The nomad aesthetic

In recent years, it has become quite the trend to call oneself a nomad – be it digital nomad, domestic, spiritual, corporate or occupational. Falling into the latter category – driven by his nomadic nature, definitely not by any trend or label – is Alberto Cortes, the one-of-a-kind creative mind behind Ibiza interior design brand KsaR Living. And while most nomads have, quite literally, been stopped in their tracks in 2020 thanks to the ever-evolving global health crisis, Alberto’s strong global connections mean his business continues to design, produce, source, ship and style Ibiza homes, hotels and villas, even in the face of travel restrictions.

Born into a semi-nomadic life, it’s no surprise Alberto he found his calling through exploring the cultures across many continents. Born in Barcelona, he was brought up in Amsterdam and spent eleven years in India before his inner compass sent him to discover the wonders of Morocco, Indonesia, and of course, the Balearic Islands – along with many other far-flung corners of the world. Like many other bohemian travellers on the hippie trail before him, he fell in love with the warmth of the people, the quality of life (not to mention the food!), the beauty of nature and the amazing craftsmanship of local artisans in these places. Unlike other visitors however, Alberto – whose eye for style kickstarted his career in fashion – saw an opportunity. A way to connect each of his beloved adopted homes, fusing their unique style with his own interior design work. KsaR Living was born.

For over two decades, Alberto has pioneered a style he calls ‘holiday architecture’ – a moniker that is somewhat ironic for the designer, who is a self-confessed workaholic. It just so happens that through his work, he is immersed in the cultures of some of the greatest holiday destinations in the world, with his eyes perpetually open in the pursuit of beauty. Ibiza is home base, so to speak, and the home of the flagship KsaR Living showroom (a second is located in Menorca and a third in Barcelona). The subtle storefront – an old finca style façade – gives no clue as to the treasure trove of discoveries that lies within. Step inside and a cavernous multi-storey warehouse is revealed behind the showroom, filled with antique finds from Alberto’s exotic travels, his own custom-made-in-Indonesia furnishings, plus a very carefully curated selection of contemporary designs from Italy, Holland, Denmark and more.

If Ibiza is home base for KsaR Living, then Indonesia is the life source. Alberto spends almost half the year in Bali, and also exploring Java and as many of the surrounding islands as he can access in search of antique handicrafts – Indonesia is very much his second home. But to be very clear, Alberto is no expat simply shipping mass-produced, cookie cutter furniture to Europe to make a quick buck – quite the opposite, in fact. Alberto is well and truly immersed in Indonesian culture, having lived and worked in Bali for 20 years, covering every inch of soil that he could in search of the very finest artisans, the rarest reclaimed wood and the most striking artefacts on the continent. He connects with his craftsmen on a human level: from the heart and from the soul.

In Ibiza, there is no designer with more tried and trusted, deeply personal Indonesian connections than Alberto. His little black book is filled with artisan families who have been carving wood or stone for generations; with the workshops that can still source antique wood even when most other places will tell you it’s all but extinct – he even has his very own atelier for his own designs. Whatever you’re seeking from Indonesia, KsaR Living can be counted on to either source, or design and produce it at the most accessible prices in Ibiza. In addition to villas, this includes large scale projects, such as hotels and restaurants, who may require a high volume of beds, chairs, oversized daybeds or tiling for an entire complex worth of bathrooms – in fact, one of Alberto’s own hotel projects, The Purist Villas, is located in Ubud, Bali and is a testament to his skills and style when it comes to hospitality.

Elsewhere, the spice of life at KsaR Living comes courtesy of Morocco. Alberto has been living on and off in Marrakesh since 2004 (between Bali and Ibiza), where another of his incredible hotel projects, Ryad Dyor, is located. And just as he has done in Indonesia, Alberto has spent the better part of 15 years wandering the magical alleyways of Medina and the dusty streets beyond, always in search of the best ceramics, mosaic tables and tiles, handicrafts, textiles and more. He maintains extremely close relationships with the best terracotta craftsmen, and one of the collections that excites Alberto the most in 2020 is his new line of ceramic tableware – beautiful handmade plates, cups and breakfast bowls that are like the perfect finishing touch on one of KsaR Living’s signature reclaimed wooden tables.

That’s the beauty of holiday architecture. There are no rules when it comes to mixing and matching pieces of furniture, décor, art and tableware from across the globe – although it certainly helps to have an expert like Alberto Cortes on your speed dial. While much of the world has come to a standstill due to the global pandemic, for Alberto and the KsaR Living artisans across the world, life – and their work – goes on. Wooden four-poster beds are still being meticulously hand-carved in Bali; master craftsmen are searching the rubble of ancient Javanese houses to find unique pieces of wood, or ornate doors to transform into something special; the wheels of a ceramicist in Marrakesh keep on turning, organically creating shapes that will one day bring joy to a dinner table across the sea. Most importantly, containers are still being shipped to the white isle, where they are unpacked at KsaR Living, before finding their rightful homes in Ibiza.

Right now, for the first time in a very long time, Alberto finds himself with his feet planted firmly on Spanish soil. The short flight between Ibiza (where he is also co-owner of another style setting destination, The Giri Residence) and Menorca is as close to his former jet set life as he can get for now, but at the same time, thanks to his nomadic background and unrivalled list of contacts, there are no delays in production, nothing is lost in translation and no project too big or small. Regardless of his location, Alberto is always working – it is in his nature. Even when he’s relaxing, you can see his eyes sharply assessing every space, absorbing the aesthetics and his brain ticking over with new ideas and inspiration. As more and more people seek comfort in their immediate surroundings, it seems holiday architecture is emerging as a permanent way of life, and there’s no one better to turn to than the man who lives and breathes it at KsaR Living.

Exclusivity and elegance in Ibiza’s north

Proudly standing on the hills overlooking San Lorenzo, the finca and well of Safragell was the epicentre of the surrounding community for more than a century, providing water and crops for rural farmers and a sense of association for the islanders in this (once) remote part of the Ibiza’s north. Ancient Moorish waterways still wind through the countryside, bringing irrigation across the land while orchards ripe with juicy oranges, tasty figs, carobs and almonds fill the stone-lined terraces as far as the eye can see. And while farmers can now access their own water, and the local community no longer congregate here, the site itself is still an attraction thanks to an exquisite renovation that transformed the property into the exclusive Safragell Ibiza Suites & Spa.

In 2019, courtesy of a dedicated renovation by two brothers from the Guasch family – direct descendants of the original Ibicencos who always owned the farmland – Safragell Ibiza Suites & Spa opened its doors to the public for the first time. Now, as a stunning new Agroturismo, guests can receive the privileged chance to stay on the site of one of the most historic houses in Ibiza, immersed in luxurious exclusivity, not to mention the peace and tranquility of its unique design. In just one season, the relaxing atmosphere, friendly service and restful rooms earned the hotel glowing reviews from many happy guests and for holidaymakers, and in 2020, as the demand for luxury destinations in Ibiza increases, Safragell Ibiza Suites & Spa seems to tick all the right boxes: seclusion, style, peace, relaxation and safety.

The first floor of the main building on the sprawling estate boasts the triple arch windows as seen on the Safragell Ibiza Suites & Spa logo, a recognisable architectural feature typical of Ibicenco homes of its period, now wonderfully transformed into the master suite of the Agroturismo. A king-sized bedroom, en suite bathroom and glorious living area takes up the entire first floor, offering jaw-dropping views across the land and out to sea over Santa Eulalia. It’s easy to imagine how the families of olden times must have soaked up those same vistas hundreds of years ago. Times have changed, but the beauty remains the same.

Around the rest of the property, stables and storerooms have been carefully converted to create a total of 12 suites, Each boasts its own private terrace, garden or outdoor dining area – something many modern travellers are seeking in today’s climate – creating that sense of space and personal luxury that is so important to experience a truly relaxing holiday. Every suite is completely private – not a single one overlooks any of the others – and two even come with their own private plunge pools. Safragell Ibiza Suites & Spa redefinies the luxury hotel experience completely, and offers couples, families and groups of friends a safe and secluded home away from home.

When you can drag yourself away of the stylish comfort of your private suite or villa at Safragell Ibiza Suites & Spa, the lengthy swimming pool is the perfect place to swim some stamina-building lengths or alternatively just bask about in the sun. Built on a rise in front of the hotel’s main terrace, the views from the sun loungers are a sight to behold as the island’s east coast spreads out in the distance, while the relaxing Mediterranean scents of lavender and rosemary drift up from the finca’s meticulously landscaped walkways.

Below the Safragell Ibiza Suites & Spa pool, an intimate and exclusive spa is fully equipped for guests to indulge in and be pampered during their stay. From regular yoga classes to private massages, you can select your holistic treatment and dally at your leisure – the spa is open exclusively to hotel guests so you’ll always find an opening when you need one. Linger in the water therapy pool, or sweat it out in the sauna, release some pressure beneath the cascade showers, chill out under the aroma showers, or quite literally, chill in the ice baths followed by a heated Hamman to treat your whole body and soul. There’s even a gym for when your therapy runs to the more athletic – after all, just because you’re on holiday doesn’t mean you need to let your healthy habits slide.

When it comes to dining, the Safragell Ibiza Suites & Spa restaurant serves a fresh à la carte breakfast every morning, and is open to the public for dinner each evening, excluding Mondays when it’s reserved for hotel guests only. The fertile farmland around the house has been cultivated and regenerated to begin to provide produce for the restaurant menu. Traditional Mediterranean dishes such as Iberian ham with tomato, pesto and cherry sauces, sit alongside modern fusions like seafood ceviche with peppers and coconut milk. Fish and meat, pasta and dessert, all food is sourced and prepared with the same care and attention to detail found throughout the Agroturísmo.

On Saturday evenings, Safragell Ibiza Suites & Spa presents a Chef’s Menu special, featuring some signature seasonal dishes. Live acoustic music on the outdoor terrace adds to the laid-back atmosphere bringing the weekend to the hillside, all within the comfort of the Agroturísmo. In 2020 Saturdays, the restaurant also offers a gastronomical surprise, for residents and visitors alike, bringing the community together again, in an authentic and low-key environment where everybody feels at home.

The relatively intimate size of Safragell Ibiza Suites & Spa makes it a perfect destination for corporate retreats or family gatherings such as weddings and birthdays. With only 12 secluded and independent suites, there is plenty of room for privacy, while all occupying the same space of the hotel together – almost like an extra-large villa, to accommodate your entire group. A conference space for up to 30 people is available for gatherings, meetings or even yoga, while the restaurant can accommodate even more for a special dinner or lunch. Whether you’re looking for a romantic location to holiday with your partner, a place to stay comfortably with friends and family, a new destination for team building initiatives, or a yoga retreat or fitness bootcamp location – everything in life feels more achievable from the top of this legendary hill in San Lorenzo.

A passion for life and design

Being confined to our homes for many months certainly highlighted the significance of many things in life – from the value of human connection, to the importance of being truly happy with the environment in which we live. For Alberto Cortes, owner of Ibiza design haven KsaR Living, creating comfortable, stylish and most importantly, liveable spaces has been a lifelong passion – a love affair that started with textiles and fashion over 25 years ago, and grew into a deep adoration, and some may say, an obsession for what he calls ‘holiday architecture’.

What is KsaR Living ‘holiday architecture’ exactly? It’s one part art, another part science and the rest pure instinct. You see, Alberto – who was born in Barcelona, grew up in Amsterdam and now spends his time between the Balearics, Marrakech and Indonesia – is a natural born designer. He sees a fabric, a piece of wood or a slab of marble and can instantly envision its potential to become sofa upholstery, a table or dresser, or a bathroom shelf. At the same time, he intrinsically understands the environments in which his creations will live – in Ibiza, for example, he knows that older, reclaimed teak wood can survive the relentless sunshine and high humidity levels when used in outdoor furnishings. And finally, it is his sharp intuitive skills that brings an entire space together – knowing exactly what will work for his clients’ unique holiday needs.

In addition to sourcing stylish for the KsaR Living warehouse and showroom – located on a winding stretch of the San Juan road in Ibiza’s northern countryside – Alberto also designs his own signature collections, made with reclaimed wood hailing from all corners of the globe. Beds, tables, vanities, chairs, daybeds, doors and more – there is no limit to what he can create, including custom pieces designed to fit large Ibiza villas, hotels or restaurants. Reclaimed wood itself is another of Alberto’s passions – first of all, for its obvious beauty, uniqueness, and proven durability, but also for the element of sustainability. “I feel a little bit guilty with my work,” says the designer with genuine humility. “I love design, but I don’t want to cut down trees to make my furniture. I understand that a shop is a shop, and not everything we sell can be 100% sustainable, but for my own designs, I do what I can to preserve the environment.”

He first discovered reclaimed wood in Indonesia around 25 years ago. Be it planks of colourful wood that was once a fishing boat, ornately carved doors that no longer served a purpose, disused railway sleepers, old beams and decking from Javanese houses, ancient rice harvesters – just because they were no longer needed for their original purposes, didn’t mean they couldn’t be transformed into something new and practical. In these old, weathered woods, Alberto could imagine future pieces of furniture, and he began working with experienced carpenters in an atelier in Bali to create the KsaR Living collections – artisans with whom he still collaborates to this day.

While you may think old, discarded wood could be easy to source, it’s actually a commodity that is becoming more scarce and expensive year on year, as supplies dwindle and demand increases. Over the years, Alberto has enlisted the world’s finest reclaimed wood dealers – from Spain and Holland to Morocco and Indonesia among other places – to supply him with unique and certified materials. Each and every piece of reclaimed wood used in the KsaR Living collections has been hand-picked by Alberto on his travels, safely stored until he is ready to work his design magic on them. His personal favourite types of wood to work with are teak and ironwood, both ideal for the climate in Ibiza, and both known to mature with beauty.

“I love the patina of reclaimed wood,” Alberto explains. “It has so much character, it speaks.” The dryness of this older wood also means it is more durable than softer, plantation woods, again perfect to adapt into pieces designed for the Ibiza lifestyle – the rusticity too, lending itself perfectly to the contemporary bohemian look that is so loved for an Ibiza villa. “It’s tough, and durable. It’s heavy and hard. It doesn’t crack when being shipped or as it’s being built into furniture.” The beauty of working with this type of material is that although the model of furniture may be the same style, no two pieces will ever be alike due to the characteristics of the wood.  And the beauty of shopping in KsaR Living is that if you see something you like, you can snap it up and have it delivered within 24 hours – Alberto’s philosophy is to always have plenty of stock on hand so his customers can have instant gratification.

Much of the KsaR Living collection is oversized – designed for lazing, lounging, resting and relaxing. “I am a workaholic, but I also love to be lazy,” laughs Alberto when asked about his inspiration. “Comfort is so important, along with practicality. If you have an outdoor living space, it’s important to be able to stretch out on the furniture – to really live in the space.” With this in mind, he also works with an amazing selection of durable, waterproof and colourfast textiles – hand-picked again, from designer brands around the world – to create cushions of all shapes and sizes, to upholster sofas, or create throws for daybeds. In 2020, Alberto has also introduced a new collection of reclaimed hemp fabric pieces, hailing from Istanbul, to KsaR Living. “It’s the perfect fabric for Ibiza,” he explains. “It’s strong and durable, but very cooling in the summer.”

With a deep understanding of his customers’ lifestyles and needs, especially after the crisis, Alberto has added another unique offering to the KsaR Living collection this season that really makes spending time at home a pure joy. High-end pots and pans – dubbed ‘foodwear’ – designed by Rodolfo Dordoni for KnIndustrie are the final piece of the puzzle that his clients in Ibiza were missing. “I love cooking,” Alberto says. “I cook every day, and I also know many of my customers enjoy having more time to cook when they are on holiday in Ibiza. This is what the island was missing – beautiful cookware that is fun, practical and stylish.” Chic stone-washed pots and pans have innovative removable handles made from walnut wood, that mean you can deliver a sharing-style dish to the centre of the table and turn it into a serving bowl. Add amazing chef’s knives, designed by BE-KNife for KnIndustrie, vintage style cutlery in a variety of finishes, plus stunning dishwasher-proof, handmade ceramic plates and bowls in gorgeous organic shapes, and it seems you really can kit our your entire home for summer at KsaR Living. More than just holiday architecture, you’ll find everything you need to go along with holiday living.

The essence of Ibiza

If Aiyanna Ibiza had been around when the global hippie community descended on Ibiza in the 60s and 70s, those early bohemian travellers would have felt completely at home. Fast forward 50 odd years and arriving at Aiyanna Ibiza – which opened on the on the beach at Cala Nova in 2017 – is like stepping back in time, to a simpler era of peace, love and happiness. Today, it feels like this rustic, colourful east coast restaurant has been here forever and the restaurant is now adored by locals and visitors alike.

The blend of influences that is so vibrantly represented at Aiyanna Ibiza – both in the gentle, natural style and the flavours on the menu, is indicative of the melting-pot culture of Ibiza’s own heritage, where everyone is welcome and the relaxed ambience is effortless. Settled into the rocks of a sandy cove just mere steps away from the sea, Aiyanna Ibiza is an enclave of raw, natural materials that blend seamlessly in to the stunning location. Bare wood floors, driftwood-inspired furniture with plush sofas and deeply comfortable bucket-chairs invite you to stay for hours and soak up the beach-life atmosphere. It also just-so-happens to be one of the island’s most Instagram-friendly destinations.

Basket weave, raffia and hessian design features lend a feeling of recycled and repurposed sustainability, that sits easily in the stunning natural environment with an air of unobtrusive chic. The brightly coloured umbrellas fluttering in the Mediterranean breeze are fashioned from handmade Guatemalan kites, adding a stunning kaleidoscope of vibrant hues to the soft and neutral background palette. The crisp cotton shirts worn by the friendly, smiling Aiyanna Ibiza staff are also handmade, from fabrics procured in Africa and artfully stitched into bespoke uniforms by a wonderful local designer, Ivonne Carolina, who also has her own workshop and boutique onsite. Here lies the charm of Aiyanna Ibiza; it draws on global influences, styles and cultures, presenting them in a way that is pure Ibiza.

This abundant array of influences and characters translates into an environment and a menu that are eclectic, creative and universally inspiring. Unsurprisingly, for a beach restaurant that is the ‘little sister’ venue to established island favourite Amante Ibiza on the nearby Sol d’en Serra beach, the dining experience at Aiyanna Ibiza is exceptional. The menu consists of beautifully curated dishes made with ingredients that are a tantalising mix of seasonal, local produce and middle eastern spices and flavours – combined in harmony for a unique twist on traditional beach club fayre.

Many of the fresh ingredients are grown in Aiyanna Ibiza’s very own organic garden, bringing a garden to table ethos to the menu. The restaurant’s attention to clean-eating, plant-based dishes means vegetarians have plenty to choose from, and in addition to a selection of hearty vegan dishes, some simple ingredient swaps can create further vegan options from the extensive options. Many of the dishes are designed to be shared for light, laid-back lunches or snacks in the sunshine, although the main course menu of meat, fish and veggie dishes can be quite tempting to keep to yourself!

A classic Aiyanna Ibiza starter of middle eastern Mezze is an ideal sharing platter of hummus, muhammara and babaganoush with crisp fresh vegetables for delectable dipping. The Turkish pide is like a middle eastern pizza, with a base of spelt flatbread topped with olives, rocket and cherry tomatoes and a delicious feta and pistachio cream. Moroccan spiced chicken comes with a freshly picked salad, drizzled with with a delicate soya dressing and shavings of Parmesan. The spiced green taboulleh with edamame, lentils and avocado is a riot of colours, while the flavour is a master class of Turkish delight.

When it comes to mains at Aiyanna Ibiza, the perfectly roasted whole sea bass is an established favourite where the simplicity of freshness sings from the plate, while the slow-cooked lamb with a ras el hanout marinade invites more complex, layered flavours of cumin, cadamom, paprika and ginger. The homemade burger hits all the right notes, topped with Mahon cheese and truffle mayonnaise, while the 100% vegetarian ‘Beyond Burger’ is endlessly satisfying for non-meat eaters.

The unique and varied menu at Aiyanna Ibiza is a draw in itself, but there’s plenty more to enjoy and to keep you wrapped up in the bohemian vibes from first thing in the morning right through till night. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, yoga classes take place on the wooden decking overlooking the sparkling sea, followed by a light buffet breakfast that is included in the price of the class. If you’re not up for a downward dog first thing in the morning, you can come for freshly pressed juices and the full breakfast menu that’s on offer until 12.30pm.

Lunch starts at 1pm and the kitchen is in action all the way through until midnight, so you can settle in for the day, or if you prefer some time with the sand beneath your toes you can choose from a range of take-away picnic dishes, served in plastic-free, sustainable packaging from the Airstream food truck. A spirit of multi-culturalism and vibrant diversity is the continuing theme throughout the Aiyanna Ibiza calendar of events.

The monthly full moon extravaganza has a world party flavour, with musicians and dancers from all corners of the globe taking part while bi-weekly art exhibitions, showcasing island artists alongside international talent, nurture that feeling of unity Ibiza has always been known for, Like Ibiza itself, the unique charm of Aiyanna Ibiza is intrinsically noticeable and tangibly felt but not as easy to exactly define. The words carved into the wooden menu holders probably come closest, where it is written: ‘Aiyanna Ibiza embodies the spirit of Ibiza, capturing the vitality and beauty of this incredible island.’ We couldn’t have put it better ourselves…

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.

Sunday rituals

Start with a quick dip in the azure Mediterranean and give a little wave to the Hand of God rising up rockily out of the water before settling in at a table or on a lounge – the choice is yours. Those with a booking at Elements Ibiza can skip the new Benirras park-and-ride options and head right down to the beach in their own car. Pick out a detox juice or superfood smoothie with a booster shot on the side; relax with a freshly-baked pastry followed by coffee and let the Sunday scene on Benirras unfold in front of you. The lapping of waves and the gentle chatter of people soaking up the rays accompany the smooth tunes of the restaurant. Summer has well and truly arrived.

Be sure to book in for a massage in the cute healing room and relax under the professional hands of the Elements Ibiza masseuses. Mums will delight in a one-hour Mother Life massage, while anyone and everyone can get into a Thai Fusion, Osteo-Flow, Four Hands, Deep Connection or the signature one-and a-half-hour Elements massage. Lunchtime rolls around quicker than you think at Elements Ibiza and surely it’s time to indulge – after all, you’ve worked so hard and it’s Sunday. Grab a few starters to share such as mussels marinara, burratina with rocket, caramelised cherry tomatoes and basil, sea bass Carpaccio with pesto, radish and lemon vinaigrette or fried baby squid served with a tangy yoghurt and lime sauce. And then, wash it all down with a crisp white or natural beer.

Mains feature fresh seafood and delectable meat dishes plus a range of hearty salads. The homemade made spaghetti in an aromatic sauce topped with juicy local lobster is sublime. Opt for a mixed fish grill for two or more people or choose a succulent entrecote served with grilled green peppers and slow-cooked potatoes. Follow up with a heavenly cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries and a sweet berry coulis or a meltingly indulgent chocolate fondant with mango sorbet. While the Elements Ibiza food menu is bursting with flavour sensations, the cocktail menu is truly a work of art. Cocktail hour is never far in Ibiza and as the sun begins to sink, casting its golden glow across the beach, there’s nothing better than a colourful, icy drink in a tall glass. The setting sun marks the beginning of the Benirras Sunday ritual – an experience that is not to be missed.

The Elements Ibiza audio-visual team bring together artists from across the globe to create pockets of surprises throughout the restaurant. There’s no apparent schedule and no obvious theme but guests can be guaranteed astonishing theatrics in the shape of music, performance, circus and art. The anticipation of the unknown is almost as good as the happenings themselves, harking back to the days of creative abandon. Benirras is, of course, famous for the group of Sunday drummers who convene on the sand to commune with the natural beauty of the bay through the beat of the drums. It started as a peaceful anti-war protest in the 1990s and has morphed into one of the defining events of the Ibiza summer. Stroll over from your perch at Elements Ibiza and take in the vibe as musicians from all over the world jam and spontaneous dancers weave in and out of the crowd.

Back at Elements Ibiza (following a quick evening dip), it’s time for the final meal to round off the ritual of a Benirras Sunday. Don’t forget to pick up a memento at the Elements Ibiza Boutique before you leave. Wine, cocktails, delicious food, excellent company and that striking view of the sea encapsulates island life. Carefree excellence is the Elements Ibiza vibe and it’s ready and waiting each and every Sunday throughout summer.