Ibiza is a world-renowned hedonistic playground. With an identity that is so heavily tied up in its legendary nightlife, it can be quite challenging for travellers to see beyond this guise. So, as the island celebrates its 25th year as a UNESCO World Heritage site, let’s reflect on its other side. A side well known, yet not equally as vocalised.
Past & Present
In the early 2000s, the Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe project emerged, aiming to provide a new perspective, separate from the avid party culture. Through purposeful wellness, the project pioneered a new concept focused on relaxation and bliss through the form of disconnection. This new approach welcomed a niche demographic of travellers to the island in pursuit of “La Otra Ibiza” (The Other Ibiza).
Today, Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe Hotel is celebrated as the island’s most environmentally friendly boutique hotel, continuously launching new initiatives to reinforce its commitment to sustainability.
The latest is Maymanta, Aguas de Ibiza’s signature restaurant, which has launched a new group dining concept, offering wellness from a culinary standpoint. Led by Chef Omar Malpartida, the rooftop terrace restaurant presents bold Peruvian flavours with hints of Mediterranean touches, all crafted with locally sourced, natural ingredients.
Both the taste and presentation of the dishes are extraordinary, taking diners on a stimulating journey through the Amazon, the Andes, and the Pacific. Highlights on the menu include the refreshing Ceviche Criollo (consisting of the fish of the day, squid crackling, Maymanta tiger’s milk, sweet potato, aji limo, and Peruvian corn), as well as, the Footpads (made up of crispy plantains, creamy avocado, seafood curry, Peruvian rocoto, and pickles).
This wholesome family-style concept comes with numerous curated menus to pick from, including phenomenal beverages. Providing a community spirit, the initiative promotes well-being through human interaction and food, two highly comforting components. Laughter, delightful bites, and a sip of an authentic Peruvian Pisco sour may just be the greatest self-care formula yet.
The Hotel
Following Aguas de Ibiza’s eco-luxury philosophy, the building allows for plenty of natural lighting, with glass elevators and several sunroofs across the hotel. Along with the latest technologies, the design throughout focuses on the natural materials found on the island. Limestone is widespread and seen in many forms, including pillars and walls. The property also utilises smart building automation through water deposits, which helps to save on energy.
In the rooms, the principles of Feng Shui are employed, translated from Chinese as ‘the way of wind and water’. They are designed to create an environment of optimal harmony and balance, following the art form of arranging shapes and objects to stir positive energy. The large circle mirror, illuminated with yellow light, is a focal point in the Premier and Premier Bay pebbled bathrooms, resembling a sun against the copper and limestone wall. Floods of light wash through the open-plan layout, a consistent theme, and the colour palette is neutral, accented with uplifting mustard yellow. Often a symbol of optimism, motivation, and open-mindedness.
The Spa
The Aguas de Ibiza Revival Spa, in collaboration with the highly esteemed beauty brand Clarins, is spread across an expansive (over 1500 m2) indoor and outdoor facility. If you are in need of both an invigorating and relaxing experience, the indoor water circuit is equipped with all the necessary areas for a stimulating hydrotherapy session. A minimum of 2 hours is recommended to fully immerse in the spa oasis and a full-body massage treatment is the perfect finish for enhanced indulgence.
Harbouring a combination of rich ecological, archaeological, and cultural treasures, Ibiza is home to some of the Mediterranean’s best-preserved marine meadows of Posidonia Oceanica (Neptune Grass), and the Phoenician remnants, amongst other natural wonders.
In a tranquil residential town, with a stunning marina and the distant Cala Blanca, Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe Hotel found its home on Ibiza’s eastern coast in Santa Eulalia. Two decades later, their free-flowing spirit still makes them a gripping establishment, found on a truly special island.
Stays at Aguas de Ibiza in a standard double room start from £257 per night in low season (16 Sep – 14 Jun) or from £470 per night in high season (15 Jun – 15 Sep).
Carrer Salvador Camacho, 14, 07840 Santa Eulària des Riu, Illes Balears, Spain
