As Southern Ibiza continues its commodification of ‘island living’ with luxury wellness packages and as tourist hotspot for the world’s best DJ’s, those seeking slower rhythms are gradually flocking up to the northern shores of the island.
Meander around the undulating roads, about forty minutes by car from the main Ibiza Town and airport, to reach the Portinatx coastal region – all cliffside hiking trails, aromatic planted alcoves and traditional Balearic ‘mares’ pink sandstone overlooking cerulean sea water – where the residents act as custodians of the unspoilt but picture-perfect former fishing village. In the heart of the underdeveloped area is Nomade Temple Ibiza, the fourth in a series of destination spots that sit closer to wellness retreat than traditional luxury hotel and spa; Nomade Temple experiences are about ‘emotional transformation, communal atmosphere and re-connection.’
Founded by hospitality entrepreneur, Sebastian Sas in 2021, the first Nomade Temple was in Tulum, with the others following the same distinctive bohemian chic design with an earthy naturalism and interior texture. This editor had a preview whilst the Nomade Ibiza Temple is still partly a work in progress; I was intrigued as to how the multi layered design style of the Nomade hotels would be formed amongst the heritage architecture and dusty terrain of this distinctive balearic spot.
Nomade Temple Ibiza is a study in how to both respect and make modern the beauty of the area: the vision of the owner from the get-go was to differentiate from the only other hotel in Portinatx – the Six Senses – by creating a design that was in continuous dialogue with the landscape and geologyrather than imposing on it, ‘the intention is to give the land back to nature.’
Nomade Temple Ibiza sits on the steep cove that was the 1970’s built Portinatx Beach Club hotel but instead of demolishing it they have integrated that ‘mares’ white stone building into a restructuring based on traditional Ibizan ‘Payesa’ principles; the Nomade hotel now includes 182 bedrooms (singles, suites, DJ lofts) and a standalone Portinatx villa as well as a row of three five bedroom private villas complete with private pools, communal spaces and seafront views under construction.
The focal ground level area is the sea facing Tavla terrace, strikingly formed from a series of arch ways which reinterpret the sandstone vaults of the local churches, above on the balcony level is the Japanese restaurant spot, and on the lower ground the cavernous Gon House of Healing spa space. Down by the rocky sea level is the private ‘4Fu3gos’ beach club with open fire cooking, freshly caught fish of the day and a chance for a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
The vast vistas reveal themselves layer upon layer; the Nomade Temple Ibiza experience heavily leans into the barefoot style of the 60’s era free-spirited culture of northern Ibiza. Upon arrival this stressed city dweller editor was in for a shock, Nomade Temple Ibiza doesn’t just require slower rhythms and realignment but demands it: from an entrance way designed with reflections of water, sound, shifting light to ease guests into a sensory experience of discovery and soul recalibration, visitors are guided down a steep winding gravel pathway shaped to follow the contour lines of the limestone rock, to reach the living and pool area, bazaar shop and art residency spaces.
I landed in the early hours to find guests still conversing in corner spots: unweathered pink stone patinas featuring woven rugs as wall hangings, textured low slung armchairs in rattan or walnut wood, low hanging lanterns as lighting and handcrafted terracotta objet d’art created in a 70’s earthy palette of burnt orange, rich browns and olive green. If I wasn’t in Ibiza, I could easily have been transported to a Talitha Getty era soiree in Morocco, the hotel designers note to me these references were intentional as there is a longstanding historical connection between North Africa and the Med, which simmers beneath the surface of bohemian era Ibiza.
The rooms lined in terraces aren’t designed as statement-making but as resting places seamlessly embodying the laissez-faire spirit; quirky touches include artisanal terracotta bowls as basins, standalone turnover baths on the patio or balcony views to the tallest lighthouse in Ibiza, Punta Moscarter.
Shifting posture from hypervigilance to unwind happens seamlessly after a few hours at Nomade Temple Ibiza: freely wander between the raw but ravishing settings of savin junipers and olive trees for a biodynamic breathwork class on the gym terrace before breakfast or an anti-gravity lab therapeutic inversion of guided movement and an evening collective sun tribute to cleanse energy around the pool.
The Temple area due to open soon is inspired by the universe of M.C. Esher, a meditation space open for mindful gatherings by day and sonic journeys by night; cosmic sound baths and circadian rhythm alignment classes to expand consciousness. One of the most focal elements to the unique Nomade retreat experience is the Gon House of Healing; a large scale structure taking inspiration from the island’s subterranean rock formations (so as not to compete with the landscape) that is conceived as a cavernous sanctuary.
‘Gon’ is a Turkish word meaning ‘emotional heart’ and every element of the spa space is designed to soothe soul. The interiors are designed around the healing properties of water so an ambience of lightness and flow pervades the pink patina walls and travertine floor: Gon leans into a holistic approach to mind, body, skin connection whereby our bodies are treated as intelligent systems in need of repair and renewal. Gon also taps into ancient wisdoms and rituals; afternoons easily drift by following the thermal spa circuit of Hammam steam bath, sauna, cold plunge pool, flotation tank, wataflow sanctuary, thermal contrast and tropical essence showers.
I experienced a Detox massage treatment – 60mins of physical and emotional release – the hands only massage designed to restore body back to natural flow includes pressure on points to stimulate lymphatic system, toxic elimination and a releasing of physical and emotional blocks. Subtly powerful, an hour later, I found myself shedding tears but embodied with a new lightness and energy. The Gon House of Healing whilst honouring emotional connection through ancient healing practices – quantum alchemy, sound therapy, rice baths – is also on the pulse of advanced medicine and technology so you can also choose from red light panels, compression therapy, and advanced facials with skincare partners, Augustinus Bader and Voya.
After a few days at Nomade Temple Ibiza, I felt not only rested and restored but released of emotional blockage. I felt gifted with new perspectives and ready to do battle with city life again.
Nomade Temple Ibiza is a unique hotel retreat experience that meets a modern moment where the greatest luxury is escapism into slower life rhythms, nature’s beauty, and self-connection.
@nomadetempleibiza | nomadetemple.com/ibiza
Carrer Camí de sa Torre, 07810 Sant Joan de Labritja, Illes Balears, Spain
