Five spots where self-care takes the spotlight
Word of Mouth: Wellness in Ibiza
Five spots where self-care takes the spotlight
In recent years, the quest to detox has challenged and, in some cases, outpaced the retox on Ibizia, with modern wellness travelers flocking to the Balearic island. Their sound of choice comes in the form of bowls and baths, their late night alcohol rounds switched out for early morning juice shots. Here we’ve selected five standout experiences that merge past, present and future Ibiza.
Six Senses Ibiza
The decidedly more rugged north coast of Ibiza is home to the island’s most wellness-focused resort, Six Senses Ibiza. Throughout the year there’s no less than eight different movement, energy and brain health retreats, that’s one every six weeks or so. In between, the sustainably-built, no single-use plastics on property (even the coffee pods are compostable), 137-room resort has daily mindful movement classes and sunset sage sessions. RoseBar, the on-site longevity club features everything from tuning fork facials to cryotherapy, optimizing mitochondrial health to infrared saunas.
Jondal
Cala Jondal, a pebbled beach with the classic Ibiza azure-blue water, is home to Jondal, the exclusively summer-season chiringuito helmed by ex-Bulli chef Rafael Zafra. Long, live-edge wooden tables and chairs set in the sand create a distinctly European seaside atmosphere where shoes are optional but swimwear must be covered up. Cream colored canvas sails provide shade beneath soaring pines. From the kitchen cigalas al ajillo (garlic pan-fried langoustine), whole grilled lobster bilbaína, and 14 style preparations for caviar ensure a siesta, or espresso martini, will follow the main courses.
La Galeria Elefante
Before shoppers even cross the threshold, evil-eye pillows, straw baskets and breezy loungewear spill out of the corner store and onto the terracotta terrace belonging to La Galeria Elefante. The colorful array of goods beckon locals and tourists alike; such is the atmosphere owner Victoria Durrer-Gasse encourages. Entranced by Ibiza since the 1970s when she first visited, Durrer-Gasse relocated her family permanently in the late 1990s and has since built a store that’s equal parts emporium, concept store and artisan showcase. The men’s collection is keenly curated and there’s always some surprises from her most recent travels in the back. Don’t be surprised if the proprietor herself is at the register.
Nikki Beach
From Dubai to Koh Samui, Saint Tropez to Saint Barth, it could be said that the name Nikki Beach precedes itself. Signature white daybeds, lines of waitstaff dancing rosé through the sand to eager patrons, and the infamous pool dynamics—all classic Nikki staples. What’s refreshing, however, is the robust mocktail program as well as the list of fresh juices, including ice-cold coconut water (served in its original home) as well as the abundant raw bar. Don’t forget about the sexy salad, a local red prawn forward cold seafood dish topped with salmon caviar. The restaurant and beach club operate from 12–6pm, perfect for an afternoon—lazy or lively depending on one’s proximity to the beach or pool, respectively.
Me Ibiza
A stone’s throw from Nikki Beach in Santa Eulalia del Río, this lively Leading Hotels of the World member combines a thorough daily wellness program (including gravity yoga and boxing yoga) with what the property calls the Culture Collective, a rotating program of painters, photographers, DJs and artisans who exhibit work and organize events at the hotel. From the rooftop Radio Me to the poolside Bianco Mare, there’s beach views, beats and local art aplenty. The property encourages its guests and passersby alike to use an EV, providing complimentary car charging stations.