To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories.
To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories.
To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories.
To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories.
Off Ibiza’s south-west coast, a rocky 400-metre island juts out mysteriously from the surrounding blue of the Balearic. It’s called Es Vedrà and is said to be one of the most magnetic spots on earth. That could well be island folklore, but there’s something undeniably hypnotic about the craggy, tumbling tower of limestone, inhabited only by birds and—according to some wilder claims—aliens. There’s something equally other-worldy about Petunia Ibiza, the intimate hotel in the hills of Sant Josep de sa Talaia that overlooks it. That view is Petunia’s trump card, the backdrop to the understated beauty of every part of this recently renovated gem, from the languid little pool to the knockout rooftop bar. Spending time here feels like achieving an Ibizan fantasy that would be impossible from the overpriced high rises closer to town; all is rustic yet luxurious, framed by tangles of bougainvillaea, chubby little cacti protruding from the ground and the first of the season’s jasmine unfurling in the June air. The service is similarly heartwarming: kind, genuine and effortless, especially in the hotel’s three restaurants.
The 40-ish rooms continue the air of old-Ibizan charm, with whitewashed walls decorated with handmade crafts, rattan lampshades and plenty of outdoor space. The larger suites are topped by sprawling rooftop terraces; for the best views, go for the Es Vedrà suite, which feels almost like a small villa set just above the hotel’s reception. The overall mood is simple, peaceful and unobtrusive, the rooms being the perfect places in which to submit to the late afternoon torpor induced by a glass of Cava at lunchtime and take a nap amid the low-key bohemia. Generously sized L’Occitane products fill the earthy tiled bathrooms, some of which feature outdoor showers.
As soon as you can, get up to Es Vedrà rooftop bar for cocktails fuelled by fresh fruit and mezcal, as the sky turns into an ombré collage of orange, violet and baby blue. The Japanese influence at rooftop restaurant La Mirada is great fun, but might feel a little forced. If it does, La Mesa Escondida, the Mediterranean spot downstairs, more than makes up for it with a menu that features exactly the kind of holiday classics you’ll crave here. Gazpacho is bold with garlic, basil oil and a slowly melting sorbet centre; sweet melon comes swathed in Iberian ham, both of which melt in the mouth; lightly fried baby squid is served with paprika-spiked aioli. It’s all pretty heavenly, really, and if you’ve had enough of the usual holiday fare (though it seems unlikely), there’s also Italian cuisine at poolside Los Olivos, or zesty ceviche and killer tacos at a tiny Mexican truck hidden in the extended kitchen gardens.
Frankly, the correct answer here is: nothing. Spend as much time as you can soaking up the magic, straying only to take a boat trip on Petunia’s pristine branded boat. This is manned by the charming Caesar, who will whizz you out to Es Vèdra for a closer look, then find the most secluded coves for picnics and, should the mood take you, ocean dips. The crowd here is mainly couples and no children are allowed, so come prepared to be asked if you’re newlyweds. That said, as V.F. left, a crowd of Brits had taken over the entire place for an intergenerational pre-wedding party. Now there’s an idea…
© 2022 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Vanity Fair may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Ad Choices