What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word ‘Ibiza’?
Let us guess! party? music? DJ?
Well, if not, then you definitely haven’t experienced Ibiza the way I usually do, or you’ve been lucky enough to experience the country’s natural beauty without being exhausted from partying the whole time. (That’s not necessarily a bad thing!)
But on this trip, I experienced the latter at the beautiful “Es Cucons”, a small boutique hotel hidden in the Almond Valley in magical Santa Agnes, western Ibiza. This is a little slice of heaven that I discovered through i-escape (travel experts who handpick the world’s most beautiful hidden gems and boutique hotels). Trust me when I say it was truly a hidden gem! This was the second time we worked with them, so we knew we had to trust their opinion in finding the best accommodation for our needs. The environment, staff, food, rooms, and atmosphere were truly outstanding.
If Es Cucons seems far from an angry crowd, don’t be put off. For those who actually want to party, we’re only 30 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from San Antonio. More importantly, it’s only a 10-minute drive to Cala Salada beach (probably one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve been to in Ibiza). Clay-colored cliffs with hidden walking paths lead to the most beautiful crystal clear waters and white sand of Cala Saladeta (little neighborhood beach). Tip: Take a dip in the evening and watch the sun set. The sky and surrounding scenery will turn a beautiful orange-pink color.
My friend Robyn and I arrived at Es Cucons around midnight and were welcomed by Maria, one of the hotel’s lovely owners. Maria served us food from the kitchen despite it being off-hours (even though it had just closed) and we were greeted with a delicious platter of fresh ham, cheese, bread, olives and tapenade. We were immediately in food heaven and were so grateful for the immediate welcome we received. This is not the type of treatment you can receive at a regular hotel. For sure! This set our priorities for the next few days and the food and service were excellent. There are a variety of fresh salad options and sharing platters for lunch, and beautifully freshly cooked fish and vegetables for dinner (tip – go for the John Dory and roasted vegetables for dinner – they’re delicious.) Breakfast is a buffet option with a variety of meats, cheeses, fruit platters, pastries, fresh OJ and smoked sausage with eggs, waffles, and other dish options to order. We went for pancakes every morning with fresh fruit, Nutella, honey, and chia seeds. winner!
Each of the 15 shabby chic bedrooms has its own unique style and personality. We were in room 1 right at the back, which had a private balcony and beautiful views of the pond and valley beyond. The white painted walls and interior of the room were rustic and cozy, with a beautiful private bathroom and large bathtub that we used almost every day.
The weather was beautiful while we were there, so we spent a few days relaxing by the pool with a book in one hand and an iced coffee in the other. I really liked how quiet the atmosphere was and sometimes it felt like we were the only ones there. We had ambitious plans to rent a car and explore Ibiza over the next few days, but we were so amazed by the beauty and goodness of the place that we decided to stay put and enjoy what the hotel itself had to offer.
We decided to join the free morning yoga sessions held every few weeks. This started at 11am and was a beautiful and relaxing way to start the day. We also took out their bikes and went for a beautiful morning bike ride around the valley. I highly recommend this course. We also explored another scenic route by jogging one morning, which was definitely worth it and there are plenty of hiking trails you can do too! If you’d like to relax, you can also book a massage, which is provided after your activities. Absolute happiness.
What I loved about this place was the family feel that went into running it. The staff are very friendly and welcoming, making you feel like part of the family. They lent a helping hand whenever we needed it, gave us recommendations, helped us with our luggage and even helped us with a first aid kit when I fell off my bike and lost both my arm and leg! (typical)
The setting and decoration of the place is truly amazing. Very boho chic. The website itself doesn’t do the place justice, so I really hope some of my images do. But nothing can explain the sense of calm and serenity you feel as you look down onto the long stretch of Almond Valley while sipping an ice-cold cocktail, soaking up the sun, listening to the birds chirping and completely immersing yourself in the best part of Ibiza.
