Review: Sa Talaia Hotel Rural, Ibiza

The new restaurant at Sa Talaia Hotel Rural

Sa Talaia image stock

As I made my way along the road linking Ibiza Town (Eivissa) and San Antonio (Sant Antoni) I couldn’t help but feel a little sceptical at Sa Talaia Hotel Rural’s claim of being, well…rural, as it’s located less than 2km (1.2 miles) from San Antonio – the party capital of Ibiza.

The stunning exterior of Sa Talaia Hotel Rural
Sa Talaia image stock

But the bumpy dirt track dissecting rich terracotta-coloured fields punctuated by the vibrant purples, reds and whites of beautiful wildflower meadows, which led to the hotel, suddenly made the claim more believable.

Glimpses of the retreat could now be seen through the trees, and soon the whole view became apparent as a magnificent mansion with an stone turret emerged from the greenery.

An inviting pool flanked by a Jacuzzi, and Balinese-style white beds on the bright green grass, was lit by dappled light from the mature pine trees high above. Chill-out sounds played and it was clear that tranquillity ruled.

A fleet of swanky Mercedes daubed with the hotel’s logo were parked in the drive.  Or, if you feel like splashing out, you can charter the hotel’s very own yacht to explore the many turquoise-water bays.

Sa Talaia Junior Suite
WTG / Jonny Payne

Sa Talaia, which shares its name with the highest point on the island, was formerly a private residence until it was converted into a hotel in 2004. It has just reopened, complete with a restaurant, which will be serve French-influenced Mediterranean cuisine from the end of May.

Whitewashed annexes (a typical Ibizan feature leading, in part, to the island being dubbed the White Isle) have been added since its conversion, while the main house and its tower have been converted into sublime suites fit for any budding Rapunzel. The pool, a terraced area and an outside bar area provide plenty of space to unwind.

My room (a junior suite in one of the annexes), included a cosy seating area with a wood-burning fireplace, a small yet stylish bedroom, a bathroom complete with a Jacuzzi bath, and a private terrace.

If guests are looking for a little warmth, they can help themselves to wood from the substantial log pile to make their own fire - now that’s very rural. Alternatively, the staff will gladly start the fire and can even make sure it’s roaring on arrival.

The new restaurant at Sa Talaia Hotel Rural
Sa Talaia image stock

I settled into the suite, with its mini-bar, television and DVD player, and was even tempted to order from the ‘Pillow Menu’ – a mesmerising choice between a butterfly, feather, memory, latex or memory cervical pillows. Confused, I decided to stick with what was provided and relaxed on the comfy sofa in front of the television, which had a slightly disappointing choice of Spanish and German channels – but who wants to watch TV on a pulsating island such as Ibiza anyway?

As the darknesss crept in and the birds bedded in for the night, the hotel came alive under warming lights, reflected in the shimmering pool. An ideal spot for a nightcap in the outside bar.

With only five other guests staying in the hotel during my stay, it was unsurprisingly quiet, but it's hard to image the exclusive retreat ever being noisy, with a grand total of just 14 rooms, making it ideal for a romantic break.

Soon an indulgent soak was beckoning – a relaxing end to a typical day on the beach or the perfect tonic to a hangover caused by too much partying from the night before.

After a good (and extremely quiet) night’s sleep in the comfy bed, a quick shower seemed the best option to make the most of the wonderful day outside. Unfortunately, it soon became necessary to hold the shower head, as placing it in the overhead position caused minor flooding of the bathroom – a small, yet frustrating, design flaw to accommodate the large bath.

Ibizan-style whitewashed annexes
WTG / Jonny Payne

A few soggy towels later, I made my way outside to be confronted by a chorus from the resident birds in the surrounding treetops. Breakfast – a selection of hams, cheeses, fruit and crisp, warm pastries – awaited on the terrace and with only four other people to attend to the service was attentive. Even with a full quota, however, nothing would seemingly be too much of a chore for the friendly staff to deliver.

Sa Talaia Hotel Rural exudes luxury in a simple and understated way. It is a place to switch off, relax and indulge far away in mind-set from the hedonistic partying occurring just a short distance away.

The hotel typifies the new wave of resorts on the island. The hippy areas, clubs and parties may remain, but a plethora of luxury rural hotels and agritourism ventures, such as Sa Talaia, are popping-up across Ibiza. These are generally less publicised and it’s almost as if those in the know want to keep it to themselves – if Sa Talaia Hotel Rural is anything to go by who can blame them?

Sa Talaia Hotel Rural
Es Puig 008, Barrio can Boned, Ses Paisses, Ibiza, Spain
Tel: +34 971 341 557.
Website: www.hotelsatalaia.com
Price: Rooms start at £250.