Introduction by P.F.M.
There is something otherworldly about islands that foster free thought and expression. The 1950’s saw the first modern tourists arrive on Ibiza, drawn by rumours of an untouched paradise. The 1960’s saw the rise of a counter culture: the hippie movement, which had spread from California. This movement extolled the virtues of a oneness with nature, music and personal expression. It’s no surprise that in the 60’s, Ibiza was the epicenter of the European counter culture and hippie movements with its heady combination of natural beauty, warm climate and laissez-faire attitudes.
To this day, the island still retains some of that original hippie ethos. People come from all over the world to party the nights away under the stars on a whole new level with many of the best DJ’s and clubs in the world, and by day visit the many beautiful hidden coves and beaches along the picturesque coastline.
During the summer season, which begins in mid-May, the famous dance clubs of Ibiza have their opening parties and the island population swells with an influx of tourists from all over the world. The Ibiza Gran Hotel is like a calm in the eye of the storm—while chaos and bedlam ensues all around, hotel guests are happily oblivious in their 5-star sanctuary overlooking the marina and Ibiza’s old town. You could be perfectly content to spend all your time at the hotel with its outdoor terraces and gardens, pools, restaurants, gym, spa and casino, but of course you may want to sample the famous night life and amazing beaches. The Ibiza Gran Hotel is the perfect place to base yourself to explore all that the island has to offer. —P
After a late flight, it was lovely to be welcomed with a bottle of sparkling rosé & strawberries . . .
Ibiza Gran Hotel
As you know, we have been living in Spain for the past few months now, and have been very much looking forward to exploring the country once we’re a little more settled. Barcelona and Madrid are of course on the list of places to explore first, as well as the beautiful Spanish countryside and vineyards—but recently, P & I had the chance to visit the beautiful island of Ibiza.
This Travel Diary is the first of two instalments in the series that will offer a glimpse into this enchanting island. We stayed at the Ibiza Gran Hotel, located on the Paseo Marítimo, overlooking two marinas, Marina Botafoch & Marina Ibiza, with stunning views over the harbour and the historic centre of the island, Dalt Vila. Our stay was in early May, just before the summer (and tourist) season opens, meaning that the swells of people and the madness had not yet begun, making for the most relaxing stay. The beaches were not yet crowded, and the late-Spring temperatures were perfect for island explorations, even if the Mediterranean was still a little chilly (but happily, the hotel had two swimming pools to make up for it).
There are many ways to explore the island—some come solely for the nightlife, while others, to relax and take in the startling beauty of the coast, cliffs and beaches, basing themselves in a hotel and renting a car or taking a water taxi around the island. We fell into the latter group, and these photographs are a glimpse of our time on this island with the beautiful light . . .
Relaxing in the suite’s whirlpool with champagne is the perfect way to end a day at the beach.
Left, sun and turquoise waters, and above, a day at the office, working poolside at one of the hotel’s two pools, and below, breathtaking views along the coast . . .
One of our very favourite things about our stay at the Ibiza Gran was waking up to the most extravagantly lovely breakfast at the Costa Mara restaurant every morning, with everything one could ever dream up, including fresh juices (green, beet, carrot) and even champagne for mimosas. I was obsessed with the enormous fresh fruit selection (mangoes, pineapple, strawberries, kiwi and on & on) and P loved the made-to-order omelettes (jalapeño & Iberian ham). Mornings would begin with coffee and a leisurely breakfast on the terrace every morning, setting the most perfect tone for the rest of the day . . .
Above, omelettes made-to-order (try the jalapeño & Iberian ham)
A stop by the Hair & Beauty Salon before Wednesday night’s dinner reservations for The Platinum & Diamonds hair treatment by Esther, who was the loveliest.
Dinner at La Gaia
& Japeruvian Cuisine
Mestizaje de sabores e ingredientes peruanos y japoneses con toques de autor: sutil combinación de dos técnicas culinarias de aparente antagonismo y deliciosa unión. / A blend of Peruvian & Japanese flavours, ingredients with a personal touch: a delicate interweaving of two culinary styles which appear to be at odds yet make for a delicious combination.
On Wednesday evening, after a day poolside, we had dinner reservations at La Gaia, one of the hotel’s restaurants. The restaurant recently unveiled its newest concept, Japeruvian Cuisine, a blend of Japanese and Peruvian styles. A tasting menu (see the entire list below, right) was prepared for us with a heady concoction of textures and flavours. Highlights included the Chilcano welcoming cocktail, a twist on the Moscow Mule with Pisco, lime juice, ginger beer, bitters; Ostras en tempura (Tempurized oysters) and Tiradito de hamachi con rocoto, lima y sanshio (Hamachi tiradito with rocoto, lime & sanshio); and P also loved the Carrillera de ternera estofada en soja y pisco. We finished with a glass of cava and a selection of desserts, making plans to return as soon as possible.
Left: Ceviche roll de lubina / Seabass ceviche roll
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Above, Tamal de black cod a la miel / Honeyed Black Cod tamal
Above, one of the over 365 original works art commissioned especially for the hotel, beautiful mesh & wire jellyfish adorn the walls of the restaurant, La Gaia
Strolling through the pretty streets of the old town . . .
This article is in collaboration with Ibiza Gran Hotel
IBIZA GRAN HOTEL
Address
Paseo Juan Carlos I, 17
07800 Ibiza
Illes Balears
T +34 971 806 806
Website
www.ibizagranhotel.com
Facebook
www.facebook.com/IBIZAGRANHOTEL
Instagram
@ibizagranhotel
Twitter
@IbizaGran
Pinterest
@ibizagranhotel
Tasting Menu
Cocktail chilcano de bienvenida / Chilcano welcoming cocktail (Pisco, lima, ginger beer, bitters / Pisco, lime juice, ginger beer, bitters)
Ostra especial Gillardeau con salsa ponzu y aire de codium / Gillardeau special oyster with ponzu sauce & codium avor
Ostras en tempura / Tempurized oysters
Tiradito de hamachi con rocoto, lima y sanshio /Hamachi tiradito with rocoto, lime & sanshio
2 nigiri de atún con aceite de trufa y aire de almendra / 2 Tuna nigiri truffle oil and almond air
Tempura de camarón / Deep fried prawns with sisho mayonnnaise
Carrillera de ternera estofada en soja y pisco / Roasted beef cheek with soya & pisco
Tamal de black cod a la miel / Honeyed Black Cod tamal
Ceviche roll de lubina / Seabass ceviche roll
Postres | Dessert:
Cremoso de curcuma / Creamy cúrcuma with meringue & beetrot powder
Trufas de chocolate / Spiced chocolate truffles with sesame seeds crumble
Bombones y macaroons nikkei / Nikkei sweet macarons & bonbons
Left, poolside, and above, at the marina, with beautiful views over the harbour and Dalt Vila; below, at one of the island’s magnificent beaches . . .
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