Paradise found at Petunia Ibiza

Far from the madding crowd, the west coast of Ibiza offers some of the White Island's most secluded, peaceful and undisturbed natural beaches, rustic restaurants, hikes and vistas.

Reassuringly remote and reachable only by car, (you are more likely to come across a fisherman's hut than a tourist stand) the family-run Petunia Ibiza, a 5-minute drive from the picturesque Cala D'Hort beach cove, a short walk away from the charming Cala Carbo beach cove, offers restorative respite for the tired, tense and world weary.

Ever so soothingly positioned overlooking the fabled rocky island of Es Vedra, which boasts a plethora of healing qualities, Petunia Ibiza could be the much needed (inhale) deep sigh of relief you need ... and exhale.

At Petunia deep-chill dictates the day: be prepared to absent-mindedly let go of technology and streaming platforms in favour of Es Vedra's ever-changing and curiously entertaining light-show.

It's an indescribable delight to watch the sunlight illuminate and dance upon the many crevices of the mysterious uninhabited rock.

Indeed we found it difficult to peel our eyes away from its magnetic pull as, after a prolonged 'wow moment', we wheeled our bags to check in at Petunia's simple and unpretentious reception.

Warm (but not forced) smiles welcomed us with artisanal water, and led to our suite with natural ease.

Winding past the large upscale pool, where bronzed guests lounged lizard-like - some peering over their sunglasses at us, the new arrivals, with mild curiosity - we marvelled at how cucumber-cool all the staff and guests were...

Perhaps it is the great feeling of space, and the privacy that comes with it.

Sun loungers are well distanced from each other, and there are many quiet shaded areas, sofas and beds in which one can find sanctuary, fall asleep in the dappled sunlight.

Tropical palm trees tower over wizened centuries-old olive trees.

While cacti and fern line the path to pared-back but plush suites which - large, airy and with that all important Es Vedra view - have been recently converted from the individual apartments of Petunia Ibiza's previous incarnation Apartamentos Petunia.

And what a wonderful job they did, with as much emphasis on the omission as on addition.

Without an advert or logo in sight, you are free to enter a dreamlike stress-free state of being.

Furnished in the typical homespun hippy-chic style that has come to be synonymous with the White Isle, the suites are effortlessly luxurious.

The suite features noiseless air-conditioning, a large lavish bedstead and macrame detailing, which I am told is hand-crafted by the owners for a personal touch.

And of course with the view, at Petunia Ibiza the mere act of a morning coffee on the balcony is nothing short of an unforgettable soul-enriching experience.

Breakfast, on the other hand, is a veritable market of delights with fresh fruits, pastry-chef baked pastries and chef-cooked meals on offer in a casual setting, leaving one brimming with health and vitality.

For a casual lunch, next to the pool you can find exceptional wood-fired pizza at Los Olivos Pizzeria, including the cheekily indulgent Nutella Pizza.

Dinner is a more serious affair that must take place at La Mesa Escondida - a well loved Ibizan restaurant that Petunia bought and relocated within the hotel.

Think high-end Mediterranean fare with some of the best steak and seafood on the island, paired with local eco, organic and bio-dynamic wines at reasonable prices.

Petunia Ibiza is often described as under-the-radar and a 'hideaway'.

Indeed, in-the-know celebrities Jack Guinness and Poppy Jamie have been quick to take to Instagram to show off their favourite haunt.

A change from the Nikki Beach-style of slick-bodied selfies, Petunia's tagged posts show a lot more petal than cheek.

The most posed-for photos are those found on the Instagrams of the glamorous visitors to the popular La Mirada Rooftop.

Here nectar-sweet libations and spicy tapas make for electric-tinged evenings drinking-in that exquisite sunset in sheer surrender to the unmistakable pull of Es Vedra.

And yes, it's good for the gram.

However, as an Es Vedra convert, the only time I spent on any devices during the stay was researching the interesting mythology of the spiritual beacon, which supposedly boasts healing and fertility powers.

For those who wish to embrace Es Vedra and draw from its energy source, you may book one of the hotel's private speed boats.

Setting off from the charming local beach which is but a short walk from the hotel, you can get close and circle the mountain, swimming or snorkelling in its magical waters.

We even met with a playful pod of dolphins.

It's also a great way to explore the Ibizan coastline and local beaches, keeping a mental note of some of the more authentic fish restaurants.

Getting out and about the local area is easy by car (the quaint village of San Jose is just 10 minutes away) but if you fancy getting some exercise there are complimentary mountain bikes available at reception.

Indeed Petunia may be a good destination for those wishing to keep in shape with its vitamin-rich garden-to-table healthy cuisine, newly installed outdoor gym and complimentary rooftop yoga courtesy of the resident yogi.

Petunia Ibiza offers a truly authentic eden, filled with the scents and natural aromatherapy of the carefully cultivated plants, flowers and trees and the sounds of a carefully curated heart-opening Zero 7 inspired playlist.

There is something powerfully special about this place; sacred yet chilled. As sweet and unassuming as the flower.

Double Rooms start from €315 per night including VAT. Please note, prices may vary depending on the time of booking.

Visit www.petuniaibiza.com | +34 971 80 81 97

Update: Since this review was first written, Petunia Ibiza has been acquired and rebranded as Petunia Ibiza, a Beaumier Hotel, joining the Beaumier hotel group's portfolio. Pricing has also moved on considerably from the rates quoted above — current listings show double rooms at roughly €600-700 per night depending on season and room category. Readers should check the hotel's current official listing for up-to-date availability and pricing before booking.