Review: Seven Pines Resort, Ibiza | Daily Telegraph
Published by telegraph.co.uk, August 2018
A sprawling five-star resort on Ibiza’s west coast, Seven Pines opened amid much fanfare, and with reason. Exceptional facilities, impeccable service and spectacular views of Ibiza’s most famous landmark, Es Vedrà, means this hotel more than lives up to the hype.
Location 9/10
Sandwiched by pine forest on one side and the Mediterranean on the other, Seven Pines is perfectly placed for admiring views of the rocky island of Es Vedrà and of course, that famous Ibiza sunset. The quaint little cove of Cala Codolar is the closest beach at just 200m away, while Cala Comte - arguably one of Ibiza’s best - can be reached on foot within 15 minutes. In a car, it takes around 15 minutes to reach San Jose, the nearest town; 20 minutes to reach Ibiza town, and half an hour to get to the airport, which makes it remote but ideal for switching off.
Style / character 8/10
More like a small Ibicenco village than a hotel, Seven Pines is a series of individual suites dotted around a vast clifftop and interspersed with residential properties. The size of the place means staff members get about on bikes and golf buggies giving a nod, wave or smile as they pass - it’s all very The Truman Show, albeit far less sinister. There are lots of communal areas in which to hangout, whether it’s pool, bar, restaurant or spa - enough to mean you never have to actually leave the resort, a god send if your aim is to slip into a state of supreme relaxation. Decor is subtly luxurious, focusing primarily on natural materials and a neutral palette that’s invigorated by the occasional piece of statement furniture or wall hanging. Come with a significant other and the sense of isolation can feel extremely romantic.
Service / facilities 9/10
Service at Seven Pines is outstanding - staff members smile at every request and pre-empt every demand, making extra effort if you’re dining alone, for example, or handing you a fresh sarong before you’ve even got wet. Speaking of which, there’s a stunning infinity pool serviced by its own chiringuito that sells drinks and snacks. It’s lined by sleek grey parasols and sun beds, some of which directly overlook Es Vedrà in the distance. There’s a second pool with a more family-friendly vibe that’s ideal for kids to splash around in. In terms of bars, you’re spoilt for choice. There’s the Lobby Bar in reception, Cone Club that’s fabulous for relaxed sundowners and the Pershing Terrace, the first cocktail bar in the world designed by the Pershing Yacht team.There are two restaurants - The View, a Mediterranean-Korean fusion fine dining experience, and the previously mentioned Cone Club, which has a laid-back ambience more akin to a beach club and serves food with an Arabic / Asian twist. Finally, there’s Pure Seven Spa, a spectacular space bathed in light where all manner of first-rate treatments and classes are available, including massages, facials, full moon yoga classes, and weight loss retreats. The entire spa aims to be completely sustainable, so essential oils are sourced locally and no plastic at all is permitted on the premises.
Rooms 8/10
There are 186 suites in total, and within that about eight different categories - some have private pools, others have sea views and two bedrooms, the most expensive, a private section of sea-facing clifftop - they all feel like private, serviced apartments. Each is decorated in similar modern style with wooden floors, neutral walls and patterned cushions and curtains in shades of cerulean blue and green, as well as terraces or balconies, spacious living rooms and kitchenettes. Bathrooms have showers with three settings - normal, rain head and spa, and Molton Brown toiletries.
Food & drink 9/10
The View is the first restaurant offering Korean-inspired cuisine on Ibiza - that alone sets it apart, but so too does the quality of its dishes. It’s by no means cheap (mains start at 29€) but for a one-off splurge, it’s absolutely worth it - it’s worth paying that for the bread alone, to be honest. Nevertheless, try the charred Galician octopus to start - the Korean chilli paste gives it a lovely kick, and if you eat meat, the Kagoshima beef is an expensive (92€) must. At Cone Club, it’s more about cocktails and sharing plates, so the signature cocktail and hamachi and aubergine are recommended to start, followed by large red prawns cooked on the Robata grill. The only downside is that both lack slightly in options for vegetarians and other dietary requirements. Breakfast is served at The View between 8am and midday and features an extensive buffet as well as a la carte options. Start with freshly baked on the premises pastries and bread served with custom made spreads and jams, organic muesli, fresh fruit and sausages and bacon from the grill, then choose from dishes like pancakes, French toast, Eggs Benedict and Shakshouka from the a la carte menu - all are delicious. And those views…
