Gatzara Suites: A boho-chic getaway in the heart of Ibiza

Located in Ibiza’s foodie capital, Gatzara Suites is a hip, four-star boutique hotel with a boho-chic vibe that oozes pure island living.

Lying at the heart of the island, the small village of Santa Gertrudis is all whitewashed walls and hippy vibes. “Gatzara Suites has a gorgeous location on the town’s main square. It’s ideally located to reach Ibiza’s main points of interest, lying only a 15-minute drive from the white-sand beaches of the south and the same distance from the picture-perfect bays of the north,” explains owner Santi Tur Roig. The airport and Ibiza town are also within striking distance, making it particularly convenient to explore all corners of the island.

Blending tradition and design

With its contemporary interiors, Gatzara Suites combines bohemian vibes with a heavy dose of chic. Spanish designer Jordi Carreño, of Ibiza-based architecture firm Estudio Vila 13, is behind the design. An all-white palette lends an airy Mediterranean feel, with hints of tan and brown recalling the different earthy hues of the island.

The vertical garden in the lobby, meanwhile, is said to be one of the tallest in the country, with over 2,000 plants of ten botanical species. The adjacent lounge is adorned with geometric cushions and a stylish wicker pod-hanging chair that makes for a perfect spot to sit back and unwind with a book or a drink in hand. Brightly coloured works of art by local artists add lively splashes of colour to the crisp white walls, while in winter, a contemporary fireplace further contributes to the elegant and sophisticated design scheme.

“The hotel brings out the bohemian side of the island, inviting guests to relax and unwind,” continues Santi. “This was once a farmhouse, and then our family home. A few years ago we decided to take the leap and convert the building into an exclusive boutique hotel. We have tried to maintain the style of traditional Ibizan houses, while decorating the interiors with modern design pieces including Tom Dixon and Nelson Sepulveda lamps, and colourful Huguet tiles from Mallorca.”

Local stone was used during construction, while decorative clay pieces made by an Ibizan artist feature in the interiors. The lush olive trees, bougainvillea and lavender dotted around are likewise a graceful nod to the hotel’s island location.

Sleek and stylish bedrooms

With only 20 rooms, the atmosphere is decidedly intimate. Bedrooms vary in size and layout, with four categories of rooms available. With their sleek design, studios feature all white walls and sandy shades, while the suites are a step up, sleeping up to three with mountain or countryside views. “Our guests love the spacious, glass-enclosed shower within the bedroom,” explains Santi. “Couples also tend to like the more spacious Village Suites, with balconies overlooking the village.”

The Loft Suites, with their smart white wood features, are set over two floors. “They have sofa beds and fully equipped kitchenettes, making them ideal for self-caterers and families with small children.” With its laidback vibe and convivial feel, the town of Santa Gertrudis is the perfect destination for families. “There’s also a playground just steps away from the hotel,” says Santi.

Rooms are named after the island’s natural sources of water. “Houses were traditionally built next to springs or wells as water was essential in agriculture and farming. The hotel is named after Gatzara Well, located in the centre of the island,” continues Santi.

Hand-crafted cocktails

On a hot summer’s day, guests can cool off on the rooftop terrace, complete with open-air swimming pool and a stylish bar. “This is one of our guests’ favourite spots,” Santi explains. “It’s perfect to unwind and soak up the panoramic views of the town square and the surrounding hills.”

The bar buzzes in the early evenings, when both locals and hotel guests sip on expertly crafted cocktails as the sun sets. Drinks are prepared using fresh seasonal fruits, local herbs and liqueurs. A longstanding favourite is Salinas Mango Gatzara, a refreshing summer blend made with locally distilled vodka, Angostura bitters and fresh mango.

The buffet breakfast spread features a range of local products, including locally sourced yoghurts and cheeses, sobrassada (cured sausage), botifarra (a type of sausage that is typical of Catalan cuisine), flaó (cheese tart that is a speciality of the island) and panallets (traditional marzipan sweets).

Open throughout the day, the bright and airy Musset Restaurant on the ground floor of the building serves healthy Mediterranean cuisine in an informal, convivial setting. “The town has over 20 superb restaurants, many family-run, serving exceptional local cuisine. Our guests love heading out to try new places every day.” As well as restaurants, the town has about two-dozen shops, from pricey boutiques to more laidback clothing stores that suit all budgets.

“The aim of Gatzara Suites,” says Santi, “is to create a calm haven where guests can relax and unwind in chic yet laidback surrounds while fully immersing themselves in island life”.

Web: www.hotelgatzaraibiza.com
Facebook: gatzarasuitessantagertrudis
Instagram: @hotelgatzaraibiza