Finca Can Xuxu

Formerly a private residence, Can Xuxu sits at the end of a dirt path off the main road to Cala Tarida. With 12 rooms set amid a landscaped tropical garden, the property feels intimate and exclusive. Beautiful traditional architecture blends easily with one-of-a-kind artwork brought by the owner, Alex, from all corners of the world. Thick stone walls and wood accents in exposed beams, doors, windows, and shutters exude a local feel, but the wood- and terra-cotta statues, ornate wood-carved mirror frames, and small ethnic artifacts transport guests to faraway lands. The grounds are lush and beautiful, with winding pebble paths lined with stones, palm trees, fuchsia bougainvillea, and prickly pear plants. The pool sits at the center of the property -- a chic, verdant oasis with a variety of local plants and a number of stylish wooden double loungers with white padding. Adjacent to the pool are two massage rooms, housed in wooden cabanas with billowy curtains and thatched roofs. On one end of the pool area are the two most striking rooms: Housed in standalone wooden Javanese pavilions brought from Indonesia piece by piece and put back together on-site, these suites are the most luxurious at Can Xuxu, and easily among the most unusual rooms on Ibiza.With adult-only and no-groups policies, a secluded, romantic location on a hilltop, and only 12 rooms, well-heeled couples make up most of the clientele (there were several bankers and brokers from London taking refuge at Finca Can Xuxu when we visited), but the owner makes a special effort to assure that solo travelers feel at home here too.

Can Xuxu is located in a secluded spot down a dirt road on a hillside in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, a small municipality in southwestern Ibiza considered the highest point on the island. Neither the beach nor anything else is within walking distance, but that's part of its appeal. The nearest beach is Cala Tarida, which is within a 10-minute drive, and there are smaller coves a little farther afield. There are a few restaurants, bars, and hotels closer to the beach, but the area is mostly residential. Sant Antoni de Portmany -- known for its hopping nightlife -- is a 20-minute drive north. The airport is about a 20-minute drive away, and the town of Ibiza can be reached by car in about 35 minutes.

From the most basic Standard Room to the most luxurious Suite, all 12 units are stylish and have their own special touches. Most rooms are housed in the main building and have rustic-chic decor, with lots of wood accents, clay floor tiles, all-white walls, and built-in furniture. Although all units have been individually decorated with a wealth of artifacts handpicked by the owner during his trips around the world, Suites have a more obvious blend of ethnic Asian and Ibicencan style, with exposed wooden beams, an array of statues, and wooden antiques. Some units have window seats and four-poster beds, and Suites have large bathrooms with mosaic countertops, double sinks, dark wood cabinets, and (some) have separate rain showers and soaking tubs. The most luxurious units, however, are the handful of Suites housed in traditional (and original) wooden Javanese pavilions brought from Indonesia. Ornate wood carvings, thatched roofs, ethnic Asian art, and outdoor bathrooms with soaking tubs make these rooms some of the most unusual in Ibiza. All rooms include Nespresso machines, free Wi-Fi, sound systems, and minibars stocked with wine, beer, juice, sodas, and an array of snacks. Most also have stylishly furnished patios, some with beautiful views. Be aware that a few rooms have small windows (to keep the heat out), that there are no TVs in rooms, and that some of the bathrooms have curtains instead of doors separating them from the bedroom, which may compromise privacy somewhat. 

The highlight at Can Xuxu is the gorgeous pool, a medium-size rectangle lined with palm trees and padded double loungers. The deck gets sun throughout the day, but there are umbrellas and a large shaded area located to one side of the pool that is equipped with comfortable couches and ottomans. Poolside bar service is available, but guests looking to take in the sunset and the views may want to check out the hotel’s stylish outdoor bar, which has several tables and couches. The restaurant serves meals, which draw heavily on local produce, on a lovely shaded terrace overlooking the hillside. There is no full spa at Can Xuxu, but massages and other body treatments at the outdoor huts adjacent to the pool can be arranged. The cozy living room features a fireplace, a flat-screen TV, a DVD player, and several shelves with books. Free Wi-Fi and free on-site parking are also available.