Discovering the Soulful & Sustainable Side of Ibiza

There's more to Ibiza than nonstop parties that last until the dawn.

The mythical energy of Ibiza can only be felt by stepping foot on the Mediterranean isle. While the so-called White Island is famous and revered for its party side, attracting renowned DJs for fiestas that rage from dusk until long after dawn, the soulful side to Ibiza attracts another type of traveler. I recently discovered it at Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel, a former 300-year-old family farm (finca in local parlance) leading the island in luxury sustainable stays. In 2024, the hotel celebrated its 20th anniversary, and I visited to learn what attracts such star-studded regulars as Kate Hudson, Shakira, Rihanna, Chiara Ferragni, and Luke Evans.

A symphony of birdsong mingling with the sweet scent of jasmine welcomed me as I entered the rural paradise, only a 30-minute drive from the airport. As I passed the lily pond and stepped into the nature-filled lobby, my spirits soared, the morning journey from Paris already a distant memory. My spacious room – one of 24 scattered throughout the estate – was outfitted in natural wood and terracotta tiles. My extended terrace had couches and an outdoor tub, perfect for stargazing. But first, the summer sun invited me for a stroll along the vast fruit and vegetable gardens whose produce dictates the farm-to-fork menus at the hotel’s restaurants, La Veranda and the seasonal Orange Tree, as well as at their nearby restaurant Aubergine by Atzaró and seafood-fueled Atzaró Beach at Cala Nova beach.

After stopping to inhale the orange groves, I tucked into the rustic spa for Atzaró’s signature Integration Massage which reset my mind and body to its most euphoric setting. As I dozed off, my skin soaked up the organic house-made spa products composed of lavender, rosemary, aloe vera, and mint — all grown on the estate. I saved the outdoor jacuzzi, ice bath, and sauna for a later rendezvous and sank into a cushy four-poster daybed within reach of the 43-meter-long freshwater pool, the manicured gardens, and the white-washed buildings of the finca.

So this is what Ibiza’s soul feels like.

On La Veranda’s green-filled terrace, I feasted on a summer menu of pear carpaccio topped with goat’s cheese and caramelized hazelnuts, succulent grilled octopus, and orange cake made with their oranges. I floated to my room beneath a watchful moon, the mysterious melody of the cicadas lulling me to sleep.

The morning began with an energizing yoga class that balanced all my chakras followed by a wholesome breakfast — again, made with ingredients fresh from the gardens. Atzaró’s dedication to sustainability is evident in every harmonious detail, from the furnishings and décor to the culinary offerings. Responsible for the impeccable design that blends into the natural setting is Leane Lacase, also an energy healer. I could feel her mindful curation within the enchanting spaces — La Veranda, the hotel’s fashion boutique, the gardens in bloom. Lacase agreed that this family estate possesses a unique energy and that those who visit fall under its spell.

Reveling in this heady energy, I set out to discover Ibiza Town (Eivissa in Catalan). My first stop was the fortified old town of Dalt Vila to admire the views and get lost in the tangle of streets. After mounting the steps to the iconic Castell d’Eivissa, I wove my way around the many boutiques and charming terraced cafes. Following a stroll along the port, it was time for the catch of the day at Atzaró Beach, the hotel’s private beach club, where I started planning my next trip back to this sustainable and soulful paradise.

There's More to Love in Ibiza

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