The summer of love returns – Five Flowers Hotel & Spa

Back in its hippie heyday, the Balearic Island of Formentera was renowned for its free-spirited ways. More off the beaten track than its sister island, Ibiza, it became a second home for the world’s rootless wanderers, uniting like-minded souls from across the globe in a compellingly carefree lifestyle. Today, that very same energy has been captured by Five Flowers Hotel & Spa – an homage to the island’s most definitive era, it’s also the one and only five-star resort on the island’s sugar-white shores, making it an irresistible blend of bygone charm and laid-back luxury.

Located in Es Pujols, the most bustling little town on the island (albeit in Formentera terms, which means still very low-key!), Five Flowers Hotel & Spa is both a nod to the past and a statement of the present. Just a short drive from the main port and with easy access to the nearest pristine beaches, it’s characterised by 60s and 70s-inspired design elements. Think kaleidoscopic pops of colour, statement art and daises adorned on walls – a contemporary take on the aesthetic of the flower power decades that’s bright, cheerful and fabulous all at once. Add to that kaleidoscopic 360º view overlooking the island and the sunset, and it’s it oh-so easy to slip into relaxed holiday mood once you’ve checked in.

Kaleidoscopic pops of colour, statement art and flower power inspired decals on the walls bring a playful element to the rooms and spaces at Five Flowers hotel & Spa in Formentera.

The psychedelic mindset permeates every corner at Five Flowers Hotel & Spa but it’s especially palpable within the  79 sleek rooms and stylish suites with terraces and Jacuzzis. There are a wide variety of categories available — some have more space for padding about in your customary fluffy white robe, for instance, while others are especially adapted for families with extra-large sofa beds allowing space for two additional people. Step up to the top floor, however, and the rooms are elevated to the next level, featuring private whirlpool tubs, hammocks and sunshades, not to mention the best sweeping sea views on the island.

Regardless of room choice, each one features a slew of little indulgences that make every stay at Five Flowers Hotel & Spa extra special. All have either queen or king size beds for maximum relaxation; there’s a pillow menu for sensitive heads; a fully stocked mini bar; high-tech gadgets including domotic lighting (ask for an introduction at check-in), as well as a flatscreen TV, coffee machine, and a range of luxurious bathroom toiletries. Anyone could be forgiven for never leaving the comfort of the room – if it wasn’t for all the temptations lying just beyond the door.

Wellness is a priority for Five Flowers Hotel & Spa, where beauty and body treatments merge with massages and water circuits for a truly restorative holiday experience. Start every session with a reviving dip in the whirlpool tubs; hop into the sauna or steam room, and then enjoy the sensation showers before embarking on a beauty treatment by Alqvimia, a brand that uses all natural cosmetics. There’s also a fitness area that includes modern Technogym machines for packing in that much needed dose of cardio, as well as an outdoor yoga deck for alfresco practice.

In fact, those hoping to use the idyllic setting of Five Flowers Hotel & Spa to forge a deeper connection with mind, body and soul will delight in the upcoming one-week yoga retreats being hosted at the resort this season (in September and October). The Ashtanga Yoga Programme is led by Borja Romero-Valdespin, founder of Ashtanga Yoga Madrid and one of the most renowned yoga practitioners in Spain. “Being able to bring the teachings of Ashtanga yoga to Formentera for the first time is a dream come true for me,” says Borja of the upcoming retreats. “The surroundings, the comforts and facilities of this five-star hotel, the purity of the air, the light, the sea. It is a unique opportunity to practice in Formentera.”

Each morning on retreat at Five Flowers Hotel & Spa begins with a two-hour yoga session before further study of breathwork, meditation, diet, and an array of outdoor activities that promote inner connection and invite silence, plus an additional 90-minute class in the afternoon. The first retreat takes place from September 29 to October 1, 2022, while the second is an extended program that encompasses October 1 to 8, 2022. Prices include luxurious accommodation and access to the spa, and yogis can also add a detox option to the retreat, with customised meals and dietary advice.

No stay at Five Flowers Hotel & Spa is complete without undertaking a gastronomic journey at Janis, the hotel’s flagship restaurant, set on the stunning hotel rooftop dubbed The Sky and boasting panoramic sunset views. Helmed by revered chef Sara Valls, it combines local produce with raw ingredients on a menu that’s rich in texture, flavour and ideas. Valls is a chef who feels deeply connected to both food and Formentera, and that fact is visible on every plate she prepares. For foodies, there are two tasting menus to choose from: 19 kms de Camino and Isla, both focusing on culinary creations and inspiration from the surrounding Pitiusas Islands. Meanwhile, the à la carte menu fuses the freshest vegetables with high quality seafood and meats – think plump tomatoes, decadent lobster, sweet red shrimp and only the finest Formenterenc black pork.

Gastronomy and wellness are at the heart of the resort’s offerings for 2022, with two in-house restaurants, a luxurious spa and a series of yoga retreats helping guests relax and unwind.

Imagine is Five Flowers Hotel & Spa’s more casual dining offering, adjacent to the sparkling ground floor pool. Also under the guidance of Valls, the restaurant is centred on delicious but simple dishes made with first-rate ingredients, enjoyed in rainbow-shaded surrounds. Tuck into the healthy breakfast buffet or a sensational brunch, or while away the hours poolside by taking your time over rice dishes, prime cuts of meat and fish, and a range of Mediterranean specialties that all come with the Valls sustainability seal of approval. Top off the day with a sunset visit to the Sky Cocktail Club – where you can see all the way to Ibiza on a clear day – where mixologists whizz up signature cocktails with easygoing flair.

Beyond the hotel, the action doesn’t end there because although diminutive, Formentera still packs a punch for its size. Simply speak to one of the helpful team members at the Guest Experience Service to arrange a number of personalised experiences. From personal trainers and spectacular boat days to excursions to the island’s best kept secret spots and an array of high-adrenalin water sports, there’s plenty to keep even the most restless bodies busy. Then, at the end of a long, satisfying Formentera day, head home to Five Flowers Hotel & Spa, where the spirit of 60s will be waiting to welcome you back, as the summer of love returns to Formentera.