The municipality of Sant Joan is the quiet sanctuary of a bustling island, a destination for those looking to escape and connect directly with nature. In the antithesis of the noise of the south of Ibiza, a northern landscape of Mediterranean forest and hidden coves unfolds, ideal for wonderful walks and surprising discoveries. From the comfort of the Hilton Cala San Miguel or the exclusivity of Aguamadera, the refuge of Iria Urgell -daughter of the founder of the mythical Pacha- in Santa Eularia, the visitor finds here the true charm of the best known Balearic island: peace, nature and a genuine connection with a hippy essence that dates back to the 60s of the last century.
In the picturesque village of Sant Carles is an emblematic place that perfectly encapsulates the atmosphere and reality of that hippy movement: the legendary Bar Anita. More than just an establishment, this bar functioned as a vital meeting point and nerve center for the community that settled in the area. A fascinating detail that attests to the uniqueness of those times claims attention from one of its walls: an extensive collection of old mailboxes. Given the dispersed housing and the limitations of conventional postal service at the time, these mailboxes collected official mail for residents of the area.
An exploration through the north uncovers a natural treasure trove with a surprising history: the cave of Can Marçà. Majestically located inside a cliff above Port de Sant Miquel, this impressive geological formation is more than 100,000 years old, served as a hideout and hideout for the island’s smugglers. They used its nooks and crannies and passages to hide illegal goods, and even today, visitors can still observe the marks they left on the rocks to orient themselves in the dark and not get lost in their intricate secret refuge with spectacular views of the Mediterranean.
Inner stillness and attunement to personal rhythms
Just a 10-minute walk from this natural treasure is the Cala San Miguel Ibiza Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, an accommodation whose managers extend an invitation to their guests to immerse themselves in an unprecedented experience of calm and discovery. Beyond being a mere accommodation with its 292 rooms, the resort offers itself as a facilitator of attractive experiences to make available a wide repertoire of stimulating activities. These proposals have been carefully conceived to weave an intense bond between the visitor and the nature that surrounds the establishment, promoting in turn a deep inner stillness in tune with one’s own personal rhythms.
The offer of activities deliberately moves away from the superficial to achieve a genuine immersion in the lively culture and unique character of Ibiza. From experiences that appeal to deep-rooted traditions to those that invite you to explore the landscape, the program is designed to enrich your stay with a sense of calm. An example of this approach to the dazzling local culture is at the workshops dedicated to the elaboration of traditional liqueurs. In them, guests have the opportunity to get close to ancestral techniques and learn about the unique botanical ingredients of the island that give life to these emblematic drinks. You can also enjoy a relaxing movie session under the stars.
The connection with natural cycles and a more introspective dimension are manifested in activities such as full moon rituals and cacao ceremonies which invite contemplation and reflection in a natural environment, taking advantage of the particular energy and atmosphere offered by the night sky over the sea of northern Ibiza.
A private island
Exploration of the marine and terrestrial environment is another pillar of the experiences in this enclave in front of Sa Ferradura, a private island in the bay of San Miguel that has been visited by celebrities such as Elon Musk or Lionel Messi and where the French dj David Guetta entertains the most glamorous and private parties of the island.
Overland, guided hikes take guests on trails that wind through the wooded and rocky landscape of the north. Exploring the north of Ibiza on foot is an unbeatable way to connect with nature, its history and tranquility. Walking along Cala d’en Serra, Balansat, Balàfia or the Canal d’en Martí, next to the beach of Pou des Lleó, is a luxury for which you only need a pair of sneakers.
Although Santa Eulària is one of the best known municipalities and with more services of the island, its area of influence in the north also offers a surprising number and variety of hiking routes. Far from being limited to the coast, the municipality encompasses inland and coastal areas with multiple marked trails. From here depart itineraries that explore places like es Canar, go into the elevated areas like Puig d’Atzaro, cross the beautiful bay of Cala Llonga or meander through the surroundings of Siesta.
Right in the middle of the Mediterranean forest of Santa Eulària is another temple of relaxed relaxation in Ibiza: Aguamadera.
From reigning in the night to the tranquility of a hill
Accustomed to reign since childhood in one of the island’s nightlife sanctuaries, Iria Urgell, daughter of Ricardo Urgell, founder of Pacha, changed the hustle and bustle of the Ibizan night for the exclusive tranquility of a hill in the northeast of Ibiza. Surrounded by terraces and vegetation, stands Aguamadera, an agritourism project that recovers the structure of a 19th century farmhouse, now transformed into a space that seeks to connect hospitality with the rural environment of the island, the local culture and a particular culinary proposal.
Iria Urgell defines Aguamadera as a meeting place. “Aguamadera is home. From the heart of Ibiza, I bring together a creative community of souls to share experiences and love for the culture, gastronomy, nature and tradition of the island,” she says about the concept that guides the project. The vision is to create a haven that welcomes people with an interest in gastronomy, tradition and the Ibizan landscape.
Recovering rural architecture
The restoration of the farm has sought to preserve its original architecture. The interior spaces have been designed with an aesthetic that uses natural materials and focuses on functionality. Elements such as terracotta floors or the presence of wood are integrated into a minimalist design. The estate maintains its structure, without altering the original volumes, and has a central swimming pool surrounded by gardens and orchards. The decoration includes furniture from the Empordà and pieces of art and local craftsmanship.
La Era: cooking with fire and local products
The culinary proposal is articulated around the restaurant La Era. Its main focus is wood-fired cuisine, inspired by the island’s traditional agricultural practices. Under the direction of executive chef Gonzalo Cerrato Laguna, the bases of Mediterranean cuisine are taken up again, using the mastery of fire as the central technique.
La Era’s philosophy focuses on simplicity, purity and connection with the origins through local produce. Cerrato Laguna emphasizes the relationship with the environment: “The kitchen is my dance floor, and the Aguamadera orchard provokes me every season with its jewels to create a menu of good produce, he explains as he dresses a loquat salad and serves some canyuts from the Ebre Delta.
Aguamadera maintains a link with the environment through its extensive cultivated areas and gardens. With more than 2,800 square meters dedicated to agricultural terraces and 11,330 square meters of gardens, the farm grows vegetables, fruits, medicinal plants and flowers. This production partially supplies the restaurant and contributes to the health of the local ecosystem, including supporting bees through floral diversity.
The project promotes an inviting experience to appreciate the sounds of the countryside in tranquility to showcase the triumph of calm on the most bustling island of the Balearics.
For the full article, please visit Diario de Ibiza website here.