Spa hotel: Atzaró

A modern day Garden of Eden without the bad apples, Atzaró’s romantic, fruitful paradise has put Ibiza agroturismo hotels on the map.

THE sprawling grounds of Atzaró’s orange grove oasis in the serene, sleepy north-east of Ibiza are some of the most beautiful on the island. Nine acres of stunning landscaped gardens includes four swimming pools, a spa, an outdoor catwalk, a boutique, two restaurants, a sushi and cocktail bar, an art lounge and a fully equipped gym. And nestled within this extensive exotic estate is a centuries-old family finca that has been tastefully converted into an agroturismo hotel with Asian, African and Ibicencan influences.

The 300-year-old farmhouse, owned by the Guasch Mari family and partner Philip Gonda, opened as a boutique hotel in 2004. The spa was unveiled a year later, and several extensions have seen the humble abode with huge ambition evolve into a multifaceted resort with a distinctly dreamy ambience.

In 2010 the Bubbles bar and fashion lounge launched, and twice-weekly shows by local and international designers have made the 35m-long outdoor catwalk the most stylish runway this side of Milan. Cocktails and sushi can be delivered to luxurious loungers on the chill-out terrace, while the Balinese-style spa with several treatment rooms at the foot of a 43m lap pool hosts yoga and pilates classes.

Oranges in Atzaró are plentiful: on trees, in bowls, dotted on the ground, scenting the orange blossom air. And freshly squeezed orange juice from the working Atzaró farm is distributed freely in glass carafes. Walking through the fruitful paradise is like a sensory citrus feast with fragrant flowers, water fountains, palm trees, cross-legged Buddhas, luxurious furniture and lily ponds, all surrounded by open fields for optimum tranquillity.

An Atzaró boat service provides day excursions from the port of Santa Eulària, while a minivan is at guests’ disposal for airport transfers and evening jaunts. There is an action-packed programme for all ages during the high season, from kids’ graffiti workshops to DJ nights and live music under the stars, including Balearic Sundays with Jonathan Sa Trinxa and Mediterranean Wednesdays with guitarist Paco Fernández.

The romantic rural hideaway has also become a popular destination for weddings and retreats. “The event concept just came out of the demand,” says commercial director Kristiina Pylkäs. “It was not something that was actually planned. Then the whole island of Ibiza became really popular with weddings, especially from outside. Guests don’t really need to go anywhere because you can have some night time activity and have a few drinks and a few dances if you want to and basically stay on the resort.”

The charming rooms are exquisitely kitted out with stylish ethnic furnishings, some with private plunge pools and terraces. The gourmet restaurant serves Mediterranean ‘creative’ cuisine and a full light menu is available by the pool. Guests come from every corner, but resident offers are available early and late season for locals looking to rejuvenate and re-acclimatise.

“Here you can find the pure essence of Ibiza,” Pylkäs adds. “In the middle of the orange grove, surrounded by the countryside and the sounds from nature.”

First published in Pacha Magazine, Ibiza, August 2011.
© Abbey Stirling