Hacienda Heaven On The White Isle

The tiny Spanish island of Ibiza has a larger-than-life reputation, but there’s more to the world’s DJ fest clubbing capital than meets the eye. Whether it’s discovering Ibiza’s widely acclaimed natural beauty, exploring Mediterranean coastal towns, experiencing the local culture, riding the island’s network of cycle trails, digging into the gastronomical selection, listening to sundown grooves at a beach bar, living the nightlife in the world’s most massive clubs, or hiking up to Dalt Vila and meandering through the labyrinth of the age-old stone walls – anything is possible on this island with a thousand faces. Head to the north, however and peace and tranquillity descend in an instant and nowhere more so than at the high-style hideaway haven that is Hacienda Na Xamena.

Unquestionably one of the island’s most romantic hotels, with unbeatable views of the Med, and officially opened in 1971, Hacienda Na Xamena was the first 5-star hotel in Ibiza and the bohemian style property still delivers. The property boasts a spectacular location in the heart of a preserved natural park, suspended on jagged coastal cliffs 600 feet above the sea level. The majority of the 77 rooms and suites have sea views, taking advantage of the magnificent location, and all of them feature a Jacuzzi and stylish seated areas. With two swimming pools, there is endless space to unwind as you recline on one of the comfortable and stylish sunbeds and gaze at the incredible views. The hotel’s La Posidonia Spa offers exclusive treatments and therapies for hotel guests and visitors alike. The hotel is also home to one of the island’s best dining venues – Eden restaurant – where dishes are prepared with the finest local and seasonal ingredients in line with the hotel’s “natural” philosophy.

Stylistic references are hard to place – there’s a flock of sheep statues by the main entrance, a gorgeous traditional tiled Spanish courtyard behind reception, historic, framed photos from the 1970s in one nook and several Buddhas in another – and some are slightly surprising, but ultimately, it all just works.

Breakfast is served next to the pool, and it’s an excellent place to start the day – not least because it’s a prime location for scouting a lounger for later. The buffet has everything you’d expect (pastries, fruits, smoked salmon and cold cuts, lots of different cheese options, scrambled eggs, sausages and bacon), with extras, including poached or fried eggs, cooked to order.

Lunch can be taken in a similar, adjacent area or in Edén Restaurant, which overlooks the pool. Edén Restaurant boasts a sustainable cuisine based on nature and landscape as a source of inspiration, where ingredients come from their own organic garden.

Over 50 years on and the hotel is still totally gorgeous, family-run, with oodles of personality – discreet luxury and relaxation. Really and truly a one-off.

 www.haciendananaxamena-ibiza.com