WHOA, WE’RE GOING TO IBIZA…IN THE OFF SEASON…
September and October is the perfect time to visit La Isla Blanca. Once the summer crowds disperse, the island returns to a slower, more peaceful pace. We’ve rounded up the best places to eat, sleep, restore and relax. From bespoke wellness retreats at the brand new Six Senses Ibiza, to a fabulous all-day beach club on Playa d’en Bossa, to DJ beats and delicious eats at OKU Ibiza…
BEST FOR WORLD CLASS WELLNESS: SIX SENSES IBIZA, OPENED JULY 2021
Six Senses Ibiza, one of the Mediterranean’s most anticipated openings, launched this July. Located on the peaceful northern tip of the island, the village-like resort captures the authentic essence of the Balearic island both in look and feel. Set over 20-acres, with unrivalled sea views and with direct access to one of the most beautiful bays in Ibiza, Cala Xarraca, it offers 116 rooms and suites and a range of villas. The first sustainable BREEAM certified resort and residential community in the Balearics, Six Senses Ibiza is a vibrant year-round destination that embraces music, culture, spirituality, fashion, art and wellness. Sustainable fashion is celebrated at the Agora – a new retail concept, which is part shop, part education, part magazine. The founding father of new Israeli cuisine Eyal Shani debuted his first European outpost at the resort, championing the farm-to-table concept using locally grown, organic cuisine. The Farm at Six Senses Ibiza is a 400-year-old olive press and agricultural estate, where guests can take part in growing the abundance of organic produce that also supplies the resort’s restaurants, café and bars. Traditionally known for its party scene, Six Senses Ibiza pays homage to this with the Live Cave, a music venue with its own recording studio and relaxed bar and lounge that sits directly on the shorefront. As with all Six Senses properties, spa and wellness takes centre stage and guests visiting this September and October should book a spot on one of their bespoke retreats. Journey to Profound Transformation with Marisa Peer takes place between 6 – 10 October, which looks at all elements of personal well-being, physical, mental, emotional and social, with a healing, restorative and joyful approach whilst Grow A New Body with Dr. Alberto Villoldo and Dr. Mark Hyman takes place from 3 – 10 September, and lays the foundation for a healthy body that ages slowly and aims to help guests discover how their health span can equal their life span.
HOW: Scott Dunn offers seven nights at Six Senses Ibiza from £2,300 per person based on two people sharing a Hideaway Deluxe on a room only basis, including return flights from London and private transfers. For more information please visit www.scottdunn.com or call 020 8682 5080
BEST FOR LAID BACK BOHEMIAN LUXURY: OKU IBIZA, OPENED MAY 2021
Brand new lifestyle brand, OKU Hotels, launched its collection of soulful five-star hideaways with the opening of OKU Ibiza on 28th May 2021. Located on the fringe of Cala Gració bay and nestled in lush hills, OKU Ibiza is home to one of the island’s largest pools – one of four swimming pools at the property. With a focus on slower living and enriching experiences for the curious traveller, the hotel comprises 185 boho-chic guestrooms and suites, a standalone four-bedroom villa with private pool, two hotel pools (and a further semi-private pool serving the six swim-up rooms), two restaurants and an intimate spa. Derived from the Japanese spiritual and architectural concept meaning “inner space”, OKU prides itself on offering understated luxury in destinations that captivate, with wellbeing practices that revive, and dining and music experiences that awaken the senses. The look and feel of OKU Ibiza has been thoughtfully designed by OKU’s in-house design team, who has taken inspiration from the location to reflect the simplicity of beach life and invite barefoot living. Principals of ‘OKU’ are brought to life through meaningful use of space, whilst making the most of natural light and shadows. The team drew inspiration from the Japanese Wabi Sabi philosophy, which champions the connection to earth and using natural materials. When it comes to dining, there are two main restaurants: destination dining at the OKU Restaurant and the poolside To Kima for relaxed Mediterranean fare. Both menus have been curated and overseen by Executive Chef Mark Vaessen, formerly from SUSHISAMBA. Renowned for his mastery of fusion South American and Japanese cuisine, highlight dishes from the dinner menu include asparagus tempura with truffle aioli, black cod with miso, and fresh sushi, salmon and nigiri.
HOW: Scott Dunn offers seven nights at OKU Ibiza from £1,800 per person based on two people sharing a Superior Room on a B&B basis, including return flights from London and private transfers. For more information please visit www.scottdunn.com or call 020 8682 5080
BEST FOR MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE AND IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES: BEACHOUSE IBIZA
Located on the idyllic palm-tree lined Playa d’en Bossa, Ibiza, Beachouse Ibiza is a much-loved beach club and restaurant. A new wave of Mediterranean cuisine is at the heart of Beachouse Ibiza, utilising local produce and raw elements. Foodies planning on visiting can please their palates all day long and enjoy revitalising breakfasts, sun-kissed lunches and Moonlit Dinners. This magical dining under the stars experience takes place weekly and combines food, art and music. Starting at dusk and continuing until midnight, it features live immersive performances, headline musicians, long tables and dishes from the à la carte menu. Visitors can take their holistic wellbeing to a whole new level with Beachouse’s daily beach yoga sessions. Guided by master instructors and with yoga mats provided upon request, guests are invited to fully immerse themselves in the Ibizan way of life during these soulful sessions, followed by a wholesome breakfast served at the open-air restaurant. Embracing the natural elements of the island, Beachouse Ibiza’s ‘Nourish Menu’ boasts food for the soul, including breakfast bowls and other specialities. Music unites all and is at the forefront of the Beachouse experience. Guests can escape and unwind to an eclectic blend of diverse talent and handpicked quality musicians that bring Balearic soul to life. Welcome to guests of all ages, Beachouse invites its younger visitors to enjoy its complimentary kids’ space: Little Beachouse. Open daily with no booking required, parents can lay back and enjoy some rest and respite, while their little ones partake in island inspired arts & crafts, kids’ yoga, face-painting, music classes with the Beachouse in-house DJs and much more.
HOW: For more information, please visit www.beachouseibiza.com
BEST FOR A SECLUDED COUPLES RETREAT: 7PINES RESORT IBIZA
Dotted along the clifftop of Ibiza’s west coast, 7Pines is sleek, contemporary and oozes style and elegance. With views over the azure waters of the Mediterranean to the rocky island of Es Vedrà, it boasts excellent amenities in exclusive surrounds. With a remote location belied by its proximity to San Jose and Ibiza Town, both within a 20-minute drive, 7Pines Resort Ibiza offers an ideal escape for couples. Spread across the cliffs, the resort is split into smaller, village-like, pockets of accommodation and the design of its low-lying buildings is a contemporary take on a traditional Ibicenco village, blending seamlessly into its surroundings. Split between The Laguna, Ibicenco Village and Cliff Suites, the 186 suites have the feel of serviced apartments, with a number offering private pools, balconies, gardens or ocean views – ideal for couples seeking seclusion. With five superb dining options to choose from, as well as ‘Home Delivery’, guests need never leave the resort to experience everything from traditional Mediterranean dishes to Ibiza’s first Korean-inspired restaurant. Combining the beauty of Ibiza and the health of a Mediterranean lifestyle with spa treatments and techniques from every corner of the world, the Pure Seven Spa offers the ultimate in relaxation for couples to unwind. For couples looking to explore the island, the beautiful Cala Codolar is just five minutes walk and the famous Cala Comte a five minute drive. Head into the gin-clear waters to dive some of the 200km of Ibiza’s coastline or stay dry aboard the hotel’s private yacht, perfect for a romantic private dinner. Alternatively, guests can simply float around in the hotel’s infinity pool, with its 8-metre glass wall perfectly framing the Mediterranean.
HOW: Scott Dunn offers seven nights at 7Pines Ibiza from £1,600 per person based on two people sharing a Resort Suite One Bedroom (Ibicenco Village) on B&B basis, including return flights from London and private transfers. For more information please visit www.scottdunn.com or call 020 8682 5080