Ibiza, Spain / Six Senses Ibiza

The soundtrack to the wild Ibizan north is on replay at this newcomer from Six Senses; a bohemian playground who’s free-spirit rivals that of Montmartre’s cobbled streets.

The south may have adopted a more vivacious taste for bright lights and a heavy bass, but the pine-forest-clad mountains and bay that embrace this cascading cliffside resort are the true embodiment of the island’s essence. Here, it’s all about celebrating Ibiza’s love of music, local community and spirituality for even the littlest boho. It’s not unusual then that it’s construction harnessed home-grown assets, echoing the natural surroundings, with rooms being both cosy while spaciously gifted and stylish with an untamed, organic edge. Our personal favourites are the Cave Suites hidden below the infinity pool; built low into the cliffs so the evening breeze carries harmonious notes of lapping waves and acoustic sets from the nearby Live Cave music venue. Along with the brand’s usual sustainability credentials, this is the first BREEAM certified resort in the Balearics. While their 400 year old olive press and agricultural estate, The Farm, provides ingredients for menus by renowned Chef, Eyal Shani, who has made this his first European foray.

It’s quiet up here overlooking Cala Xarraca Bay, that’s partly why we chose it to be our first hotel in the north, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do (well, unless you wish it so). Underwater guided meditation, flower-power-picnics in a VW camper, herb mixing at the Alchemy Bar and year-round wellness retreats all feature to aid in the hotel’s self-improvement-sanctuary status. But they won’t keep you confined, renting a car to explore is highly encouraged. Introducing the sands and beach bars of nearby Portinatx, the 18^th century architecture and festivities of the “last village in Ibiza” – Sant Joan de Labritja – and, if so inclined, Ibiza Town is just 35 minutes away.

Travel notes:

• 116 rooms, suites and cave suites (townhouses opening 2022)
• The surrounding wilderness and hippie-chic ambiance make this a great one for the creative, arty and musically inclined
• As champions of sustainable fashion, The Agora retail area centres around the key chapters of Reduce, Recycle, Rent and Restore; including a “Cinderella Room” where guests can rent designer gowns for the evening
• Includes the uber-cool Cave Royale suite that sleeps 3 guests and houses its own recording studio and party space that fits up to 20 (it’s also linked to a nightclub with a secret bar)
• 3 organic restaurants including social dining on long rustic tables at HaSalon
• There’s a big focus on self-improvement for all ages; from spa treatments and photography workshops for grown-ups to the Grow with Six Senses Kids' Club