If you want to gauge the vibe of summer on Ibiza, head down to the beach. The scorching July sun, the gleaming waves breaking on the shore of the Mediterranean, happy holidaymakers, sunbathers working on their tans, children playing, water sports enthusiasts...it's all here.
And nowhere better typifies this heady mix of elements than Playa d'en Bossa, that gorgeous wide expanse of golden sands stretching from the edge of Ibiza Town to Torre de sa Sal Rosa lookout tower, bordering Las Salinas Natural Park.
Perched towards the quieter southern end of the beach, Beachouse is one of those classic beach clubs where the elements come together. The upbeat tribal rhythms reminiscent of Tulum, the aroma of fine food, the sound of laughter, the sight of lovers.
And that's not lost on those who come here to savour its fine cuisine, whatever time of day. The Spotlight team dropped in for lunch recently. Read on to find out more…
Beachouse serves up a menu of Mediterranean dishes with an international flourish. Using fresh, seasonal, locally-sourced produce and the finest imported ingredients, its team - under the inspired guidance of head chef, Sergio Cardeñosa - produces high-class gastronomy, not to mention amazing cocktails.
Overlooking the beach, the ranks of sun loungers and the shimmering waters beyond, its wide, well-ventilated wooden terrace is perfect for carefree barefoot dining. You could easily be forgiven for thinking you'd stumbled into a tropical paradise replete with palm fronds, grass parasols and hardwood furnishings.
From the valet car parking attendants to the receptionists and the waiters themselves, the service is quick, efficient, responsive and always accompanied by a smile.
We began our lunch with cocktails. First up, the extraordinary Mezcalista. This highly elaborate concoction featured Josper-cooked pineapple, Ojo de Dios mezcal infused with Jalapeño chilli pepper, lime and bergamot liqueur.
For the non-drinkers among us, fresh lemonade and a mocktail version of an in-house favourite, the Cucumber Bison Mule.
Our starter duly arrived: soft, springy warm artisanal focaccia with a Mediterranean tomato dressing and aioli.
The waiter then pulled up a small table and proceeded to mash the guacamole in a large bowl in front of us.
The outcome of this showy display of Mexican culinary mastery was very tasty.
More avocado was to follow in the form of a mango and ginger salad. Served in a refreshing mildly curried yoghurt with crispy fried corn tortillas, it was flavourful and superbly refreshing.
The third starter was freshly made pasta, in this case, a fragrant black truffle linguine.
Our tastebuds alive, we were ready for our first dazzling main dish, Bluefin tuna tartare with mango and caviar.
The oven-cooked Romaine lettuce with flakes of Comte cheese was a revelation that far exceeded our expectations. Never again will we underestimate the humble lettuce!
Straight from the grill, the full-flavoured tuna belly with homemade pickles and jumbo capers oozed with all the goodness you expect from this marvel of the deep seas.
After a break for digestion and a wander around to check out the venue’s trendy beach boutique, we were ready for dessert. Consisting of passion fruit, chocolate and caramelised peanut ice cream sandwiched between two tasty wafers, the cocoa-passion fruit wafer bliss is a delicious creation boasting subtle flavours and a range of textures.
Pride of place, however, went to Beachouse signature sweet, coco colada ice cream. This ‘iceberg’ of coconut ice cream doused with a tangy pina colada and sauteed with vanilla attracted the attention of nearby diners. And no surprise as it’s a great dish for sharing.
Beachouse is just made for spending a day chilling, eating, drinking and taking the occasional dip in the sea to cool off. Thanks to its popular, well-run kid's club, Little Beachouse, it’s also a great spot to bring the family. Cosmopolitan and cool, it’s one of the quintessential dining experiences on Playa d'en Bossa.
But don’t take our word for it, book a table and try its superb cuisine for yourself!
