Boutique hotel Can Sastre is one of those wonderful surprises that Ibiza seems to keep revealing. Even after living here for some time, this writer was amazed to find such a lovely oasis built out of an old Ibizan finca, or farmhouse.
Inside the walls of this hotel lies a peaceful world away from the wild party nights of Ibiza - a sanctuary, if you will. Here, it all feels honest and authentic, giving a real feeling of an escape.
The owners Ray and Bibi used to run beach clubs, one here in Talamanca just outside Ibiza Town and before that a huge one in Scheveningen in The Netherlands that was one of the first places of its types to be largely solar-powered. Sustainability is close to the hearts of this pair, with some of the energy being solar here and more to come.
Eating lunch I noticed bamboo straws and that some of the dishes and side plates are made of wood, too. You also have organic toiletries in the rooms of the type you leave behind, not to collect. Water is drawn from the hotel's well, filtered and delivered in a glass bottle to one of the five rooms each day. No plastic, no kilometres.
What you'll love here is the welcome. Ray and Bibi are great and very friendly hosts, helpful and yet discreet when you want some privacy. The odd celebrity has stayed here. Although you don't have to be one to be a guest, you will enjoy feeling like one in this secluded oasis. Once the gate is closed, you feel in your own secret world.
Another thing: you'll sleep like a log here. Fortunately, breakfast is served until 11:00.
Location
Entering the stylish boutique hotel
Tucked away just off the road between San Rafael and Santa Gertrudis, this boutique hotel is perfectly situated to get to most places on the island. Its central location makes everything perfectly within reach.
The village of Santa Gertrudis is the most chi-chi and cosmopolitan of all of Ibiza's small hamlets with a very international set of residents. Beaches and all the main resorts can also be reached within around 20 minutes.
Styling
You'll find lots of areas to sit and enjoy the peace
There is so much detail in this haven that you might miss it if you don't look closely. You'll see what has become the de facto "Ibiza style," with items like lanterns and lampshades from Morocco and Balinese tables, mandalas, all with the personal touch of the owners.
It is sumptuous styling in a very natural way. There is also some Scandinavian influence and altogether it creates an earthy look that fits organically with the rural surroundings and country-style buildings.
A lovely pool area to relax around
As you might imagine, you will get lots of rustic charm in this finca. Solid wooden doors, white-painted and plastered fixtures such as the seating areas padded with upholstered seating and cushions; a gorgeous solid wood dining table where I had lunch and dinner and, what I loved most, the vine-covered outside honesty bar, whose leaves even cover the ceiling.
Lots of wicker abounds, with seating, lampshades and look out for the cute bamboo hammock outside. It's a place that whispers "relax."
Lazing in the big garden is easy
What you will really love are the outside areas. A couple of shaded seated areas here, a big expanse of field there and, around the corner, that pool. Fruit trees, palm trees, olive trees and the ubiquitous and gorgeous bougainvillaea flowers on my terrace and all around.
A children's playground that is not at the heart of everything - so the little ones can play and not disturb all the other guests - is a nice idea. Plus, when you're a kid, you don't want adults interfering anyway.
Food and drink
At the lovely vine-clad "honesty" bar
Breakfasts are very modern and healthy with a great selection including egg dishes, fresh fruit and yoghurt, an açai sorbet and the more indulgent eggs benedict and American style pancakes.
In summer there's a lovely outside area to eat it and in winter, you sit around a gorgeous wooden table that's one big solid piece of tree trunk. I had the hearty platter that includes a bit of everything with a small bowl of berries and thick yoghurt, then eggs, avocado, cream cheese and crusty wholegrain bread. A fighter's way to start the day.
There is a lunch/dinner menu with various options. I had a gorgeous Thai yellow curry for lunch that you can have with either prawns or chicken and for dinner, a salad with Yakatori marinated chicken, local and free-range of course.
There are also lighter bites and a lovely looking cheese and cured ham plate. If you have special dietary requirements, they'll cater for those too.
Accommodation
Natural colours and smart design in the rooms
Each room is individually styled, the common elements are the rustic finca style, white painted walls and in most, the solid wood furniture. Suites have private terraces, there are some cool retro Marshall speakers for music heads, as well as seated areas, gorgeous bathrooms and deeply comfortable beds.
A nice touch was the welcome bottle of wine. Rooms look almost as if they should be in a design magazine.
End note
All in all, it comes as no surprise that this haven has a five-star Tripadvisor rating. If you really want to leave all the strains and stresses of life at home, this makes a fantastic place to do just that.
