‘Tis the season – Six Senses Ibiza

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at luxurious Ibiza resort Six Senses Ibiza, where the grand halls have been decked in sustainable finery and a whole host of festive activities are planned for the weeks ahead. From eco-friendly gift making and Christmas baking classes to festive markets, an array of fantastic feasts, high-glam celebrations, rejuvenating rituals and mindful moments, it’s set to be a festive season unlike any other in the history of Cala Xarraca in the island’s north.

In the true spirit of the holidays, absolutely everyone is invited to celebrate at Six Senses Ibiza – whether you’re jetting in from a foreign country with your chosen tribe, you’re en route with entire family in tow, you’re travelling low-key as a couple or even if you’re an island resident looking for a unique yuletide alternative. The winter months in Ibiza are a special time, as the sun sparkles on the sea, the fresh Mediterranean breeze carries the fragrance of the pine forests through the air and the island community welcomes like-minded holidaymakers to join in the off-season celebrations with open arms. The time is now to come together, make memories and experience the magic of Christmas in Ibiza.

Not just for international travellers, Six Senses Ibiza welcomes islanders who wish to take some time out in the cool season and experience an alternative yuletide celebration amongst a like-minded community.

Every day and night throughout the festive season, Six Senses Ibiza presents the opportunity to try something out of the ordinary – tuck into Christmas tea and cake, go on a wine tasting tour, handcraft your own sustainable decorations, candles and gift-wrapping paper, sip on winter warmer drinks (hello, mulled wine!) in the library over festive storytelling and sow the seeds for future Christmas traditions by enrolling the kids in baking classes. Traipse through the lush pine forests and marvel at the wonder of Christmas trees in their natural habitat, book in for a relaxing spa treatment or take part in yoga, meditation and fitness classes under the open skies or in the stylish studio spaces. It’s all about balance, in the lead-up to the big day.

To many of us, it wouldn’t be Christmas without gift-giving (and receiving!) and in keeping with their sustainable philosophy, Six Senses Ibiza are encouraging guests to step away from the high street and instead choose timeless and personalised gifts and experiences that can be cherished forever. Treat your loved ones to a mind, body and spirit experience in the Six Senses Spa Ibiza or peruse the gorgeous rails at the Agora fashion boutique for a one-of-a-kind find, as all pieces are either hand-made, recycled or restored. For a true statement gift, you could select one of the impressive Magnum photography prints on display in the resort, or go hands-on in sustainable gift-making workshops in the Earth Lab.

It’s no secret that food plays a starring role in most festive celebrations and when it comes to festive feasting, Six Senses Ibiza certainly does not disappoint. The main event begins on December 24, 2021, with a Family Christmas Eve Supper in The Farmers’ Market starting at 7pm. The seasonal set menu (with vegetarian options available) is brimming with fresh Mediterranean flavours – think foraged wild mushrooms with pumpkin, vanilla and local almonds, alongside succulent scallops, Ibizan prawns and a decadent Angus beef served with rosemary and truffled potatoes before a surprise Christmas-inspired dessert.

Forget waking up with the excitement of a child on Christmas morning – unless you’re travelling with little ones of course. At Six Senses Ibiza, it’s all about taking things slow and embracing the day. Christmas Day Brunch is served in The Farmers’ Market from midday until 4pm, and it’s a magical Mediterranean affair made using produce from the resort’s own farm in Santa Gertrudis, including artichokes with Iberian ham and egg yolk, confit cod with chickpeas, slow-cooked lamb with parsnips, black olives and mint and more postre surprises. Later on, sip cocktails overlooking the sea at sunset, and take to your room and simply relish the fact there’s no washing up to be done. The Six Senses Ibiza magic elves take care of everything.

Just like in most households, when December 26 rolls around at Six Senses Ibiza there’s still plenty of food to be devoured – except instead of eating day-old leftovers, you’ll be treated to a gourmet Boxing Day BBQ of epic proportions in The Farmers’ Market from midday until 4pm. A selection of farm-fresh salads are complemented with poached eggs served with silky smoked salmon, Wagyu cured carpaccio with the added bite of rocket and Parmesan, sweet Josper-grilled carrots with yoghurt, Ibiza orange and basil, and sizzling fresh off the barbecue is the catch of the day with kale, almonds and beetroot or succulent beef with polenta chips and mushrooms. Festive desserts are par for the final course… that’s if you can possibly fit anything else in.

When Christmas is done and dusted, all focus turns to the new year: setting new intentions, celebrating and making even more magical memories. While there’s no time like the present, the future is within our grasp and with that in mind, Six Senses Ibiza have curated a trio of events very aptly dubbed New Year’s Eve Xarraca Futura. For a laid-back, family-style celebration head to The Farmers’ Market for the New Year’s Eve Intention Dinner, with a farm-to-table feast, live music and entertainment designed to ring in the new year in style. For those looking to take the style stakes up a notch however, it’s all about the adults-only New Year’s Eve Futura Feast in Twin Bar, where you’ll be treated to a taste of Ibiza’s future via all the senses.

When Christmas is done and dusted, all focus turns to the new year – setting new intentions, celebrating and making even more magical memories as we welcome 2022 and all the possibilities it brings.

If you need a frock or an ensemble for the occasion, be sure to book in with the Agora boutique for the full Cinderella experience and rent the perfect look. The following morning – midday, in true Ibiza style – start the new year with a breath of fresh Mediterranean air (and an organic Bloody Mary to shake off the cobwebs) at The Farmers’ Market for the Rejuvenation Brunch at midday. Another feast to remember, and if you’re feeling truly brave you could even follow it with a bracing dip in the sea.

For those who wish to start 2022 as they mean to go on, the all-new Longevity program at the resort’s RoseBar is designed to help you ‘live younger, for longer’ – and who doesn’t want to do that? Combining high-tech genetic profiling with breathwork, meditation, bio-hacking, spirituality and ancient energy medicine, these three and seven-day programs are designed to improve your energy, performance, mental focus, emotional and physical strength, plus reduce the effects of ageing over the following 12 months. Science meets holistic wellness here, and you’ll feel a renewed sense of self, increased confidence, boosted health and immunity – ready to take on not just the new year, but the world.

And finally, Six Senses Ibiza are also offering a special holiday gift to islanders who wish to take some time out in the cool season, with the Islanders are blessed at Six Senses Ibiza offer. Balearic residents receive 40% off room rates with daily breakfast included, plus 30% savings on dining, 20% off spa treatments, access to the Six Senses Spa Ibiza, gym and daily activities throughout their stay, with rooms starting at just 275€ per night for two adults (conditions apply and subject to availability). Blessed be the festive season at Six Senses Ibiza…