Where time stands still

Of all the things we yearn for in life, perhaps it’s time that is the most poignant. Time is the property we’ve not quite been able to master; the concept we wish we could slow down; it’s the one thing we wish we could get back when we’ve lost it. On holiday, time is the primary factor around which everything pivots – we can only breathe, relax and recover if there’s time. These ideals sit firmly at the centre of 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza’s ethos. Opened just last summer, this sprawling, luxury resort complex is there to facilitate time on your behalf – a beacon of stillness in a rushed, chaotic world.

Comprised of a string of stunning suites sensitively built amid a traditional, coastal village – backed by native pine forest and looking out across miles upon miles of sparkling Mediterranean – plus a five-star wellness centre, two high-end restaurants and an exceptional sunset cocktail lounge, the space is open to islanders in addition to hotel guests. Located on a spectacular clifftop between the stunning cove of Cala Codolar and the iconic beach of Cala Conta, 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza deservedly generated quite a buzz in its debut season and yet, further improvements have been ushered in over the winter months, transporting the hotel to the upper echelons of excellence.

“Seven Pines Resort Ibiza deservedly generated quite a buzz in its debut season and yet, further improvements have been ushered in for 2019.”

With spring finally in the air and the re-opening date set for May 1, 2019, this year is the perfect time to visit 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza. Not least to appreciate all of the hotel’s incredible vistas – including the famous limestone outline of Es Vedra on the south of the horizon and the iconic Ibiza sunset on the west – but also to witness a restful giant slowly but surely coming back to life, and its beautifully landscaped gardens along with it. Wandering around the hotel’s sprawling grounds, there’s a sense of easy, mellow calm in the air – here, nothing is too much trouble. In fact, all troubles seem to just melt away… 

Those seeking the full 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza experience can choose from 186 luxurious suites — some with sea or garden views, others with private pools, but each with a private balcony, kitchen and decor inspired by the soothing shades of the island. The aim with each suite was to create a home away from home, so all mod cons are there to ensure your stay is comfortable, while other little luxuries act as a gentle reminder that no matter how ‘at home’ you feel, you’re still very much on holiday. Then there are the first class facilities, located right on your doorstep. Small wonder people never want to leave.

Take the hotel’s instant-icon infinity pool as an example. An adults-only space that overlooks Es Vedra and the Mediterranean, lounging here allows you to fully relinquish time. Over in another part of the hotel, the Laguna pool has been designed for children under the age of 16 and fittingly, fun inflatables are provided here for kids to play around with, while the kitchen serves up Thai food. Both pools are, of course, open to hotel guests, and this summer, island residents or visitors can also secure daytime pool passes, making it simple to drop in for a dip and a cocktail, or even a meal, with poolside barbecues taking place every Saturday.

Speaking of dining, 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza features two unrivalled dining spaces. The View is a gastronomic experience serving modern Asian-inspired fare, specialising in sizzling grilled fish and fresh cuts of meat cooked on the Robata grill – all executed with distinction, served with professionalism and enjoyed in a clifftop space that offers panoramic views of the stunning natural landscape below. Breakfast is also served at The View and there’s no better way to start the day than with the ever-inspiring blue hue of the Mediterranean within touching distance and the incredible à la carte and gourmet buffet options on offer.

“It’s easy to see how time at 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza really does stand still.”

Cone Club, meanwhile, is an easy-going bar and restaurant designed with socialising, sunsets and sensory overload in mind. Open from midday daily, come for a Mediterranean-inspired late lunch amid the cheerful decor and spend the afternoon enjoying the company of friends – just be sure to stick around till sunset, when the sky bursts into a kaleidoscope of colours and you can savour a tasty cocktail on low slung seating and comfy sofas. This is dubbed the Sunset Ritual and once you’ve experienced it once, it’s easy to see how one may want to incorporate this custom into their daily life.  

For something with a dash of urban chic, make a beeline for the stylish Pershing Yacht Terrace. Designed in conjunction with the world-class yacht makers, this has fast become Ibiza’s newest, most elegant sunset hotspot. A sleek, sophisticated space serving top shelf spirits and liquors, signature cocktails and a very impressive wine list, this is where the island’s style setters come to say farewell to the sun each night. A small selection of tapas is available if you feel peckish, and in summer, the sun dips beneath the horizon to the gently undulating sounds of live music. 

For those looking to feed the soul, high-end wellness centre Pure Seven has been designed to do just that. A haven of wellbeing inspired by the island’s healing properties, here, some of the best therapists from around the globe work their magic and impart their wisdom. This season, an all-new visiting practitioner programme introduces a slew of specialists to the island for special, one-off residencies. Ayurveda specialist Suraj Varma is onsite between June 17 and 29, offering Ayurvedic massages and treatments; yoga guru Hamir Kaur (aka Hayley Shoesmith) will run daily yoga sessions between August 15 and 25, and Chinese Medicine Practitioner Dr. Rui Pedro Loureiro provides a range of acupuncture treatments between September 1 and 11.  

An exhilarating range of face and body treatments are also available at Pure Seven. From hot stone therapy and deep tissue massage to Udvartana; from the rejuvenating Pure Seven Body Ritual and ESPA series of facials to osteopathy – the mind, body and spirit is indulged, healed and pampered. Monthly full moon yoga sessions are held with Es Vedra as a backdrop; a gym is located on the upper floor for those who want to work out with a view and the sauna and steam circuit is the perfect place to unwind after any kind of wellness activity or treatment.  It’s easy to see how time at 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza really does stand still. Maybe we’ll never be able to stop it, but at least, thanks to places like this, we can harness it. And in this moment right now, what more could we ask for than that?