Reaching a majestic 435 metres into the skies just off Ibiza’s shores and shrouded in myths and local folklore, the fascinating rock island of Es Vedrá is a true White Isle icon. But, if you have ever made the pilgrimage to Cala d’Hort and the surrounding coastline, you will know that there are only a handful of places from which you can enjoy unspoilt views on the striking formation.
Petunia Ibiza, a charming boutique hotel in the southwest of the island close to the petite beach of Cala Carbó, is one of the few spots that awards its guests such luxury.
A tranquil, flowering oasis sitting pretty amongst the fields and shrubs that cover the cliffs opposing Es Vedrá, here you can start your day, swim, exercise, snooze in the sun and dine with views on the gentle giant.
But while the vistas are most definitely a highlight, they are far from the only reason why Petunia Ibiza is well worth a visit and overnight stay.
Recently added to the Beaumier Group’s hotel portfolio, the intimate hideaway reopened for the 2023 season as part of the renowned French collective, which is known for the incredible design, unique locations and Michelin restaurants that shape their properties. Petunia Ibiza is the hospitality brand’s first outpost in Spain and beautifully fuses Beaumier’s signature style with Mediterranean charm and Balearic tradition.
Offering 42 rooms and suites across seven price categories, Petunia Ibiza is an adults-only hotel and offers its visitors an atmospheric and peaceful getaway that simultaneously feels like a comfortable ‘home away from home’, and its own little universe. And with a spacious swimming pool, indoor and outdoor gyms, spa treatment rooms, some fabulous spots to enjoy sundowner cocktails and no less than three onsite restaurants, you have little reason to set foot outside this enchanting bubble.
Feeling very grateful to be invited to experience Petunia Ibiza’s charm for ourselves, the Tribe team checked into the serene mini resort for a cheeky early season sleepover. Rolling down the dusty countryside lanes on the approach to the hotel, even after almost a decade of living on Ibiza we couldn’t help but exclaim in excitement when we saw Es Vedrá looming large on the horizon.
Welcomed with a crisp glass of cava, we were shown to the Bougainvillea Suite, which provided another pinch-me-are-we-this-lucky moment within minutes of arriving.
Apart from the spacious amenities, boho chic decor, rain shower and huge bath, it was the little details that gave us that special holiday feeling from the off.
A bottle of organic local wine waiting on ice? Check. A personalised Petunia newspaper detailing the daily weather and other important information about the boutique hotel? An unexpected and lovely touch.
And that was before we even discovered our very own, private roof terrace. From a peaceful morning coffee to a pre-dinner glass of wine or late night attempts to spot UFOs and shooting stars, the comfy rooftop sofa became our personal Es Vedrá lookout for the duration of our stay.
Off we went to explore the grounds and marvelled at the many nooks and crannies perfect for enjoying a quiet moment, the beautifully landscaped grounds bursting with Mediterranean flowers, and the cute vegetable and fruit garden where fresh ingredients for the hotel kitchen are thriving under the Balearic sunshine.
An outdoor yoga platform and garden gym make the most of those views, while just a few metres higher up the romantic pergola with – of course – views on Es Vedrá has seen some very special proposals take place, we were told.
With so many beautiful spaces to enjoy, it’s great to hear that the Petunia team is making the most of the gorgeous grounds by offering special experiences such as live music, wellness classes and more throughout the summer – outside visitors always welcome!
Naturally, the boutique resorts also lends itself perfectly for private events and even weddings, when the entire venue can be taken over for exclusive use.
Curiosity sated for the time being, we retreated poolside for the afternoon.
As the sun began to make its descent, we headed to the La Mirada Rooftop restaurant, a new ‘raw bar’ concept serving up all things fresh and zesty.
The outdoor eatery has a dedicated level where hotel guests and outside visitors alike can enjoy sunset cocktails with the best views of the house on the omnipresent Es Vedrá. To ensure a chilled vibe, spaces are deliberately kept to a limited number – so make sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
In wonder, we watched as the sky turned from gold to pink, shrouding the silhouette of Es Vedrá in the most gorgeous afterglow. Our artfully mixed cocktails only added to the euphoric feeling of anticipation as we eventually headed for dinner at La Mesa d’Es Vedrá, Petunia’s main restaurant.
All three of the onsite eateries are headed up by the young Mallorquin chef Baltasar Rigo, who had kindly taken the time earlier to talk us through the concept for each, with La Mesa d’es Vedrá championing the flavoursome produce and culinary heritage of the Balearic Islands and classic Spanish cuisine.
Gastronomy is a key element of the Beaumier experience and Baltasar, who began his career at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao alongside the world-renowned Adrià brothers, has been entrusted with putting Petunia’s three restaurants on Ibiza’s culinary map.
Letting the talented chef choose for us, we were presented with a mouthwatering tasting menu that started with tasty black pork suckling pig croquettes, the crispy shell perfectly contrasted by its soft, creamy filling.
They were followed by a spectacular cold ‘Ajo Blanco’ almond cream studded with silky Mediterranean shrimps and grapes – an unexpectedly addictive combination – and a grilled eggplant topped with ‘sobrasada’ sausage accompanied by an insanely good honey and Mahón cheese puree that we are still talking about two weeks later!
For our mains, we tried the Mallorcan-style cod “El Barquero” served on a spinach and saffron cream, and the tender lamb shoulder with roasted baby vegetables, dukkah and plums.
At this point it had well and truly sunk in that every plate was a star creation, and it was nigh on impossible to choose even our top three. (But if you want to know, we eventually settled on the baked aubergine, the almond cream and the cod.)
Last, but not least, a classic Ibicencan flaó cake with mint ice cream, and a light and zesty pineapple marinated with coconut sorbet, rounded off the feast very nicely indeed.
Taking a night cap of traditional Hierbas Ibicencas liqueur up to our much-loved roof terrace, we eventually rolled into our marshmallow-soft bed… and tried our best to avoid having nightmares of checking out the next day.
A beautiful island hideaway in the magical presence of Es Vedrá you really couldn’t ask for more from a relaxing stay on the sunset coast of Ibiza, elevated by stunning views, a welcoming atmosphere, and delicious food.
We will be making the journey across the island for Baltasar’s tasty treats alone!
For more information and to book visit www.petuniaibiza.com or call +34 971 80 81 97. A Deluxe Double starts from €300 per night including VAT. Prices may vary depending on the time of booking. The hotel continues to operate as 18+ only.
