this Christmas and New Year.

On Wednesday nights in Jara at The Standard, Ibiza, it’s anything but a silent night, as the most talked-about event of last winter returns for another cool season spell, bigger, better and ballsier than ever before. Not Your Standard Bingo sees the good old-fashioned game turned on its head, as the ground floor restaurant space is transformed into a hedonistic playground complete with dance-offs, raucous ball-calls – hosted by Spanish comedian José Boto and Ibiza’s own songstress BLONDEWEARINGBLACK – musical interludes, surprise shots and most importantly, whopping prizes to be won. The games begin from 9pm every week, and you’ve got to plan ahead, as it’s sold out in advance with a waiting list and queue out the door every week.

While the Christmas market stalls outside The Standard, Ibiza have chestnuts roasting on an open fire, you’ll find far tastier treats being roasted inside the Jara kitchen on a Sunday afternoon. The all-new new Sunday Roast is a weekly ritual that brings together island locals and clued-up foodies on tour over fab food, great music and as always, up-for-anything Jara vibes. It’s like going back to mum’s place for a roast only (dare we say it!) better – think charcoal-roasted rib-eye, succulent roast chicken, slow-cooked pork belly with crispy crackling, or a hearty veggie pie, served with all the trimmings: Yorkshire puds, piles of spuds, sweet heritage carrots and parsnips, buttery peas, creamy cauliflower cheese and lashings of gravy. Comfort food at its finest, served from 1pm to 6pm.

If all you want for Christmas is a stress-free celebration, then Jara at The Standard, Ibiza is the place to be on Christmas Eve. Book a table with your chosen family and tuck into a gastronomic festive feast designed by Jara’s executive chef for 100€ per person, starting with delectable treats like duck and foie gras croquettes, green seafood ceviche and classic Iberian ham. In the spirit of Christmas, mains are served family-style and include chargrilled octopus and slow-cooked suckling pig, or mushroom and ricotta ravioli in sage butter for vegetarians, and there’s free-flowing wine throughout dinner plus a dessert degustation platter too. And whether you’re in the mood to be naughty or nice, feel free to stick around for après-dinner cocktails, with no fear of being coerced into washing up!

Wrapping up the holiday season festivities at The Standard, Ibiza is the not-to-be-missed New Year’s Eve soiree – an excuse to get frocked up in your finest and fling caution to the wind as you sip champagne and dine on the most decadent three-course set sharing menu that includes queen scallops in beurre blanc with caviar; fresh red prawns; and beef carpaccio to start, followed by grilled lobster with caviar and Hollandaise; and a luxe sirloin with vanilla demi-glace and potato gratin, plus plenty of after-dinner sweet treats. Then, dance your way into the new year with live DJs spinning into the early hours of the first day of 2024 – places are limited and cost 235€ per person, so booking early is recommended.

Eat, drink and be merry at The Standard, Ibiza this holiday season and start the New Year the way you mean to go on.

Finally, if you’re looking to host your very own private Yuletide event – whether for family, friends, or colleagues – The Green Room at The Standard, Ibiza shines like the star on top of the tree. A chic, underground space that can be transformed for any kind of private event, from meetings and cocktail receptions to private movie screenings (Christmassy or not) and even a spirited game of ping pong, it’s a blank canvas just waiting for you to unleash your Chrimbo creativity and sleigh, baby, sleigh. With its inclusive vibe, array of events, and fabulous festive feasts, there’s no doubt The Standard, Ibiza is the island’s hottest (and coolest!) holiday hub.

A summer for the senses – Hotel Riomar Ibiza  

In a quiet, waterside corner of Santa Eulalia, a place where the only river in the Balearics meets the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, sits Hotel Riomar Ibiza, a modern lifestyle boutique hotel where timeless luxury is blended with wellness and events for the benefit of guests and visitors alike. Perfectly positioned on the beachfront of the idyllic east coast town, with golden sands stretching out before it and blue skies up above, this stylish property seamlessly combines the yin and yang elements Ibiza is famed for in the curation of energising day and nighttime experiences. Here, you can awaken your senses, find balance and ignite your soul, all in the space of a day.

Hotel Riomar Ibizas signature restaurant, Ocean Brasserie and Bar, is a wonderful introduction to the venue’s multifaceted appeal. Open daily between 11.30am and 11pm, this peaceful alfresco restaurant channels the calm beauty of sand and sea, inviting hotel guests and visitors to switch off and slide into laid-back holiday mode on its picturesque terrace, whatever the time of day. Gorgeously chilled during the afternoon, pop in to try an ice-cold spritz or fizz from the new dedicated menu — the bubbly wild berry spritz and pink fizz is a refreshing must when the sun is at its brightest.

Drop-in, chill-out, move your body, socialize with friends, dine on the newly revamped menu, catch a movie and experience an authentic island fiesta.

Kick off your sandals and adopt a slower pace for dining too, because the cuisine at Ocean Brasserie and Bar is designed to be savoured slowly. This year, the menu features an innovative summer refresh, and dishes of note include tasty bluefin tuna poke served with avocado, cantaloupe melon, nori, rice and wasabi pearls; tender lamb cutlet with Ibizan rosemary potatoes; succulent grilled octopus with chilli-garlic crushed potatoes and padron peppers; and decadent black truffle tagliatelle with parmesan. Don’t miss desserts too, with the creamy Riomar cheesecake, made with Balearic cheese and red berry jam, worth a special mention.

Feasting accomplished, guests and visitors are welcomed to soak up Hotel Riomar Ibiza’s carefully curated happenings, a series of thoughtful and inspiring events designed with community in mind. Yoga plays a key role in this, taking centre stage of the hotel’s wellness programming on select mornings each week. Relaxing, hour-long sessions unfold at Tribe, a colourful, secluded garden cocooned from the outside world. Thursdays have a restorative focus, Fridays are for hatha devotees, and Saturdays and Sundays channel the more energetic Vinyasa style. Surrounded by nature, it’s easy to tap into pure bliss here.

Yogis with an intensive practice will be keen to celebrate the impending full moon in Capricorn, a time to nourish roots and set direction for the coming months. To celebrate, Hotel Riomar Ibiza has invited Cosmopolitan UK’s Tarot Reader, Kerry Ward, to lead a dedicated workshop and question and answer session on July 03, 2023 from 6.30pm. Kerry will also be providing one-to-one readings for a lucky group of up to five people. A Full Moon Yoga Retreat is also scheduled, featuring a mini yoga flow, meditation, and culminating in an intentions workshop to harness the power of the lunar cycle.

If you’re more fond of relaxation without any effort at all (we’re all that person sometimes), there are plenty of additional options at Hotel Riomar Ibiza. Perhaps you’d like to spend a sun-soaked day on a luxury sun lounger, in which case a day pass – including food and drink – is perfect for living the life of luxury. Ideal for residents, or those staying elswhere on the island but looking to tap into the ambience of Hotel Riomar Ibizathe feeling here is of peace tranquility and freedom.

Hotel Riomar Ibiza boasts an exceptional program of curated alfresco events this summer, designed to satiate all the senses and ignite the soul.

As the sun nears closer to the horizon, a different mood descends on Hotel Riomar Ibiza. Afterwork takes place at Ocean Brasserie and Bar every Thursday between 5pm and 8pm, and it’s an opportunity for like-minded guests and locals to embrace the end of the working day with some cool cocktails and tapas in a stunning setting, so you can really leave the stresses behind. Meanwhile, Fridays are all about Cuban Nights, when the vibrant, rhythmic beats of the central American country fill the air on the Ocean Terrace between 9pm and 11pm, and spontaneous dancing should be expected. Que bola! 

To further take advantage of those balmy Mediterranean evenings at Hotel Riomar IbizaStarlit Movie nights are scheduled for June 14 and 28, 2023, and twice a month on Wednesday evenings thereafter. Kicking off at 8pm, the ticket price includes a glass of Juvé & Camps Cava, one pizza, and of course, popcorn – watch this space for the list of carefully curated film titles that will be screened over the course of the summer. The perfect excuse to make memories beneath the beautiful Balearic stars.

Finally, in a nod to Ibiza’s ancient traditions, Hotel Riomar Ibiza honours the island’s past with a magical fiesta on Friday June 23, 2023 to commemorate the festival of San Juan. Featuring dynamic live music performances and a pop-up store featuring a range of local Ibiza brands, this celebration fuses two pillars essential to Ibiza life: heritage and partying. Occurring just two days after the summer solstice, it’s a sure sign that the season is finally in full swing, and for guests and visitors to this striking boutique hotel on the beach, that couldn’t come as better news. Be sure to reserve your place so you don’t miss out!