On my last trip to Ibiza, all notion of its beach rave archetype was dissipated with an incredible stay at La Granja, which revealed a side to the island that was all sophistication, holistic approach and design sensibility. My stay embodied beautiful experiences that spoke of uninhibited relaxation for the informed traveller and elevated stays with no sense of pretension or exclusivity – every guest was VIP. After flying in from London we headed straight to the mountainous area and pastoral inlands that surround La Granja, a century old farmhouse estate turned exemplary hotel with kitchen gardens, 10 acres of farmland, outdoor dining, communal spaces & pool.
The hill & forest surrounds aren’t typically what Ibiza conjures up, but throughout the stay I never felt the urge to leave and head beach-side. Scents of sun baked stone, pine, tomatoes, green leaves and ripe fig pervade the air, with rich red clay soil underfoot and large pine and carob trees flanking the main farmhouse. The building made from local stone in caramel, creams and soft peach tones anchors the estate and houses nine rooms that are scattered somewhat casually around. It’s all sophisticated rustic, with a great stone fireplace & lounge room at its heart where one finds a beautiful pairing of integrated stone furniture and soft furnishings of heavy linen, in a palette of muted hues, dusty creams, soft & rich greys.
The lounge spills into the outdoor kitchen and long communal dining area which really embodies the sense of cultivation at the core of La Granja; each day freshly picked produce from the kitchen gardens and farm is piled high on display Cornucopian-style, waiting to be transformed by chef José Catrimán into delicious meals. They really are passionate about food and it’s truly a paddock to plate experience with a no-waste philosophy.
Dining & drinking spills around the pool area with a backdrop amongst the fruiting prickly pear. As night falls, lights begin to twinkle around the garden and soft, groovy beats fill the air (I was constantly Shazaming – they had not only great taste in design but also tunes!) In the evening be sure to sample a mezcal cocktail mixed with freshly picked herbs and fruits under the bean tree of the outdoor bar.
A stone path with pine underfoot leads up to a treetop-level platform where I enjoyed a private yoga class with a soft cicada and birdsong soundtrack to waken the soul and start the day. Breakfast starts from 8.30am with stand-out muesli & fresh juices. The rhythm of the stay is to order meals in advance as it is all made to order and you can choose a different spot to dine at each meal time, allowing you to absorb the surrounds and views. You get to know the excellent staff who flit between servicing the farmhouse and tending the gardens and not once did I wish to be anywhere else as all was provided for.
Visit La Granja
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