Ibiza dazzles and enchants with its eclectic and diverse culture fusing the historic and the modern.
The stunning 'Isla Blanca’ (white island) is also a ‘foodie heaven’ for tempting palates with delectable dishes.
Right Ingredients
The stylish Beachouse Ibiza, located in a quieter stretch of the buzzing Playa d'en Bossa, satiates the appetites of an eclectic mix of visitors.
One of a family of four hospitality brands on the island, the palm tree fringed restaurant offers informal al fresco food and drinks. Invited to sample the menu (pre Covid), we sat inside the airy and spacious venue as sunshine shimmered on the turquoise sea.
Al fresco overlooking Mediterraneo magnifico.
Attention to Detail
Dishing up Mediterranean fare which is simple and rustic, the charismatic team meticulously swept the beach and entrances every 15 minutes.
A tempting array of dishes ‘a compartir’ (to share) - span sumptuous seafood including calamari Andaluza with homemade tartare sauce. There is also Cantabria anchovies with artisan Ibizan bread or Jamon Iberico de Bellota served with toasted bread and tomato. We devoured the most succulent Mussels Marinera we’d ever tasted.
Al fresco overlooking Mediterraneo magnifico.
With 13 salads and starters to choose from, we sampled the gorgeous beetroot with asparagus, broccoli, shallots, hazelnut, vinaigrette, salty ricotta and pistachios.
Our solicitous waiter recommended the blue lobster which superlatives cannot do justice to. Sublimely succulent, it was baked to perfection in a charcoal oven and truly outstanding.
Dazzling deserts include poached peach with yogurt, ice cream matcha cheesecake with goji berries and lemon or blood orange sorbet with vodka or Cointreau. Vibrant and refreshing, our luxurious fruit salad included exotic dragon fruit and star fruit.
Exotic artistry: Fresh fruit desert.
Bespoke cocktails span ‘Bossa Breeze’ (gin based), ‘El Tournado’ (bacardi based) and an intriguing copper served Mandala concoction comprising Absolut Elyx, peach liqueur, passion fruit, vanilla syrup, lemon juice and Perrier Jouet.
An expertly selected wine list is offered and we finished with ‘Hierbas Ibenicas’, a traditional liquor flavoured with herbs including fennel, aniseed, juniper berries and thyme. Mellow and perfect over ice, it aids digestion.
Championing sustainability
General manager Alex Villena, whose two decades of sector expertise include roles with high-profile brands in Barcelona, London and Edinburgh, says: “We have set ourselves apart in many aspects including our enviable location, our ethos of promoting health and wellbeing - and our work to help preserve our natural surroundings.
“Instead of working with brands, we source everything we can locally; support local supply partners and push boundaries with organic products. We’re proud of creating a real community made up of our partners, our staff who we regard as our family and invest substantially in their training along with our local communities and visitors from Europe and the US.”
Top Teamwork: Charismatic staff leave no stone unturned.
A typical day at the Beachouse shapes up with free yoga sessions on the beach. A donation can be made to local charities dedicated and a one euro donation (you can request to opt out) for the Ibiza Preservation Fund, which promotes sustainable land and sea projects, is added to every bill.
Opening its 2020 summer season on June 20, the restaurant safety measures relating to Covid-19 have been increased while ensuring the full experience spanning gastronomy, wellbeing, music, art and film.
DJs are a permanent (though not obtrusive during our lunch) fixture of the Beachouse whose family-friendly philosophy is reflected in its cute little beachouse for children. Open daily from 9.30am-6pm, facilities include face painting and games.
Mediterranean Charm
Another of the group’s hospitality venues, Finca la Plaza, is located in the centuries old picture postcard village of Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera in the heart of the island’s agricultural heritage.
The main square, where the whitewashed Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera Church is the centrepiece, bustles with bars, restaurants and shops.
Old world charm: Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera church.
Also known as the beating heart of Ibiza, the village exudes a bohemian air following an influx of European artists, sculptors and musicians whose work and presence contributes to its cosmopolitan ambiance.
Fairytale Garden
Dining under the stars at La Finca.
A destination with a difference, this is La Finca’s enigmatic website message: ‘From the church, follow the North Star until the bushes filled with fireflies. The garden door will draw you in.’
Enchanting with candlelit tables conducive for relaxation and romance, the Finca’s secret garden, transformed from a traditional old ibicenco house, lovingly prepares and serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine.
Sustaining Local Traditions
Producing Spanish, Italian and French dishes Ibizan-style, the Finca also prides itself on sustaining local culinary traditions with high quality ingredients and natural and organic produce sourced regionally wherever possible.
Signature dish: beef tartare.Dreamy deserts include a traditional Ibizan Flao, tarte tatin with vanilla ice cream and gianduja chocolate mousse with hazelnut ice cream. A sommelier ensures guests can sit back and switch off in the knowledge they are consuming wines which perfectly complement their fayre.
Melting into La Finca’s relaxing ambiance.
Ibiza authenticity is alluring. With a bright white sky exuding energy and a sense of wellbeing, its multi-faceted landscapes cast a spell.
We were blown over by the hospitality, passion and commitment of our hosts to give their guests an insight into the islands heart and soul as well as its cuisine – the ultimate recipe for sustained success.
Key facts
Address: Playa D’en Bossa S/N 07817 San Jordi, Ibiza
Tel: +34 971 396 858
Address: Plaza de la Iglesia n 5, 07814 Santa Gertrudis, Ibiza, Spain
Open Tuesday to Sunday 19.30-23.30
