Stéphane Durand
Urban getaway in Ibiza: Hotel Montesol Experimental, mythical and new "place to be".
A temple to partying, Ibiza also knows how to be discreet, tinted with timeless "quiet luxury", like this 5* Unesco World Heritage hotel in the heart of the island's capital.
In the heart of Ibiza, a legendary hotel combining luxury and discretion
1933. Ibiza is all calm, gentleness and pleasure. Fishermen's boats cruised alongside the occasional yachtsman, a far cry from today's hustle and bustle, in which the bass tones of discotheques sometimes mingle with the songs of nocturnal birds. It was at this time, a symbol of a more peaceful Ibiza, that the island's very first hotel was built: the Montesol.
With its imposing neo-colonial architecture, in just a few decades the establishment became a must-see stopover for any self-respecting jet-setter.
From Orson Welles to the princely family of Monaco, the whole of Hollywood has trodden the tiles of this establishment, which has since been declared a site of cultural interest by Unesco.
But there's no question of playing the elitist card: the address has always welcomed locals into its midst, becoming in the 1970s a haunt for elderly ladies who like to shuffle cards all afternoon, enjoying the coolness and delicate attentions. Today, under the impetus of the Experimental hotel group, this mythical institution is regaining its charisma as one of Ibiza's most designer establishments.
Bohemian spirit and iconic restaurant
The islanders welcomed us with open arms," says hotel manager Grégoire Laboureur. We made it a point of honor to make the café, which overlooks the Vara de Rey square, accessible to everyone, not just guests.
As a tribute to this emblematic place, we've even put back on the menu dishes that made the establishment's reputation, such as the bikini sandwich."
Far from the sometimes pompous five-star menus, Café Montesol is a good address, which manages the perfect blend of traditional and tasty dishes, while remaining affordable (count €8 for the pimientos del Padrón and €17 for a fabulous grilled eggplant accompanied by smoked yoghurt, pesto and tomatoes).
"In winter, we offer the famous churros con chocolate, a delicacy that village women used to eat after going to mass." A folklore appreciated by the man who decided to settle on this Balearic island five years ago, with wife and child: "My wife, who is of Argentinian origin, lived here fifteen years ago. I used to come to the island every summer since I was 18. We wanted to offer our family a lifestyle far removed from Paris. Here, people stay up late, children still play in the streets after dark and the atmosphere is relaxed." This bohemian spirit is reflected in the thirty-three brightly-colored rooms of the Hôtel Montessol Experimental.
Hôtel Montessol Experimental: a wow effect!
Completely transformed by interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon (who also designed Le Grand Pigalle and Hôtel Paradis in Paris, as well as The Henrietta in London), the thirty rooms and three suites are decorated in sunny colors ranging from pale yellow and blue to powder pink, with the good taste to never be too overpowering.
The parquet flooring plays the classic card, while being given a twist by design pieces created especially for the place: masks handmade by Anna Alexandra in Mallorca, Playdough stools by French designer Diego Faivre, and zelliges covering the walls in abundance. The detail that makes all the difference? A crescent moon carved through the wall separating the bedroom from the bathroom, naturally (and gently) illuminating both spaces. And while we admit to being (pleasantly) surprised when we first enter these modern and colorful rooms, we are left speechless as soon as we arrive on the unexpected rooftop... The hotel definitely masters the art of surprise like no other: "We have the only rooftop with a 360° view.
"The fact that it's somewhat hidden from view makes it even more spectacular when you arrive for the first time," adds Grégoire Laboureur. It's the ideal place to enjoy all our love and expertise in cocktail making." We can confirm the "wow" effect when you arrive on this rooftop terrace, impressed by the view overlooking the old town and the port, letting the sun's rays tickle your skin and a breeze bring with it the sweet spray of the Mediterranean.
A little-known paradise, the perfect prelude to exploring the city and its hidden treasures.
Discover Hotel Montesol Experimental
Room with breakfast from €173.
Passeig de Vara de Rey, 2, 07800 Eivissa.
Photo credit: @mister_tripper
