Tried & tested: Ipunga Ibiza — palms and bricks

Away from the crowds lies a little farmhouse hotel that perfectly captures the spirit of the Ibiza. Tucked away in a serene pine forest Ipunga is all about slowing down and enjoying the more simple things in life.

The Mediterranean island that keeps us coming back for more continues to charm. Latest to add to the magic is Ipunga, a cosy finca turned hotel in the hinterlands of Cala Llonga. Only accessible through a dusty gravel road and surrounded by fragrant pine forests and orchestras of cicadas Ipunga is the perfect place to press pause and do pretty much nothing. We’re swapping Ibiza’s round-the-clock action for long breakfasts, lazy afternoons and early bedtimes and we’re still musing over it.

Set the scene

Picture an old all-white Spanish farmhouse, set amidst a pine tree forest and surrounded by leafy gardens, stripped-back and tastefully turned into an 8 room boutique hotel. A place to slow down and connect with nature, each other or yourself. Well that would be Ipunga in a nutshell. A farm style hideaway that oozes the Mediterranean, with bright-pink bougainvilleas hanging over sandstone walls, cozy terraces tucked behind banana plants and fig trees and where life is spent barefoot and worry-free. It’s a whitewashed slice of paradise where days go by lingering by the pool, sipping wine, reading books and having siestas only to wake up and repeat it all again.

Location

Ipunga sits on the southeastern part of the island, a few kilometers inland from Cala Llonga. The seaside town of Santa Eulalia is a 10 minute drive from the hotel while both Ibiza Town and picturesque Santa Gertrudis are about a 15 minutes drive. The location makes Ipunga a perfect hideaway for those wanting to taste the cosmopolitan side of Ibiza without being part of it. The nearest beach is Cala Llonga (5 mins drive) but we prefer the smaller bays in the area like Cala Olivera (10 mins) and Cala Bonita (20 mins) - with the aptly named chic beach restaurant (reservations required, especially during July and August). Ibiza airport is 20 minutes south of Ipunga.

The Rooms

Ipunga’s eight rooms are located on an elevated piece of land behind the pool (see above). The rooms are simple yet have all we need; comfortable double or twin beds, airconditioning, a bathroom with rain shower and amenities from Ibiza-based Campos de Ibiza, and a private terrace facing the pool or the tropical gardens. Thick outside walls keep the rooms naturally cool and invite for daytime naps at the hottest hours of the day.

Whats to do

Well, refreshingly little. The pool is the main draw and the comfortable beds lined up to it is where we ended spending most of our time. There is a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. Breakfasting at Ipunga is a delight: served on the shaded patio with fresh fruit, vegetables and eggs from their own little farm. Expect fresh juices, pastries, toasted bread and yoghurt with all kinds of fruit. Coffee, tea and water are complimentary and available throughout the day. There’s also a honesty fridge with beers and wines - cocktails can be made upon request. For wellbeing Ipunga offers massages and yoga classes at their yoga pavilion down at the vegetable garden.

What complimented our stay were the warm and hospitable owners and staff who truly made the place a home away from home. We’ll surely be back at this little tribe called Ipunga.

Ipunga Ibiza, rooms from EUR 195 per night