By John O’Ceallaigh
In a riff on those ‘want to feel old yet?’ memes that show child actors of yesteryear as addled by middle-age as the rest of us, spare a thought for the young degenerates of 1997 Sky TV series Ibiza Uncovered who are now presumably living much more restrained lives as 40-something parents. They seem to be a key demographic being targeted by Casa Pacha Formentera, a new, relaxed resort established by Spanish clubbing superbrand Pacha on Formentera, the relatively sedate island neighbouring Ibiza. While there’ll be subtle references to the hedonism of yesteryear, the property will intentionally be taking things easy – it’s even being marketed as family-friendly.
At this new property, I’m told “the vibe is… natural and paired back. It’s all about long, lazy lunches in the beach restaurant, slowing down and barefoot relaxation”. (More energetic Pacha fans might instead prefer El Hotel Pacha Ibiza, right by the club.) Where live music performances are evident, they’ll be “blissed-out beats rather than big-name DJs.” Instead, wellness will be a major focus, with rooftop yoga sessions and outdoor massage beds set under the shade of pine trees.
Opening on 20 May, the resort will comprise a 120-cover outdoor restaurant but only 14 bedrooms and suites, with interiors by Patricia Galdon Studio. She has been inspired by the Ibiza of 50 years ago: the entrance will feature “iconic” 60s Pacha imagery, coffee-table books will document key moments in the brand’s history; one of the rooms is named ‘Hippy’. All rooms will feature private terraces or balconies and will face the ocean and Formentera’s longest beach, the Migjorn. They’ll be decorated with natural materials – woods, linen, esparto grass blankets. Decorative objects, such as statement ceramics, will be sourced from local artisans. Nick McCabe, CEO of Pacha Group, says it’s all a bit more “grown-up” than the regular Pacha offering, “but one that retains a sense of wonder and fun… It’s about simplicity, originality and slowing down”.
His team seems confident it’s an approach that will appeal to more sedate 40-somethings looking to holiday in destinations beyond Ibiza, with additional Casa Pacha properties slated to open in as-yet-undisclosed locations. There’s more to come from the group besides, with Pacha further extending its reach into the hotel world by opening Destino Pacha Mykonos, its first property outside Spain, this summer.
B&B rates at Casa Pacha Formentera will start at €400 per night.