Luxury in Ibiza: how to spend a long weekend in Es Caná
Ibiza’s quiet north side ditches the south’s clubbing culture in favour of rest and relaxation, with secluded sandy beaches, stunning hikes and five-star culinary delights. Here's our lowdown on how to spend some downtime at the laidback beach resort of Es Cana.
Although Ibiza’s south side is well known for its buzzy nightlife – home to famous clubs Amnesia and the Haçienda – the north delivers a completely different vibe that’s focused on super-luxe rest and relaxation.
For those willing to venture off the party path, it provides a bohemian, laid-back atmosphere, with stunning views, charming and secluded beaches, perfect hikes, lush green fields and plenty of five-star cuisine – making it one of the Island’s best-kept secrets.
Although there are many charming towns to choose from, Ibiza’s resort Es Caná is gaining a reputation for luxury wellness and healing, drawing in couples and families alike. Here’s how to spend a long weekend here.
Friday
Check-in at: Bless Hotel Ibiza. This 5-star hotel is based right by Cala Nova beach in Es Caná, offering unrivalled views of the sea and the island’s breath-taking cliffs. It oozes luxury, with the interior of each of its 151 rooms featuring a classic monochrome palette matched with unusual textures and inspired by the designs of fashion icon Coco Chanel. The hotel’s top floor experience, Epic Infinity Lounge, is an adults-only space, with an infinity pool offering spectacular views, as well as reserve-only day beds, flamboyant cocktails and, of course, tons of privacy.
If you’re feeling super flush, opt for a suite jacuzzi terrace room which gives you VIP check-in (you’ll feel like a celebrity) and a hydromassage bath on your terrace, so you can take in the views in your own private hot tub while drinking a glass of Champagne. Truly decadent.
©Roberto Lara
Have lunch at: Aiyanna. With a laid-back luxe feel, this is the place to be if you want to share Eastern Mediterranean plates in a relaxed atmosphere. Located just a short walk from the beach, its boho vibe and healthy dishes have made it popular with locals and holiday-goers. The restaurant makes everything using organic produce grown in its garden – we recommend trying the grilled octopus timbal and pineapple and catalan crème patisserie rolls. The restaurant has a silver truck which delivers healthy juices for passers-by too – a great treat when on the move.
Go for a swim: With blissfully clear waters, a long stretch of golden sand and surrounding rocky red cliffs and pine tree forests which are great to hike, Cala Nova is one of the most sought-out beaches in the area – and you can see why. With the right northerly wind, the tides are decent enough to surf on, which makes it a hot spot for surfers and bodysurfers, while those wanting to take it easy can enjoy a gentle dip or go snorkelling. If you’re feeling super brave, there’s a cornered-off section in the middle dedicated to nudists.
Have dinner at: This part of Ibiza is a hidden gem for foodies, with haute cuisine that could win over even the most discerning palates. No restaurant delivers fine dining more than Etxeko by Martín Berasategui, which serves up culinary delights from Spain’s most celebrated chef – he’s won 12 Michelin stars. Berasategui has launched an exclusive new tasting menu at the restaurant which uses local produce from the island mixed with his skills in Basque cuisine.
From an omelette mousse starter and Berasategui’s famous deconstructed salad lasarte (a vegetable leaf and petal salad packed with prawns, radish, herbs and a tomato sauce) to the wild sea bass with light citrus foam, mussel spheres and crispy seaweed, as well as the creamy orange macaroon on toasted saffron, the menu won’t disappoint. For those looking for something a bit different, “The Classic” dish sees the comb (also known as crest) of a rooster served alongside truffle, fermented mushrooms and cabbage.
©Alba Haut
READ MORE: 8 reasons Ibiza isn’t just for 20-something clubbers
Saturday
Take a morning hike: Start your day with a gentle hike from your hotel in Cala Nova to the main resort in Es Caná, which takes you along the shoreline, offering amazing views of the sea. The path is rocky and untouched, but it is flat, so not too strenuous. It should take you about 25 minutes to arrive in the heart of Es Caná resort, where you can kick off your shoes and relax on the beach or explore the local shops and bars.
Brush up on local heritage: Just a 15-minute drive from the resort, Sant Llorenç de Balàfia is a small, fortified village drenched in history. This 18th century enclave is a collection of historical buildings, including traditional houses and two defence towers (which were used to protect people from pirate incursions in the 1700s). It stands out to other settlements on the island due to its raw beauty and is considered one of the best examples of traditional architecture on the island. The church is at the village centre and is the main image you tend to see on Instagram for this area.
Salva G C/Shutterstock
Have lunch at: Buah! Positioned on the beach, just a few metres from shore, this is an ideal place to rest your feet and take in the sights. The sangria here is exceptional and so beautifully presented that it looks like a work of art (snap it for the ’gram), while the tapas delivers so much fresh seafood – think salmon, monkfish and more. The space has a tropical feel, with rainbow-coloured wooden cladding, comfy loungers out front and bird-inspired decorations.
Wind down at: Magness Soulful Spa. This little haven will help you disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life with an array of facilities to calm mind, body and soul. Although it’s not the biggest spa – it has a Turkish Hammam, hydrotherapy centre, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi – it is beautiful designed with lots of natural light. It also has a cap on how many people can come in, so it’ll never feel crowded. Nothing quite screams luxury like an exclusive-feel spa day.
©Roberto Lara
Have dinner at: Atzaró Beach. Round-up the day relaxing on the sofas or dining under the natural wood pergolas at this dreamy location, which serves healthy plates and exquisite rice dishes with intense Mediterranean flavours. We advise mix and matching the platters, so you get to try a bit of everything, and the standout dish for us is the grilled asparagus with romesco sauce and chopped almonds. The restaurant also has a clothing and accessories boutique on-site for those looking to take something special home from their trip.
Sunday
Have breakfast at: Indulge in a hearty breakfast at Marvent, with options for meat lovers and vegans. The vegan breakfast doesn’t disappoint with grilled tomatoes, hash browns, tempeh, spinach and baked beans – all cooked to perfection (no grease to be seen) – while there is also a wide selection of toasties for those who want something a bit lighter. All the ingredients taste high-quality and the service makes the restaurant feel like a home away from home.
Take a day trip: Formentera is the smallest of Spain’s Balearic Islands and a popular day trip destination from Es Caná, with boats/ferries leaving every day from May to October. The journey time is 60 minutes and offers spectacular views of Ibiza along the way. Formentera has white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters where you can snorkel, sail or charter boats, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling. However, it’s also a great place to chill on the beach and catch those rays. Away from the hustle and bustle of the island, it almost feels as if you’re on your own private island.
Alexandre G Rosa/Shutterstock
If you stay a little longer…
Visit: Punta Arabia Hippy Market. This is one of the biggest outdoor markets on the island which takes place in Es Caná every Wednesday. It has strong artistic roots, with more than 500 craftsmen selling handmade Ibizan clothing, jewellery and artefacts – all of which are one-of-a-kind finds. It opens from 10am and, depending on what time of year you visit, closes anytime between 6pm-8pm. You can also indulge in homemade fresh paella straight out of the pan.
Getting there and around
We flew with Tui and easyJet, but Ryanair, British Airways and Iberia all fly from the UK to Ibiza station.
For more information on Es Caná and its surrounding areas, visit Ibiza’s tourism board.
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