Monday, December 23, 2024

This New Luxury Villa On Ibiza Is Among Europe’s Most Exclusive Escapes

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Ibiza, the third largest of the Balearic Islands, has long been known as a pulse-pounding party paradise, home to a world-renowned nightlife scene that attracts famous DJs and legions of raucous revelers each summer to its storied shores. But far from the madding crowd, the isle’s astonishing natural splendor is its real draw–especially in the north, where rolling green countryside carpets a verdant interior ensconced by a 125-mile coastline, whose tucked-away beaches and exquisite coves scatter like jewels glinting in the Mediterranean Sea.

One such enclave, Cala Xarraca, enjoys a rarefied reputation with in-the-know locals as one of the island’s lower-profile treasures: a five-minute drive from the storybook village of San Juan, it’s among Ibiza’s most isolated and picturesque bays, flanked by sienna-colored cliffs that back into dense evergreen forests studded with fincas–elegantly spare, traditional white farmhouses that emblematize this sublime getaway often called “the White Isle.”

Presiding over this pristine tableau is Fincadelica Xarraca, the latest showstopping introduction from the esteemed Fincadelica Collection, and one of Ibiza’s biggest beachside properties. The sprawling 32,000-square-foot, nine-suite estate–formerly a private home for decades–re-emerged this spring following a top-to-bottom refurbishment. The result: a daringly original, ultra-luxe escape brimming with bohemian chic that’s an inimitable choice for group or family vacations, corporate outings, and wellness retreats.

Artfully reconceived by local designer Carmen Straatsma of Studio C Ibiza to reflect Ibiza’s ongoing evolution into a year-round destination–October through March offer long, sunny days and temperatures topping out in the mid-70s–the property melds truly singular design and uncompromising comfort to spectacular effect, showcased across a dazzling mélange of sumptuous spaces that set a new standard for indoor-outdoor living.

The 1,200-square-foot penthouse suite exemplifies seaside luxury, thanks to its wraparound windows framing jaw-dropping views galore, bespoke bed, and two fireplaces (there’s one in every suite–a nod to the villa’s perennial appeal). A sculptural, black clay soaking tub by Studio LoHo and a spacious hammam shower further ratchet up the “wow” factor, as do the private terrace, flokati rugs, and custom-made, half-moon-shaped bar.

An ivy-clad stone tower, complete with Juliet balconies and arched windows topped by the villa’s signature striped Loro Piana awnings, is another showstopper that houses two charming bedrooms, both equipped with terraces, ethereal lighting by Milanese designer Mirei Monticelli, and twin Calacatta marble sinks. The upstairs space embodies a quintessential romantic hideaway with arresting sea vistas, while the downstairs unit features a kitchenette, bar, and an extra double room with en suite bathroom, creating an ideal family suite.

While its cocooning rooms represent the ne plus ultra of high-design sanctuaries, Fincadelica Xarraca’s luminous common spaces comprise the villa’s beating heart. The split-level indoor living area includes a fireside salon with twin sofas, as well as a sea-view library outfitted with a pair of plush GUBI croissant chairs.

The sun-splashed elevated dining room seats 18 at a bespoke wooden table beneath vintage Murano glass pendant lamps, where entrancing vistas of the sea and surrounding greenery are served up alongside the scrumptious fare of Chef Avi Razon. Spanning locally caught seafood, the freshest, most eye-catching veggies (black carrots, anyone?) doused in silky olive oil, perfectly al dente pastas, crispy pizzas, and lip-smacking desserts, his wide-ranging cuisine soars as high as the surrounding pines.

Despite its rarefied design pedigree and no-expense-spared makeover–which included sandblasting the formerly mahogany-hued, juniper-beamed ceilings to a warm caramel shade that seems to draw the sunlight in–the property’s laid-back allure is palpable. You’ll be hard-pressed to find any sharp edges here, literally: circular details abound, from playful wall cutouts to statement furnishings, like the giant round chaise in the sunken “snug” that neighbors the dining room, where you’ll want to squirrel away with a crisp glass of wine and a cheese board laden with fresh fruit and almonds, one of the island’s main crops. Thanks in part to a neutral palette of cream with soft-hued accents, coupled with whip-smart architectural details, the spaces seamlessly flow into one another, gently spiriting guests away on a wave of tactile luxury.

Outside, the wildly glamorous pool deck–whose saltwater centerpiece is painted the same cerulean shade of the bay beyond–casts a potent spell: there’s perhaps no better spot island-wide to while away the day than splayed across a chaise lounge beneath its Tuuci umbrellas, sipping ice-cold cocktails as the sun sinks slowly seaward in a tangerine blaze. If, while admiring the arched bathing cabanas outfitted with circular beds from your poolside perch, you’re struck by the uncanny feeling you’ve wandered into an achingly stylish photo shoot, you’re not far off: Slim Aarons–whose iconic images of jet-setters at play in their rarefied habitats comprise a timeless pantheon all their own–photographed the property in 1978.

Though tearing yourself away from Fincadelica Xarraca’s countless creature comforts isn’t easy, you’d be remiss to resist the siren song of the island’s stunning natural bounty—best experienced with the help of Ibiza Outdoors. Founded by island native Toby Clarke, the company offers exhilarating ways to experience the island’s myriad gifts, including an inspired range of walks like a scenic stroll through the valley of Santa Agnès–the best spot to revel in the majesty of Ibiza’s celebrated almond trees, whose delicate pinkish-white blossoms burst into ineffable bloom in January and February. The seed of Ibiza Outdoors (formerly Walking Ibiza) was planted in 2010 when the affable Clarke, having returned home after years in the U.K., embarked on a twelve-day sojourn on foot around the entire island, with just one euro in his pocket and his dog by his side. You can book this same 160-mile adventure, walks all over the island, and e-bike, kayak, and food tours, online, or the villa’s endlessly gracious staff will be happy to arrange them.

Upon returning to the villa’s warm embrace after a bit of exploring, the elevated kitchen garden offers an idyllic al fresco dining venue for gatherings large and small, complete with an outdoor kitchen and vistas of both the sea and the exuberant landscaping, where scores of succulents and cacti contrast boldly with fuchsia bougainvillea and ancient olive trees. For late-night tipples, beeline to the Club Room and sidle up to the seafoam-hued, marble-topped bar for an expertly prepared margarita, before firing up the pro-quality audio system to unveil your own private (and soundproofed) nightclub for up to 80 guests. There’s also a home theater setup and bespoke pool table for lower-key evenings, while the space makes a prime yoga studio and hang-out room by day. (Besides yoga sessions, the staff can also organize a slew of on-site wellness treatments for which Ibiza is renowned, including massage, acupuncture, reiki, reflexology, as well as beauty treatments).

Fincadelica Xarraca marks the second property from the Fincadelica Collection, whose Fincadelica San Lorenzo–an enchanting, 300-year-old Ibicencan farmstead set within 20 bucolic acres inland, near the village of Sant Llorenc de Balafia–debuted to rave reviews in 2021. The collection is the brainchild of Serena Cook, founder and owner of Deliciously Sorted–Ibiza’s leading concierge company for the luxury market–and her business partner, diamond dealer Mati Rachminov.

“For us, exclusivity, soul, and seamlessness are the new luxury for the world’s most discerning travelers,” says Cook, whose enduring love affair with Ibiza–she also cofounded Ibiza Preservation in 2008–dates back more than two decades. “We’ve taken iconic heritage properties and created discreet and decadent worlds within worlds using sumptuous, unique design, paired with seamless, five-star service.”

Fincadelica Xarraca’s price per week starts at €70,000 (about $75,000) in low season and €120,000 (about $129,000) in high season, including a house manager, live-in couple, breakfast service, and cleaning team. Chef and food and beverage staff are available at an extra cost. For bookings, contact reservations@fincadelica.com.

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