Secret garden barbecue

There are occasions when we stumble upon a place so stunning that to the human eye, it appears almost otherworldly. Just like in Frances Hodgson Burnett’s children’s classic, The Secret Garden, you step over an invisible threshold and before you know it you’ve been transported to a whimsical wonderland – a place where time stands still, nature blossoms and thoughts are granted the space to wonder. Places like this are hard to come by, but once discovered, they’re refuges that stay with us forever.

In Ibiza, Es Cucons holds this status for many – a hidden haven on the west coast of the island. Here, magic blooms. A family-run hotel housed within a 17th century farmhouse, Es Cucons is its own little corner of unspoilt paradise. Located deep within a valley where almond trees flourish, and surrounded by majestic palms, fragrant lavender and bountiful flora, in summertime it comes alive to the tune of chirruping birds and buzzing insects, who float from plant to plant harvesting pollen. To make the most of the picturesque setting and fabulously laid-back atmosphere, this is also the time of year when culinary creativity reigns supreme at the venue.

“This year, we’re doing barbecues,” explains owner, Maria Rodriguez with a smile. “It’s a bit of a secret because you can’t just turn up; we don’t do it every week so you have to contact us to find out the dates.” That’s part of the mystique of an Es Cucons barbecue – it’s all about keeping your ear to the ground or contacting the hotel directly for information. And if it happens to be your lucky week, you’re rewarded with an alfresco feast fit for a king. Homemade gazpacho is there to greet you on arrival, alongside a buffet of homemade salads including creamy Burrata with fresh figs, quinoa and tabbouleh, all laid out on rustic wooden tables for you to help yourselves to.

Fairy lights are wrapped around tree trunks, chandelier-style bulbs bob romantically in the breeze, your name is chalked prettily onto blackboard and perched atop your table while gorgeously ambient music radiates from speakers, or on occasion, a live band. Then of course there’s the main course – a range of fresh meat and fish flame-grilled to succulent perfection on a colossal, drum-sized barbecue. “We do everything,” says Maria. “Choose from chicken, entrecote, pork or lamb chops, mengez sausage or whatever’s best in the market on the day. And the same for seafood – sometimes it’s calamari or jumbo prawns or dorada, but everything is cooked to order per table.” Don’t forget to save room for dessert, a traditional style Spanish pudding served with ice cream.

On weeks when the barbecue is rested, it’s replaced by a tapas fiesta celebrating all things culinarily Spanish, sometimes with a twist. Think homemade croquettes, patatas bravas, and padron peppers, as well as dishes like hummus and babaganoush for vegetarians. “We always have the best Spanish hams and amazing micuit duck,” adds Maria. “We source it locally from a farm where we know the ducks are well taken care of – we make sure everything here is made with love.” This ethos extends to all aspects of the catering at Es Cucons.

Available to guests and non-guests – as long as you reserve in advance – you can sample a slice of it at breakfast, lunch, or à la carte dinner. Breakfast is available from 8.30am to 11am, and includes a wide selection of Ibizan specialities as well as Iberian cuts, homemade cakes and pastries and hot meals, while the lunch and dinner menu is served between 1.30pm and 10pm. Popular dishes include the juicy gambas al ajillo, smoked sardines and lamb served with orange, all washed down with some of the finest wine available on the island.

Traditional Spanish paella is also available if ordered in advance – a professional chef from Valencia comes on site to prepare it especially for you – and as well as a range of favourites like pasta, grilled fish and salads, steps can also be taken to cater for gluten-free or a wide range dietary requirements. “We’re always thinking of our guests first,” says Maria. “We’re a hotel so we like to keep everyone happy.” And if it’s a special occasion, champagne is on the menu, so you can toast long into the blissful night. A spectacularly intimate setting enhanced only by the company of friends and family, Es Cucons is a venue that conjures wonder and admiration. “Sometimes since I’ve been in the garden I’ve looked up through the trees at the sky and I have had a strange feeling of being happy as if something were pushing and drawing in my chest and making me breathe fast,” said Colin in The Secret Garden. Expect much of the same at Es Cucons.

Mediterranean purity

Everyone can conjure an azure-hued sky; and the majority can recall a turquoise-tipped wave, but after one day spent on-island, your definition of the world’s favourite colour is blown wide open. Because in fact, there are myriad versions of blue on this wind-blasted Balearic rock, and when you see it for the first time, your eyes can’t quite comprehend it. Take Atzaró Beach in Cala Nova, for example – this is a place brimming with beachside blues. Part of the esteemed Atzaró Group, Atzaró Beach is one of those rare Balearic gems that takes the raw magnificence of its setting and builds a stunning, contemporary space around it. Boasting spectacular sea views, charming white wooden furniture, and splashes of vibrant turquoise, not to mention quirky little touches like disused lobster cages, raffia parasols and ornamental fish that bump together in the breeze, it’s an authentically relaxed yet luxurious seaside space designed specifically with long, lazy lunches and laid-back, salt-kissed dinners in mind. There’s no doubt that this venue encompasses all the signature style you’ve come to love and expect from the Atzaró Group.

Situated on the island’s east coast, Cala Nova is a spot adored and adorned by locals. A long stretch of fine, golden sand, it’s the perfect location for sinking into a chair or daybed and really getting to grips with the slow, relaxed pace of Mediterranean summer life. And of course, there’s something at Atzaró Beach to keep everyone happy, every hour of every day. Here, they cater for all tastes and desires, so stop by for brunch, stay for lunch, and then don’t be surprised if it segues into a magical, starlit dinner. In keeping with the beach club’s authentic yet deluxe appeal, the Mediterranean menu is inspired by fresh, delicious ingredients, sourced locally wherever possible, and each ingredient is treated like royalty before finding its way to the plate. If you’re spending the afternoon on a decadent daybed, tuck into the mouth-watering selection of tapas, which you can pick at while you lounge or in between bouts of sun-worshipping. Crunchy king prawns with sweet and sour chilli, Iberian ham with fresh tomato bread or steamed mussels Marinera all feature.

To start, try the traditional Spanish gazpacho, the Burratina with pesto and homemade tomato jam or the beef carpaccio with rocket and parmesan – you find that the menu is simply awash with Mediterranean favourites that have been modernised with a creative twist. The main menu is divided into fish, meat, pasta and paella subsections, so there’s plenty of local flavour to sample. The bullit de peix (stewed fish with rice) is an Ibicenco speciality that must be tasted, the grilled spiny lobster from Ibiza is a luxurious treat and the sea bass with vegetables and pea puree is divine. Meat lovers will be delighted by the Atzaró Aberdeen Angus beef burger or beef tenderloin with candied shallots, while those looking for a hearty plate of food will find solace in the homemade spinach ravioli stuffed with pumpkin and ricotta, or any of the variants featured on the extensive paella menu – black rice and seafood specialities among them. The wise know to always leave room for dessert, and that should especially be the case here, where cheesecake with fruit coulis, chocolate coulant with vanilla ice cream and fruit carpaccio with caramelised cream cheese all vie for the position of best in house.

Atzaró Beach is the kind of relaxed, beachside experience that you go in search of when you’re in Ibiza. Open to everyone, and with a captivating kids’ corner to keep the little ones occupied while you relax, not to mention stunning live music played on various dates across summer, it embodies that warm, authentic welcome that you want in a home away from home. Stylish yet carefree, world-class but rooted in the island’s natural appeal, this is beachside dining at its best – not a blue mood in sight.

A trip down culinary memory lane

This little slice of Breville-grilled goodness – cleverly served up on the side of a delicate white onion soup starter – is just one of the many ways head chef Lee Milne uses nostalgia to entice diners into the world of culinary flair and flavour at Room 39 at Pikes, and it’s a tactic that’s proven to be successful in the recently revamped restaurant in summer 2018. Milne and his highly skilled team of professional chefs are all classically trained – many boasting Michelin level backgrounds – and their philosophy is to create hearty, honest food made from local ingredients with a contemporary twist, complemented by that little touch of nostalgia. Think flavour-filled gastro-cooking but without all the unnecessary fuss! Take the 11-spiced cauliflower for example – Milne wanted to create a vegetarian starter that packed a lot of punch and took inspiration from the guilty pleasure of the Colonel’s secret herbs and spices to create these mouth-watering morsels with smoked alioli that are almost too good to share.

The smoked ham hock and foie gras ballotine is a dish that takes more than two weeks in the making – from the moment the chefs begin pickling their very own homemade piccalilli (“We’re in trouble if we suddenly run out,” laughs Milne when explaining the process). As ham hock is not readily available in Spain, the chefs brine, slow-cook and strip the meat themselves, before reforming it around a cylinder of buttery foie gras. There’s a taste of the 1980s in there somewhere, fused with the sweetness of local figs and a port reduction. For Spanish diners, the nostalgia comes via the grilled octopus – a dish that is a nod to the classic Galician dish yet given a modern twist by being served on a pillow of aerated potato instead of the typical waxy boiled slices.

When the time comes to order your main meal, happy childhood memories are evoked through dishes such as the glazed pig cheeks, served with the traditionally British combo of bubble and squeak and instead of apple sauce, crispy chunks of Granny Smith Apple – topped with the kind of crackling you’d fight your siblings for at the dinner table. A selection of classics – the Pikes cheeseburger (which has a veggie cousin, the Beetroot & Quinoa Burger), the melt-in-your-mouth beef fillet served with pressed potato and mini Mediterranean vegetables and pan-fried wild sea bass with prawn butter – sates the appetites of the über-hungry or fussy eaters amongst your group (there’s always one!). Allowing the true flavours of the produce to shine is the sign of a great chef – rather than showing off with garnishes or foams, it’s just about cooking everything until it’s j-u-u-s-t right.

There’s an old wives’ tale that tells of people possessing a separate stomach for dessert – and when you’ve feasted your eyes on the Pikes menu, you’ll be hoping this is indeed true. This season’s hit sweet dish at the restaurant is the Egg Custard Tart – yep, there’s that nostalgia again – but be warned: this is not your average custard tart by any means. Each next-level tart takes more than 24 hours to create, with about as much love poured into the bowl as eggs! Hand-grated fresh nutmeg is the finishing touch before the tart is individually sliced and served with poached rhubarb and a homemade macaroon. One mouthful and you’ll be back in grandma’s kitchen in seconds… and quite possibly ordering seconds at the same time.

In another clever nod to the all-time classics, the coconut and pineapple baked Alaska has been given an upgrade in the Pikes kitchen. Made with pineapple parfait and toasted Italian meringue, it’s then blow-torched until it reaches the perfect hedgehog-like caramelised appearance, and served with coconut ice cream for two. Nothing beats tapping into the crispy shell to discover the sweet and fruity goodness oozing from inside… and if you’re too young to remember the original, never mind! You can still appreciate why the original became a classic in the first place. Taking your tastebuds on a trip down memory lane has never been easier – simply reserve a table at Room 39 and let the dishes do all the talking.

Enchanting events

When all these factors combine, alfresco dining becomes the simplest of undiluted pleasures, and in Ibiza there’s nowhere better to experience a Mediterranean feast than at Finca La Plaza, a restaurant at the very heart of the island that specialises in harnessing enchanting moments for all to savour. Set just off the main square in the bustling, bohemian little village of Santa Gertrudis, Finca La Plaza exudes exquisite charm. Its pièce de resistance is a stunning pebbled garden adorned with dark wooden tables themselves topped with candles, woven raffia chairs plumped up for comfort and fairylights strung between palm trees for added romance. But the magnetism continues inside too, where cosy corners strewn with cushions and soft, low lighting all add to the restaurant’s appeal, which naturally, starts and ends with delicious Mediterranean fare and ends with free-flowing wine and unstoppable conversation.

Open all year round, Finca La Plaza buzzes with vibrancy whatever the month, largely as a result of chitter chatter from satisfied diners, but also from live music nights on Saturdays when the purity of voice and clarity of acoustic sounds blend to create a special kind of aural pleasure that floats through the air. Then there’s the food, which creates a subtle energy all of its own. From sharing plates and salads, charcoal oven grilled cuts of meat and fish, and a selection of main courses, there’s something to suit every taste and appetite, plus a bespoke menu of expertly mixed cocktails to accompany every course. It goes without saying that the captivating nature of Finca La Plaza makes it ideal for long, intimate dinners shared with loved ones, but in actual fact, separate areas are available for hire, making it a perfect spot for events, too. Those in search of a memorable place for celebrating a milestone birthday can reserve a dedicated area, while for larger events like parties, engagement celebrations or wedding receptions, the entire restaurant can be reserved, allowing you to spend a balmy Mediterranean night up close with friends and family, united in the joy of the occasion. For island businesses now seeing the end of the season in sight, it’s a great location to treat your team to an end-of-season dinner.

The stunning setting of the restaurant also makes it an obvious choice for weddings. Canapés, cocktails and champagne can be served in the aromatic garden on arrival, with guests free to mingle and converse as they please. The party can then continue in the restaurant, where guests can enjoy a seated meal, cooked to the high standards of the Finca La Plaza kitchen. There are two special event menus and bespoke options can also be designed to suit your tastes. The first includes starters of grilled artichoke with lemon, spinach, mint and a touch of rosemary, sautéed baby squid served alongside roasted Iberian ham with parsley and garlic oil, and trio of homemade croquettes. Mouth-watering mains are then available to choose – ravioli with burrata, creamy courgette and lemon sauce, wild sea bass fillet with Mediterranean sauce, or corn fed baby chicken. It’s all topped off with desserts including traditional flaó – a Catalan speciality pastry with filling made from goat cheese, eggs, sugar and mint, or a selection of ice creams in delicious flavours of chocolate, vanilla, lemon or hazelnut. The second menu is slightly higher in price, but features a range of additional show-stopping touches like Ibérico de Bellota ham served with toasted bread, cherry tomato and basil to start.

The main course options are different, too. Choose from gratin Mahon cheese macaroni and seasonal black truffle, red prawn tartar with lemon and lavender scent (fresh from the garden, of course), and delectable lamb ribs with buttered potatoes and charcoal vegetables. For dessert, attempt to decide between creamy Gianduja – an Italian speciality chocolate praline, served with hazelnut ice cream, or a classic tarte tatin served with vanilla ice cream – in either scenario, you’re sure to be in total dessert heaven. Wine and water packs can also be added to the menu, as required. So from warm, cherished dinners with your nearest and dearest to small events worth celebrating, and right the way through to large-scale gatherings – Finca La Plaza offers something for all. Regardless of occasion, guests will head home with a head full of memories having tasted a quintessential slice of Mediterranean life.

Mediterranean romance

Cotton Beach Club possesses that in spades and with the extra element of an extraordinary view, you’ve reached the heights of romance. The terrace curves around the bay of Cala Tarida, presenting 180-degree vistas of the gleaming Med, where one could say romance was born in the shape of Tanit, the Phoenician Goddess of love. The evening starts with a sharp intake of breath as you enter through the reception area to the terrace. The view is (almost!) indescribable, especially as the setting sun casts its spectrum of pinks across the sky. Champagne is called for, naturally, or perhaps a cocktail such as the signature Cotton Island or Aperol Affair. Stars appear, twinkling and blushing, while Tanit’s legacy threads right through the island, culminating on the terrace of Cotton Beach Club. And there’s that perfect table for two, on the front line, with all that Mediterranean magic stretched out before you.

There’s no rush, just the gentle sound of rolling waves from below. Starting with a shared plate of sashimi and one of Cotton Beach Clubs classic rolls is guaranteed to up the romance factor. Favourites like the Cotton Roll with torched Norwegian salmon and unagi sauce or the Ibiza Roll with soft-shell crab, avocado, cucumber and wasabi mayo are utterly delicious. To follow, there is nothing more romantic than a plate of oysters – not too many, just enough to excite the palate. It’s time to move onto the wine list. The Cotton Club wine list is an extensive selection of highly curated drops. All the European favourites are represented, alongside some highly prized bottles from small producers. A scattering of excellent natural wines are there for the adventurous and are well worth the foray into this new world of winemaking. New Zealand, South Africa, Germany and Greece all appear in the form of beautiful bottles.

With the temperatures staying steady right through the night, a chilly crisp white such as the French Château Castigno or the deliciously fragrant O Luar do Sil from the Spanish Rías Baixas is an ideal choice. Evenings requiring something super special would be well suited to the Mártires 2016 from Finca Allende in Rioja. Its pale colour, subtle fragrance, mineral notes and silky mouthfeel make it a wine to remember. It’s a well-known fact that food can be an elixir for love and romances have been forged over gourmet moments throughout the ages. The Cotton Beach Club menu is unwittingly full of heady choices. Seafood features heavily and it will be hard to hold back. The spicy king crab starter is a conversation piece while whole baked fish, classic Spanish rice with prawns and chargrilled cod are just a few of the offerings available. Additional decadent options include Segovia suckling pig, a melt-in-your-mouth lamb shoulder roast or for vegetarians, an aromatic curry which is rumoured to have aphrodisiacal properties.

Now with the moon glowing high up in the inky sky leaving a glittering trail across the sea, the time has come for dessert; the most romantic part of any meal. The deconstructed tiramisu is a heavenly plate of rich ice cream, crunchy chocolate and Amaretto infused cookie powder. The Chocolate Texture adds an element of humour with toffee on chocolate powder, brownie and chocolate crumble sprinkled with Pop Rocks. Romance doesn’t always have to be serious. With the sweetness of a sticky dessert wine (try the Austrian Alois Kracher Beerenausleese or a classic Lustao Pedro Ximénez) its time to take your lover’s hand and lean back into your chair. After a satisfying meal the stars, the moon, the sea lapping at the shore are all there at your feet. There’s no need for words but if you must, make sure they are whispered sweet nothings, like little prayers of gratitude to Cotton Beach Club and, of course, Tanit.

Dining that ticks all the boxes

These days, the success of a hotel no longer just depends on the style of its rooms, the size of the swimming pool and service with a smile – to be truly successful means ticking the box next to a multitude of factors, and high up on the list is world class cuisine. Guests want to be wined and dined on their doorstep; they want a five-star dining experience and memories to remind them of sun-drenched days long after the plane has touched down on home soil. It’s in all these categories that Aguas de Ibiza really excels. With a privileged coastal spot in the Santa Eulalia marina on Ibiza’s east coast, Aguas de Ibiza’s reputation as a tranquil haven is well established. A hotel dedicated to sustainability while simultaneously providing laid-back luxury, people come here to restore and rejuvenate mind, body and soul, relishing in an attention to detail that’s unique to the property. This attentive theme weaves its way throughout every aspect of the hotel, and is especially prevalent in its two stunning restaurants, Vi Cool and Alabastro, now officially bona fide destinations in their own right.

Those not yet aware of Vi Cool will understand the restaurant’s myriad successes as soon as they learn that the entire project is the brainchild of much famed Spanish chef, Sergi Arola. Awarded a Michelin-star for his prowess and innovation in the kitchen, Arola’s concept at Vi Cool is taking the traditional idea of Spanish tapas and giving it a uniquely intriguing twist – in flavour and in presentation. The result is a series of multifunctional dishes, perfect for sharing with friends over dinner at the chicly cosmopolitan restaurant. Examine the menu in detail to discover that a whole world of gastronomic novelty awaits. Try cold plates like steak tartar with soy sauce, wasabi and ginger, or sea bass tiradito with ponzu and a spicy rocoto kick. Hot plates include the quintessential Vi Cool bravas potatoes – a must for anyone visiting the restaurant for the first time – chicken wings with kimchi sauce, and roasted, curried prawns with fresh mint. Elsewhere the coca pizzas are a huge hit, topped with typical Iberico ham, fresh Burrata cheese, basil and orange zest. Finish on a sweet note with chocolate served in many textures, burnt Catalonian cream with tangerine sorbet or of course, a cocktail taken on the spectacular alfresco roof terrace.

Meanwhile, Alabastro is found in the hotel lobby, and specialises in plates to be enjoyed by the pool during daytime, or indoors on the relaxing sofas by night. With another great chef at the helm – this time Aitor Monteagud – here, two menu concepts are showcased. Alabastro Pool is all about relaxed, easy dining, whereas Alabastro Slow has been designed around the zero kilometre premise, meaning all food is produced, sold and enjoyed locally, helping local artisans to make a fair living from their trade, and supporting the community in the process. Culinary highlights of this menu include the Balearic garden of textured vegetables, olive sand, bean sprouts and flowers, and ajoblanco of local almonds with lobster, sun-dried tomatoes and cardamom to start. Mains include baked John Dory with black garlic alioli, baby vegetables and pickles, and suckling lamb with pearls of squash, beetroot, courgette and demi glace sauce. And for dessert, delectable options like cheesecake with fresh cheese, mango and citrus fruits, and café caleta cream with Hierbas Ibicencas jelly. The Alabastro Pool menu offers dishes like watermelon salad with organic tomatoes and feta cheese, and sirvia ceviche with tiger milk.

Two restaurants, three contrasting menus, and three entirely different concepts – all united by a passion for local food, an innovative approach to cooking and two star chefs dedicated to ensuring guests receive the very best in ingredients and flavour on the plate. Add in Aguas de Ibiza’s continued commitment to excellence and some superbly relaxing but stylish spaces in which to dine and there’s no doubt that this gem of a hotel really does tick all the boxes.

An oasis of authenticity

Owners Christian and Alan Anadon (aka Mambo Brothers) are the brains behind the project, the concept stemming from their desire to showcase the beautiful authenticity of the island they were brought up on. Their collective excitement at the opportunity to build a haven for local produce from scratch is palpable. The Casa Maca menu is steeped in Mediterranean traditions, executed with the technical talents of a very accomplished head chef, and yet a laid-back approach to dining does away with any stuffy, formalities. There is an emphasis on healthy combinations and cooking methods that match the mood of the island and the heat of summer, and with this in mind, food can also be served by the pool. The sweeping views from the lovely shaded terrace and pool deck are fantastic from sunrise through to the glorious blue-skied day, during the colourful sunset and all through the night, as the lights of the old town twinkle alongside the stars and moon. A truly divine location for to enjoy the fruits of the island.

Naturally, it all starts with breakfast. Eggs Benedict, Açai bowls, yoghurt bowls, toasties and fresh fruits by the pool are not a bad way to start the day. Lunch continues on the terrace or in the cool of the dining room with delights such as snapper tiradito and what could become known as the best hamburger on the island. Dinner under the stars might feature roast chicken, sirloin steak, turbot with seasonal vegetables or a shrimp and calamari rice. One of the current menu favourites is the tender grilled octopus served with a fennel cream and asparagus air and the creamy Burratina with papaya compote, pesto and roasted tomatoes – different to the typical squid dishes seen on the island. Other standouts include a rich salmorejo, smoked sardines, king crab rolls, poke and Buddha bowls – the selection of deliciously fresh dishes goes on.

The Anadons are proud of what the team has achieved in a short time and very excited about the future. There are plans for vast vegetable gardens and possibly even goats to make Casa Maca goat cheese. There are already beehives in place and everyone onsite is chomping at the bit to harvest the first of the Casa Maca honey. The concept was to bring things back to the earth and create an authentic Ibiza, and with so many hectares to work with and a lot of ideas, there’s no doubt the Mambo Group can make this happen. The Anadons have appointed the renowned David Reartes as executive chef to help bring their gastronomic vision to life, while day to day operations are taken care of by Columbian-born Alvaro Ospina – who completed his culinary education in his homeland before relocating to Europe on an odyssey of internships and jobs within the hallowed world of the Michelin star restaurant. Starting out with Martin Berasategui at his eponymous three Michelin star restaurant in the Basque Country, his journey took him to the most coveted restaurants across Spain.

“I have a very technical background from working in high-end Michelin restaurants,” he says. “But more than anything, it’s about high-quality produce as well as good technique.” This relaxed nature belies a fierce ambition to acquire the best skills of his trade. He may be young but his passion, ideas, stamina and integrity mean the owners have complete trust in him, knowing he understands their philosophy and how they want things to unfold at Casa Maca. Obsessed with using quality produce, the ultimate dream is to never use anything that’s been in a refrigerated truck at Casa Maca. “A tomato taken from the garden and brought to the table is nothing like one that has been picked too early and put in a fridge,” explains Reartes. The desire to create a healthy menu also comes from a passion for quality – it’s more about consciousness, from the vegetables used to the ‘healthy meat’ (free-range, fed and cared for well) sourced. It’s all about providence, excellent quality and cruelty-free produce.

There is something very egalitarian about the vibe at Casa Maca. An easy friendliness seeps through every corner of the ancient farmhouse, which comes from the pure love the whole company has for their work and their island. Ultimately, Casa Maca is for everyone who wishes to experience something truly local on the island – an oasis of authenticity and a burgeoning gastronomic destination. The Casa Maca concept continues to expand and August 8, 2018 sees the Mambo Group unveil an extension of the project: an all-new grill restaurant and hipster Airstream bar located in the lower garden area. While the new concept will be open nightly throughout the summer, the opening date is indeed one that is close to the hearts of Ibiza dwellers, as it’s the annual night of St Ciriac which sees an incredible fireworks display taking place over Dalt Vila. Casa Maca’s premium location means uninterrupted views of the show (think Sydney Harbour on an Ibiza scale), complete with live music by Jodie Kean and your chance to be the first to sample the fine fare coming straight off the new sizzling grill, Casa Maca style…

An oasis of blooming beauty

Two years ago, this abandoned farm was a wasteland of fallow meadows and neglected orchards. Today the 56 hectares of farmland are flourishing under the devoted guidance of Marina Morán Jou. As the island’s largest organic farm, it has become an oasis of blooming beauty open for all to behold. The team of passionate individuals dedicated to reactivating the island’s farming culture discovered Terra Masia, which means farmland in Catalan. Parched and overgrown the land was in desperate need of love, dedication and time to bring it back to its fertile glory. Spanish-born Marina was entrusted to take this vision forward to create not only a productive working farm but also a beacon of hope for the island’s burgeoning organic farming scene.

Working with the earth is in Marina’s blood. Hailing from a farming lineage she has followed the path of her father and grandparents, but along the way she has created her own methods. Marina doesn’t like to define her farming style, instead, she investigates approaches and tests techniques to see what works for the land. “I don’t like to put labels on the methods I use,” she says. “I listen to the land. My job is to recover the fertility of the soil. All my efforts and the work I do comes back to this and my love of the land.” Now in her third year, Marina leads the farm’s ambition to become an emblematic benchmark for other organic farms and an international example of eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture. Eschewing pesticides and chemicals companion planting provides homes for useful insects while repelling others from their favourite dining spots. Green manure replenishes the soil and all farm practices are geared towards supporting the cycles of nature.

Biodynamic farming methods work with the phases of the moon to harness ultimate growing advantage. The health of the soil and all that grows within it is the focal point, allowing produce to be grown at optimal nutritional levels. That’s why you’ll find some areas in rest – soil beds given ‘time off’ so they can revitalise – while others are in a changing cycle of local vegetables and specimens from countries with similar climates permitting the land to bear a rich variety of food. Golden beetroot, rainbow chard, sprouted leaves and beautifully aromatic herbs line the fields while juicy pears and zingy lemons grow abundantly within the orchards. Tiny Cucamelon – like a lime and cucumber combined – from Central America, vibrantly purple and uniquely shaped Kohlrabi from Vienna and rich and sweet Costoluto Fiorentino tomatoes from Italy are just some of the international flavours that contribute to the fields of flavour and colour. “We really wanted to bring something new to the island and to the people that live here,” Marina explains. “Now we offer a rainbow of crops for them to enjoy.”

Every weekday, between 8am and 3pm the farm invites island residents, visitors and holidaymakers to walk through the flourishing fields to the on-site market shop where you can purchase boxes filled with vivacious and organic vegetables, fruits and herbs. With its focus on seasonal products, you can be sure the bountiful boxes of goodness always contain something new, exciting and different, and are guaranteed to be organic and sown with love. Also beginning this season, Terra Masia invites guest chefs to share the flavours of the land with farm members during special pop-up dinner events where a three-course menu is served at tables set in the starlit fields. This is the quintessence of farm-to-table dining. Sip on selected organic wines as black Ibicencan pigs – part of an island-wide revival programme – snore lazily in the background and happy hens take shelter for the night. To become a member of the farm and gain access to these exclusive dinner events, simply sign up via the website link below. This is Ibiza living at its very best.

In a rustic, campo reverie

At this time of year, a veil of magic descends across the entire island, and those fortunate enough to experience it find themselves in a dream-like trance, one they hope will never end. This is especially true at Aubergine Ibiza, a quintessential Balearic treasure that encapsulates all that’s authentically enchanting about this fair isle. Here, you pray that lunch lasts forever and dinner endures, because we all want time to stop in paradise. Set within the dusty surrounds of the fertile Santa Gertrudis countryside, Aubergine Ibiza is what’s classified as a bona fide gem. Cherished by locals and visitors alike, the restaurant is a symbol of all that’s great about the island – delicious food, effortless decor and fabulous company. Part of the much-revered Atzaró Group, it has country-chic style in abundance, yet it remains unassuming, laid-back and easy-going. Hours spent here seep away into the ether, while subconsciously setting up memories that last a lifetime.

The action centres around a traditional rustic finca and its dreamy alfresco terraces. Inside, whitewashed walls are accented by pastel green trim, dried local herbs are dotted about the room, and the odd comfy cushion is strewn here and there. Outside, the olive colour scheme continues with elegant iron furniture, alongside carefully crafted lampshades and an abundance of flora that covers the soft cement floor, climbs up wooden pillars and is potted on walls. It’s a masterpiece in subtle, calming design, a space that’s been created to ensure guests feel at home and stay for as long as they like. You’ll notice adults, kids and pets enjoying all it has to offer – everyone is welcome here. Naturally, the culinary offering is as aspirational as the setting. The majority of ingredients are plucked straight from the surrounding farmland, so Aubergine Ibiza has become one of the most well-known restaurants on the island for offering farm-to-table fare. The result is dishes that are full of earthy flavour and that hard to recreate home-cooked feel. Take the barbecue, for example. Squid with grilled potatoes, garlic and peppers, sea bass with spring onion and cherry tomato, and lamb chops with aubergine and honey all feature.

From the à la carte menu, try mouth-watering options including mini pizza with aubergine ceviche and tapenade, crispy borek – a spinach and feta cheese cheese pastry with tomato and black olive salad, or the restaurant’s signature dish, a classic sliced aubergine baked with parmesan. The restaurant is also famed for its hearty range of salads, so be sure to sample the pumpkin salad with feta cheese, dried tomatoes and pistachios or scallop salad with orange, red onion, avocado and a peanut, honey, lime and chilli vinaigrette in your order. Then it’s just a matter of choosing from the lengthy selection of Aubergine Ibiza specialities. Dishes like Turkish aubergine stuffed with beef, lamb, honey, creamy yoghurt sauce and tahini, quinoa risotto with the freshest farm veggies, mushrooms, parmesan and truffle oil, and bacon and the hearty Ibiza cheese Angus burger served with homemade fries are unabashed favourites. The biggest problem at Aubergine Ibiza? You’re simply spoilt for choice!

The enticement doesn’t end there, because Aubergine Ibiza also serves as a creative space as well as a culinary hub. There are exhibitions running throughout summer featuring artists including Simona Marziani and Hjordis Fogelberg Jensen, as well as famous Dutch hat designer, Anne Van Kettle. You can catch live music performances on Tuesdays, and every Sunday, the venue comes alive to the tune of music, art and a selection of irresistible bites. A meeting place, a dining destination steeped in local charm, Aubergine Ibiza has it all. Here’s to those spellbinding Ibiza days. Long may they continue.

A feast for the senses

Ibiza is an island that thrives on authenticity. Despite being a pioneer of the avant-garde, it remains true to its roots, carefully evolving rather than deviating too far away from the heritage that makes it unique. The island does, of course, get assistance from one-of-a-kind venues which dedicate themselves to preserving and maintaining the island’s true essence. The luxurious, rustic and authentic Agroturismo Atzaró is one such place and summer 2018 sees the iconic venue promising to weave together a magical gastronomic island experience. Nestled deep in the heartland of the Ibiza campo, among pastoral hills that hum to the sound of fertility and 10 hectares of zesty, fragrant orange groves, Agroturismo Atzaró is a true island gem. Offering that hard to come by combination of purity alongside absolute luxury, the hotel has long been admired and adored by locals and visitors alike. After a recent re-launch – in which a series of renovations were made to take advantage of its stunning rural location and typical Ibicenco architecture – it’s even more exclusive than ever. This season and beyond, Atzaró will be indulging hotel guests and visitors more than ever before.

Take La Veranda, for example. Agroturismo Atzaró’s beautiful onsite restaurant is already known island-wide for delicious organic dishes and a relaxed, bucolic setting, but this year it’s been elevated even further into the upper echelons of dining. On a hot summer’s day, take a stroll around the spectacular grounds, feel the warm breeze on your face as the aroma of orange blossoms floats past, and and then head to La Veranda for a lunch spent delving into plate after plate of first class gastronomy. It’s a luxurious feast for all the senses. Naturally, the quality of produce and culinary flair at La Veranda is unparalleled. Stop by for breakfast, lunch and dinner, or try the beautifully fresh Healthy Veranda Menu (available from 1pm to 4pm every day), which includes three starters, a main and a dessert for the extremely reasonable price of 30€ per person. It’s all to be savoured in La Veranda’s stunning setting, an alfresco terrace ensconced by rustic walls, archways entwined with gorgeous vines, and the intoxicating scent of local, indigenous herbs from the organic garden.

The menu itself also takes inspiration from these same traditional Ibicenco flavours, spruced up on the plate with a modern, Mediterranean twist. To start, try dishes like Iberico ham focaccia, cod croquettes with ajoarriero and pil pil, and a quirky twist on the classic patatas bravas. From the garden, tuck into grilled vegetables with celery puree, aubergine and romesco sauce, Burratina with pesto, tomato salad and homemade jam, and an Ibicenco favourite – tomato gazpacho with pickled mussels. For something more filling, try the fideuà with prawns and mushroom alioli, or risotto with vegetables from the garden and tous des tylers cheese. The myriad of delectable options doesn’t end there. From the sea, sample inventive dishes like squid served with ham, apple and osmotised celery, tuna tartar with artichoke, Nipon style, or grilled turbot with potatoes and mojo picón sauce. From the farm, try the hearty shoulder of lamb cooked at low temperature with truffled parmentier, or the divine free-range chicken terrine with plumb crumble, dried apricot and pine nuts praline. In terms of outstanding flavour, there’s simply too much to choose from.

High summer 2018 sees the iconic venue launch its Summer Garden Restaurant, in addition to La Veranda – a concept that sees Atzaró extend its culinary offerings into the stunning paved courtyard during the enchanting Ibiza night for a very exclusive limited period, promising to weave together a magical island experience. Every night until the end of August sees a special event take place in the luxurious gardens, with live music, exhibitions or DJs as part of the Summer Vibe programme. There’s always stimulation for the eyes and mind to be found at Agroturismo Atzaró. This summer, the hotel hosts exhibitions from internationally acclaimed photographer Jimmy Nelson, who’s bringing his ‘Homage to Humanity’ project to the space, as well as contemporary photographer Rohit Chawla, who’ll also be showcasing his work. As ever, Agroturismo Atzaró continues to forge the way with an innovative eye for detail that showcases all that’s wonderful about this island and everything it has to offer. Experiences don’t come any more authentic than this.