Peace, love & CBD

CBD. Much more than a buzzword or trend for the new millennia, the ever-increasing number of scientific papers surrounding the myriad benefits of this plant-based ingredient have proven its potency time and time again. No longer an under-the-counter product whispered about in health food stores, CBD is now playing a starring role in the beauty industry. This season in Ibiza, it takes centre stage at Open Spa, the sophisticated wellness centre at the heart of Ibiza Gran Hotel. The expert team – led by Wellness Manager Patricia Fuertes – have teamed up with earth conscious skincare brand KLORIS to create an exclusive CBD-based treatment – the KLORIS CBD Complete Restore Ritual.

While hemp was one of the earliest plants to be cultivated by humans, CBD (which stands for cannabidiol and is extracted from hemp) was not scientifically investigated until the mid 1990s. Since then, CBD has been used to treat anxiety, stress, insomnia, epilepsy, chronic pain, PTSD, arthritis and even canine osteoporosis among other conditions. As a resilient, natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, it makes perfect sense for CBD to be included with other active ingredients in skincare products and in treatments such as the new KLORIS CBD Complete Restore Ritual at Open Spa – the superior results speak for themselves. But how does it actually work?

CBD binds to receptors within the endocannabinoid system – which helps to regulate almost every bodily function – preventing it from breaking down. Located within the nervous system, it affects appetite, digestion, sleep, motor control, pain and pleasure, immune function, mood and memory. By applying CBD topically, you’ll quickly feel its soothing and balancing effects across the body, joints and nerves, as the skin is the body’s largest organ and is packed with receptors for the CBD to interact with. If you’re new to CBD, rest assured you won’t get high – there is zero THC (the psychoactive ingredient derived from hemp plants) in the high quality KLORIS products used at Open Spa.

The team behind KLORIS works directly with the very producers in the world to ensure only the highest quality CBD is sourced for their superb product line – the focus is on balance, health and wellbeing, essentially upgrading your massage and facial treatment to include even more restorative benefits. The KLORIS tagline is Let Nature Love You – a sentiment shared by the wellness experts at Open Spa – and this ethos forms the foundation of the partnership between the two brands. Both focused on sustainability, preservation and the pursuit of wellbeing, it’s a match made in heaven. Book in for this treatment if you’re looking for the ultimate stress release coupled with healthy glowing skin.

Your Open Spa experience begins with the divine water circuit. Glide between plush days beds, a variety of pools and showers plus the sauna, hammam, salt room, ice room and low-light relaxation area before your therapist escorts you to your sleek treatment cabin. After a short chat to assess your overall wellbeing and any areas that need extra attention, you’ll be guided onto the massage table where it’s time to surrender to total relaxation. Approaching wellness and beauty with a holistic view that sees the body, mind and soul as one organism, the KLORIS CBD Complete Restore Ritual begins with a meditation.

The ping of manjeera – miniature Indian cymbals – echoes around the space as an experienced Open Spa therapist leans in towards your ear, murmuring an incantation and a blessing that encourages you to sink into the folds of the comforting bed. As their whispers wash over you, every muscle and bone descend deeper into bliss. And just as you feel yourself slipping into the space between wakefulness and sleep, a hot wheat pack is gently placed along your spine, conveying warmth throughout the body and further relaxing the mind.

Next, the full body massage begins, incorporating lymphatic drainage, shiatsu and acupressure techniques, plus guided stretching to release tension. An array of deluxe KLORIS lotions and oils are used throughout your experience at Open Spa, including The Lotion for Hand and Body – infused with neroli, moss, cedarwood, aloe vera, avocado, camellia and hemp seed oils, plus 1% CBD to deliver an all-over sense of relaxation – and The Uplifting CBD Body Oil, gently heated before being poured down the spine. This oil contains blood orange, vanilla and oud, all of which combine to create an enchanting scent and deep hydration. Finally, the award-winning CBD Balm High Strength – an all-purpose balm blended with 1.33% CBD, shea, cacao and mango seed butters – directly targets the cannabinoid receptors reducing inflammation and pain.  

Throughout the blissful massage, your Open Spa therapist deftly wields a set of jade gua sha disks across the body. An ancient Chinese modality, these smooth, round-edged stone tools are used to gently ‘scrape’ the muscle, loosening blockages, tightness and pain while also promoting the flow of qi energy through the body. Enhancing the benefits of the CBD in KLORIS products, the gua sha technique can also be used to treat stress, fatigue, perimenopausal symptoms and circulation. The sensation connects directly with your nervous system, electrifying your inner energy reserves and deepening a feeling of wellbeing.

Next, your Open Spa therapist prepares the face for treatment with a deeply relaxing warm washcloth and heated eye pad. Here, three KLORIS products are combined for optimum results: The Face Cream, The Eye Cream and CBD Superboost Face Oil. The rich cream is packed with deeply hydrating and plumping hyaluronic acid and chaga mushroom extract and boosted with 1% CBD – it strengthens the skin barrier and supports natural collagen production, leaving skin bright, moisturised and protected. The same formulation is used to minimise dark circles in the delicate lotion for eyes. Meanwhile, the oil is supercharged with 2% CBD plus cannabis sativa seed oil and packed with omegas and squalene for hydration and protection plus cucumber seed oil for cell regeneration. These powerful phytonutrients, antioxidants and botanical oils boost luminosity, fortify the skin barrier, improve skin tone and protect against free radicals.

As the products work their magic, your feet are slipped into a pair of heated booties to help you relish the peace and slip into a dream world – even if just for a little while. After your treatment is over and you float back down to earth with an extra glow, browse the KLORIS range available at Open Spa, where the educated team can talk through any questions and make well-informed recommendations to incorporate CBD-enhanced skincare into your daily routine. Committed to zero waste, each KLORIS unction is presented in beautiful 100% recyclable glass and metal packaging, 95% of which is biodegradable, meaning not only does your skin benefit but the planet does too. A true pioneer when it comes to cutting-edge treatments in Ibiza, Open Spa’s commitment to beauty, wellness and global wellbeing knows no bounds.

And the Michelin star goes to… La Gaia in Ibiza!

The persistent image of the furiously ambitious, red-faced, white-hatted head chef is as sticky as liquid toffee. Thankfully, a shift in consciousness has emerged in recent years, as new generations cast aside the arrogance of the auteur to embrace collaboration and cooperation in their quest for culinary nirvana. Even so, the boss is the boss and one expects a certain level of aloof authority from a head chef – especially if that chef is in charge of one of the most innovative kitchens in Ibiza and slated to soon enter the pantheon of culinary greatness.

If you met Óscar Molina in a casual social situation, his status would not come up in conversation; such is his humility and grace. In real life, just as in his kitchens, this extraordinary chef is a genuinely nice guy. At just 42 years old, he oversees an enormous operation – Ibiza Gran Hotel is a glittering five-star mecca overlooking the glamorous Marina Botafoch. In addition to the challenging day-to-day logistics of his role as the resort’s executive chef, Molina also ensures its signature restaurant, La Gaia, constantly delights, intrigues and challenges.

The story begins, as so many chefs’ stories do, in the family kitchen. Molina was raised in San Andres, a working-class neighbourhood in Barcelona, where he spent weekends in the kitchen of his father’s small restaurant. “That’s where everything started,” he says. “I discovered it was more fun to work than study.” He was 14 years old when his father, also a chef, handed him an apron and pointed towards a sink of dirty pots. “My father didn’t want me to end up as a chef, because it’s a job where you sacrifice a lot,” confesses Molina, who refused to be deterred.

Molina’s father sent him to the coastal town of Blanes when he was 17 to spend the summer working in a hotel kitchen. Here, Molina, the boy began his transformation into Molina the man. “It was my first time away from home,” he says. “It was full of self-discovery and freedom.” In 1996, he moved to Hotel Rey Juan Carlos l in Barcelona – a beacon for ambitious young chefs. It was there he worked under the greats, Serafin Bueno and the late Jean Luc Figueras, and it was in the hallowed grounds of that magnificent hotel that Molina was introduced to a type of haute cuisine and a disciplined creativity that would act as the catalyst to where he is now.

Unfortunately, the Spanish military interceded and in late 1998, Molina left to complete his obligations to the state. After military service, he again found himself immersed in the world of Spain’s greatest chefs, specifically; Mey Hofmann. She was known as la aristócrata de la alta cocina (the duchess of haute cuisine) and had founded a culinary school in Barcelona back when nobody paid attention to who was cooking in a restaurant’s kitchen. A string of businesses across the city cemented her reputation as an astute entrepreneur but it would be her culinary creations, discretion, rigour and passion that her colleagues and students would remember fondly. To be under the Michelin-starred chef’s tutelage at Favaritx was considered the equivalent of having Rembrandt as an art teacher.

Molina was with Hofmann for just one year but it was a year of breakthrough. “Until then, I was cooking traditionally,” he says. “She showed me gastronomy in a totally new way. It was a full change of direction for me.” A role at the famous Hotel Arts was next, where he worked his way through the ranks, honing his skills and making contacts. “It was a tremendous team,” he remembers. “I was like a sponge – I learned so much. I consider myself a very lucky guy.” No doubt luck played a role, but it could only have been Molina’s in-born skills that saw him accepted to his next position.

Joan Piqué is one of the founding fathers of the movida catalana, which culminated in a surge of gastronomic creativity that captured the world’s attention and ignited a trend in food that still sizzles today. It was within this movement that the Adrià brothers gave us exploding olives, Arzak served seabass on an iPad and Etxebarri redefined barbecue with chef Victor Arguinzoniz’s handmade, steam-punk grilling contraptions. At Piqué’s Ruccula restaurant, Molina refined his vanguard tendencies and became more comfortable in the realm of Michelin-starred kitchens.

He was only 26 years old, but the foundations of his reputation were cemented when he was chosen to represent Spain and placed fourth at the Fifth International Chef Competition in Bari, Italy. It was the first of several awards that would dot his career in the coming years, including first place at the 2001 Annual Competition of Catalan Cuisine and first position in the 2004 National Gastronomy Competition among others. By this time, he’d been promoted from second to first chef at the venerable Hotel Casa Fuster in Barcelona. “Then the 2008 crisis hit,” he recalls. “There were a lot of interesting projects on offer but it was impossible for anyone to start anything new.” His good fortune continued despite the grim economic times, and he was headhunted for a new project in Ibiza.

It was February 2008 when Molina landed at Ibiza airport with his wife and children. The effects of the crisis reverberated through all parts of society in Spain, yet here in Ibiza, the aftershocks barely appeared to leave a ripple on the surface. Islanders visiting the mainland at the time would return with tales of middle class homelessness in the streets of Barcelona and quiet desperation along the boulevards of Madrid. But in Ibiza, daily life appeared wholly unaffected. It seemed the cranes over Marina Botafoch were swinging to the beat of their own drum and out of this global hand-wringing, Ibiza Gran Hotel emerged as a triumphant example of perseverance, gleaming and full of potential – not unlike its soon-to-be executive chef Oscar Molina.

Molina is responsible for all culinary services at the hotel, but it is the resort’s in-house fine dining destination, La Gaia, that heightened his reputation as a culinary innovator. “La Gaia’s style was an idea born from necessity,” says Molina. Originally, it was simply the lobby bar but when the hotel’s main restaurant was commandeered by HEART Ibiza – the Adrià brothers’ former collaboration with Cirque du Soleil – the space needed an upgrade. With no direct connection to the existing kitchen, which was located on the opposite side of the lobby, Molina was inspired to introduce a sushi bar to La Gaia. He added a selection of ceviche the following year to provide guests with delectable dishes without needing the infrastructure of a kitchen. Refurbishments ensued to turn La Gaia into a fully functioning restaurant and then came another stroke of genius.

An insatiable curiosity had Molina investigating the cross-cultural culinary traditions of Latin America and Asia. “My style of gastronomy had been primarily Mediterranean,” he says. “I started to study and learn more about Japanese and Peruvian cuisine.” It was a natural progression for the chef whose signature restaurant had migrated from sushi to ceviche; there was much to be discovered about how these particular two dishes and cultures had coalesced into a whole new cuisine. What Molina was doing at La Gaia was not Nikkei – that ubiquitous catch phrase popular in the early and mid-2000s. It was neither Japanese nor Peruvian but something within the spectrum that had emerged directly from Molina’s imagination. “That’s when we came up with the term Japeruvian, which best described the food at La Gaia in those early years,” he says.

The desire to learn is deeply rooted in Molina’s psyche and so a trip to Peru was organised. Under the guidance of internationally renowned, award-winning chef Gastón Acurio and his restaurateur wife Astrid Gutsche, the boy from San Andres immersed himself in the art of Peruvian haute cuisine. “That trip inspired me,” says Molina. “Peruvian cuisine is so deeply layered and I wanted to interpret it into a Mediterranean style. I saw that I could do more and break many more barriers. It allowed me to become more experimental within the Ibiza food scene.” A research trip to Japan followed where he became enamoured of the Kaiseki method. “I fell in love with Japan immediately,” he continues. “Everything about their culinary traditions is amazing: the fermentations, the processes, the flavours.” Molina took the immersive encounters of these two journeys back to the test kitchen, experimenting, concocting and transforming his experiences into Kaiseki-inspired dishes with the La Gaia imprint.

In 2017, Molina’s rise through the ranks of the country’s best restaurants and his unbridled creativity was awarded a Sol, Spain’s equivalent of a Michelin star. In 2021, a long held dream came true. After years of hard work and determination, La Gaia was finally awarded a Michelin star. This much coveted honour not only propels the restaurant, hotel and chef towards global fame but also bestows its gifts on the island’s growing reputation as a gourmet destination. And yet, despite joining many of his mentors among the most celebrated chefs in the world, Molina’s unpretentious reserve remains. Balance and inspiration comes in many forms for Molina, from memories of his father to moments spent with his family and the loyalty of his team.

“I think about him a lot,” he says of his father, who sadly passed away when Molina was just 25 years old. “He saw the beginning of my career and even though my training sent me on a different trajectory to him, he is always in me, in my memories and in how I interact with my kids.” Molina’s oldest child already expresses interest in becoming a chef at just eight years old. Together, the pair often end up in the kitchen cooking. “It’s beautiful,” he says.

Living in Ibiza has allowed Molina a kind of liberty that he had not experienced in Barcelona. He still works hard, dedicating much of his mental and physical time to his job, but there is a peacefulness he believes comes directly from the island. “Ibiza let me discover another way to live,” he explains. The island provides a backdrop of natural tranquility and freedom, while his work delivers excitement, challenge and inspiration. “Our objective is to keep reaching for the sky,” he says, hinting at the new plans and projects that keep his energy propelling forward. “I’m here for the long haul. I want La Gaia to become a reference for others.”

With the announcement that La Gaia has just received its first Michelin star in 2021, there’s no doubt that he has already succeeded in cementing its place in Balearic culinary history. Contentment is an attribute seldom associated with chefs but Molina exudes the self-confidence of a man who has found his place.

Morning glory

It’s been said breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It replenishes and boosts your energy; keeps you alert and delivers essential nutrients after the fast of sleeping. That’s what the science wants you to believe, but let’s face it: we all agree breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it’s simply the tastiest, not to mention the most versatile. The most delicious breakfast in Ibiza is without a doubt The Grand Breakfast at the five-star Grand Luxe resort Ibiza Gran Hotel. And the best part of it? You don’t have to be a guest to indulge.

The gentle notes of a Spanish guitarist drift into the room from the patio of Ibiza Gran Hotel’s Costa Mara restaurant. Outside, tables are shaded with chic parasols and diners sip freshly squeezed juices while tiny, rotund sparrows greet the new day chittering and chiriping across the perfectly manicured lawn. Guests smile as the blue sky casts an invitation to relax and enjoy the morning. Inside, under the cottony softness of the cloud-like art installation in the Costa Mara dining room, a series of picture-perfect buffet tables display dishes upon dishes of breakfast delicacies, served in individual single-serve portions by the hotel’s ever-so-friendly buffetiers, while waiters bring coffee made-to-order directly to your table.

A variety of freshly squeezed juices sit alongside slightly more tempting options (depending on your tastes of course), such as French champagne and chocolate milk. The Ibiza Gran Hotel cereal bar is loaded with a vast selection to suit all ages and appetites, from granola to Fruit Loops in addition to dozens of jars filled with nuts, dried fruits and other toppings. Kids will no doubt zoom in on the amazing chocolate fountain and containers of marshmallows, Smarties and sweets. Parents shouldn’t worry too much though, as just behind this mouth-watering display of saccharine confection is the fruit bar. Fresh watermelon, juicy peaches and nectarines, melons, pineapple and more – all fresh from the farms of Ibiza – line chilled platters waiting for a dollop of creamy yoghurt. The dairy section houses the cutest glass pots of yoghurts, either plain or flavoured with fresh fruits as well as mini jars of chopped feta and queso fresco.

From here you will catch the sizzle of hot pans and the scent of bacon. This is the epicentre of breakfast at Ibiza Gran Hotel. The hot bar is manned by a jovial chef in crisp whites wielding a set of pans and a cornucopia of fresh ingredients. Eggs any way – fried, poached, scrambled or whipped into a tasty omelette topped with mushrooms, peppers, onion and any other combination you can think of. Bacon sits in a glass and silver bain-marie split into two sections. Thin crispy rashers on one side and thick fleshy rounds on the other. The chefs at Ibiza Gran Hotel understand the importance of bacon and consistently replenish the supply so it never runs out. While you’re at the hot station, be sure to heap the new potatoes tossed with truffle, asparagus and cheese onto your plate, plus a heaping of homemade baked beans that never go astray at breakfast time.

Moving through this labyrinth of delicious stations, you’ll arrive at the charcuterie section. Another Ibiza Gran Hotel chef expertly slices wheels of cheeses, next to marinated cubes of pecorino, Manchego, oozing brie, dishes of white anchovies and olives, thinly sliced Jamon Iberico, bresaola, roasted turkey, miniature chorizo and fuet, plus cubes of cured pancetta all pair perfectly with any of the breads found at the baked goods station next door. This is a true bakers’ masterpiece. Dozens of different loaves sit alongside several choices of rolls as well as trays of croissants, muffins and Danishes. But then come the crepes…

Every hotel breakfast situation should have a crepe bar and Ibiza Gran Hotel takes this concept to the next level. A chef skilfully smooths batter over the hotplate, in front of him sit bowls containing enhancements such as chocolate spread, fresh strawberries, whipped cream, caramel and banana. But wait – there’s more. Cake for breakfast is always allowed when you are on holiday or celebrating a special occasion. Ibiza Gran Hotel Pastry Chef, Juliana Ramucci shows off her extreme talent via flavours such as Red Velvet, mango, pistachio, and chocolate all of which appear in several amalgamations like bright jewels. Pudding pots and logs, tarts and delicate ovals, each morsel exploding with a sweetness that is perfectly sated with a freshly brewed coffee – order one with coffee flavoured ice for a real summer boost.

Open daily from 7.30am to 11.30am, The Grand Breakfast at Ibiza Gran Hotel is one of those intensely satisfying culinary experiences that makes a holiday or weekend extra special. Local and seasonal produce attended to by focused and careful chefs burst with flavour, beautifully displayed in a safe, clean environment. Each dish has been thoughtfully prepared to the exacting standards set by the hotel – in fact, the entire operation is overseen by Ibiza Gran Hotel’s extraordinarily talented and passionate executive chef, Óscar Molina.

Open to external visitors in addition to hotel guests, the ultimate way to complete this morning glory is to add a spa pass to your Ibiza Gran Hotel experience, and casually stroll from the dining room into the welcoming environment of Open Spa. Follow this up with a few hours by the pool and you have one of those Ibiza mornings that tick all the boxes. Grand by name, grand by nature – The Grand Breakfast is indulgent, delicious, soothing and something each of us deserves now more than ever.

Ibiza’s most luxurious hotel suites

The 2020 season has proven that those who are determined to come to Ibiza, will always find a way to come to Ibiza. With all the new health and safety restrictions in place around the world right now, holidaymakers are becoming even more discerning in their search for the perfect place to stay. Friends and families staying within their social bubbles seek spacious and interconnected hotel suites, or independent villa-style dwellings with all the trimmings of a luxury hotel, while couples are looking for places that offer all the more reason to luxuriate in your suite – think Jacuzzis, technology, private terraces, plunge pools and private chefs. If you’re in a position to travel to Ibiza before the season is out, we’ve rounded up a selection of the most indulgent, safe and spacious hotel suites across the island that are well worth the quarantine.

7Pines Resort Ibiza, Cala Conta, South West

While all the suites at the stunning cliffside resort of 7Pines Resort Ibiza are luxurious, this season the hotel has added an all new category of accommodation that’s ideal for groups of friends or families seeking a private villa-style holiday, with all the creature comforts of five-star living. The Villa Experience offers two fully-equipped, standalone properties in secluded areas of the resort, each with four bedrooms and private plunge pools, plus terraces, gardens and sumptuous furnishings. Choose between Villa Es Vedra (as the name suggests, it has prime views of Ibiza’s most famous rock formation) and Villa Bohemia – secluded amongst the pine trees – for your late summer stay, and experience the very best of Ibiza all within the resort. Three amazing restaurants, decadent sunset experiences, amazing views, high end cocktails, live music, a luxury spa and on those days when you don’t want to leave the villa… room service!

Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe, Santa Eulalia, East

When a suite has been given the name Cloud 9, it’s only natural to expect a level of luxury that exceeds a five-star standard and Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe – a category of hotel that is actually one level higher than five-star – delivers on so many levels. Contemporary furnishings, Bang & Olufsen tech and appliances, a huge 75-square metre space that’s bigger than most Ibiza apartments, views over the harbour of Santa Eulalia, a stylish living room, deep soak tub and even a pillow menu so you sleep soundly, the Cloud 9 Sea View Suite is one of the hotel’s premium rooms, and comes complete with unlimited access to the spa. All the more reason to stay here! There’s also the option to take it up a notch to the spacious 155 square metre Presidential Suite, which comes with all the same trimmings plus an outdoor tub, wooden oak floor panels and a seashell moulding above the bed that’s been designed in keeping with Feng Shui philosophy. Good energy abounds.

Atzaró Agroturismo, San Lorenzo, North East

There’s luxury, and then there’s authentic Ibiza luxury, and when it comes to the latter, Atzaró Agroturismo is its very epitome. Renowned around the world for its laid-back but high-end rustic chic style, the high-end San Lorenzo hotel is a haven for those seeking a discreet and secure hideaway from daily life. The Atzaró Suite Deluxe options are private and spacious, with a soothing and relaxing ambience that allows guests to truly immerse themselves in luxury. Typically Ibizan in style, each suite features king-sized four-poster bed fitted with slowing white curtains and soft cotton bed linen, a private swimming pool, tropical gardens, unique Ibiza inspired art, Smart TVs and much more. It would be easy to check in here and never leave the comfort of your suite – and that’s totally encouraged, if that’s the kind of holiday you’re seeking – although there’s plenty of beautiful temptation across the grounds, such as the in-house restaurant La Veranda and the Atzaró Vegetable Garden, where you can dine within the huerta, plus the iconic Atzaró Spa within the orange groves.

Cas Gasi, Santa Gertrudis, Centre

For those who prefer their luxury to be more about homely creature comforts, rather than sleek and modern conveniences, the two new additions to Cas Gasi’s accommodation offerings in 2020 are just the thing. The Ibizan Palaces are two independent villa suites located in a private area of the popular boutique hotel – allowing families or groups of friends to luxuriate in the iconic Cas Gasi style and service, without having to leave the comfort of the property. Inspired by traditional Ibicenco architecture, each villa can accommodate up to six guests, and features king size and XXL beds with feather mattress toppers and Italian damask sheets for the sweetest of dreams – there’s also a duvet and pillow menu to choose from. Private balconies and terraces offer stunning views across the peaceful countryside, and for those who have adopted to working remotely, there are even stylish teak desks to make your home office for the duration of your stay. Heavenly Penhaligon toiletries, fresh flowers, a traditional nightly turn-down service – it’s the little things that make a stay at Cas Gasi feel like a luxury home away from home.

Ibiza Gran Hotel, Marina Ibiza, Ibiza town

Ibiza’s very first luxury resort remains one of the most in-demand places to stay on the white isle in summer 2020, and when it comes to high-end settings and services, Ibiza Gran Hotel is definitely befitting its Grande Luxe status. For the ultimate in comfort and style, the four Gran Suites are the crème de la crème of rooms, each in a setting that offers a stunning view over the marina and across to the old town, Dalt Vila. With luxe features such as spacious terraces, king-sized beds, all the mod cons you can dream of, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, heated terrace pools, your own private cocktail bar and more, you’re spoilt for choice. With one, two and three-bedroom options available, these suites suit families or groups of friends looking to live the penthouse high life in Ibiza. There’s even a butler service and a complimentary airport transfer – not just any transfer, but a smooth ride in a Bentley. Talk about starting your holiday in style.

ME Ibiza, S’Argamassa, Santa Eulalia

The Suite ME at ME Ibiza, on the frontline of S’Argamassa on Ibiza’s east coast, is one of the most spacious hotel suites on the island – in fact, it’s almost like your very own luxury villa. The expansive and magnificent 400 square metre space has been designed to make the most of the Medterranean Sea views – even from your private swimming pool, you can gaze out to the horizon. You’ll be picked up from the airport in a plush white Range Rover and whisked off to the hotel in air-conditioned comfort, where you’ll be greeted by your 24-hour personal experience advisor (known as the Aura Manager) an given a personalized welcome gift before your holiday has even begun. It’s all about the little extras at ME Ibiza – an unpacking service, pet services for your dog, complimentary clothes pressing, a tanning kit for the beach, organic Optiva bathroom amenities, sound proofing, blackout curtains, lighting that you can adapt to suit your mood, PlayStation and Xbox with your choice of games – it’s almost like the hotel wants you to move in permanently!

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, Talamanca, Ibiza town

The Nobu Penthouse Suite at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay – right on the seafront of Talamanca – is the very definition of ‘suite life’. Step through the grand entrance on the hotel’s top floor, and step into a world of pure luxury. Three decadent bedrooms, marble bathrooms, a living room, dining area, kitchen (don’t worry about cooking or cleaning, the Nobu chefs are on call to take care care of all the hard work there), two terraces and those breathtaking sea views set the scene for your stay, but it’s all the added extras that really make this an unforgettable Ibiza experience. A dedicated ambassador service means guests have a personal concierge team assigned for the duration of their stay to take care of itineraries or in-suite needs a like. You’ll also have breakfast served daily, in the privacy of the suite, a complimentary in-suite styling service from the John Frieda Salon, a daily spa treatment, a signed memoir by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa himself and if you’re travelling with kids in tow, the in-suite kids’ plat corner will keep them entertained for hours when they’re not begging you to go back to the coolest kids’ club in Ibiza – right next door to the plush pool where you receive a complimentary Bali bed each day. Luxury on all levels, for all ages.

The Giri Residence, San Juan, North West

With only five suites in the entire hotel, naturally there’s a high level of personalised service and luxury at The Giri Residence. But service here goes beyond simply catering to your every whim; rather, the intuitive team seem to be able to predict and interpret your desires before you even realise they’re there. Set in the quaint little village of San Juan in Ibiza’s north, book into the rooftop suite – The Bourgainville Suite – to create your own safe and spacious holiday haven, away from the crowds, awash with luxury and yet with a feeling of homeliness that can’t be found in a huge resort. With a master bedroom and en suite bathroom, plus two sofa beds in the living area and an additional bathroom, the suite can be configured to suit families or friends – or you could just take it all for yourself. Mornings are spent overlooking the church steeple from your terrace, with breakfast delivered to your door, afternoons can be pottering in the garden to your own private Balinese cabana or indulging in an Ayurvedic treatment in the spa, while in the evenings, The Giri Residence in-house chef is on hand to whip up whatever culinary cravings you desire.

W Ibiza, Santa Eulalia, East

It’s impossible to find a room you wouldn’t like at the all-new W Ibiza on the promenade in Santa Eulalia, especially as each room befits its name, such as Mega, Wonderful, Spectacular, Fantastic and Marvelous. But, as with all luxury resorts, not all suites are created equal and while a stay in any of the aforementioned is luxurious, a stay in the Penthouse is really a cut above the rest. With sea views, an amazing round king-sized bed and a spacious private terrace in the master room (also called Extreme Wow), two additional king-sized rooms (Fabulous and Wonderful) plus all the high-tech accessories you need, the three-bedroom connecting Penthouse suite is ideal for a group of friends who want plenty of space and privacy when they need it, but have spaces like a sea view terraces, large living areas and the rooftop to come together when not making the most of the hotel’s glamorous facilities.

Inner peace, outer beauty

In today’s climate, we need to think of spa days as essential as exercise and good nutrition. Rather than deeming the experience a treat, we (women and men alike) should be prioritising them as part of our regular self-care routines. Here in Ibiza, Open Spa at Ibiza Gran Hotel is the ultimate location for such a fundamental indulgence, going far beyond the basics of beauty treatments and deep into the essence of mind, body and soul. This season, the renowned day spa – which is open to the public in addition to hotel guests – launches an all-new facial treatment by Linda Meredith that will bring as much inner peace as it does outer beauty. Your Ibiza spa day just got even better…

From her Knightsbridge salon base, Linda Meredith has grown her chemical-free skincare brand – originally developed her skincare range to tackle the increasing exposure to toxins in our environment – into an internationally recognised leader in the field. Open Spa is the only location in Ibiza that stocks Linda Meredith’s exclusive products and treatments. If her long list of celebrity clients doesn’t convince you, the results of the Linda Meredith Oxygen Facial will. Like many innovations in the beauty industry, the oxygen facial was developed from medical technology that was used to treat severe skin conditions, wounds and cancers – and today, it reaps instant results on dull, tired skin.

In today’s climate, we need to think of spa days as essential as exercise and good nutrition. Rather than deeming the experience a treat, we (women and men alike) should be prioritising them as part of our regular self-care routines. Here in Ibiza, Open Spa at Ibiza Gran Hotel is the ultimate location for such a fundamental indulgence, going far beyond the basics of beauty treatments and deep into the essence of mind, body and soul. This season, the renowned day spa – which is open to the public in addition to hotel guests – launches an all-new facial treatment by Linda Meredith that will bring as much inner peace as it does outer beauty. Your Ibiza spa day just got even better…

From her Knightsbridge salon base, Linda Meredith has grown her chemical-free skincare brand – originally developed her skincare range to tackle the increasing exposure to toxins in our environment – into an internationally recognised leader in the field. Open Spa is the only location in Ibiza that stocks Linda Meredith’s exclusive products and treatments. If her long list of celebrity clients doesn’t convince you, the results of the Linda Meredith Oxygen Facial will. Like many innovations in the beauty industry, the oxygen facial was developed from medical technology that was used to treat severe skin conditions, wounds and cancers – and today, it reaps instant results on dull, tired skin.

As you are escorted to the impeccable Open Spa treatment rooms, the therapist gently quizzes you about your skincare routines, concerns and expectations. Sitting along the treatment bed is a trolley containing the full range of Linda Meredith products in its distinctive silver packaging. The therapist carefully examines your skin, identifying the various zones and choosing the products best suited to your particular conditions. The oxygen machine sits in the background while your face is cleansed, exfoliated and cleansed again, before any required extractions are followed by a massage, hydration and a mask, while you naturally drift into some kind of heavenly other world.

The appropriate serum is applied – either the anti-oxidant rich Linda Meredith Amazon balm or V-Tox, a naturally occurring non-invasive alternative to Botox. With the serum in place, the Open Spa therapist brings the oxygen pen to life. It looks a little bit like an airbrush but delivers a jet blast of pure oxygen directly to the skin’s surface, effectively pushing the serum deeper into the skin. It feels very much like a cooling feather dancing across your face. The therapist continuously draws the pen over your skin, concentrating on problem areas. The oxygen infiltrates fine lines, promotes collagen production and has instant visible results. It’s one of the gentlest methods for reinvigorating and plumping, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.

This non-invasive technique has zero side effects and no downtime – you can put make-up on directly afterwards and step out into the world ready to face your day. Celebrities use this treatment prior to special events, and it’s also an ideal ritual for brides-to-be. The results of the Linda Meredith Oxygen Facial at Open Spa are truly remarkable and even the hardiest beauty sceptic will be convinced of the benefits – the effects of the last for up to a week, with long-term benefits if used regularly.

Skin becomes luminescent, fine lines are dramatically reduced and even the deeper lines around the eyes and forehead are noticeably faded. The complexion becomes vibrant and elastic without the stiffness or side effects of more invasive treatments – more fresh, bright, clean and healthy looking than before. All the more reason to book yourself in for a treatment at Open Spa…

Culinary magic exists

Every year, Oscar Molina, executive chef at La Gaia at Ibiza Gran Hotel, holds an all-star potluck dinner, inviting another chef into his domain to mark the start of the season while presenting the season’s new menu along with a special announcement that La Gaia is repositioning its style of cuisine as Mediterranean Kaiseki. The Four Hands Dinner is like no other potluck on earth – it is truly star-studded. This year, Molina invited his old friend, two Michelin star, three Repsol Sol master of culinary amazement Mario Sandoval to join him and the result was nothing short of a gastronomic big bang.

Sandoval heads up Coque in Madrid and is one of Spain’s most celebrated and innovative chefs. It’s no wonder he and Molina go way back – the two not only share a friendship but an essential culinary curiosity that leads to the necessary experimentation required to create art for taste buds. Indeed, Molina and Sandoval’s creations are inspired, almost painterly in presentation, using flavour, taste, scent and texture to create an elegant and surprising gourmet journey and the Four Hands Dinner at La Gaia was no different.

A traditional Japanese Kaiseki meal consists of multiple dishes, much like the ubiquitous tasting menus enjoyed in haute cuisine and is a perfect description for Molina’s vision. This event began with a non-alcoholic cocktail – a cooling infusion of Jasmine tea with cranberry and traces of clove and ginger. Its flavours were remarkably layered with a hint of sherbet. The following ‘welcome’ starters, presented by the chefs themselves, were more like miniature works of art. This is a tradition that will continue throughout the season at La Gaia, allowing Molina a moment to connect with guests on a totally new level.

The chef is no longer stuck behind the kitchen door but becomes an integrated part of the experience before guests move onto the main dining room. The English translation of huveo de pepino, jengibre y shichimi (cucumber egg with ginger and shichimi) doesn’t do justice to the delicacy of the dish’s flavours. Nestled into a silver spoon was what appeared to be a half egg shell, a dollop of cream sitting in its centre, topped with an orange dusting of shichimi, a Japanese spice mix. The flighty morsel was fresh with cucumber, complemented by the crisp texture of the shell and the bright kick of the spice – future La Gaia diners take note!

Throughout the La Gaia menu, colour is used to expertly enhance the senses and the next dish presented at the event took that playfulness a step further. Tapioca crisps flavoured with beetroot cast a blushing pink across a serving dish that can only be described as a sculpture. A glass jellyfish sat atop a slender plinth, its tentacles represented by a lacing of black tulle. The little fragments of tapioca were pleasingly crisp and provide an exquisite hit of citrus. The following starter was clearly related to Molina’s experience travelling through Peru: wild rice pressed into a kind of mini-tortilla dotted with a crown of bright yellow corn cream and a generous spoonful of deliciously salty caviar. Again, the textures played amongst the flavours, offering a multi-sensory moment of flavourful joy.

As the last flavours of the starters were imbibed at the impromptu kitchen bench, diners then made their way into the main room. The new menu at La Gaia is suitably eclectic and refined. For many guests, choosing will be difficult but the experienced La Gaia servers have an almost encyclopaedic knowledge about each of the dishes to guide you to the right plate. The trio of Amelie oysters features one of these delicate bivalves doused in Peruvian acevichada sauce and topped with flying fish roe and sweet potato. The ensalada de crostes is Molina’s take on a much-loved traditional recipe – an age old peasant’s salad presented with peix sec (sun-dried fish) and tomatoes pickled in dashi. Again, Molina has managed to blend the flavours of Japan, Peru and the Mediterranean in one single plate.

Those lucky enough to attend the Four Hands Dinner at La Gaia also had the opportunity to sample two of Sandoval’s creations. The first was the essence of grilled carabinero prawn cooked to perfection – the head filled with a fragrant gelée made from some kind of magic plus amontillado dry sherry – truly sublime. Sandoval’s tuna sequence is a powerful selection of bite-sized moments. Instructed to start from right to left the dish begins with tuna infused ‘bone-marrow’ before moving onto tuna belly topped with finely sliced piparra chillies. Finally, tuna parpatana – a particularly tender cut – glazed with a tamarind marinade. The whole sequence from start to finished is like eating a Queen’s regal frock – smooth, gelatinous, velvety, rich and sweet.

The Sandoval dishes won’t appear on the La Gaia menu (which means one must book a trip to Madrid and a table at Coque), however Molina’s creativity flows all the way through, providing more than enough for any gourmand. Of particular note is the Falso Risotto de Piñones – risotto made from pine nuts. This is classic Molina, good-naturedly playing with our sense of culinary reality. The pine nuts are served with wild asparagus spears, sheet of cristal de patata and a sprinkling of coffee powder. Its only when this odd combination of flavours is translated to he language of taste buds does it all start to make wonderful, delicious sense. Molina’s lamb is also not to be missed. This slice of tender melt-in-the-mouth local lamb comes with a peanut mousse, spring onions and a gelée of citrus and cardamom. Its multi-layered flavours carry a perfumed after taste that lingers pleasantly on the tongue. Lovers of La Gaia will be happy to know the menu still retains La Gaia’s famous ceviches and sushi as well as an abundance of seafood, meat and vegetable dishes, all of which have been filtered through Molina’s singular imagination.

Desserts at La Gaia are as theatrical as their savoury counterparts. The Mignardises is a board of jewel-like sweetness containing an ‘egg’ of coconut and passion fruit, a miniature strawberry tart, a macaron of lime and yoghurt, a chocolate covered caramelised almond and a bombon de monte – an explosion of Pedro Jimenez sherry which is best described as Christmas in one bite. The crumble made from milk curd sourced from Santa Gertrudis is served with apple and pecans and somehow manages to be avant-garde and traditional at the same time.

Molina and the La Gaia team never disappoint. The attentive and knowledgeable staff expertly orchestrates every second of the experience. Each dish is clearly the result of intense research and experimentation. Even though it seems like nothing is left to chance, there is a sense of possibility running through the entire menu. It surprises and delights and sometimes challenges us to check our assumptions and reassess the possibility that magic – culinary magic – really does exist.

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.

Love the skin you’re in

Some people revel in nudity and the feelings of freedom and empowerment it brings them. Yet for others, the very thought of being naked evokes feelings of awkwardness, or even worse, shame – be that through social conditioning or self-confidence. Here in Ibiza, Open Spa – the luxurious wellness centre within the Five Star Grand Luxe Ibiza Gran Hotel – offers an all-new full body treatment that helps you embrace the beauty of your bare skin, no matter which camp you fall into; once you’ve experienced it for yourself it’s hard to fall back into any body shaming habits.

The treatment in question is the Glow Body Treatment by Anne Semonin – an incredible 90-minute treatment using all natural, aromatherapy-based products to restore your skin’s surface – body and face – to a pure, smooth and glowing state. The introduction of the cutting-edge Anne Semonin range to Open Spa in 2018 has been hugely successful – the award-winning products and custom-designed beauty treatments offering the perfect level of results-based luxury to Ibiza Gran Hotel’s discerning guests and visitors. Founded in 1985, the brand has over three decades of experience in pioneering products and treatments – all of which can be customised to suit your skin type.

As with all treatments at Open Spa, the Glow Body Treatment begins with a short relaxation session in the low-lit waiting area, complete with a heated lavender compress on your shoulders to ease you into it, cosy slippers on your feet and an array of herbal teas, fruits and chocolates at your fingertips. Your therapist then leads you to the pristine treatment room and gives you a brief introduction to the treatment ahead – you’ll be asked what kind of results you’d like to achieve (relaxing, energising, detoxifying or restorative) and offered four different oils to sniff in order to discover which your body is drawn to, or which you’d prefer to experience. Surprisingly – your subconscious will, on occasion, step in and make you feel attracted to a certain scent, for example lavender if it feels you need to relax.

It’s worth listening to your intuition (combined with the wise words of your therapist) in order to get the best results. Once you’re lying face-down on the massage table, the pampering begins. A beautiful, all-natural exfoliator – the Anne Semonin Nude Body Scrub – is applied in long, firm strokes all over your body. Obviously, a scrub is a little rough in texture, but the gentle, rhythmic massage serves as a balance to any abrasiveness. Given that the product is all natural, including pink quartz powder, hibiscus, lemongrass, sea salt and citrus oils, you can feel it doing nature’s good work on your body as the rough textures removed dead skin and the fragrant oils restore moisture at the same time. As your therapist works her way over your body, from top to bottom, back to front, be sure to breathe deeply – the heavenly aromatics contribute to the relaxation process.

After taking a shower to remove the grains of salt all over your body – another incredible aromatic experience as the water further activates the scent of the oils – you return to the massage table for part two of the treatment. Your chosen oil is gently massaged all over your body in order to deeply nourish, further soften and re-mineralise the skin, in the same style of massage as the original scrub, an experience that almost soothes you to sleep. Mixed in with your oil is a touch of another of Anne Semonin’s cult beauty products, Glow, an essential oil-based essence that adds an instant hint of pearlescent sun-kissed bronze to your skin that means you can walk out of your treatment looking like you’ve just walked off the beach. The product has been designed to adjust to all skin tones and also offers further hydration throughout the day.

The finishing touch of this treatment is an express Anne Semonin facial, to ensure every last centimetre of your skin leaves the treatment room glowing. A gentle cleanse and detoxifying exfoliation is followed by a hydrating oil and moisturiser, plus just the right amount of Glow. As you rise from the massage table, it’s impossible not to love the skin you’re in – it’s baby smooth, glowing like a bronzed goddess, feeling almost brand-new and still tinged with a heavenly aromatic scent. If every woman (and man!) in the world could experience this treatment, our collective body confidence would be raised through the roof. If only they could teach this feeling in schools…

The Glow Body Treatment is suitable for everyone – for those who’ve just arrived, looking to start their holiday fresh after a long-haul flight, it’s the ideal way to slough off tired skin cells and start anew, looking gorgeous and bronzed by the pool. For island residents who’ve spent their summer enjoying the beach, it’s also the ideal refresh – removing traces of sun damage and restoring the skin’s surface to silky smooth without losing your tan. For brides looking for the ultimate wedding day glow, for party girls looking to dazzle on a night out or for those who may not be a sun-worshipper at all, but want to treat themselves to the feeling of simply spectacular skin – this treatment is for all of you.

Ultimate indulgence ritual

Self-care is the buzzword for our era. Burning out is no longer cool – keeping balanced is. Doing it is not always easy however, unless you find yourself at Open Spa at Ibiza Gran Hotel. The pinnacle of Open Spa’s extensive treatment menu is the Ultimate Indulgence Ritual. The ritual starts from the very moment you’ve stepped over the threshold of this gorgeous, luxury hotel. Walking through the grand reception past the friendly faces of guest relations, bellboys and concierge into the golden light of the inner courtyard provides the first inkling of what is to come. Pure, luxurious and well-deserved indulgence.

As the doors swing open to the spa welcoming area, the eye is immediately drawn to the display of luxurious bottles and tubs of creams and serums but there’s plenty of time for that later. The ambience is gentle and immediately comforting. Before you’ve even been escorted to the changing rooms, the expert hands at this temple of wellness have taken you subtly into their care, guiding you towards some kind of spa nirvana. The Ultimate Indulgence Ritual commences with the spa’s signature Open Aqua experience. This heavenly water circuit is like a modern version of a Roman bathhouse; a vast hall of smooth lines and natural light with a choice of hydrotherapy pools and rooms that induce extreme feelings of pleasure. Take a sip of lemon or cucumber infused water, slip off the fluffy robe and into the waters. Your self-care is truly underway.

The Dynamic Pool is a good place to start with its variegated temperatures, swan neck jets, cascades and submerged spouts. Step through the shallow Way Kneipp pools for contrasting cold and hot. Follow this up with a spin in the Jacuzzi with its inbuilt bubbles bed before shocking the system into euphoria with the cold-water pool. Pass through the Swedish sauna, the Hamman, the salt inhalation room, the ice fountain and myriad choices of shower. As you recline on a heated day bed you’ll be gently reminded of the treatment to come. A therapist waits at the doors of the private treatment rooms with a big smile and an open face. The Ultimate Indulgence Ritual starts with a conversation about the condition of your skin and muscles. A row of Anne Semonin vials stand at the ready while the highly trained therapist explains which is ideal for your skin type. Open Spa at Ibiza Gran Hotel is the one and only location in Ibiza where you can try this globally-renowned luxury skincare brand and each unique product is both cutting edge and healing at the same time. The science is all there, but as far as you’re concerned… simply lie down and let your therapist work her magic.

There are few words to do the Ultimate Indulgence Ritual justice but let’s just say you deserve to have this experience. The back exfoliation that begins the process is the perfect summertime treatment to slough off dead skin and prepare you for the beach as you feel the years being wiped away to reveal glowing skin beneath. Select Anne Semonin body products are used, designed to improve the tone and elasticity of the skin while uplifting your mood at the same time. Then comes the rhythmic, hypnotic full body massage, again tailored to your specific skin and body needs and completely, utterly, out-of-this-world amazing. Promising flawless skin is a big claim but as the therapist begins the pièce de résistance, your Anne Semonin facial, the possibility becomes more apparent. At some point, you’ll lose track of the various uplifting, energising, tension releasing, circulation boosting, detoxifying, relaxing (and more) facial massage techniques and bespoke combination of specialised Anne Semonin serums being used. You’ll lose track of the present and slip into some kind of other world, one that is inhabited by clouds and a dreamlike atmosphere where the air is perfumed, but not overly, and the bed melts from under your body. And that’s totally ok. Remember, there’s time for all that later – right now, your job is to surrender to bliss.

The gentle voice of your therapist brings you back up from the dream world and somehow you float towards the relaxation room where she’ll lie you down, make you a herbal infusion and bring you a bowl of healthy snacks. As you lean back, warm slippers magically appear on your feet and a warm wheat pack over your shoulders. Apparently, it’s been a full 110 minutes since you entered the treatment room but time moves at a different pace here; in fact, it’s almost like time stands still. As for the flawless skin, Open Spa do not make promises they cannot keep. You’ll see a dramatically different glow in the mirror as you depart the changing room – skin is smoothed, plump, luminous and completely rejuvenated. Perhaps while time was standing still, your therapist was turning back the clock! At the same time, you experience a deep feeling of inner peace; of total relaxation. All in all, the Ultimate Indulgence Ritual at Open Spa is the kind of self-care that really matters – one that takes you out of yourself and puts you back together in the best possible way.

Five-star perfection

This is the exact reason La Gaia at Ibiza Gran Hotel – the island’s only Five-Star Grand Luxe rated resort – is held in such high esteem, because here every little detail is flawless. A dining experience taken seamlessly to levels beyond excellence, thanks to star chef Óscar Molina, diners can be confident they’ll be immersed in sensory heaven, and time after time – without fail – that’s what they get. Perhaps the best way of discovering all the delights of the inspired Japeruvian cuisine is by diving into the tasting menu. More than just dinner, this experience takes you on an exhilarating journey through flavour designed by the true mastermind of Japeruvian cuisine, Chef Óscar. A unique fusion of Nikkei and Peruvian cultures brought alive by state-of-the-art techniques, Japeruvian joins two worlds harmoniously, in the process creating a brand new style of gastronomy that frequently leaves guests stunned and foodies in a frame of total bliss.

This masterpiece of cuisine naturally has roots in years of Chef Óscar’s experience and of course, a smidgeon of his creative genius. A chef who initially plied his trade alongside his father, he has now accrued over 20 years of experience in world-beating restaurants all across the globe. It’s at Ibiza Gran Hotel however, that he chose to unfurl his one-of-a-kind vision, and fortunately for islanders and visitors alike, his exclusive Japeruvian style. With the Japeruvian tasting menu, diners are encouraged to really sample his acumen, while fortunately for all involved, digging into first-class plates of food renowned as Ibiza’s very best. On arrival at La Gaia, guests are greeted with a welcome cocktail – think pisco sours or Yuki Fujis, seated in the stunningly bright, natural space, and then given an appetiser to whet the palette before embarking on further courses. What follows is a whirlwind of delight. Guests are then presented with a specially selected Amélie oyster, followed by Croaker fish tiradito with basil and jalapeño flavoured sauce – the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and then pickled baby beetroot with coconut textures, horseradish tartare and watercress. A dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Moving into the second half of the menu, more hearty, wholesome dishes begin to appear. The chef selects a plate of mouth-watering nigiri – using only the finest fresh fish, of course. This is followed by barbecued monkfish cheeks, or cocotxas, as this specially used part of the fish’s face is called in the Basque country, from where it hails. The final savoury course is Ibizan lamb belly, which harks back to Chef Óscar’s passion for using locally-sourced ingredients where possible. Dessert is two-fold. First: chilled, exotic fresh fruit, and second: a richly-delicious bowl of chocolate and peanuts – with a twist, naturally. It’s highly recommended to accompany this Japeruvian-inspired feast with the specially curated wine tasting menu, and of course, to ask questions where required – the highly-trained staff are more than willing to explain the meaning of certain ingredients that feature on the menu. Ponzu, for example, is a refreshing dressing made from yuzu and rice vinegar, often found in Japanese cooking, while chica morada is a Peruvian variety of purple corn grown in the Andes mountains. In fact, an awareness of what’s featured on the menu brings a whole new level of admiration for the chef and kitchen.

It’s fair to say that La Gaia is unlike any other dining destination on Ibiza and what you get with the Japeruvian tasting menu is just a small sample of one man’s enchanting culinary vision – an opportunity to dive into two stunningly rich flavour cultures. “I’m a person who likes to see things done properly, with passion and spirit that is transmitted via the senses,” says Chef Óscar. “I admire chefs who  reinvent themselves, who create new concepts and set trends on the basis of new ideas.” And therein lies the secret of success.