The halcyon experience evolves – El Silencio Ibiza

If the bohemian demimonde of late 19th century Paris went on holiday with David Lynch and a Michelin Star chef, they would no doubt congregate at El Silencio Ibiza. Now in its second season, the darling of Ibiza’s beach club scene – set on the silky sands of Cala Molí on Ibiza’s west coast and founded by Arnaud Frisch – has reopened in 2022 with new menus, new cocktails and new concepts. While you might not see Toulouse-Lautrec types sipping absinthe on the sand, you’ll certainly get a Lynchian vibe and a Michelin-worthy meal. This beach-club-meets-art-space continues to break all the rules in true bohemian style.

In keeping with the dynamism of its sister locations – the eponymously named nightclub in Paris and Silencio de Pres, a restaurant, cinema and event space – El Silencio Ibiza takes the concept of an Ibiza beach club and turns it on its head, creating a place not just to see and be seen but one where the experience encompasses a full spectrum of creative moments. From the front of house, and the back of house (quite literally – this is where the pool is located), to behind the decks, the bar and most importantly, in the kitchen – every single element at El Silencio Ibiza has been carefully orchestrated to gracefully exist in harmony.

Making his Ibiza debut in the El Silencio Ibiza kitchen this season is esteemed chef Mauro Colagreco, alongside his very good friend Federico Desseno and together, the duo helm a menu steeped in fire. Colagreco hails from Argentina and is best known for his three Michelin starred restaurant Mirazur on the Côte d’Azur, which was awarded best restaurant in the world in 2019, while his restaurant Ceto in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin was recently awarded its very first star. Meanwhile, Desseno is known for his skills on the grill and clay-pot cooking, in addition to his role as a judge on Fuego Sagrado, a Uruguayan reality TV show searching for the best amateur barbecue cook. Their shared passion for fire means the new season menu at El Silencio Ibiza is a deep dive into the mastery of the grill.

Whether you stroll in barefoot, straight from swimming in the sea, for a quick snack or sail in from the Med for an extended lunch or dinner, every occasion at El Silencio Ibiza should start with a cocktail. Award winning mixologist Remy Savage blends his French-Irish roots and audacious style into the most sublime libations – think local ingredients mixed into liquid flavour bombs and old-style classics reimagined for the stunning beach club setting. One part bartender and one part philosopher, this much-admired magician is in the business of expanding minds through the medium of drinks, and his creations only serve to complement the culinary adventures ahead.

The guiding philosophy of El Silencio Ibiza is to deliver a casual excellence, evidenced in its rustic chic setting, creative menu and artistic flair.

With cocktails in hand, it’s always advisable to share a few pre-meal snacks at El Silencio Ibiza. Red peppers stuffed with piquant and creamy Scamorza cheese and a plate of hand-cut jamón instantly evokes a Mediterranean vibe, perfectly complemented with a few select dishes from the Crudo de Mar menu. Perhaps the shrimp aguachile with crunchy Granny Smith apple, cucumber, coriander and chilli or the classic Peruvian ceviche, or why not both? The sea bass tiradito with yellow ají and crispy quinoa will be hard to resist, just like the baked beetroot with fried garlic, Manchego and orange and thyme sauce. And that’s just the beginning…

Main dishes reflect the abundance of excellent produce available in Ibiza which, combined with the fiery skills of Colagreco and Desseno, creates a culinary kaleidoscope matched only by the colours of the sun as it sets over the beach. Given Desseno’s mid-pandemic shift to an almost entirely vegetarian diet, there are clay-pot plant-based dishes that vie with Colagreco’s extraordinary choice of meat, seafood and fresh fish – El Silencio Ibiza appeals to all appetites and dietary requirements alike.

Dishes reflect the abundance of fresh produce available in Ibiza, creating a culinary kaleidoscope matched only by the colours of the Cala Molí sunset.

Sizzling and smoking from lunchtime through until late (El Silencio Ibiza is already open for lunch, and opens nightly for dinner from June 1), the blazing grill plays host to cuttlefish, crayfish, clams and carabineros; simultaneously, pulpo, seabass, lobster and turbot all dance across the flames before being whisked out to seaside tables to the delight of those dining with their feet in the sand. Desseno’s famous clay oven delivers the most delicate baked aubergines rolled with fresh ricotta, kale and gratin tomatoes. Fragrant and smoky with a creamy, mouth-watering texture, this dish pairs beautifully with the 300-gram beef sirloin cooked over fire and served with squash, grilled tomatoes and garlic.

Elsewhere, a vegetarian lasagna – layered with silky slices of eggplant, zucchini and spinach – and classic escabeche are exquisite options for vegetarians, and there are also hearty, home-style salads for those looking for a cool summer bite. But it’s prime cuts of meat where the El Silencio Ibiza grill really shines, and the smoking grill yields impressive three sharing plates calling for a table full of friends to share the gastronomic love. Choose between country chicken with sweet potatoes, guacamole and pico de gallo, in addition to lamb shoulder with rosemary potatoes, garlic and lemon spring greens, and notably, the Tomahawk T-bone with ash-baked onions, chimichurri and green salad.

From June 1, those taking a relaxed poolside position instead of opting for the seafront sandy floor of the restaurant (which as already open to much fanfare), the all-new tapas, pizza and flavour-filled snack menu created by chef Guillaume Sanchez is equally as delicious. Don’t miss the crispy fish sandwich with aioli, avocado, lettuce and tomato or the mushroom grill with garlic and mozzarella. The vegetarian salad bowl is perfect for lunch, as is the marinated salmon and wild rice. Naturally, when you have two Argentine chefs in charge there will be empanadas, and the three delectable versions of this classic South American staple at El Silencio Ibiza are heavenly.

The guiding philosophy of El Silencio Ibiza is to deliver a casual excellence. This is evident in the stunning setting designed by local architecture firm Moredesign. The vibe is rustic chic with long wooden tables and natural fibres used throughout. The team’s goal was to recreate the ambience of 1970s Ibiza when royalty mixed with rabble rousers in a devil-may-care attitude to having fun. While not quite as hedonistic as those halcyon days, the earth tones, textured surfaces and dappled lighting help create an otherworldly moment. The beach stretching out towards the sea acts as a continuation of the design, enveloping nature into the El Silencio Ibiza universe.

With its DNA rooted in the creative mind of David Lynch, El Silencio Ibiza is committed not only to the culinary arts but also to the visual arts. Following last year’s whimsical sea-themed art installation by Miranda Makaroff, the 2022 artist in residence is Brazilian born Samuel de Saboia. In his short 24 years, de Saboia has experienced enough heartache to last a lifetime. He processes his experience through a particular artistic language which traverses major concepts such as grief, death and pain as well as Blackness, joy, music and love. Working on a large scale, de Saboia’s work is a riot of colour and energy as he explores his own personal narrative which coalesces into universal themes. His piece for El Silencio Ibiza is yet to be unveiled but already as the art world buzzing.

Blending Ibiza style with Parisian chic, not to mention Argentinian flair and flames, El Silencio Ibiza embraces a deep sense of individualism, eschewing typical Ibiza beach club trends in favour of its own cutting-edge agenda. From bespoke cocktails, a menu rooted in innovation and tradition, and an artistic program promoting emerging artists from around the globe, to a full agenda of special events from poolside parties to musical extravaganzas dedicated to good times, this modern-day approach to bohemianism is nothing short of pure joie-de-vivre.

Divine dining

The art of dining out is having a resurgence in Ibiza. Getting dressed up and gathering a group of your nearest and dearest, or making a date night of it with your loved one, is this season’s number one thing to do and holidaymakers are going all out in their efforts to make each meal a special occasion. With this in mind, we’ve seen the Ibiza restaurant scene lift its game with world-class chefs, exceptionally creative cuisine and jaw-dropping locations. Leading the way is 7Pines Resort Ibiza, the luxurious five-star hotel complex (part of Destination by Hyatt) perched on the cliff’s edge at Cala Conta on the island’s west coast.

In fact, the resort’s culinary offerings have been in such high demand with hotel guests while it was at full occupancy all season that access to external diners was limited in peak season. Now that September is here however, island foodies can put 7Pines Resort Ibiza back on their must-visit lists as the hotel’s three signature restaurants and the iconic pool bar extend an open invitation to island visitors and residents once again. At the helm of the resort’s culinary concept is Executive Chef Óscar Salazar, a Michelin-trained man whose aim is to ensure each and every diner that comes through the (proverbial) doors experience a ‘wow moment’ with his creations. “My inspiration? Curiosity, experience, travels,” he says. “My life is my recipe.”

7Pines Resort Ibiza Executive Chef Andrés Fernández and his teams at The View, Cone Club, Pershing Yacht Terrace and the Infinity Pool Bar are ready and waiting to deliver unforgettable ‘wow moments’.

The jewel in the 7Pines Resort Ibiza dining crown is The View, a second-floor restaurant with panoramic vistas over the Mediterranean, across to the legendary Es Vedra and front-row sunset views – especially in September, when the sun melts into the sea right in front of the terrace. Afterwards, the stars and moon twinkle above, reflected in the sea below, while the balmy Mediterranean breeze floats through the air – the terrace is the very epitome of alfresco luxury. Here, Salazar has used his high-level kitchen expertise to create a gastronomic journey for all the senses. His unique interpretation of modern Mediterranean cuisine is nothing short of exquisite – matched only by the spectacular location in which it is enjoyed.

When it comes to celebrating a special occasion, The View is one of the finest dining destinations in Ibiza. The creative menu includes appetisers such as veal sweetbread with Jerusalem artichoke, hazelnut and black truffle; sepia with razor clams, green beans and Granny Smith apple; and homemade foie gras mi-cuit with local figs and caramelised onion. Mains are equally as decadent – think blue lobster with zucchini, stracciatella de bufala and Taggiasca olives or a mushroom ravioli with spinach, black truffle and Parmesan. Salazar curates a four-course and a six-course tasting menu (including vegetarian options) with an optional wine pairing that showcases the very best of The View in one sitting. From the first bite of your amuse bouche through to the last sip of your dessert cocktail, the experience is like nothing else in Ibiza.

Downstairs at ground level, Cone Club is the resort’s more laid-back dining destination – with views every bit as spectacular as its sophisticated upstairs counterpart. It’s a more bohemian affair in this part of 7Pines Resort Ibiza – low-slung sofas, colourful cushions, floor rugs and a colour palette that complements the kaleidoscopic hues of the sky at sunset. Meals are a relaxed affair here, and Salazar offers a varied casual Mediterranean menu to enjoy from sunset through until late. Whether it’s a selection of tapas (accompanied by sangria, of course) as you take in the sunset, or a hearty main meal such as the hand-picked butcher’s cut of the day for meat lovers or the catch of the day for fans of fish, there’s something to suit all appetites.

DJs spin a distinctly Balearic soundtrack from dusk until late, punctuated with the symbolic sound of the giant gong ringing at the precise moment of sunset. Settling in and watching the sunset is all part of the Cone Club magic – the hardest part is deciding what to order. The sunset tapas is hard to resist, with silky hand-sliced Iberico ham, artisanal Ibicenco cheeses with fig jam, the ever-popular Iberico ham croquetas and more. The main menu takes diners on a tour of the Med, from Greek Feta salad and Italian Burrata to Andalusian style squid for starters, then moving onto Mediterranean seabass, Spanish beef sirloin and grilled octopus for mains. Be sure to sample the restaurant’s signature Zarzuela – a Spanish fish and seafood stew (for two) that tastes like holidays in a bowl.

Salazar’s unique interpretation of modern Mediterranean cuisine is nothing short of exquisite – matched only by the resort’s spectacular location.

Over on the other side of the resort, Pershing Yacht Terrace is the sleek, James Bond-style bar where high-end mixology, izakaya-style cuisine and a live DJ soundtrack is the order of the day. Salazar oversees the cuisine concept with an incredible raw bar, where a selection of sushi and modern Japanese dishes take centre stage is accompanied by the Compass Rose cocktail menu, designed to honour the seafaring roots of the bar. Introducing guests to different coordinates around the island, each location is matched with innovative and avant garde flavour combinations that cover sweet, spicy, citric, acidic, herbal, floral, spiced and bitter.

The wine list and high-end spirits here are also carefully selected – only the finest drops will pass your lips at Pershing Yacht Terrace. No good drink should ever go unaccompanied of course, and the light and fresh menu is hard to pass up. From sweet chili wakame salad and Gillardeau Oyster No2 with the restaurant’s signature dressing, to Hamachi tiradito with ponzu and black truffle and soft-shell crab tempura with chili cream, the starters alone are enough to make your mouth water while reading the menu. Main courses include glazed Spanish pork belly, miso-marinated black cod, roasted octopus with unagi glaze, Wagyu tataki – and the list goes on. Mondays are Sushi Nights, with a special selection of expertly sliced, diced and rolled bites from the raw bar – teamed with that magical view of Es Vedra, it’s hard to imagine a better start to the week.

Bar Manager Alessio Roscioli takes centre stage when it comes to mixology, with an unrivalled passion for his craft and endless creativity when it comes to innovative flavour combinations and avant garde creations.

If you’re looking to make a day of it, rather than a night, 7Pines Resort Ibiza has also opened up the adults-only Infinity Pool Bar to external guests for the month of September and beyond. Spend the day indulging in the luxuries formerly only available to hotel guests: plush sun loungers and private Balinese beds looking directly to Es Vedra, plus access to that iconic pool and all the Instagrammable moments that come with it. Your food and drinks will be delivered directly to your bed, and the menu includes holiday classics like Caesar salads, poke bowls, nachos, pizza, club sandwiches, delicious wraps and hearty burgers to a heavenly selection of fresh salads, assorted sushi, maki rolls, and ice cream and sorbet for those with a sweet tooth.

The summer season in Ibiza is far from over at 7Pines Resort Ibiza. Whether you’re holidaying at the beautiful resort, you’re staying elsewhere on the island and passing through for lunch or dinner, or if you’re an island resident looking to treat yourself, Óscar Salazar, and his teams at The View, Cone Club, Pershing Yacht Terrace and the Infinity Pool Bar are ready and waiting to deliver those unforgettable ‘wow moments’. Divine dining is what it’s all about.

A safe holiday haven

There’s already a buzz in the air about the 2021 season in Ibiza, and if last season taught us anything, it’s that those who can travel to Ibiza will travel to Ibiza – rain, hail or shine. Fortunately, we have very little rain (hello 300 days of sunshine per year!) or hail here on the white isle, so if it’s a sun-drenched summer holiday you’re seeking, it’s safe to say Ibiza will satisfy your craving. And with safety being a buzzword when it comes to holiday planning this year, clued-up holidaymakers are already looking to the comfort of five-star resorts like 7Pines Resort Ibiza for a combination of luxury, relaxation, gastronomy, fun activities, entertainment, an abundance of nature and more.

Intuitively understanding the needs of their guests is the team at 7Pines Resort Ibiza’s forte. The expansive resort offers plenty of wide, open spaces in which you can relax safely – from its iconic Infinity Pool and the family-friendly Laguna Pool, to the alfresco bar and restaurant settings of The View, Cone Club and Pershing Yacht Terrace, and of course the bright and airy wellness centre, Pure Seven. Already known for its array of stunning suites, peppered across the clifftop like a cosmopolitan holiday village, the resort recently unveiled two new shining stars in its accommodation offerings: Villa Es Vedra and Villa Bohemia – two villa-style homes that have been customised to cater to friends and families who want a five-star experience with an added element of complete privacy and discretion.

Once you check in to one of the 7Pines Resort Ibiza villa suites, there’s very little need to leave the resort, making them perfect for self-contained group holidays with some gastronomy and wellness thrown into the mix. Each villa is serviced and stocked, hotel style, by the housekeeping team daily, and sleeps up to eight guests (with Villa Vedra also extending to include one extra child) in four bedrooms, with independent access to the two private upstairs bedroom suites for additional convenience. Each home boasts large communal living areas, en-suite and guest bathrooms, a dining area and a house bar, private swimming pools and lush, fenced-in Mediterranean gardens that ensure your total privacy – not to mention puts your mind at ease when kids (or pets) are playing outdoors.

Here, you can live the luxe villa lifestyle – lounging around your stylish new home-from-home, sunbathing by your own private swimming pool, checking your emails in a private study, retreating to your own bedroom or terrace when you need some me-time – at your own leisure, knowing your own personal concierge on-hand to assist with anything you need. Think restaurant reservations – should you wish to explore 7Pines Resort Ibiza’s culinary offerings, or head further afield on the island – or five-star cuisine delivered to your door; or perhaps a private chef to whip up your favourite meal or grill a barbecue by the pool. Mixologists, personal trainers, yoga teachers, babysitters, movie nights, hair and make-up, manicures, massages, sports, yacht charters, off-site excursions… all your holiday essentials are on-call.

Guests who book the 7Pines Resort Ibiza villas are also treated to a complimentary private transfer service to and from the airport, meaning there’s no waiting around for cabs or hire cars – just straight to the luxury of your new dwellings! Additional benefits include a free group wellness class, to ease your friends and family into the serious business of relaxation, plus a session at the resort’s oxygen bar – ideal for jet lag, or whenever you need an energy boost throughout your stay. And if that wasn’t enough… just wait until you discover your private cabana at the Infinity Pool – permanently reserved for your group so you can come and go as the mood strikes.

After the events and experiences of the past year, the team at 7Pines Resort Ibiza are dedicated to ensuring their guests’ comfort and wellbeing more than ever before. Health and safety have always been paramount, and in 2021 you’ll see more attention to detail than ever before when it comes to a warm, welcoming and personalised service, within a safe distance and with respect to precautions, such as masks, hand sanitiser, enhanced cleaning protocols in all areas of the resort, including your villa. For anyone feeling the need to cocoon within their villa, a new ‘Do Not Enter My Room’ sign has been added to the usual ‘Do Not Disturb’ option, which means Home Delivery (room service) or porter services can be left outside the entrance for your additional peace of mind.

This attention to detail continues throughout 7Pines Resort Ibiza, with sanitising stations, complimentary masks for guests and socially distanced spacing in communal spaces. While spending hours lazing in the villa is de rigueur, there will no doubt come a time when members of your group – whether alone, in smaller groups or as an ensemble – are faced with some inevitable questions. Breakfast – laidback and leisurely on your own terrace, or over at Cone Club, with the magnificent Mediterranean spread out before you as you plan your day? Swimming in your own garden pool, or while overlooking the mystical Es Vedra? Private yoga on the lawn, or join the group classes in Pure Seven?

Spend the day with the kids, or drop them off at the all-new Kids’ Club so you can spend the day roaming Ibiza’s blissful beaches? A massage on your private terrace, or a decadent treatment in relaxing sounds of the spa? Home delivery dinner, or out in the balmy Balearic breeze at The View, beneath the stars? A nightcap in your own home bar, or accompanied by live music on the Pershing Yacht Terrace? You can dip in and out of 7Pines Resort Ibiza’s sights and delights as much, or as little as you like throughout your stay, with your personal concierge on-hand to arrange every last detail for you, so you never need lift a finger (unless it’s to sip a cocktail!).

There’s no doubt that the first holidays we take in 2021 will be filled with wonder, as we remember what it is that makes travel so special to us all. We’ve all learnt to appreciate life and all of its pleasures – no matter how large or small – over the past year and being able to spend cherished time with our loved ones will never be taken for granted again. Whether you’re picking up the whole family (pets are also welcome!) and coming to Ibiza for an extended private villa style holiday, gathering a group of your best friends for a vacation that combines the best of Ibiza with five-star luxury services, or you simply wish to relocate to a spacious dwelling for the summer to work remotely, 7Pines Resort Ibiza can make your stay one of the most magical and memorable vacations of a lifetime. Opening May 01, 2021, and taking reservations now.

Harmonise your life

Set in a unique space surrounded by spectacular architecture, design and art within the Sabina Clubhouse, the Sabina Wellness offering had to meet an extraordinarily high standard set by its environment, its collaborators and its creators. The result is beyond imagination and takes wellbeing to a stratospheric level. Everything starts in the foundations, literally. The very walls are impregnated with Tachyon particles that are activated through condensation, becoming superconductors that create order out of chaos. From a healing perspective, these particles take the waters in the Sabina Holistic Wellness and Spa to their highest energetic potential, rejuvenating and balancing energy fields within the body and subsequently lowering stress and promoting a sense of contentment. Essentially, the Sabina Spa has been thoughtfully designed and constructed to bring guests to their higher purpose and natural state.

The space itself is a spectrum of gentle whites, smooth surfaces and the sounds of water flowing. It incorporates multiple wellness zones including a hammam, sauna, a gentle water-flow circuit and spa pool, sensorial showers, two treatment rooms – the Holistic Bioenergetic Sanctuary and the Body Temple – and The Studio, a space designed for fitness, yoga, Pilates, breathwork, dance classes, barre and personal training, in addition to workshops and a range of educational gatherings. A circular pool called the Flower of Life Spa Pool is crowned with a mural painted by artist Joaquin Vila. Titled Dream Time, it depicts a female form swirling with sacred geometry, traces of the ancient Phoenician goddess Tanit flow through her limbs and the roots of trees sprout through her body as she floats in space, completely at peace, calm and settled into the pureness of deep cosmic rest. She represents the time before creation where wisdom came from the earth and the non-physical. Her complete surrender to the cosmic forces that made her are exactly how one should feel after receiving treatments at Sabina Spa. 

With all these spaces in mind, the creator and key consultant of the Sabina Wellness menu Julieta Preguerman – a Bio Energetic Therapist and Life Coach herself – has created an experience of profound healing that goes above and beyond the cookie-cutter menus featured in other spas across the world. The treatments are out of the ordinary and yet there is something for everyone, everybody and every issue. Of course, the menu includes classic spa treatments one would expect from a world-class wellness centre, but it also moves beyond the confines of what the wellness industry dictates. Every aspect of the Sabina Spa experience is designed to realign the self. Bespoke programmes are built for the individual after an initial welcome, interview and coaching session with Julieta. “I get to know them a little,” she explains. “I find out where they are in their lives and speak with them about the therapies that will benefit them the most. Then I design a program specifically to suit their needs, be it for a weekend, a week or a few months. I follow their progress through the program and make changes if necessary.” 

Sessions may include anything from facials, beauty treatments and massages to breathwork, shamanic healing, IV therapies and fitness, plus life and business coaching, cooking and nutrition. Julieta has curated a list of 79 professionals and therapists, carefully vetting each one so they fit with her ethos and the philosophy of Sabina Wellness and the Sabina Spa. She carefully matches therapists with clients taking into consideration personalities, languages and comfort levels. “We make sure we work with the person in their totality,” Julieta says of her methods. So, if all you want is a deep tissue sports massage or a mani/pedi instead of a full program, that’s what you’ll get – there are no limitations.

It seems Julieta’s life’s work has always been leading towards this very moment. Her maternal grandfather discovered a natural saltwater spring in the outskirts of her native Buenos Aires, around which he built a therapeutic healing centre. She grew up in an atmosphere where inner and outer health were always prioritised. Her grandmother hails from a long line of South American tribal healers and on her father’s side is a slew of rabbinical scholars adept in the ways of the Kabbalah. It is no surprise that Julieta has followed in their footsteps, combining all of her knowledge and heritage into her mission to bring healing to others at Sabina Spa. 

Technologies both ancient and modern feature throughout the Sabina Spa experience. Ayurvedic techniques, Chinese medicine, lymphatic drainage, acupuncture, cupping and traditional massage methods are complemented with Quantec Pro and Quantic Spa, Bioenergetic Scanning and Bioresonance, Indiba radiofrequency massage, platelet-rich plasma cell therapy, IV therapy, bio resonance and Zytoenergese electronic cell regeneration. The physical realm is embellished with personal training, fitness coaching, yoga, Pilates, barre and Zumba. Additionally, Sabina Spa has a set of programs designed to support parents-to-be with everything from pregnancy massage to a complete birth support programme with a qualified midwife and doula. 

Aligning the physical with the metaphysical are treatments that dig deep into the conscious and subconscious being. Crystal therapies, shamanic drum journeys, Mayan cleansing ceremonies, numerology and energetic home clearing are just a few of the many modalities available. “The interior is just as important as the exterior,” says Julieta. “The goal is to be conscious of our energy and how we are in our day to day lives. When you understand what your body is saying, you can work to heal yourself.” This concept runs through every aspect of Sabina Spa, from the space to the therapists and the products used in treatments. It’s most noticeable in spa rituals that are designed to enhance natural beauty and restore equilibrium. 

Many of these rituals are built around the DoTerra range of ethically sourced organic essential oils, a brand Julieta has been working with for some time. More locally are the exquisite oils and tinctures from Ibiza based company, Aire, who use foraged wild herbs distilled and created under a biodynamic system. A third brand, La Encantada, comes from Barcelona where the family run business harvests raw ingredients from their own farm to create their products. As with every element of Sabina Spa, each product has been chosen for its integrity, ethics and sustainability. Whether you’re simply getting your hair styled or working towards mastering your monkey mind, Julieta and her team are with you every step of the way. “We approach everything from a holistic and integral perspective. This is the most important part of the Sabina Spa concept,” says Julieta. “We aim to harmonise your life.” 

Welcome to the club

Every child has a fantasy of a top-secret clubhouse. It might be in the branches of a tree or concealed behind a secret door at the back of a cupboard – it’s one of those long lasting childhood dreams that tend to follow into adulthood. Even grown-ups need a place to hang out and get up to mischief. For Ibiza’s kids and kids at heart, this dream comes true in the shape of the Sabina Clubhouse. Located within the luxe 50-villa Sabina residential complex near Cala Tarida, this beautifully designed mecca of fun contains all the essential elements for little and big folk alike.

Renowned local architect Rolf Blakstad was enlisted to design the Sabina Clubhouse and his brief was suitably esoteric; the result is a mix between the divine and the sublime. Developer Anton Bilton told Blakstad to create the palace of a long lost Phoenician princess who walks the halls and terraces in flowing robes. “The style is faded grandeur,” says Bilton. “It’s understated. The Clubhouse is the soul of the community and we want people to walk in and feel immediately at home.” Blakstad’s signature style is evidenced throughout the architecture with expansive light wells streaming sunlight onto stone floors, broad wood beams and melodic water features.

“I designed the Sabina Clubhouse to encompass summer and winter,” says Blakstad. “In the winter, it’s all about making the space feel warm and welcoming and in the summer, it’s about enjoying the sunshine.” The reception opens towards a curved bar and dining area; the space is flooded in natural light. A curvaceous sofa wraps around a huge fireplace where blond wood bookshelves are stacked with beautiful objects and intriguing publications. Beyond is the enormous pool, framed by a series of square columns supporting wood pergolas. Patios on either side house daybeds, sofas and little nooks for private conversation over a pot of tea or an icy cold drink. The outdoor dining and kitchen area acts as a magnet for shared meals and summertime get-togethers.

The shadow of the Phoenician princess can be spotted across the elegant expanse with the dense, green forest of the surrounding hills as a foil for the gentle whites, woods and blues of the interiors. Barcelona based interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán has created a mood that takes the fictional princess’ grace and crosses it with hints of Deco and post-colonial chic. The palette is smooth and fresh; the textures are varied, from velvets and wicker to stone. In addition to the more communal spaces, the Sabina Clubhouse boasts a wine cellar where residents can store their own collection for use at the restaurant or in the private dining room. There’s also a smoking room, library and gym but the spa will no doubt become a focal point with its sauna, Jacuzzi, Hammam and two treatment rooms. The final piece in the fun-puzzle is a dedicated private nightclub, which Bilton describes as very laid-back and uncommercial, a place to forge the friendships made with the people you met earlier in the day by the pool or at the restaurant.

The exterior area of the Sabina Clubhouse centres on the amphitheatre where Bilton envisages outdoor cinema nights, lectures, workshops and sun-dappled yoga. Nearby is a non-denominational chapel, a labour of love that conveys Bilton’s idea of the spirituality of inclusion. “It doesn’t have a name, but I call it the Temple of Gratitude,” says Bilton. “It’s not at all about religion. I wanted a space where people could come for contemplation, connection and celebration.” Blakstad took the Pantheon as his prime inspiration for the design, creating a dual space. “There’s an area that is sunken, private and quiet. You literally go down into it as if you are going into yourself,” says Blakstad. “The other area is open and public. This is the place for celebration.”

Despite the sophistication of the architecture, design and facilities for adults, one can’t help but think the real purpose behind the Sabina Clubhouse are children. “I’ve got five kids,” says Bilton. “I wanted to make a space where kids were allowed to be free and roam and play without limitations. Really, it’s all about them.” Of course, the pool will feature heavily in the summer but beyond the amphitheatre is a series of rooms whose sole purpose is to delight little people. A dedicated playroom for the younger ones is filled with toys and books while the older ones enjoy the full-size bowling alley. Bilton has plans for silent movie nights with headphones, games, parties and a lot of good-humoured shenanigans. “The idea is that the kids get to be kids,” says Bilton. “And the adults can relax knowing they are safe and having fun.”

Bilton is all too aware of the realities of travelling with kids and aims to limit the amount of time parents have to spend in the car shuttling their offspring from one activity to the next. He can see that Ibiza has evolved and is attracting people looking for a different kind of life, one that is less about clubbing and more about friends and family. Yet, at the same time, he recognises the need for kids to have their autonomy and parents to get some free time. Spain is famous for having a respect for childhood unlike any other country and Sabina and its Clubhouse takes that idea to a whole new level.

The Sabina Clubhouse is the nexus of the development and the culmination of Bilton’s vision to build a community of connected, like-minded people, living and gathering in spaces created by his favourite architects and designers from across the globe. It’s an ambitious project, encompassing design, art and lifestyle in a way never done before. The project is well fitted to Ibiza, where freedom and beauty are always at the forefront of island life. The Sabina Clubhouse is set to become an island emblem and a destination for a new kind of Ibiza visitor and resident.

Turn up, tune in

As the notion of self care begins to slowly set within the collective consciousness, we’re becoming more aware of the many avenues in which the quest for that zenith can lead us. Because these days, there’s not just one path to wellness, but rather, a slew of holistic practices that have the power to transform lives. From the merging of eastern and western philosophies to ancient methods that harness the power of the mind – modern medicine is less about treating the symptom and more about healing the person as a whole.

In 2019, Pure Seven – the unique and sophisticated wellness centre within 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza – launches a new program that sees the resort invite a rotating roster of visiting practitioners, each experts in the pursuit of optimum health, into its midst. There’s nowhere more perfectly primed for achieving a state of zen than 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza. Situated near the picturesque cove of Cala Codolar on Ibiza’s west coast, its stunning views out across the Mediterranean Sea and towards the island of Es Vedra evoke a sense of longstanding calm, and that’s before you’ve stepped anywhere near its luxurious wellness space, Pure Seven. Here, all of the senses are bathed in blissful relaxation, freeing the mind of anxieties so instinct can take over, which in turn allows us to tune in to our deepest selves.

This, of course, is the main principle behind the 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza visiting practitioner program. Pure Seven sets the scene for a transformational journey, and then the highly specialised therapists weave the intricate canopy that brings it all together. Over a period of four months from June to September, three of the world’s most inspiring specialists are hosting residences at Pure Seven, inviting both guests and visitors along for group and individual sessions that will dive into the depths of their very beings. There to guide and incite participants to question, it’s one of the hotel’s most exciting initiatives to date.

It all begins with internationally revered Ayurveda Specialist Suraj Varma. Born and raised in Kerala, Varma’s family have been purveyors of Ayurvedic traditions for over 500 years. Consequently, he learned his trade at home but it was at various prestigious institutions around the world that he honed specially curated treatments that combine diet, exercise, lifestyle, and holistic medicine. Varma gently tweaks the symbiosis of mind, body and soul of his clients, eventually encouraging a state of total balance and wellbeing. Sessions including Marma Deep Tissue Massage, and Ayurvedic Holistic Balancing take place at Pure Seven between June 17 and 29, 2019, and with a global portfolio of clients, are sure to sell out fast.

Then, in the height of the midsummer heat, Hamir Kaur – aka yoga guru Hayley Shoesmith – brings a much needed breath of fresh air to Pure Seven. Renowned for yoga teaching, fitness consultancy and powerful sound therapy, her approach to health focuses on the interconnection between body, mind and nature. With over 25 years’ experience, Kaur’s one-to-one sessions touch on teachings from India, Chinese medicine and Japanese Reiki, as well as posture work, meditation and breath work. Kaur’s residency takes place between August 15 and 25, 2019, during which time she’ll host a full Kundalini and Yin yoga, chakra alignment Reiki, plus a series of group workshops including a full moon gong bath and cacao for transformation – there’s plenty of opportunity for everyone to get involved.

Finally, Chinese Medicine Doctor, Dr Rui Pedro Loureiro will take the late summer slot. Practicing at Pure Seven between September 1 and 11, 2019, he’s a licensed acupuncturist with over 19 years of international experience, having studied in China and London before settling in Lisbon. Known throughout the world for expertise in his field and epigenetics, sessions with Dr Loureiro can help with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, as well as cessation with smoking, and just like our other visiting practitioners, slots are expected to book up fast. Choose from pure acupuncture sessions, holistic facial rejuvenation program, anti-cellulite treatment and a full epigenetic test that reveals levels of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, among other things, that lie within your body.

In addition to 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza’s Visiting Practitioner Calendar, an invitation to visitors and locals has been extended in the form of Wellness Days taking place between Monday and Friday at Pure Seven this summer. Designed to ensure guests make the most of Pure Seven, each package includes an early morning yoga session, followed by a sumptuous breakfast on the sunny terrace of The View, boasting some of the most breath-taking sea views on the island. Alternatively, for an added dose of pampering, the resort’s Beauty Days include a 30-minute beauty bolt-on of your choice – and even better, island residents receive 20% off spa treatments.

With a summer schedule designed to ensure that each and every guest attains a level of wellbeing never experienced before, Pure Seven is leading the charge on the island when it comes to a pioneering approach to wellness. And now, with some of the world’s most established practitioners landing on our shores, there’s more opportunity than ever to unlock the secrets to optimum health. All you need to do is be present.

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.