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Natural authentic Ibiza luxury

From the very first moment you step across the threshold at Agroturismo Atzaró, you are enveloped in the delicate fragrance of orange blossom, and this scent remains with you for the duration of your stay. It’s not surprising, given the iconic island hotel is situated on 10 hectares of beautiful orange groves in Ibiza’s north – a location that has been fittingly paid tribute to as part of the stunning 2018 Atzaró relaunch. Drawing heavily on the authentic nature of the rural location, respecting the traditional Ibicenco style of the main building (the finca) and inspired by the generations of heritage behind the successful, family-run business, the conceptual redesign and refurbishment – based around the concept of pure, natural luxury – has been a long-term project presided over by Atzaró Design. Returning the hotel to a place of pure Ibiza authenticity with a luxurious twist, the results are nothing short of magic.

Evoking the true spirit of authentic Ibiza, Agroturismo Atzaró simultaneously honours its past while celebrating its future with a stunning redesign and refurbishment.

Typical Ibicenco architecture and interiors take centre stage in the gorgeous and spacious new reception space at the finca’s entrance, which opens into a plush, comfortable sitting area filled with deluxe sofas covered in organic white cotton and an open fireplace. Striking Sabina wood beam ceilings complement the terracotta tiled floors and white plaster walls, with touches of gold playing homage to the island’s North African and Moroccan history. Lining the walls of this area are beautiful black and white photos of three generations of the Guasch family, still proudly presiding over the space that was once their cherished family home – transformed into a luxury hotel in 2004. This traditional styling theme and earthy, rustic colour palette continues throughout the hotel’s 24 bedrooms, where emperor sized teak four-poster beds dressed in luxe white linen immediately command attention – begging to be sunk into – alongside beautiful bespoke furnishings designed with loving intention by Atzaró and handmade by artisans from around the world. Each bedroom evokes a feeling of calm; of purity; of total relaxation while boasting all the mod cons a discerning modern guest could ever require.

The finca and surrounding buildings’ exteriors have been given a fresh lease on life, repainted in the signature all-white hue of a traditional Ibiza home – living harmoniously alongside the vibrant colours of nature outside. Pops of colour within each bedroom come courtesy of a series of bespoke paintings created for the hotel, each telling a tale of the finca, the farm and orange groves. And speaking of those oranges again, each room is subtly scented with a room essence custom created from a blend of orange blossoms plucked from the gardens and onsite botanicals. If the main finca is set in the heart of the orange groves, one could say the groves, and indeed the entire Atzaró hotel, are situated in the heart of authentic Ibiza. Surrounded by lush, green mountains and fully functioning farmlands, drenched in the island’s famous golden sunlight and with endless bright blue skies above, a stay at Agroturismo Atzaró is an escape to paradise. Two sparkling swimming pools, blissfully quiet corners, decadent day beds and tranquil chill outs are found peppered throughout the fragrant orange groves and an expansive organic vegetable garden supplies the daily bounty for the hotel’s in-house restaurants.

Natural luxury is evident in every space, every bedroom, every corner, every terrace and even every flower and tree within the meticulously maintained gardens and grounds.

Agroturismo Atzaró boasts two divine dining spaces – both of which are open to non-hotel guests all year round. Each of the restaurants have been lovingly refurbished in keeping with the hotel’s feeling of authenticity and luxury, from La Veranda – the gorgeous open-air dining space and terrace adjacent to the finca – to The Orange Tree, an elegant after-dark alfresco dining space surrounded by palm trees, vines, orange blossom, rosemary, hibiscus and jasmine. In addition to its style revamp, the Atzaró menu concept has also been redesigned to reflect a new level of culinary flair. Think high-quality yet rustic Mediterranean dishes with Ibizan influences, plus a strong focus on healthy, organic produce grown onsite or locally sourced ingredients. New Atzaró head chef Sachsa Tarruella Meyer draws his inspiration for the new menu from authentic and historical island culinary traditions, including the farming history of Atzaró. Expect rustic flavours combined with sophisticated tastes in dishes such as the slow-cooked Balearic rack of lamb infused with rosemary and honey, served alongside aubergine fries, Lionesa potatoes and Mantekia butter with local herbs; or the vegetarian green beans and Ibicenco potato salad chock-full of Kalamata olives, feta, radish, cherry tomatoes and oregano. After meals, guests can sip on homemade ‘Orangello’ – yet another nod to the beautiful and bountiful surrounds.

Already renowned around the world as a luxury spa hotel, Atzaró has elevated its expansive spa to the next level in 2018 to fit with the hotel’s relaunch. Flowing all-white curtains create a sense of tranquillity in the teak treatment cabins, each of which offers beautiful views over the orange groves, and world-class therapists are on hand to deliver an array of health, wellness and beauty treatments to guests of the hotel and day visitors. The sauna and Hamman have been equipped with elegant new marble flooring and given a heavenly all-white makeover that elicits an all new energy within the healing space. An in-house fitness centre offers a weekly programme of classes while yoga sessions are hosted in the beautiful nearby yoga pavilion. Luxurious white day beds are scattered throughout the orange groves, providing spa guests the perfect place to find their zen alongside the famous fresh water swimming pool. With the Atzaró Group ticking all the right boxes when it comes to accommodation, cuisine, relaxation, fitness, pampering and wellness, there’s no greater destination when it comes to pure and natural luxury.

Mediterranean magic

Launching in spring – and now taking reservations for its debut season – is the spectacular 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza, an all-new luxury resort set to bring new levels of style, service and sophistication to the west coast of Ibiza. Within the five-star resort are an array of restaurants, bars and wellness areas also open to the public, making it one of the most highly anticipated venue openings in many years. The resort itself is set on a striking clifftop in Cala Codolar, with breathtaking views over the sparkling Mediterranean and across to Ibiza’s legendary limestone rock formation Es Vedra. Surrounded by fragrant pine forests and abundant nature, 7Pines Kempinski Ibizais just minutes (and walking distance) from some of the island’s best beaches and secret coves, although once you settle into its completely private and discreet way of life, it’s easy to imagine not leaving the complex for the duration of your stay. The choices are endless.

A stylish, purpose built luxury resort complex designed with pure relaxation, discretion and indulgence in mind.

With 186 suites – one and two bedroom suites spaced out over the resort grounds – 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza is a stylish restoration and redevelopment of a small coastal village, that respects the local architectural heritage with which it was originally built. Views vary from stunning clifftop vistas or contemporary poolside views to suites presiding over the pool, garden or bay – each one as beautiful as the next. Every room is equipped with all the creature comforts you could wish for and fitted with modern décor echoing the hues of nature to create a calming, harmonious environment. Beautifully maintained mature Mediterranean gardens complement the rocky, rugged coastline on which 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza is built. Two outdoor swimming pools – one of which is a sleek infinity pool – set the ideal scene to relax, sunbathe and cool off in the high summer heat, while outdoor Jacuzzis, a sauna and steam room are on hand when you want to amp it up. Health, wellness and fitness are prevalent, with personal trainers, private yoga instructors and a variety of outdoor fitness activities availble, while those who prefer to kick back and soak it all in will enjoy a day out on the resort’s very own Pershing yacht.

The gastronomic offerings at 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza promise to be second to none. Mornings begin at The View – an innovative fine dining space overlooking Es Vedra, with the feeling of floating above the clifftop thanks to floor to ceiling glass windows that open out onto a stunning terrace. And if you think The View is spectacular by day, just wait until you experience it after dark. Opening once again for dinner, the menu fuses European and Korean traditions, techniques, flavours and spices, resulting in an experience like no other on the island. Take it up a notch by booking the chef’s table, where you can interact with the culinary team as they take you on an unforgettable dining journey and be sure to ask the professional sommelier to guide you through the world-class wine list. With a laidback ambience and buzzing social scene, Cone Club restaurant and bar is the place to be at 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza, from lunchtime through sunset – when the space truly shines, as the sun casting its golden glow over Es Vedra in the foreground – and dinner. Communal tables and cocktails create a casual vibe, while those looking for a more VIP experience can escape to private cabanas. An a la carte menu with a hint Asian and Arabic flavours and sharing plates are also available, meaning no matter what your appetite or dietary requirement and whatever time of the day, there’s something to suit everyone in your group at Cone Club.

Designed in conjunction with world renowned yacht makers of the same name, Pershing Terrace at 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza is the very first high-end bar of its kind on the west coast of the island. Think only the very finest top shelf spirits and liquors – served straight up, on the rocks or poured into carefully crafted cocktails of the highest calibre – and an exceptional wine list, plus an expertly curated cigar menu and you’ll start to envision the luxury and decadence on offer here. Style-wise, the space fuses the chic Italian design principles Pershing is known for with the spectacular clifftop setting, creating drama, glamour and elegance all in one setting. Add jazz-inspired lounge music and those iconic Ibiza sunset views and it’s easy to see why Pershing Terrace is set to become the place to be seen next summer. Wellness is also at the heart of the 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza offering, with Pure Seven Spa envisioned as a destination within the destination. This health and wellbeing hub is all about encouraging a holistic lifestyle, set in a space designed to elicit feelings of purity and serenity. Saunas, a steam bath and indoor relaxation areas with incredible views help you ease into holiday mode, before indulging in a personalised treatment to suit your needs. Drawing on organic, local and aromatic ingredients, and using cutting edge cosmetology techniques and technology, the menu ranges from medical grade aesthetics under the watchful eye of a doctor to classic beauty treatments and relaxing face and body works.

If love is in the air and it’s an unforgettable Ibiza wedding venue you’re seeking, 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza is the picture-perfect location. With so many different spaces that can be configured to suit the size of your wedding party – from an intimate celebration on one of the restaurant terraces to a magical formal gala in a ballroom resplendent with flowers – the scope is endless. A professional wedding and events planning team are on hand to guide you through all stages of the planning process, from the paperwork required to get married in a foreign country to the little extras like styling, catering, entertainment, flowers, transport and more. Just imagine the backdrop of your wedding photos… not to mention the memories that will be talked about for years to come. Beyond the impressive suites and stylish décor, amazing gardens and perfectly manicured grounds; beyond the incredible gastronomic offerings by day, at sunset and by night; beyond the buzzing cosmopolitan social ambience; beyond the magical Mediterranean views and beyond the all-encompassing wellness philosophy, service and professionalism are at the heart of 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza. Warm and welcoming staff, attention to detail and the highest level of hospitality found on the island complete the package – an all-new luxury destination set to win the hearts of island locals and travellers alike in 2018.

Embracing evolution

Walk ten minutes in one direction and you’ll hit the bright lights and buzz of the charming old town; turn 90 degrees and the newly revamped golden shores of Talamanca and hustle of Marina Botafoch are reached in the same amount of time. Talk about location, location, location! While its location is indeed fabulously first-rate, once you step inside Sir Joan it could be easy to forget the world outside and get caught up in the luxury, decadence and five-star glamour that surrounds you. The chic, contemporary design evokes an air of exclusivity, with a distinct nod to Ibiza’s bohemian luxe past seen through the use of rich and earthy colours and patterns in the interior. This clever fusion of old meets new is intentional, with award-winning architects and interior designers Baranowitz + Kronenberg drawing on the island’s heritage and the hotel’s modern maritime location for inspiration. Visible from the sky, the chequered black and white façade is fast on its way to becoming an iconic Ibiza building.

There is an air of exclusivity and yet everyone is welcome. Sir Joan doesn’t discriminate – just like the Ibiza of days gone by.

The 38 rooms and suites within this urban oasis have been crafted with your every creature comfort in mind. Stylish stripped back walnut wooden floorboards emulate yacht flooring, while stunning hand-beaten and polished stainless steel wall panels mimic the effect of rolling waves when hit by sunlight. Party people, rest assured – blackout blinds are de rigueur ensuring your beauty sleep is never disturbed. Elegant marble bathrooms are stocked with local Ayurvedic oils plus luxury Dead Clean toiletries, plus feature heavenly rain showers and his and hers sinks. Egyptian cotton sheets, Bang + Olufsen Bluetooth speakers, a ‘guilty pleasure goodie box’, pillow menu and the lust goes on. Oh, and the rooms just so happen to be soundproof. Each room features a balcony, while suites have up to three, in addition to an indoor living space making them the perfect home away from home. Each space features art created by local artists – be it sculpture, photography or painting – plus books by legendary Spanish writers and photos referencing old school Ibiza. But the true stars of the Sir Joan show are magnificent penthouse suites – taking over the entire top floor, each has an expansive wraparound rooftop terrace, outdoor seating, private cabana, a plunge pool and open-air kitchen overlooking all of the port. The most premium suites built in Ibiza to date.

It’s all in the detail at Sir Joan. Once you’re checked in – a process that most definitely does not involve sitting at a stuffy desk and filling out boring forms but rather, warm and welcoming professional staff discreetly ushering you to your room or suite – the true Sir Joan experience begins. And by the way, there’s a top secret VIP entrance for those who really don’t wish to be spotted! On the ground floor, sleek poolside cabanas line the walls beneath tall palm trees to create a mirage-like effect by the pool, ideal for taking some downtime and topping up your tan before heading out to explore the island. Owner and founder of Sir Hotels, Liran Wizman, firmly believes in an ethos of bringing locally inspired guest experiences to its dynamic location. He and his team spent months recruiting the perfect concierge team for Sir Joan; those who would understand and interpret the needs of their discerning guests to the letter. Sir Joan clients are treated to the most discreet, personal, efficient and professional service on the island. No request is too big or too small.

Whether you’re an exhibitionist or in need of complete discretion, Sir Joan can curate the perfect Ibiza experience for you.

It stands to reason that dwellings as luxurious as Sir Joan would invite equally as impressive gastronomic offerings to share their space. Enter IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar, the globally acclaimed Japanese and Peruvian fusion restaurant founded by THE ENTOURAGE GROUP – another of Wizman’s ventures, created alongside hospitality entrepreneur Yossi Eliyahoo. Sleek, chic and bringing an urban dining experience unlike any other to Ibiza, the dining space is elegantly sprawled across the ground floor of Sir Joan, and open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Those in the know are already touting breakfast as the best on the island, and special brunch events look set to make IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar the place to be seen on a Sunday morning this summer. The food at IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar is, quite simply, art – both to look at and to taste. Silky soft sashimi and precision rolled sushi sits alongside a variety of fresh meat and fish prepared on the traditional Japanese Robata grill or in a Hibachi fire bowl. DJs – including the island’s best local talents to a revolving roster of special secret international guests – spin authentic Balearic beats in the adjacent lounge bar area, which almost has the feeling of a bohemian salon in days gone by. One could be sitting next to an author, an artist, a fashion designer or a superstar DJ. Sir Joan doesn’t discriminate, just like Ibiza back in the good old days. Free spirits are welcome, expressing oneself is encouraged and having a good time is the name of the game. All the while sipping on premium cocktails of course.

Long-term island residents may recall some hazy memories related to Sir Joan’s former life as a legendary after-hours destination in the early 2000s (does the name El Divinito ring a bell?). And just like the island has evolved, so too have those same tastemakers, going on to open some of the most successful businesses and brands on the island, build their own properties, start their own families and invite other global influencers to experience Ibiza. The island and its residents have grown up together, and Sir Joan and IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar – along with soon-to-be-opened late-night hangout THE BUTCHER – play homage to these people, filling the gap for a place where they can relive the hedonism of those early days in a manner that suits the new lifestyles to which they are accustomed. Whether you’re an exhibitionist or a total ‘discretionist’, an Ibiza old-timer or an island first-timer, you will find a place within Sir Joan to suit you. Big enough to be a buzzing nightly hotspot, hot enough to be the name on everyone’s lips yet still small enough for it to feel like an ultra exclusive villa party, Sir Joan is now taking bookings for summer 2017 and beyond.

Cornucopia of colour

There are very few places left in Ibiza where one can feel as though they’ve stumbled onto something undiscovered. Where time stands still, and the island’s authentic bohemian essence and true sense of freedom remain preserved. Portinatx, the northernmost tip of the island, is one such place and the jewel in its glittering crown is boutique Ibiza hotel Los Enamorados. At first glance, the stylish setting appears as though it has been untouched since the building’s inception in 1964, yet on closer inspection, each and every item – from the glossy tiled walls and colourful handmade crockery to urban designer lighting – has been hand selected to evoke an overall feeling of vintage chic, while standards of luxury remain strictly in the present.

A museum of curiosities, a showroom of contemporary design and a home away from home, Los Enamorados is a place to disconnect from the world.

The beautiful brainchild of Pierre Travesier and Rozemarijn de Witte – a former basketball player and lifestyle magazine editor with a passion for collecting curio from around the globe – Los Enamorados pays testament to their impeccable taste and unwavering vision. The concept is an expansion of their lifestyle: with a home in Ibiza Pierre describes as ‘too big’ for just the two of them, they would constantly play host to friends and family. When the search for a loft uncovered an old seafront building in the island’s north, it became instantly apparent to the couple that they could recreate and share their home life on a larger, more professional scale. No architectural details were changed during the property’s remodel, with Pierre and Rozemarijn seeing beauty beyond its structural aesthetic, set atop romantic, ancient fishing boat houses. Choosing to honour its design rather than try and transform the large open spaces, they stripped back paint to allow the original concrete finishes to shine as a design detail – perfect in its imperfections. With just nine rooms – motel-esque, accessed via one long corridor on the hotel’s first floor – Los Enamorados feels intimate, like the private home of a well-travelled friend.

Colour and texture are in abundance throughout Los Enamorados, a detail Pierre attributes to his Caribbean childhood. You will never find all-white sheets, clinical bathrooms or crystal clear glassware within his projects, or indeed, his own home. For Pierre and Rosemarijn, colour is life. Each bedroom is imbibed with its own character, decorated in a rich palette of earthy colours inspired by the surroundings: rust-red, burnt orange, dark turquoise, mustard yellow, deep purple and emerald green. Handmade, anti-allergy, triple mattress, all-natural Coco-mat beds were acquired to guarantee rejuvenation – be it after a 20-minute disco nap or a long overdue lie-in. Lighting can be dimmed or raised to suit your moods. Air conditioning units are carefully camouflaged behind hand-woven decorative covers – though the direct sea breeze from each north-facing balcony negates any overuse. Plush, low-slung sofas encourage further rest and relaxation. Bathrooms reveal further surprises, with every tile, sink and fixture hand-picked with its destination in mind.

One must truly be immersed to feel the authenticity of Los Enamorados – breathing the fresh, sea air, feeling the warmth of the golden Ibiza sun and tasting the flavours of its internationally inspired cuisine.

The spacious layout allowed Pierre and Rozemarijn to create a relaxed dining space and bar to allow non-staying guests to share in the Los Enamorados magic, for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. Self-confessed foodies who admit to travelling thousands of kilometres just to a try a certain homemade truffle pasta or for a renowned Poké bowl, their inspiration for the restaurant was not unlike that of the dwellings: to share their international tastes and love of fresh flavour with one and all. After the search for the perfect chef introduced them to Alberto Pacheco, they took him on a gourmet tour of the globe as an induction into their world. It was not enough for him to research, or see photographs; he had to taste, in order to understand it and thus, the Los Enamorados menu plays homage to the owners’ international palates. Fresh oysters and ceviche sit alongside crispy prawn wontons and fried anchovies as starters, while mains include mouthwatering Peruvian chicken Anticucho, a Nikkei tuna burger, the much-loved Poké bowls and tacos. Cocktails too, are a must-try with twists on tradition and bespoke concoctions all made with love, preferably served in nature’s vessels such as pineapple husks and coconut shells.

A fabulous boutique showcases a range of fashion, homewares, art, beauty and more within a laidback, salon-like space where guests are also welcome to recline and soak up the spectacular sunset views. From custom-made Japanese kimonos, mint condition 1980s trainers, ethnic art and quirky Jonathan Adler ceramics to Moroccan rugs, French flea market finds and so much more. Lifelong collectors, the owners curate both the space – dubbed a boutique bazaar with rooms – without attachment (with the rare exception), sharing in the joy a client feels when they can take a piece of the magic home with them, and feeling their own thrill of the opportunity to bring in new pieces as replacements. New discoveries jump out at every glance in Los Enamorados. Carefully curated corners may disappear overnight, after a guest falls in love with the way the chairs complement the tables and lamps ‘just so’, they can purchase them and have them shipped back to whatever part of the world they may hail from. Indeed, absolutely everything at Los Enamorados is for sale, with Pierre and Rozemarijn viewing the project as an ongoing evolution – a puzzle, just waiting for the next piece to be discovered and put in place. But the truth is, Los Enamorados is so much more than the sum of all its parts – it is a patchwork of perfection unlike anywhere else in Ibiza. A place that once discovered, is cherished forever. A place to return to, again and again and again…

Visit the White Ibiza hotels guide to read more and reserve a room at Los Enamorados
House of heritage

Those stories however, are well documented. What comes next for Pikes is yet to be written and the 2017 summer season lies ahead like a book of empty pages, ready and waiting to be filled with new tales of adventure, debauchery, fun and fabulousness. At the heart of the new chapter of Pikes are owners and Ibiza Rocks founders Dawn Hindle and Andy McKay. After acquiring Pikes in 2011, they were determined to respect the hotel’s heritage while putting their own stamp on the iconic space. “We feel the hotel is a living, breathing museum to everything Tony built,” explains Dawn. “We needed to modernise it, but we never wanted to strip away its identity.”

The Pikes ethos has always been to make guests feel as though they were staying in a private home – a hedonistic grown-up escape.

This passion for preserving history is evident in the 2017 refurbishments, where no two details are alike. “We want to keep each room individual and special, so we renovate ad hoc,” says Dawn, who scours the globe for unique pieces to breathe new life into the older spaces – be it taxidermy, vintage furniture or art. “Of course, there are things we will never touch, like the terracotta bathroom that was in the Club Tropicana film clip – you can’t! But the hotel was built in the 70s and things do wear out. It would be easy to rip everything out and start from scratch, but we love the individuality and want to add to it, not subtract from it.” A new, match made in heaven collaboration with eclectic British interior design and homewares company Rockett St George further builds on the hotel’s heritage, with custom designed wallpaper created using the imagery from the famous Pikes photo collection and cool neon signs emblazoning location appropriate phrases such as Kate Moss’s rather logical ‘Why the fuck can’t I have fun all the time?’ across the walls. Bespoke scented candles dubbed ‘After the disco’, cool cocktail kits, quirky notebooks disguised as bedside Bibles and mirrored disco balls are now found for sale in every room (and online). “We thought it might stop people nicking everything!” says Dawn.

Rockett St George were also invited to completely redesign Room 9 of the hotel, showcasing their dark, vintage-inspired aesthetic via black-painted walls, retro peacock chairs, mid-century cocktail trolleys, bold neon signage, quirky lighting, wall-mounted zebras and much more. Think Tender is the Night meets The Factory with a splash of punk rock in between. Described as ‘grotto-fabulous’ and ‘bohemian back to mine’, this is the room you want to be seen in at Pikes this summer. While the Pikes vibes is indeed all about mingling and making new friends, you can make it easy for yourself by simply reserving the room! A facelift was also given to the iconic Freddie’s Suite in order to further enhance its usability and fun factor. A cool pull-down bed has been added (“Just because I’ve always wanted one!” laughs Dawn), evoking that authentic house party feeling, while walls have been lined with the aforementioned wallpaper and eclectic chic palm tree lamps and neon signs softly illuminate the space. The floor has been levelled out to allow more space for dancing, the bars have been redesigned for easier access and there’s even a secret bookcase door separating the dance floor from The Potting Shed bar.

Pikes is the perfectly balanced sum of its parts – amazing music, eclectic style, interesting people, delicious food, wonderful wine and an anything can happen ambience.

The jewel in the crown of Freddie’s Suite is the new DJ booth – once a tiny, ramshackle wardrobe – redesigned by none other than DJ Harvey, who was recently named Pikes’ ‘Cultural Attaché’. Harvey also collaborated with Pikes on the installation of a new Void sound system and custom lighting in Freddie’s. All the better to dance to my dears, as DJ Harvey’s Mercury Rising residency returns to Pikes for its third consecutive season on Monday nights from August 7 to September 25, 2017. The beauty of a Pikes party is that absolutely everyone is welcome – provided you’ve signed up to the guest list (easily done here). Hotel guests dance alongside holidaymakers, island locals, Ibicencos, rock royalty and well-known Pikes characters such as Sunny in his fancy dress boudoir or bathtub karaoke room. The summer 2017 party line-ups are serious stuff, with Paul Oakenfold hosting a four-week series of parties every Wednesday in August, while Saturday nights are the signature Pikes House Party, with special guest headline DJs including Artwork, Leon Vynehall, Bushwacka! and PBR Streetgang. More international artists including Simian Mobile Disco, Midland, Mr Saturday Night Live and Mike Mayer, guest star on Mondays in July as London ‘it’ club XOYO host their first Ibiza residency, XOYO Loves…

Rounding out all the elements of Pikes is Room 39, the in-house restaurant – open to non-hotel guests for breakfast, lunch, poolside snacks and dinner alike. With chef Lee Milne at the helm for a third season, 2017 sees the restaurant define its culinary identity with a new sharing style menu drawing on the British heritage of the owners and loyal clientele, with splashes of Tony Pike’s Australian influence, plus a distinct nod to the Spanish location and traditional tapas style of eating. On Thursday nights throughout summer, Room 39 hosts ‘Pikes Open Kitchen’ inviting guest chefs to take over for the evening – a new pop-up platform to showcase exciting new gastronomic ideas from around the globe. An impressive wine list – much of it hailing from mainland Spain – completes the Room 39 offering, with many of the varieties (even those at the top of the scale) available by the glass. Cocktails, in true Club Tropicana style, are expertly shaken and stirred poolside (though unfortunately not free!) and the Pikes Sunday Roast provides the perfect taste of nostalgia to wrap up your weekend. All in all, Pikes truly is the sum of its parts – each piece of the puzzle perfectly complementing the other and resulting in unforgettable holiday experiences.

Destination tranquility

Offering all this and more, with the bonus of being a very short drive from the popular village of Santa Gertrudis, is luxurious Ibiza boutique hotel Ca Na Xica. With miles of raw, rural countryside on your doorstep, the best beaches in the Med just down the road and a world of heavenly holiday delights within its expansive grounds, the quality, care and attention to detail throughout the 20-room hotel is unrivalled. Once an ancient finca ruin, the original intention was to restore Ca Na Xica into a holiday villa for Barcelona-based owners Ricardo and Mercedes and their family. However as the refurbishment evolved, Ricardo was inspired instead to create a hotel, wanting to share the beauty and magic of his project with people from all over the world. Now under the expert care of his daughter Carla and her husband Alex, Ca Na Xica has been welcoming guests since 2009, and has continued to evolve over the subsequent years.

The constant evolution of Ca Na Xica has seen the boutique hotel fuse the ultimate in luxury and the best of modern living with an authentic, laidback Ibiza ambience.

For the first few years, Ca Na Xica was intimate in size, with just six beautifully decorated rooms in the restored two-storey finca – a truly beautiful example of traditional Ibiza architecture. Over time, the desire to expand and introduce an element of international style to the hotel saw the development of 14 new premium suites in 2015, built to the left of the property, overlooking fields of rich red soil and pine forest views. With discreet entrances, ultra private terraces and an overwhelming feeling of calm, these new cubic style suites offer guests the perfect fusion of cosmopolitan and country living. Bright and light throughout, surrounded by lush Mediterranean flora including cacti and succulents in atriums surrounding the modern showers, the suites are designed to make you feel at one with nature without having to let go of any creature comforts.

Each room name has been given a name inspired by the famous elements of Ibiza – think White, Sand, Hippy and Chic among others. Ca Na Xica has commissioned and curated a unique art collection – by well-known Ibiza and Formentera artists including Marta Torres, Julia Ribas, Karen Hain and Anna Ametller – to match the name of each room. It’s the little details like this that make all the difference when lovingly explained to guests. Ibiza and her sister island are a constant inspiration for the hotel owners. The stunning T-shaped swimming pool, at the heart of the hotel’s grounds, is brimming with water as azure as you see in Formentera – an intentional touch. This spacious area is the very epitome of relaxation; sunbeds are well spaced, allowing each guest optimum privacy and tranquility while tanning.

A constant quest for quality is prevalent throughout Ca Na Xica’s offerings – from cuisine and spa treatments to mod cons and service alike.

The island continues to be an inspiration in the standalone restaurant Salvia – also open to the public from 2017 – where head chef Sergio Zubiadut creates modern day masterpieces with the Mediterranean ingredients he has at his fingertips, giving them an international twist at times. From herbs and fresh vegetables grown onsite at Ca Na Xica, to the very best wild fish, fresh seafood and high quality meats expertly flame grilled in a Josper oven, the quality is unrivalled. There are no cutting corners on costs in this restaurant; rather, Sergio and his team seek out the very finest of everything, wishing their customers the ultimate in gastronomical experiences. Start with some typical Spanish sharing dishes, such as Iberico ham, crispy croquettes of ham and leek or Andalucian style calamari or a cheese platter with chutney made from the figs taken from the trees at Ca Na Xica. If your tastes lean towards the exotic, vegetable gyozas or mussels cooked in an Asian influenced sauce of coconut, coriander, ginger and chilli may suffice. Health conscious diners are offered an array of superfoods and salads; meat (ranging from Galician beef to local free range chicken and Wagyu burgers) and fish (the wild sea bass and grilled octopus and scallops are perfection!) lovers are spoilt for choice and be sure to save room for dessert – it’s yet another must-try.

Back to the business of relaxation, the in-house spa at Ca Na Xica is an oasis of contemporary calm. With floor to ceiling glass windows allowing the three treatment cabins to be flooded with natural light and providing gorgeous views, soft music floats over the airwaves as professional therapists use Ibiza-made herbal products in a variety of beauty treatments, massages and more. Afterwards the reviving sauna, hammam, ice basin and sensation shower combination awaits, or guests can recline on the adjacent ‘faux’ beach made of glittering crushed stones and peppered with vibrant chillout lounges. In between dips in the plunge pool and Jacuzzi, of course! With a dedicated conference room (that can also be transformed into a yoga space) and a special clearing in the forest designed for beautiful Ibiza wedding ceremonies, Ca Na Xica is also the perfect location for a special event. As the hotel prides itself on ensuring guests’ relaxation, wedding parties must reserve the space exclusively so as not to disturb guests (and vice versa), and events are limited to just a few per year. Ca Na Xica is the Ibiza boutique hotel that is there for everyone, offering a wonderful space to relax and revive, in the heart of nature and with your every last whim catered to.

Come one, come all…

With just eight rooms in total, the space has an authentic home away from home feel. Think Goldilocks and the three bears – once you’ve checked in, everything is j-u-u-s-t right. You won’t hear the sound of cars within this heavenly getaway, though surprisingly, it’s conveniently located to some impressive beaches and popular, bustling villages. Nothing but love and laughter echoes through the shared spaces at Can Talaias – in fact, you’d be hard-pressed to hear anything aside from the rustle of trees and tweets of the birds. Can Talaias was originally the home of famed British actor Terry-Thomas in the late 60s, however in recent years, the property has been successfully run by his son Cushan and wife Laetitia, who carried the family legacy on in true Ibiza style. With two young children of their own, the couple possesses an intuitive understanding for the needs of families when staying in their hotel.

At Can Talaias, kids are surrounded by lifetime memories in the making – fun times by the pool with family and newfound friends, days spent frolicking in the countryside with the friendly pet dogs and cat (who also happens to go on walks with her canine pals!), or admiring the flock or peacocks in pens, and feeding gorgeous pot-bellied pigs in the paddock. A special kids’ corner filled with games, books and toys awaits, alongside an all-new cubby house and trampoline outdoors. There are two suites and a superior room ideal for families who want a little extra space between mum, dad and the kids. Cots and highchairs are available on request and of course, grandma and grandpa are also welcome to stay in the rooms next door. A live-in babysitter – who also happens to be a qualified masseur – is on hand to take care of the little ones when parents need a break, be it for a beach day, romantic date or party night.

Kids are well catered to on the hotel menu – going above and beyond the standard options of chips and rice for your mini-me. Laetitia and Cushan understand the need for nutrition, particularly difficult when on holiday, and so their organic kitchen is on hand to heat up veggies for bubs or whip up a healthy kids’ meal when needed. For families with toddlers or babies, the location is ideal as a trip to the beach is just a few minutes drive down the road, taking away any stress about packing up the car, travelling, finding parking and then the drama if you need to return home quickly. Cala Boix and Pou des Lleo are at the end of Can Talaias’s road, boasting soft golden sand and shallow waters perfect for children. The beautiful crystalline waters of Aguas Blancas, and the gentle waves of Cala Nova (the home of Atzaró Beach restaurant and beach club) are also nearby. Alternatively, kids can play in the children’s section of the hotel pool – separated from the deeper section by a giant stone for safety.

The beauty of Can Talaias is that it offers something for everyone. Lovers of health and fitness can check into the beautiful Agroturismo and enjoy yoga or personal training sessions on the lush green lawn, long hikes into the hills to take in some simply breathtaking views at all times of the day or extensive walks to beaches and nearby villages. Sunrise, early mornings, afternoons, the colourful sunset hours or magical moonrise – no matter how often you take the trails, it is impossible to get bored. Massages are also available – amongst nature or in the comfort of your suite – when you need to sooth sore muscles, and the experienced chef plucks fresh and organic produce from his own garden, and sources other local ingredients, in order to create healthy and nutritious meals. Can Talaias has also long been popular with creatives – harking back to its heritage, perhaps – with writers, painters and other artists often checking in to use the space to finish their masterpieces. There’s almost an unwritten rule among guests – live and let live. While there are no communal tables, many guests often end up socialising by choice and becoming friends, and for the more solitary types, there are many comfortable chilled corners to indulge in that much needed ‘me-time’. And for those seeking some authentic Ibiza retail therapy, the iconic Las Dalias hippy market is in close vicinity – just a few minutes drive, or an enjoyable 45-minute walk through a secret back route directly from the hotel.

There’s also no denying Can Talaias is an incredibly romantic setting, which makes it popular with holidaying couples and honeymooners alike. Whether it’s taking in an amazing sunrise, magical sunset or mystical moonrise, the views are almost heaven sent. Candlelit dinners for two on the terrace, couples’ massages and the perfect central location to explore the romantic terrain of the north, it is a lovers’ paradise. Speaking of love, weddings can also be accommodated at Can Talaias if guests secure the eight suites for a minimum stay to ensure exclusivity. Imagine, making this your home base as you prepare for your big day with your nearest and dearest. Think close-knit dinners, pre-wedding cocktails, post-wedding brunches and farewell sunset cocktails – not to mention the wedding of your dreams, of course!

Life simply flows at Can Talaias. For every different type of guest, there is a different daily itinerary. By the time families have finished their breakfast and are moving onto the pool area, newlyweds are arising late and can enjoy the terrace to themselves, or alongside tranquil health fanatics, who are enjoying a healthy brunch after morning yoga and a swim. Later on, as the families pack up and head out for a day of adventures, couples and singles can soak up the sun by the pool. There’s something about the laidback, effortless chic of Can Talaias that means everything just falls into place, from morning until night. There’s no greater time to experience Ibiza than the gorgeous springtime, when Can Talaias really comes into its own, in living colour with lush green grass, colourful flowers and majestic skies. Opening on April 6, 2017, early bird guests receive a special discount of 10-percent for three-day stays in April or 15-percent off five-day bookings. In May, reservations for five nights or more will be given a 10-percent discount and for extended stays, even bigger discounts can be applied – contact the hotel directly for more information and be sure to reserve soon to guarantee your space.