We used to come to Ibiza for the clubs and parties, but the last couple of trips have been more about the food
What can I say? I’m getting old. This time, the destination was OKU Ibiza – not just to check out their new restaurant Teyo, but also to attend the annual ‘Party with the Chefs’ event. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a load of Michelin-starred chefs from around the world flown in to sling their signature dishes.
But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a boring canape event – this is Ibiza, after all. There’s karaoke in the pastry room, a rave in the basement back-of-house corridor, and desserts served in the walk-in fridge. No space is left untouched. Teyo is a fusion restaurant which pairs Japanese and South American flavours with Mediterranean ingredients. Highlights? The Rubia Gallega ham, rolled tableside around 60-day aged 36 Enoki mushrooms with spicy steak tartare, was a standout.
So was the tuna tartare with crispy potato, fried egg and Imperial caviar, the seabass tartare on tempura shiso leaf, and the Gambero Rojo with mustard and (yes) more caviar. It’s a boujee spot – this is Ibiza – and prices reflect that, but it’s already pulling in a serious crowd. We were sat next to the Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his team of coaches, celebrating their recent title win. It’s that kind of place, here the noise of champagne corks competes with the clitter clatter of high heels.
Beyond the food, the hotel itself is well designed. There are two pools, one of them massive, with a DJ every afternoon. Whether you’re in detox or retox mode, the cocktails (or juices) hit just right. Poolside food is solid too – the prawn Caesar salad and a bowl of fries will have you back on form in no time.
Rooms are stripped-back with a bohemian feel, some of the higher-up rooms even get sea and harbour views. Location-wise OKU Ibiza is tucked away on the peaceful west coast in Sant Antoni de Portmany, just a short stroll from the crystal-clear waters of Cala Gració. There’s also a proper gym, a spiritual healer, a yoga teacher, and hiking routes right outside the front door if you’re after something more wholesome.
OKU is still a relatively new brand, with four properties across Europe, but if this is anything to go by, we’ll definitely be checking out the others.
Camí des Portitxol, 2, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears, Spain
okuhotels.com
