Following the dusty ‘camino’ that runs alongside the island’s emblematic pastel-hued salt basins towards Cap d’es Falco evokes a certain sense of adventure!
With mounds of white salt crystals piled high to the left of the path, pink flamingoes feasting on green algae to the right, and the top of Es Vedrá slowly appearing on the horizon, the journey through the Las Salinas Natural Park towards Experimental Beach Ibiza fills you with wonder before you have even arrived.
Having spent many a sunset with friends at the famous seaside restaurant and cocktail bar ‘par excellence’, we were keen to try out the lunch menu, too.
Located on the rugged shores of Cap d’es Falco on the Southern tip of the island, the renowned seaside destination has managed the rare feat of maintaining a monopoly on this spectacular stretch of coastline. And with front row views on the mesmerising waves of the Balearic Sea crashing against the smooth, round rocks that line the beach, and planes descending into or jetting out of Ibiza right in front of you, the holiday feeling could not be more elevating.
Whether you relax on one of the plush daybeds or take a seat on Experimental Beach Ibiza’s sunny terrace, fabulous views are guaranteed. In the evenings, the wooden boat that has been converted into an outside bar is also a popular spot to pull up a chair and toast ‘golden hour’.
The chic beach club is part of the renowned Experimental Group, an independent hotel group founded in 2007 by childhood friends Olivier Bon, Pierre-Charles Cros and Romée de Goriainoff; later joined by Xavier Padovani. The hospitality experts are also behind the famous Experimental Cocktail Clubs that you can find in metropolitan locations such as Paris, London and New York.
Since 2023, they also run the historic Montesol Experimental hotel in Ibiza Town – so it made perfect sense to book into a room at the stylish abode on the same day for the full ‘Experimental staycation experience’ – more on that later!
Whether you are looking for a spot to enjoy a romantic date with your other half or a meal with friends, you’ll be welcomed warmly in the atmospheric setting of Experimental Beach Ibiza. Families with children are also welcome, with a dedicated Kids section for little gourmands to be found on the menu.
In the hands of these renowned cocktail experts, it would have been an outright sacrilege not to start lunch with one of Experimental Beach Ibiza’s fabulous signature creations – especially as it was already 1pm, and, as they say… It’s 5 o’clock somewhere! Just beware of the dangers of cocktail-fuelled shopping in the onsite boutique, which is full of stylish temptations such as jewellery, swimwear, sunglasses, clothes and accessories for both him and her.
To begin, we chose the refreshing, green Belza cocktail made with Citadelle Gin infused with pink pepper, orange blossom, cucumber, green tea and grapefruit syrup, plus a spritz of pineapple and lime juices – basically a health drink. 😉
Meanwhile, the Bomba de Humo perfectly balanced the smokiness of a Verde Momento Mezcal infused with smoked paprika, Humo Chipotle Chilli liquor and agave syrup, rounded off with roasted pineapple and lime juices.
With the sun shining down on us and the deep blue sea right seemingly in reaching distance, we were off to a great start. Perusing the menu, which takes inspiration from head chef Alexander Larrea’s Balearic roots and celebrates the history and culture of the region, choosing was no easy task. But the selection of tapas, green options and raw specialties – as well as hearty rices and pastas, fresh fish and juicy meats – offers the perfect balance of light summer dishes, sharing plates and satisfying mains.
And while the cocktails are, of course, the star of the show, the wine list is equally well-curated and features a mix of Spanish producers as well as many French favourites.
In the end, we couldn’t resist the juicy, sweet and savoury watermelon salad with feta cheese, Moroccan lemon and macadamia nuts, and the delectable crunchy fried calamari Andalusian style – the epitome of summer on a plate!
Onto the mains, and we switched to an ice cold beer and a smooth, pale French rosé to accompany the mouthwatering grilled free range chicken with homemade cucumber kimchi and peach, and the intriguing black squid rice topped with beans and silky slices of red prawn carpaccio.
We didn’t have enough room left for dessert, but if you have a sweet tooth then you will find temptations such as a Lemon Posset almond crumble with strawberries and sorbet, caramelised ‘torrija’ [bread pudding] of brioche served with coconut ice cream, or a classic, luxurious mousse au chocolat.
Eyeing up the sunbeds that are dotted on Experimental Beach Ibiza’s elevated cliffside plateau, it was all too tempting to get comfy and while away the hours until sunset – and that’s exactly what we recommend you do!
Come for lunch, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea… and stay for the breathtaking views when the fireball disappears behind the silhouette of Ibiza’s rolling hills.
For further information and to book visit www.experimentalbeachibiza.com and follow on Instagram @experimentalbeachibiza.
