Visit Main Site

THE OTHER IBIZA

Written by Timmy Coles-Liddle

Ibiza’s constant reinvention will astonish even the most dedicated disciple. Here, we share our edit of laid-back beach bars, boutique hotels and high-gastronomy.

For those seeking luxury on a pared-back scale, and sleek boutique retreats in tune with their surroundings, we suggest a visit to the newly launched La Granja Ibiza, perfectly nestled in the immaculate vineyard terraces of San Mateu. A centuries-old finca has slowly been meticulously and fanatically reinterpreted as a 10-bedroom farmhouse and two-bedroom guesthouse, whilst being mindful of the building’s history. Unlike any other establishment, La Granja is run by a community of likeminded individuals who seek to better the environment through forward-thinking, socially conscious proactive work. The deep blue swimming pool, acres and acres of lush pine forest and heavily beamed kitchen – together with a promise of music, art, mindfulness and gastronomy - are enough to make a visit here obligatory.

OD Talamanca, part of the OD Group, has just launched a sleek and slendour grand hotel, providing 117 spacious, contemporary bedrooms and suites right beside the buzzy, cosmopolitan Talamanca marina and just a short stroll from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dalt Vila and some of the most popular nightclubs in the world. Two bars, a modern fusion restaurant and numerous ingenious perks such as valet parking and pup-friendly stays will ensure this welcome addition starts with a bang. 

About a fifteen-minute drive from Ibiza town will take you to Can Miquel Guasch, home to an extraordinary boutique vineyard and in-house farm and gift shop, selling everything from homegrown fruit, vegetables and olive oil to candles and wine. However, it is the beautifully designed restaurant, Ses Escoles, complete with traditional Sabina beamed ceilings and expansive exposed stone walls that is the draw here. The friendly team serve up modern Spanish fusion specialities paired with biodynamic local wines.

La Escollera and El Chiringuito, both located beside the expansive Playa Es Cavallet, on the South coast, serve inventive Spanish cuisine and fresh fish to well-heeled diners in high-energy surroundings – often with live DJs spinning chilled out vocal house music. 

Ca’Na Xica, a boutique agroturismo set deep in the countryside in Sant Miquel, saw the addition of twelve one-bedroom suites last year and the introduction of a dedicated spa. Each spacious suite has been thoughtfully designed and blends traditional Ibicencan brick walls with ultra-contemporary architecture. The deep blue swimming pool must be one of the sleekest and longest on the island.

Also in Sant Miquel, and with a launch date of August 2016, a new concept in organic, home-farmed dining and chilling will be unveiled. Los Patios, the brainchild of entrepreneur and philanthropist David Leppan, will welcome boho foodie lovers to its tranquil, olive tree-filled terraces. It’ll take a while to sample the culinary delights of two restaurants, a sleek bar, bakery and gift shop, so pencil in a whole afternoon for a visit.   

Just a little further up the road in the picturesque village of San Joan, The Giri Café is well worth a visit. Cave-like internal dining areas and a large lush garden serve modern Spanish meals, healthy grills and fresh juices and smoothies to foodie locals and visitors seeking a respite from the melee of the South. 

Another relaunch this summer is the restaurant at boutique agroturismo, Can Lluc, in San Rafael. Head chef Manuel Anton has worked closely with the hotel’s owners to create an oasis of tranquility and charm. Dining tables are elegantly dressed with white linen and thoughtfully arranged amongst lush decades-old olive trees and hot-pink bougainvillea.  

Also new for summer is Cotton Lounge Club, sister of popular West Coast’s Cotton Beach Club. Health-conscious jetsetters will adore the superfood smoothies, sleek white lounge seating and harbour views whilst gazing at the deep blue sea of superyachts.

Images

1 & 2: OD Talamanca

3: La Granja

4: El Chiringuito

5: Ca’Na Xica

6: Can Lluc

NINE is a private concierge club providing tailored travel and lifestyle solutions to individuals and families across the globe.