Ibiza, the third largest of the Balearic Islands, has long been known as a party paradise, home to a world-renowned nightlife that draws celebrity DJs and legions of rowdy revellers to its historic shores each summer. But away from the madding crowds, the island’s stunning natural splendour is its real draw, particularly in the north, where rolling green countryside carpets a verdant interior surrounded by a 200km coastline, whose secluded beaches and exquisite coves scatter like sparkling jewels in the Mediterranean Sea.
One such enclave, Cala Xarraca, enjoys a rarefied reputation among locals in the know as one of the island’s lesser-known treasures: a five-minute drive from the fairytale village of San Juan, it is among Ibiza’s most secluded and picturesque bays, flanked by sienna-coloured cliffs that are backed by dense conifer forests dotted with farms– traditional white farmhouses, elegantly refined, which symbolize this sublime getaway often called “the white island”.
Presiding over this immaculate tableau is Fincadelica Xarracathe latest spectacular introduction of the esteemed Fincadelica Collectionand one of Ibiza’s largest beachfront properties. The sprawling 32,000-square-foot, nine-suite estate, once a private residence for decades, resurfaced this spring after a complete renovation. The result: a bold and original, ultra-luxurious getaway brimming with bohemian chic that’s an inimitable choice for group or family vacations, corporate outings, and wellness retreats.
Artfully reimagined by local designer Carmen Straatsma of Studio C Ibiza To reflect Ibiza's continued evolution into a year-round destination – from October to March, days are long and sunny and temperatures peak in the mid-70s – the property combines truly singular design and uncompromising comfort to spectacular effect, presented in a dazzling mix of sumptuous spaces that set a new standard for indoor-outdoor living.
The 1,200-square-foot penthouse suite epitomizes seaside luxury, with panoramic windows framing breathtaking views, a custom-made bed, and two fireplaces (there’s one in each suite, a nod to the villa’s timeless charm). A sculptural black clay bathtub by Studio LoHo and a spacious hammam shower add to the wow factor, as do the private terrace, flokati rugs, and custom-made half-moon bar.
An ivy-covered stone tower with Juliet balconies and arched windows topped with the villa's signature striped Loro Piana awnings is another highlight, housing two charming bedrooms, both with terraces and ethereal lighting by the Milanese designer. Mirei Monticelliand twin Calacatta marble sinks. The upstairs space embodies a quintessential romantic retreat with stunning sea views, while the downstairs unit includes a kitchenette, bar and an additional double bedroom with en suite bathroom, creating an ideal family suite.
If its cocooning bedrooms represent the ultimate in high-design sanctuaries, Fincadelica Xarraca’s light-filled communal spaces are the beating heart of the villa. The split-level interior living space includes a fireside lounge with twin sofas, and a sea-view library outfitted with a pair of plush GUBI crescent chairs.
The sun-drenched, elevated dining room seats 18 around a custom-made wooden table under vintage Murano glass pendant lights, where mesmerising views of the sea and surrounding greenery are served alongside chef Avi Razon’s succulent dishes. Featuring locally caught seafood, the freshest and most enticing vegetables (black carrots, anyone?) drizzled with silky olive oil, perfectly al dente pastas, crispy pizzas and luscious desserts, his varied cuisine soars as high as the surrounding pine trees.
Despite its refined design and no-nonsense renovation (which included sanding the once-mahogany ceilings and juniper beams to a warm caramel hue that seems to catch the sunlight), the property’s laid-back allure is palpable. You’ll be hard-pressed to find sharp angles here, literally: Circular details abound, from playful wall cutouts to statement furniture, like the giant round chair in the sunken “nook” that adjoins the dining room, where you’ll want to settle in with a glass of chilled wine and a cheese board laden with fresh fruit and almonds, one of the island’s main crops. Thanks in part to a neutral palette of cream with soft-toned accents, paired with clever architectural details, the spaces flow seamlessly into one another, gently sweeping guests away on a wave of tactile luxury.
Outside, the unbridledly glamorous pool deck, whose saltwater centerpiece is painted the same cerulean hue as the bay beyond, casts a powerful spell: there’s perhaps no better place on the entire island to while away the day than sprawled out on a chaise lounge beneath its Tuuci umbrellas, sipping chilled cocktails as the sun slowly sinks to sea in a tangerine blaze. If, while admiring the vaulted bathing huts with circular beds from your poolside perch, you’re struck by the strange feeling of having wandered into a heartbreakingly stylish photoshoot, you’re not far off: Slim Aarons, whose iconic images of jet-setters at play in their rarefied habitats constitute a timeless pantheon in their own right, photographed the property in 1978.
Although it is not easy to tear yourself away from the countless comforts of Fincadelica Xarraca, you would be wrong to resist the siren song of the island's breathtaking natural wealth, which you can enjoy to the fullest with the help of Ibiza outdoorsFounded by island native Toby Clarke, the company offers exhilarating ways to discover the island’s myriad gifts, including an inspired range of walks such as a scenic stroll through the Santa Agnes Valley, the best place to bask in the majesty of Ibiza’s famous almond trees, whose delicate pinkish-white blossoms burst into ineffable bloom in January and February. The seed for Ibiza Outdoors (formerly Walking Ibiza) was planted in 2010 when the affable Clarke, returning home after years in the UK, embarked on a twelve-day walking holiday around the entire island, with just one euro in his pocket and his dog by his side. You can book the same 160-mile adventure, island-wide walks and e-bike, kayak and food tours, online, or the villa’s endlessly gracious staff will be happy to organise them.
Back in the villa’s warm embrace after a bit of exploring, the raised vegetable garden provides an idyllic alfresco dining spot for gatherings large and small, with an outdoor kitchen and views of both the sea and the exuberant landscaping, where dozens of succulents and cacti contrast with fuchsia bougainvillea and ancient olive trees. For late-night drinks, head to the club room and settle in at the seafoam-hued, marble-topped bar for an expertly prepared margarita, before firing up the professional-grade sound system to unveil your own private (and soundproof) disco for up to 80 guests. There’s also a home cinema setup and a bespoke pool table for quieter evenings, while the space doubles as a top-notch yoga studio and chill-out room during the day. (As well as yoga sessions, staff can also arrange a range of on-site wellness treatments for which Ibiza is renowned, including massages, acupuncture, reiki, reflexology and beauty treatments.)
Fincadelica Xarraca marks the second property in the Fincadelica collection, including Fincadelica San Lorenzo– a charming 300-year-old Ibicencan farmhouse set in 20 bucolic hectares inland near the village of Sant Llorenc de Balafia – debuted to rave reviews in 2021. The collection is the brainchild of Serena Cook, founder and owner of Deliciously Sorted– Ibiza’s leading concierge company for the luxury market – and its business partner, diamond merchant Mati Rachminov.
“For us, exclusivity, soul and fluidity are the new luxury for the world’s most discerning travellers,” says Cook, whose long love affair with Ibiza – she is also co-founder Preservation of Ibiza in 2008, dates back more than two decades. “We have taken iconic heritage properties and created understated, decadent worlds within worlds using sumptuous, unique design, coupled with flawless five-star service.”
Fincadelica Xarraca prices start at €70,000 (approx. $75,000) per week in low season and €120,000 (approx. $129,000) in high season, including a house manager, a live-in couple, breakfast service and a cleaning team. A chef and food and beverage staff are available at an additional cost. For reservations, contact reservations@fincadelica.com.