Are Eco-Farm Retreats Taking The Place Of Ibiza's Nightlife?

Ibiza is known for its wild nightlife and busy party scene, but the Spanish island has other strengths as well, most notably a farming sector that is surprisingly successful.

Turn your focus away from the beaches and travel inland towards the island's centre, where you'll find pine woods, extensive woodlands, and fertile soil ideal for growing your food. La Granja, a farmhouse property owned by Design Hotels, emphasises a natural way of life and has formed its philosophy around using the land wisely and giving something back to it.

In Buscastell, a community next to the more well-known agricultural region, Es Broll Buscastell, the hotel is surrounded by 10 hectares of property. The building, a centuries-old stone structure with nine bedrooms, a guesthouse, a pool, and a kitchen, provides a flavour of mediaeval Ibiza. A communal table is provided to encourage guests to eat meals together every day.

Food is very important, and the hotel's head farmer, Andy Szymanowicz, pioneered the full-circle, farm-to-table philosophy by emphasising growing foods that are good for the body and the soul. He closely monitors the soil and lunar cycles to ensure that his crops receive the finest nutrients possible. On the property, there are 30 different varieties of fruits and vegetables, ranging from the typical (apples and citrus trees) to the exotic (figs and almonds). Then, meals are created using these ingredients.

During their stay, visitors are invited to participate in the farming process. Szymanowicz believes that the fact that it is seen as instructional is essential to the whole experience. By taking part, people learn more about composting, mulching, and harvesting. They also learn how eating food grown locally and sustainably can improve their lives.

Ibiza is known for its wild nightlife and busy party scene, but the Spanish island has other strengths as well, most notably a farming sector that is surprisingly successful.

Turn your focus away from the beaches and travel inland towards the island's centre, where you'll find pine woods, extensive woodlands, and fertile soil ideal for growing your food. La Granja, a farmhouse property owned by Design Hotels, emphasises a natural way of life and has formed its philosophy around using the land wisely and giving something back to it.

In Buscastell, a community next to the more well-known agricultural region, Es Broll Buscastell, the hotel is surrounded by 10 hectares of property. The building, a centuries-old stone structure with nine bedrooms, a guesthouse, a pool, and a kitchen, provides a flavour of mediaeval Ibiza. A communal table is provided to encourage guests to eat meals together every day.

Food is very important, and the hotel's head farmer, Andy Szymanowicz, pioneered the full-circle, farm-to-table philosophy by emphasising growing foods that are good for the body and the soul. He closely monitors the soil and lunar cycles to ensure that his crops receive the finest nutrients possible. On the property, there are 30 different varieties of fruits and vegetables, ranging from the typical (apples and citrus trees) to the exotic (figs and almonds). Then, meals are created using these ingredients.

During their stay, visitors are invited to participate in the farming process. Szymanowicz believes that the fact that it is seen as instructional is essential to the whole experience. By taking part, people learn more about composting, mulching, and harvesting. They also learn how eating food grown locally and sustainably can improve their lives.

José Catrimán, the head chef, is the creative force behind the meals, and most of the food he creates is plant-based. Freshly gathered, slowly cooked vegetables and fish are popular dining options. Meals are typically prepared and eaten in the farmhouse courtyard.

The involvement of visitors and the neighbourhood goes beyond food harvesting. A weekly schedule of masterclasses and seminars, including yoga and sun salutations, is also available to enhance the experience. Workshops on local agriculture, cooperative farming, and slow eating are available for those who want to deepen their awareness of eco-conscious living, but if relaxing is more appealing, there is also the possibility to participate in sound baths, practise yoga, and take in daily live music concerts. These "rituals" have a variety of styles, but they all aim to help people feel more connected to the environment and themselves.

It's a contemporary interpretation of the ancient Mediterranean way of life, one that emphasises the value of spending time outside as well as a nutritious diet and products sourced from the earth. La Granja provides a true feeling of getting "back to basics" for anyone intrigued by the idea of an Ibizan retreat but who might not be ready to commit to the planned experiences. La Granja will ensure that your visit is enjoyable and instructive and will give you a sense of being immersed in nature.

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