Leading travel and food writer Georgie Bentley-Buckle checks into the luxurious Pikes Ibiza hotel, an iconic Ibizan institution brimming with personality and character.
Hotel
Pikes is a funky finca style hotel and restaurant considered the heart and soul of Ibizan rock ‘n’ roll. Since opening back in the 1970s by its founder Tony Pike, this boutique hotel, buried in the hills of northern Ibiza, has become a megastar magnet, welcoming through its doors the likes of Grace Jones, Bon Jovi and Freddie Mercury.
Rooms
The motto here is ‘you can check in, but you can never check out’. Utterly unique, this expression may be true for many who swing in each summer for an experience that has made Pikes the institution it is today. True to its brash persona, each of the 25 rooms also has its very own cheeky character. Starting with ‘the original hit’ room which sleeps two people, the junior suites which have all the personality of Pikes’ classic rooms (but with more space and quirky touches), up to the Rockett St George Suite and the La Residencia, which can sleep up to four guests with its very own private terrace and sun loungers.
The expression ‘if walls could talk’ couldn’t be truer of Pikes. Hidden around the property almost like a rabbit warren, you’ll find them woven around the hot pink tennis court, sunset terrace that overlooks the Ibizan countryside, or pool – (notably made famous from Wham’s ‘Club Tropicana’ video).
Food and drink
Matching up with the fuchsia tennis court is the equally vivid restaurant, Pamalas. Reincarnating Pikes’ prime decade of the 1970s, this restaurant which sparkles under the light of its disco ball is named after Tony Pike’s rumoured ex-lover, Pamalas. The dishes are nothing less than indulgent – just how Pamala liked them.
The rich and extravagant dishes alongside indulgent desserts have been created by Pikes’ head chef Lee Milne. These include starters of caviar with crème fraiche, foie gras or fried oysters, leading onto mains such as slow roast rib of beef with horseradish crumbs, macaroni cheese with truffle and crispy kale or the signature Pamala’s Burger with house pickles and burger sauce.
The next morning (or afternoon) roll out of bed for Pikes’ brand new ‘Love Food Ibiza’ LA-style all-day brunch. The colours continue here with vibrant dishes with a touch of rock ‘n’ roll in true style. Balancing the hedonism with some health, this includes their recovery bowl, a wholesome addition for the day after.
In a nutshell
This elite cultural playground will give you a taster of old school Ibiza where a crowd who made it the party island it is today used to stay. Tucked away down a long track on the outskirts of San Antonio, it has a loyal fan base of guests who return each year to revel in its hedonistic heritage.
Factbox
Rooms can be booked from £140 in low season.
Address: Camí de Sa Vorera, S/N, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears, Spain
Phone: +34 971 34 22 22
Email: reservations@pikesibiza.com
Website: pikesibiza.com
