Inside the new Mondrian Ibiza, discover its curated art collection
Tucked away in a sleepy bay along Ibiza’s eastern coastline, Cala Llonga exudes the type of slow-living that feels increasingly hard to find on the island. Despite its close proximity to Santa Eulària and Ibiza’s buzzy Old Town, which can be reached directly by ferry (it departs from Cala Llonga’s dinky pier every hour or so), the beachside locale might not be hidden but it’s very much a gem.
Once primarily a party destination, Ibiza now attracts a crowd as interested in the island’s bohemian approach to health and wellness as they are its club culture. The Mondrian Ibiza, nestled in the verdant hillside right above Cala Llonga’s beach, is perfectly positioned to experience both sides of island life; within fifteen minutes you can either be ascending the pine-clad hills or settling in for a night in the super hip Club Chinois.
The hotel is an original 1972 building that’s been extensively renovated by Spanish designers Beades Architects and Cuarto Interior. The Mondrian group of hotels have a reputation for creating destination stays at the intersection of design and culture and this sleek, contemporary hotel has art at its core.
The redesign reflects the landscape of the island and seeks to bring much of the outside in, with white-washed walls inspired by local caves and a natural materials palette of wood, rattan and stone. Sinuous forms and curved lines are used to frame spaces – and in the lobby the walls also serve as a backdrop to ‘The Gallery of Things’, a curation of art and ceramics. It sets the tone for a property that boasts a collection of local and international works devised by London-based curatorial collective Gone Rogue. There are references to the Balearic way of life throughout the hotel’s design, including woven leather headboards in the bedrooms and wooden slat cabinets inspired by the dry docks where local fisherman stored their boats.
The focal point of the ground floor is a minimalist, light-filled bar surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows with views out across the bay. Island life doesn’t get much better than stepping out onto the terrace with an Olive Oil Sour in hand, the waves lapping gently below, to take in the fiery Ibizan sunset.
After darkness descends, guests can slip downstairs to Niko, the hotel’s moody Japanese restaurant, and perch at the long counter as chefs prepare elevated classics, such as miso-glazed black cod, jalapeno sashimi tostada and impressive sushi and sashimi platters.
Cala Llonga might attract both hikers and hedonists alike and now, with the arrival of the Mondrian, it’s sure to also appeal to art aficionados looking for a design-led stay on the island.
