When planning a trip that taps into Ibiza’s lesser-known tranquil side, the newly-opened FERGUS Style Punta Arabi hotel makes an excellent choice for a few days of coastal calm. Editor Sophie Ritchie shares more
Ibiza might be known best for its party lifestyle and iconic nightlife, but there’s plenty more to this Balearic island than just resident DJ sets, famous faces and glittery outfits.
Alongside the night owl action awaits a slower-paced and more enigmatic way of life – where yoga attire, holistic-led mindsets and all things wellness reign supreme alongside the rocky hills and Carrasco pine trees on Ibiza’s Eastern side.
Ideal for escaping the frazzle of everyday life, FERGUS Style Punta Arabi, a four-star hotel located on the outskirts of small town Es Canar, has just opened its doors.
Nestled on Ibiza’s rocky coastline, serving sprawling cliffside views across the shimmering azure water, pull up to these white-washed villas and immerse yourself in a world of stripped back luxury. Here, keeping things simple really does it best.
The Venue
This brand new 329-room stay is part of the FERGUS Hotels portfolio, with fellow sister properties found in the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Andalusia, and Catalonia. Whilst vast in size, the ample cliffside grounds result in never feeling the squeeze. Residents wander freely around instead, creating a resort-like ambience as stylish visitors swish their way between the three main restaurants, large pool area (complete with accompanying bar) and various guest rooms.
Chic and laid-back, the hotel’s bohemian style pays homage to Ibiza’s past through design features such as traditional archways and rustic wooden decor. The many white-washed villas can be found behind the main reception building, which is also kitted out in traditional Ibizan interiors.
Check-in and swipe a key to discover a distinct lack of clutter within these walls – it’s a surprisingly soothing sight after the inevitably overstimulating airport dash and modern email mindset. Brain off, robe on. Clean in design, rooms at FERGUS Style Punta Arabi feature crisp white linen bedding, large wooden open wardrobes and simple desks. For Style Superior rooms, these come topped with the all-essential Nespresso machines and complimentary capsules.
Occasional pops of colourful pattern bring personality to the abodes thanks to vibrant cushions, bedside throws and bright beach towels – prescribing just the right amount of playfulness.
The Food
Served from dawn until dusk, dishes at FERGUS Style Punta Arabi are rooted in sumptuous Mediterranean flavours and utilise locally-sourced ingredients where possible.
The resort features four separate dining venues catering to a wide variety of appetites: Caramull, showcasing regional specialties; Es Mercat, offering a variety of international dishes; Es Racó, a laid-back spot with a bistro-style menu; and the dreamy poolside Lola Pool Bar, where tacos, smaller bites and delectable cocktails await for a midday feast. For those who can’t travel sans branded caffeine, a considerably less authentic Starbucks café is located towards the hotel’s security-flanked entrance.
A breakfast of champions can be found daily at Es Mercat with an impressive buffet style selection of fresh breads, cheeses, hams, cereals, yoghurts, juices, pastries and more. Classic hot options are also available, but it’s well-worth trying the customised omelet station, where chefs whip up personalised platefuls of onion, peppers and cheese-filled creations on-demand. Buen provecho!
If you prefer to venture further for local cuisine, nearby mouthfuls are just a short taxi or car journey away. In Sant Antoni, former private villa turned upscale eatery Villa Mercedes provides a seriously cool venue for atmospheric dinners, complete with live music and friendly staff. Built in 1901, head upstairs to admire sublime harbour views or sit outside in the garden encircled by cacti, yuca, palm trees and ferns. Nearby, CBbC Marina Santa Eulalia also provides the perfect spot for a chic portside lunch or dinner, offering unparalleled eyefuls across the harbour and a relaxed atmosphere.
Things to try
Shop for interesting wares at the Punta Arabi Hippy Market
Every Wednesday, wake up to see this shapeshifting hotel take another form. Completely transforming the hotel grounds into a thriving treasure trove of stalls, vans and wares, the weekly Punta Arabí Hippy Market offers guests the chance to step outside their rooms and time travel back to the 60s and 70s, when the White Isle was once a refuge for creative artists and free spirits.
Grab your wallet (and the flares) to get perusing – the 500+ stalls from the island’s oldest market are a leisurely magpie’s dream. Silky dresses, crocheted bags, endless jewellery and victuals galore – the Ibizan souvenir choices are endless when rummaging through this makeshift city of sellers. Taking place every Wednesday, with a smaller rendition on Friday evenings during peak months.
Swill a glass at Bodegas Can Rich Winery
Sip this way. Bodegas Can Rich is a petite organic winery located in the Buscastell area, in the west of the island. Ideal for something both informative and fun, visitors can book a visit to the property swathed in vineyards to learn more about winemaking methods and the secrets to producing stunning wines using local grape varieties. As well as heavenly rosés, whites and deep reds, there’s also a selection of sparkling wines and traditional Ibizan liqueurs to tempt a palette. Pay a visit to tour the cellar and (and naturally, take them for a taste drive too).
Enjoy an Old Town adventure
An occasionally cloudy sky on this island might not impress an avid tanner but it does set a perfectly moody backdrop for an excursion to Ibiza’s beautiful fortified Old Town. A 30-minute drive from FERGUS IBIZA, explore the winding cobbled streets lined with trinket-rich shops and climb upwards to the famous Castell d’Eivissa – otherwise known as Ibiza Castle – where panoramic views await as the perfect reward for conquering the ascending alleys.
A quick ice cream pitstop at one of the many vendors en-route never goes amiss too, of course. Post-stroll, save time (and room) for a sunset visit to Montesol Experimental Ibiza’s stylish rooftop bar for skyline views and top notch service.
PSST: During peak season, things get inevitably crowded in Old Town. Avoid the enormous lines for return taxis by contacting the hotel directly for a much speedier journey back.
Seize the day with a morning jog
Get up, lace up, show up. The nearby red brick pavements around Es Canar town make excellent Strava material, with plenty of loop circuits, coastal paths and simple 5km outings to try. The temperatures and crowd footfall numbers can soar come midday in summer months, so head out early to avoid any unwanted heatstroke (and flipflop traffic).
Jet ski to Tagomago island
Smile and wave – quite literally. Ideal for an adrenaline-filled excursion, book a jet ski tour to Tagomago and soar through the ocean’s rippling waves. A private island located about a 25-minute Jet-Ski ride away from Santa Eulalia’s marina, zoom through the water and feel the thrill of holding on for dear life when giving it gas. When weather conditions allow it, there’s usually time for a quick swim alongside the action too. yachtwatersports.com
The Wordrobe Verdict
When planning a trip that taps into Ibiza’s lesser-known tranquil side, the newly-opened FERGUS Style Punta Arabi hotel makes an excellent choice for a few days of coastal calm.
Peaceful and full of authentic charm, let the siren call of this cliffside stay lead you away from Ibiza’s nightlife ways and into the island’s holistic heart instead.
Make it happen
Rooms at FERGUS Style Punta Arabi, start from £123 per night including breakfast. Subject to fluctuation. Find out more and make a booking via fergushotels.com
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
