Good food, great music and a get-away-from-it-all rural vibe combine to offer a slow-paced take on Ibiza hedonism at this slick farmhouse stay nestled in the White Isle’s old town
25 October, 2022
Arriving at this 300-year-old whitewashed farmhouse, set amid seemingly endless fruit trees, fragrant pine groves and twisted olive trunks, you'd never believe you were only a 10-minute drive from Ibiza Town and the airport.
Embodying the quieter slice of this up-all-night island, the open-year-round Casa Maca is a laid-back, get-away-from-it-all retreat in the Can Palau hills, offering stellar views over Dalt Vila (old town). At the heart of the main house you'll find an ancient olive mill, a nod to the property's former life as an olive farm.
Outside, the terrace and al fresco dining area make for a romantically lit affair, with a huge open-air grill taking centre stage. A contemporary Mediterranean menu puts to good use the vegetables grown on Casa Maca's organic farm, and features freshly caught fish and meat hung, Francis Mallmann-style, over the grill. Live artists and DJs provide a chilled-out soundtrack while you dine. This is Ibiza, after all.
The sun-soaked garden, left, and a bedroom entrance. | Photo credit: Sayana Cairo
All 10 bedrooms and suites exude an inviting rural charm - think polished clay floors and beamed ceilings. Airy bathrooms, some of which feature whirlpool tubs, come stocked with indulgent Grown Alchemist goodies.
Casa Maca's chef, David Reartes, puts a focus on everything local and organic, using produce grown at the on-site farm. Lunches are light and flavourful - think crisp pizzeta topped with tomato and creamy burrata, and generously stuffed sandwiches. Dinner (best taken out on the terrace overlooking the fury of the wood-fired grill) might include flame-licked Black Angus steaks, freshly grilled market fish and organic veg tickled by the fire. The corn on the cob is must-order (as are the juicy grilled peaches for dessert).
Pastries, pancakes, generous acai bowls, eggs benedict on brioche and more.
An elegant suite corner, left, and a snapshot of a bathroom. | Photo credit: Sayana Cairo
Yes - it's in the Airstream. WhatsApp is your best friend here, too. Need a 5pm poolside spritz? WhatsApp the front desk and they'll have you sorted in a second. The wine selection is tip-top - and the cocktails are some of the best we've had on the island.
There's a beautiful pool and you can book in-room massages, as well as spaces on weekly workshops run throughout the year. WiFi is free, and every suite has AC.
Most of the menu comes from the on-site farm - and anything else is local to the area, and certified organic.
One of the rooms is specially adapted and all communal spaces are wheelchair-accessible.
The outdoor dining area, left, and the bar. | Photo credit: Sayana Cairo
White Isles hedonists, all grown-up (and no kids as it's adults-only).
Switch "walk" for "drive" and within 10 minutes you will be at Ocean Drive Talamanca, a pool bar and roof-terrace restaurant with jaw-dropping views.
The experience at Casa Maca is all about the staff; their slick, sophisticated service paired with out-and-out friendliness makes the stay.
